Category Archives: Sports

De Villiers praises ‘calm’ Abdulla

Sports, , , , ,

Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

Bengaluru :

RCB’s star batsman AB de Villiers , who guided his team into the IPL final with an unbeaten 47-ball 79 against Gujarat Lions, praised teammate Iqbal Abdulla  for his ‘fantastic’ support. Coming together with the side at 68/6 while chasing 159 on a tricky M Chinnaswamy stadium wicket, Abdulla held his own with an unbeaten 33 off 25 balls to see the home side through with 10 balls to spare.

The South African said he knew from the look in Abdulla’s eyes that the young man was determined to finish the job. “I thought I’d have to say a lot to him but he was probably more calm than me,” De Villiers said. “When he walked up, you could see that he had done this before. He had a calm head and straightaway understood what I was telling him. I didn’t have to talk to him after that. You can see it when you have a connection with someone. He was there to win the game for the team and cross the line with me.”

“I had a lot of self-belief,” said the 26-year-old Abdulla, who has a first class century to his name. “AB only told me to watch the ball and play my shots and that is what I did.”

De Villiers admitted that the wicket was unlike what the teams are used to here, with a total of eight wickets falling in the Powerplay overs. “It was a funny kind of wicket. While we were bowling, I thought anything more than 160 and we would be in trouble. It didn’t seem like a wicket where you can just go out and score. I always felt we needed a foundation in the first six overs but we didn’t get that,” he said, hailing Lions pacer Dhawal Kulkarni for his four-wicket burst.

With a light drizzle midway through e the RCB  innings, De Villiers admitted that the prospect of the tie being decided via the Duckworth-Lewis method had t prompted the team to be more positive in their approach.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> Sports> IPL / TNN / May 26th, 2016

Gautam Gambhir lauds Yusuf Pathan after Kolkata Knight Riders storm into playoffs

Sports

Yusuf Pathan slammed an unbeaten 34-ball 52 in KKR’s do-or-die clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad to help his team sail into the Indian Premier League 2016 playoffs.

YusufMPOs23may2016

Gautam Gambhir had said his team felt lik a Class IX student  before their final league against Sunrisers Hyderabad. He shed light on how his team ran out of steam in the mid-stages of the Indian Premier League 2016 and that it was facing a must-win situation in Sunday’s game just like the student who is racing against time to clear the final exams. (IPL Full Coverage|Points Table)

Gambhir, however said his team was focussed and would give their best to make the playoffs. And in front of their home crowd at the Eden Gardens, KKR did just that. Riding on Yusuf Pathan’s 34-ball 52, KKR sealed a playoff berth with a 22-run win over SRH .

The all-rounder partnered with Manish Pandey and the duo looked at ease against a strong SRH bowling attack stitching an 87-run stand for the fifth wicket. Pathan remained unbeaten to take KKR to 171 in 20 overs.

‘YUSUF’S ROLE HAS CHANGED’

Skipper Gambhir was all praise for his Yusuf, who has been in rich vein of form this season. “Yusuf’s form is important and he’s not flirting with it. Yusuf is taking his time and his role has changed from being a finisher last season. We are now giving him more overs,” Gambhir said.

In reply, SRH could only manage 149 in their 20 overs. Credit should go to KKR’s Sunil Narina who lead the show with the ball scalping three wickets in his four overs. Spinner Kuldeep Yadav also chipped in with two wickets to haunt SRH.

‘CREDIT GOES TO THE ENTIRE GROUP’

Gambhir lauded the way the team stood up in a must-win game.

“It was a must-win game for us. The credit goes to the entire group. We can take a lot of positives from this game.

“It was a playoff for us. Suddenly when you lose a player of Russell’s caliber, it forces us to make changes,” he said.

‘LOOK IN CONTROL THIS SEASON’

Yusuf himself is elated with his consistent contributions for the team. The swashbuckling player has altered his style of playing to suit the team’s needs. From 14 games this season, Yusuf has scored 359 runs at a staggering average of 89.75 including three half-centuries.

“Very happy that the team has been helped by my performance. Moreover, I look in control this season and feel calm given the overs I have been getting.

“Enjoying my bowling too, and whenever there’s an opportunity, I try to do well,” he said after being named the Man of the Match in yesterday’s game.
y, I try to do well.

source: http://www.indiatoday.intoday.in / IndiaToday.in / Home> News / New Delhi -May 23rd, 2016

Double podium for racer Armaan Ebrahim in Shanghai

Sports, World Opinion

Chennai, TAMIL NADU :

Shanghai :

Indian driver Armaan Ebrahim, along with Sri Lankan team-mate Dilantha Malagamuwa, started his campaign in the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Asia Series on a bright note by finishing second in both the races here on Sunday.

