The Indian Boxing Federation on Monday announced the names of the 10 member women boxing team for the 6th AIBA World Women's Boxing Championship at Bridgetown, Barbados from September 9 to 19. A total of 306 boxers from 75 countries have registered for this edition of World Boxing Championship.
The team will leave for Barbados on September 5 and will return on September 20.
Secretary General of Indian Boxing Federation (IBF) PK Muralidharan Raja said, "the competition will be tough as many of the boxers for the London Olympic Games 2012 where women's boxing has been introduced for the first time in 3 weight categories (51 kg, 60 kg and 75 kg)."
Raja also informed that the number of participants has increased by more than 50 per cent compared with the 2008 edition. Team: MC Marykom (48 kg), L Sarita Devi (51 kg), P Choudhary (54 kg), Pavitra (57 kg), N Chahal (60 kg), P Jakhar (64 kg), K Goyat (69 kg), A Mol (75 kg), L Padiya (81 kg), K Chahal (+81 kg).
Monday, August 16, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Indian hockey teams may miss World Cup and Commonwealth Games
India's field hockey teams on Tuesday faced the prospect of missing their own Commonwealth Games over a deadlock on who ran the sport in the country.
While the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has recognised Hockey India as the parent body, the sports ministry wants the revived Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) to take charge again.
The ministry's decision follows a court order last month that restored the IHF, two years after it was dissolved by the country's Olympic chiefs over bribery allegations and poor on-field results.
The Indian Olympic Association had sacked the IHF, led by decorated police official Kanwar Pal Singh Gill, in April 2008 and appointed a new body, Hockey India, to run the sport in the country.
But the Delhi High Court, ruling on a petition filed by Gill, set aside the government-backed dissolution order, saying a "new beginning" was required to revive hockey in India.
The government wrote to the world body last week to end its association with Hockey India and instead recognise the IHF, but FIH president Leandro Negre was not impressed.
"At the outset we reiterate that we have already recognised Hockey India as a recognised body for the management, control and promotion for hockey in India," Negre wrote to the ministry.
"In the circumstances and in the best interest of hockey in India, we would like to inform you that Hockey India is the only body that has been recognised by FIH."
Negre also said that only a team selected by Hockey India would be eligible to take part in the women's World Cup to be held in Argentina later this month.
The ministry shot off a letter to the FIH, urging it not to deal with Hockey India since it had no right to run the sport in the country.
"Hockey India has lost its national character and therefore cannot be allowed to select or field the national team anymore," ministry official Injeti Srinivas wrote to the FIH.
"Granting the status of a national sports federation is within the domain of the country concerned and the FIH should not get directly involved."
Unless the deadlock was broken soon, India could be banned from both the women's World Cup and the Commonwealth Games to be held in New Delhi from October 3-14.
Article 24(2) of the Games charter says that only those athletes or national federations that are not disqualified or suspended by the respective world body are eligible to compete.
"I hope the players do not suffer because of this mess," a hockey official said. "The need of the hour is a united body, but I don't know how that will happen."
India, once the masters of field hockey with eight Olympic titles, failed to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and finished eighth in the World Cup in New Delhi in March this year.
The FIH last month awarded the 2011 Champions Trophy to India following the success of the World Cup.
While the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has recognised Hockey India as the parent body, the sports ministry wants the revived Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) to take charge again.
The ministry's decision follows a court order last month that restored the IHF, two years after it was dissolved by the country's Olympic chiefs over bribery allegations and poor on-field results.
The Indian Olympic Association had sacked the IHF, led by decorated police official Kanwar Pal Singh Gill, in April 2008 and appointed a new body, Hockey India, to run the sport in the country.
But the Delhi High Court, ruling on a petition filed by Gill, set aside the government-backed dissolution order, saying a "new beginning" was required to revive hockey in India.
The government wrote to the world body last week to end its association with Hockey India and instead recognise the IHF, but FIH president Leandro Negre was not impressed.
"At the outset we reiterate that we have already recognised Hockey India as a recognised body for the management, control and promotion for hockey in India," Negre wrote to the ministry.
"In the circumstances and in the best interest of hockey in India, we would like to inform you that Hockey India is the only body that has been recognised by FIH."
Negre also said that only a team selected by Hockey India would be eligible to take part in the women's World Cup to be held in Argentina later this month.
The ministry shot off a letter to the FIH, urging it not to deal with Hockey India since it had no right to run the sport in the country.
"Hockey India has lost its national character and therefore cannot be allowed to select or field the national team anymore," ministry official Injeti Srinivas wrote to the FIH.
"Granting the status of a national sports federation is within the domain of the country concerned and the FIH should not get directly involved."
Unless the deadlock was broken soon, India could be banned from both the women's World Cup and the Commonwealth Games to be held in New Delhi from October 3-14.
Article 24(2) of the Games charter says that only those athletes or national federations that are not disqualified or suspended by the respective world body are eligible to compete.
"I hope the players do not suffer because of this mess," a hockey official said. "The need of the hour is a united body, but I don't know how that will happen."
India, once the masters of field hockey with eight Olympic titles, failed to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and finished eighth in the World Cup in New Delhi in March this year.
The FIH last month awarded the 2011 Champions Trophy to India following the success of the World Cup.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Swimming sisters lead the way
For sisters Runu Das and Rina Sen, former swimming champions, volunteering for the Commonwealth Games is all about their love for sports. The two, both swimmers-Runu is an international level swimmer and Rina a national-level swimmer-from the 1980s, will participate as volunteers during the Games.
Both Das (40) and Sen (38) are swimming coaches now.
"This is a big event for us and for every person who loves sports, it is a chance to do their bit for the country," said Das. "We are ready for whichever duty they give us. We'll do it enthusiastically," Sen adds.
The two have not been assigned any specific role as yet but would be delighted if they are present in the field during the events.
Both prospective volunteers are also mothers of proud children.
"Our children are happy that we will be volunteers. They will miss the time that we spend together for a few days but they are proud, nonetheless," says Das.
Both Das (40) and Sen (38) are swimming coaches now.
"This is a big event for us and for every person who loves sports, it is a chance to do their bit for the country," said Das. "We are ready for whichever duty they give us. We'll do it enthusiastically," Sen adds.
The two have not been assigned any specific role as yet but would be delighted if they are present in the field during the events.
Both prospective volunteers are also mothers of proud children.
"Our children are happy that we will be volunteers. They will miss the time that we spend together for a few days but they are proud, nonetheless," says Das.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Lankan tail corners India with both, bat and ball
As much as Muttiah Muralitharan's farewell, Suresh Raina's century on debut and Sachin Tendulkar's double, the three-Test series between India and Sri Lanka will be a remembered as a great tale of the tail. Lasith Malinga and Rangana Herath started it with a 115-run partnership for the eighth wicket in Galle. Abhimanyu Mithun, Ishant Sharma and Pragyan Ojha then teamed up with veteran VVS Laxman to give India a glimmer of hope in the second innings. Though their combined tally of 69 runs didn't matter much, their survival for almost three hours was frustrating for the Lankan bowlers.
But over the three days of the third Test, the P. Sara Oval has witnessed some of the best batting displays by tail-enders. On Day Two, Suraj Randiv and Ajantha Mendis held fort for a while to aid Thilan Samaraweera score from the other end. Had the last four wickets not added 66 runs, the Lankan total would never have read 425.
Then on Thursday, it was the turn of Mithun and Amit Mishra. When Mishra joined the former with India stuttering at 350 for seven, had it not been for their 64-run stand for the eighth wicket, India wouldn't have got the slender 11-run advantage in the first essay.
But Mendis took the tail-enders' tale to greater heights on Friday, rescuing Sri Lanka from the jaws of defeat and then putting his team on the brink of a 2-0 series victory.