Having qualified second for the first race, 27-year-old Chennai-based Armaan, driving for Dilantha Racing, was quick off the blocks and soon took the lead, but could not push any more as he encountered problems with the brakes and dropped to second, a position he held to the finish line.

In the next race, Dilantha who had qualified sixth, opened the proceedings and quickly moved to the third spot. However, he was hit from behind which cost him track positions. He soon pitted for Armaan to take over.

Armaan could not make headway thereafter and opted to hold position to complete a successful weekend.

Reflecting on his performance, Armaan said in a release: “We could have probably won both the races, but not a bad way to start the championship. I am happy to have points in the bag. We had a few issues with the car, but overall, it was a good weekend.”

–IANS—  sam/vt

source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> News-IANS / Shanghai – May 22nd, 2016

CM to present Ekalavya Awards in city tomorrow

Leaders, Sports, , , ,

Mysuru ,KARNATAKA :

City’s Akash, Nisha, Sushmitha & Lokesh to receive the award

EkalavyaAwardsMPOs15may2016

Mysuru :

Chief Minister Siddharamaiah will present Ekalavya, Lifetime Achievement and Karnataka Kreeda Ratna Awards – 2014 and Financial Assistance under Sports Excellency at a programme organised at Senate Bhavan in Manasagangotri tomorrow (May 10) at 10.30 am, under the aegis of the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES), Government of Karnataka.

Sports Minister K. Abhayachandra Jain will deliver the felicitation address. District Minister V. Sreenivasa Prasad will release ‘Sadhana’ edition. MLA Vasu will preside.

PWD Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa, Co-operation Minister H.S. Mahadevaprasad, Mayor B.L. Bhyrappa, ZP President Nayeema Sultana, MLC and Karnataka Olympic Association President K. Govindaraj, MPs R. Dhruvanarayan, Pratap Simha & C.S. Puttaraju and MLA M.K. Somashekar others will be the guests of honour.

The following 15 achievers in various sports disciplines will be presented with Ekalavya Awards which comprises a prize money of Rs. 2 lakh each:

M. Aravind (Swimming), Khyathi Vakhariya (Athletics), Akash Aradhya (Roller Skating), C. Vineeth Manuel (Shuttle Badminton), K. Twisha (Water Sports), Sannuvanda Uthappa Kushalappa (Hockey), C. Lakshman Kurani (Cycling), O. Sushmitha Pawar (Kabbadi), Y. Malaprabha Jadav (Judo), K. Purushotham (Shooting), N. Lokesh (Gymnastics), Archana Girish Kamath (Table Tennis), Nisha Joseph (Volley Ball), Sharrmadaa Baluu (Lawn Tennis), M. Niranjan (Swimming).

Life-time Achievement Award recipients, who will be awarded with a cash prize of Rs. 1.50 lakh each, are as follows:

H. Chandrashekar (Atya-Patya), G.R. Shridhar Kumar (Kabaddi), I. Amaladas (Boxing), Dr. I. Prabhakar Devanagavi (Hockey).

The Kreeda Ratna Award given for excellence in Rural Sports, comprising a prize money Rs. 1 lakh each, will be presented to the following sportspersons:

Vinod Rathod (Atya-Patya), Karthik G. Kati (Kusthi), Yogesh (Kho-Kho), Ibrahimsab Mukhbulsab Arab (Lifting the Boulder), M.R. Kavya (Ball Badminton), Dhundappa Dhasannanavara (Mallakhamb), Kolachuru Kondette Sukhumara Shetty (Kambala), H.S. Anil Kumar (Yoga), B.K. Rupashree (Kabaddi), Jayakara Yane Nakare Jayakara Madiwala (Kambala).

Also, financial assistance will be given to 31 sportspersons for their training or to participate in international tournaments, to employ personal coaches or to buy kit, equipment & dietary supplements. The State sports persons who have qualified for the forthcoming Rio Olympics too will be honoured with cash awards on the occasion.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / May 09th, 2016

Rahman joins Sachin, Bindra and Salman as Rio goodwill ambassador

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Sports, World Opinion, ,
AR Rahman joins Sachin Tendulkar, Abhinav Bindra and Salman Khan as goodwill ambassadors of the Indian contingent at the Rio Olympics. (File photo)
AR Rahman joins Sachin Tendulkar, Abhinav Bindra and Salman Khan as goodwill ambassadors of the Indian contingent at the Rio Olympics. (File photo)

Oscar-winning music composer AR Rahman on Thursday agreed to be the Goodwill Ambassador of the Indian contingent at the Rio Olympics, joining cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, ace shooter Abhinav Bindra and Bollywood star Salman Khan.