When Mendis came in to bat eight minutes before lunch, Sri Lanka were leading by 114 runs, having lost six wickets for 80 runs in the morning session. Though the pitch was not doing much, but thanks to some tidy bowling by Ojha and Mishra backed by poor short selection by the Lankan middle order, India succeeded in picking five wickets for just 42 runs.
At 87 for seven, Samaraweera, the only centurion in the match so far, was joined by Malinga. The duo's 38-run stand made it clear that though the wicket was offering slow turn, if the batsmen applied themselves properly, they could score at will.
However, Sri Lanka were fighting with their backs to the wall when Malinga perished off Virender Sehwag. In came Mendis and, along with Samaraweera, saw off the tricky period before lunch.
After the break, both batsmen were helped by MS Dhoni's inexplicable tactics. With eight wickets in the bag, instead of applying pressure, he gave Samaraweera easy singles thus helping Mendis get a hang of the conditions.
Mendis's 78 and his 118-run stand with Samaraweera set India a difficult target of 257 to chase. The Indian top order lived up to its reputation in the fourth innings, with Sehwag, Rahul Dravid and Murali Vijay perishing before bails were drawn at 53 for three.
But over the three days of the third Test, the P. Sara Oval has witnessed some of the best batting displays by tail-enders. On Day Two, Suraj Randiv and Ajantha Mendis held fort for a while to aid Thilan Samaraweera score from the other end. Had the last four wickets not added 66 runs, the Lankan total would never have read 425.
Then on Thursday, it was the turn of Mithun and Amit Mishra. When Mishra joined the former with India stuttering at 350 for seven, had it not been for their 64-run stand for the eighth wicket, India wouldn't have got the slender 11-run advantage in the first essay.
But Mendis took the tail-enders' tale to greater heights on Friday, rescuing Sri Lanka from the jaws of defeat and then putting his team on the brink of a 2-0 series victory.
When Mendis came in to bat eight minutes before lunch, Sri Lanka were leading by 114 runs, having lost six wickets for 80 runs in the morning session. Though the pitch was not doing much, but thanks to some tidy bowling by Ojha and Mishra backed by poor short selection by the Lankan middle order, India succeeded in picking five wickets for just 42 runs.
At 87 for seven, Samaraweera, the only centurion in the match so far, was joined by Malinga. The duo's 38-run stand made it clear that though the wicket was offering slow turn, if the batsmen applied themselves properly, they could score at will.
However, Sri Lanka were fighting with their backs to the wall when Malinga perished off Virender Sehwag. In came Mendis and, along with Samaraweera, saw off the tricky period before lunch.
After the break, both batsmen were helped by MS Dhoni's inexplicable tactics. With eight wickets in the bag, instead of applying pressure, he gave Samaraweera easy singles thus helping Mendis get a hang of the conditions.
Mendis's 78 and his 118-run stand with Samaraweera set India a difficult target of 257 to chase. The Indian top order lived up to its reputation in the fourth innings, with Sehwag, Rahul Dravid and Murali Vijay perishing before bails were drawn at 53 for three.
Mayookha pulls off the unthinkable
From the time she started to jump in 2002, Mayookha Johney dreamt of bettering Anju Bobby George's long jump record. Though she had given it a thought, Mayookha hadn't in her wildest dreams thought she would break Anju's not so often spoken about national record in triple jump. Call it a quirk of fate or a reflection on her talent, Mayookha entered an event she had not participated in the whole season. Yet, she won gold with a hop-skip and jump of 13.68m during the National Inter-State Athletics meet on Friday. "This is the first time I tried my luck in triple jump this season," said the lanky athlete from Kerala after bettering Anju's 13.67m record set at Hyderabad in 2002. Kulwinder Kaur of Punjab won silver with 13.42m while Prajusha won the bronze with a leap of 13.28m.
"The conditions were perfect," said Mayookha. "I could have jumped 13.70m. Anyway, I have now qualified for the Commonwealth Games as well."
Mayookha had won the long jump gold at the Asian All Star event in Delhi recently and is looking to break the long jump national record soon. She has paced the season well and is targetting the Commonwealth Games to peak. "That (long jump record) should come soon. All I need to do is focus on my training," said the 22-year-old. "Hopefully, during the Games I shall be able to better Anju's record," she said with a smile.