Tendulkar, Salman and Olympic gold medallist Bindra had earlier accepted the role offered by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

The IOA said that it has also received an official written confirmation from Rahman.

“It’s absolutely an honour and my pleasure to be a goodwill ambassador of the Indian contingent scheduled for August 2016,” Rahman said in a release issued by the IOA.

Welcoming Rahman on board, IOA Secretary General Rajeev Mehta said, “I would like to welcome AR Rahman on board as a goodwill ambassador of Indian contingent for Rio Olympics. It’s our privilege to have the Oscar-winning living legend music composer on board to spread awareness and promote the Olympic movement.

“As per our plan to reach out to maximum people in the country for Olympic Sports, we are happy that Mr Rahman has come forward from the field of music to support our athletes and we already have Salman Khan from Bollywood, Abhinav Bindra from Olympic Sports and Sachin Tendulkar from Cricket. I am sure Mr Rahman will inspire our sportspersons.”

There was a huge uproar after Salman was appointed Goodwill Ambassador ahead of other sporting luminaries. Former and current athletes were up in arms against Salman’s appointment and demanded to know why someone from the field of sports was not named by the federation.

The IOA immediately went into damage-control mode and requested Beijing Games gold medallist shooter Bindra and Tendulkar to be Goodwill Ambassadors.

source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> India / PTI, New Delhi / May 12th, 2016

‘Shahabuddin is best Andhra all-rounder ever’

Sports, , ,

Anantapur, ANDHRA PRADESH :

proud moment:Andhra Ranji cricketer Shahabuddin being felicitated by the Rural Development Trust at Anantapur in Friday.— PHOTO: BY ARRANGEMENT
proud moment:Andhra Ranji cricketer Shahabuddin being felicitated by the Rural Development Trust at Anantapur in Friday.— PHOTO: BY ARRANGEMENT

BCCI senior selection committee member and former India stumper M.S.K. Prasad on Friday said that the flamboyant Andhra Ranji cricketer S.K. Shahabuddin was a best all-rounder ever in Andhra cricket and hailed him as a game changer.

Speaking at the felicitation organised by Rural Development Trust here on his retirement, he said though Shahabuddin had immense amount of talent he failed to make it to the Indian team.

Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) general secretary Gokaraju Gangaraju recollected the services of the Anantapur all-rounder and exhorted the youngsters to emulate him.

“For 18 years he played cricket with dedication and passion. We will cherish his on-field exploits for years to come”. Anantapur District Cricket Association (ADCA) president Moncho Ferrer said Shahabuddin was a natural athlete and always enjoyed his presence on the field. “Though I am sad he had retired, I am happy that he has taken up the responsibility as the operation head of the RDT cricket team. I wish to see him as a member of the Indian support team”.

Mr. Shahabuddin in his thanks giving speech recollected the roles of ADCA and ACA in providing him the unflinching support. “My exposure in England and at Chennai League helped me to perform well in first class cricket”.

Venkat Siva Reddy, vice president, ACA, Satyaprasad, South Zone Head, ACA, and Vijay Anand, legal advisor, Tamilnadu Cricket Association were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Andhra Pradesh / by Special Correspondent / Anantapur – April 30th, 2016

Falak clinches gold in karate in US

Sports, World Opinion

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

The 22-year-old Syeda Falak, who mastered the nuances of martial arts in the by-lanes of old city, has clinched gold in the prestigious US Open Karate Championship.

This young champion reigned supreme in the Kumite category for women’s section.

The city girl had warded off challenge from other contenders in the championship featuring competitors from 42 countries.

“It is a great feeling to beat some of the toughest opponents from the home country and also Ukraine to clinch the gold,” remarked Falak, who happened to be the first-ever girl from Telangana to win a gold in the US Karate Championship.

The next destination is the Dubai World Karate Premier League from April 8 to 10

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by V.V. Subrahmanyam / Hyderabad – March 30th, 2016

7-year-old Tajamul Islam becomes first Kashmiri girl to enter World Kickboxing Championships

Education, Sports, World Opinion

TajmulIslamMPOs02may2016

Tajamul Islam is the first Kashmiri girl who is going to participate at the world kickboxing champion in Italy in November.

Jammu & Kashmir :

Tajamul Islam, a seven-year-old Kashmiri girl is all set to represent India on an international platform. Islam is the first Kashmiri girl who is going to participate at the world kickboxing champion in Italy in November.

Tajamul has come up a long way:

  • In 2014, she started her journey learning martial arts from a local institute
  • She became the best fighter at state level and was awarded a gold medal in Jammu
  • After winning a state level championship, she was invited at the 2015 National Kickboxing Championship in New Delhi
  • Tajamul bagged the gold medal in sub-junior category at the 2015 National Kickboxing Championship
  • This win got her national recognition and she got the ticket to participate at the national kickboxing champion in Italy

Praises pour in for the young athlete:

  • Though the young soul had to compete against a 13-year-old opponent, Tajamul punched her out in 15 minutes
  • The chief coach at the championship, Kuldip Handu, appreciated the fact that despite weighing lesser than the opponent by eight kilograms, she managed to grab the national medal
  • Shabnam Kounser, principal of the school, says “Tajamul is good in studies and other extracurricular activities. She dances well. She has her own team here and teaches them dancing. She is a bright kid and very good at studies.”
  • A senior army official, who is providing financial help to the girl, said, “She is an inspiration for all. Even I have learned a few things from her. She is a champion. All that the army can do is inspire children like her and support them. It is their parents who have to see to it that their children chase and realise their dreams.”

Tajamul is really excited to be a part of an international event. However, before stepping in for the national kickboxing championship she was “a little afraid” when she saw her (opponent). But then she consoled herself saying that “age or body structure does not matter”.

“I will remain focused and give my best shot,” she told to the PTI.

source: http://www.indiatoday.intoday.in /  IndiaToday.in / Home> Education> News> Story / New Delhi , April 29th, 2016

Nandi Awards presentation in city tomorrow

Sports,

Mysuru, KARNATAKA :

Mysuru :

Mysore District Athletics Association (MDAA) will present Nandi Awards-2016 during a programme organised at Lions Hall, next to Oval Ground, University of Mysore, tomorrow (Apr. 29) at 6.30 pm.

The awards will be presented to Mayor Bhyrappa (Sports Promotion), M. Bheeresh of Vijaya Karnataka (Sports Journalist) and M.N. Lakshminarayana Yadav of Star of Mysore (Sports Photographer).

The association will also honour ‘Best Athletes of Mysuru District 2015-16’ during tomorrow’s event.

Girls‘ and Women’s category:  B.S. Ananya (U-16 years),  S.S. Vasudha (U-18),  R.A. Chaitra (U-20),  Shahejahani (Women’s Section).

Boys’ category: B. Munush (U-16) and C. Druva (U-18).

UoM DPE Director (in-charge) Dr. P. Krishnaiah and former Director of DPE Dr. C. Krishna will be the chief guests.

MDAA Chairman and MLA Vasu will preside.

MDAA President and former International Athlete S. Somashekar, MDAA Sr. Vice-President B.L. Jagadish and MDAA Vice-Presidents Mahesh Ballal & Abhilash Nair will be present on the occasion.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / Thursday – April 28th, 2016

Md. Riaz and Kumar felicitated

Leaders, Sports, , , ,

Chennai, TAMIL NADU :

National hockey coaches Md. Riaz (left) and C R. Kumar were felicitated by the Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu in Chennai on Wednesday. / The Hindu
National hockey coaches Md. Riaz (left) and C R. Kumar were felicitated by the Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu in Chennai on Wednesday. / The Hindu

National hockey coaches, former Olympian, Md. Riaz and international C. R. Kumar, were felicitated on Wednesday by the Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu (HUTN) at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium.

Md. Riaz was assistant to the Australian coach, Michael Nobbs, at Ordos, where India triumphed in the inaugural Asian Champions Trophy on Sunday beating Pakistan via the tie-breaker by four goals to two.

Complimenting the players for the single-minded devotion in achieving the target against a formidable rival, Md. Riaz said the victory opened a new chapter for Indian hockey.

He was particularly impressed by the role played by Kullu as full back and Sunil and Walmiki in the attack. “These youngsters have a tremendous future,” Md. Riaz noted.

Refusing to be drawn into a discussion related to the prize money fiasco after the return, Md. Riaz felt that the ministry should treat the support staff as part of the players’ group and be made eligible for full cash awards.

At the moment, the assistant coaches get only 50 per cent of what a player gets from the Government as cash incentives.

Although officially defender Rupinder and goal-keeper Sreejesh, who played an outstanding role in the tie- breaker, represent Tami Nadu because of their employment here, Riaz is the only official in the team hailing from the State.

He deserves suitable recognition from the State Government, which has enhanced the cash awards for achievements in international competitions.

C. R. Kumar, the chief coach for the women’s team, is striving his best to carve a new path. India finished fourth in the four-team event, but missed the bronze, which it was defending, went down to Japan after dominating the proceedings.

Ms. Renuka Lakshmi, Secretary, HUTN, welcomed the gathering and congratulated the men’s team for the victory at Ordos. She also expressed her thanks to the Chief Minister, Ms. J. Jayalalithaa, for hiking the prize money to achievers and hoped that the sportspersons in the State would take advantage of the incentives offered by the State Government and strive for excellence in all competitions.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport / by Special Correspondent / Chennai – September 16th, 2011