Dimri scorches track
If Mayookha could afford to smile, Pankaj Dimri had every reason to laugh. He might not have broken the three-decade-old 800m national record set by Sriram Singh, but ran the fastest 800m since the legendary athlete's effort at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal.
Dimri also set the meet record at 1:46.26s. The man from Uttaranchal felt he ran one of the best races of his life. "I am happy with my effort and happier still to qualify for the Commonwealth Games," he said. The qualification mark was set at 1:47.50s. Though he thought the CWG would be tough, he felt he had a good chance at the Asian Games if he maintained his current form.
"The conditions were perfect," said Mayookha. "I could have jumped 13.70m. Anyway, I have now qualified for the Commonwealth Games as well."
Mayookha had won the long jump gold at the Asian All Star event in Delhi recently and is looking to break the long jump national record soon. She has paced the season well and is targetting the Commonwealth Games to peak. "That (long jump record) should come soon. All I need to do is focus on my training," said the 22-year-old. "Hopefully, during the Games I shall be able to better Anju's record," she said with a smile.
Dimri scorches track
If Mayookha could afford to smile, Pankaj Dimri had every reason to laugh. He might not have broken the three-decade-old 800m national record set by Sriram Singh, but ran the fastest 800m since the legendary athlete's effort at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal.
Dimri also set the meet record at 1:46.26s. The man from Uttaranchal felt he ran one of the best races of his life. "I am happy with my effort and happier still to qualify for the Commonwealth Games," he said. The qualification mark was set at 1:47.50s. Though he thought the CWG would be tough, he felt he had a good chance at the Asian Games if he maintained his current form.
And now its the Handing over of CGW venues
There are some strange things happening in the build-up to the Commonwealth Games. This time it is the handing over of the stadiums by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) to the Commonwealth Games
Venues handed over
Other stadiums handed over by the Sports Authority of India on Friday
Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium
Cycling Velodrome
Wrestling Stadium
Gymnastics Stadium.
Still to be handed over
The SP Mukherjee Swimming Complex
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
Yamuna Sports Complex will be handed over on August 9.
Organising Committee (OC), which has come under the scanner.
Weird as it may sound, the official handing over charge of a stadium and the one taking over is the same.
At the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Ranges in Tughlakhabad, which is one of the venues for the CWG, Manmeet Singh Goindi is the SAI administrator as well as the OC-appointed venue commander.
The awkwardness of this all has not gone down well with former Olympian and pistol shooter, Mohinder Lal, whose name was earlier proposed for the job by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI).
Some two months ago, my name was proposed by the NRAI for the post of venue commander, but for reasons best known to the OC, I was sidelined and others chosen," Lal told HT.
Lal added he had the credentials to serve at the position. I'm not disappointed but do feel I have the credentials to give back to the sport which has given me so much."
Lal is a former world record holder in pistol shooting and also an Arjuna Awardee.
The former Olympian, who retired as DIG, BSF, is also a qualified International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) judge, while Goindi is a deputy director in SAI and does not have any such credentials in the field of shooting.
When HT reached Goindi for his comments, he said, I cannot do anything if I am the person representing both the organisations. Fortunately or unfortunately, I am the man chosen for both the jobs."
Another thing that has come to light is that none of the stadiums under SAI, which were handed over to the OC, including the Karni Singh Range, on Friday have clearance from the fire department.
Chief Fire Officer, Delhi Fire Service, RC Sharma, confirmed that none of the stadiums handed over by SAI on Friday had been issued fire-safety certificate. Barring the Thyagaraj and Chhatrasal stadiums (training venue), we have not given clearance to any of the venues as some work still needs to be completed," said Sharma.
A few days back, the competition manager for the Karni Singh Ranges, Avtar Singh Sethi, had told the Hindustan Times that here were 42 technical issues that still needed to be sorted out before NRAI could give its seal of approval to the Ranges. However, on Friday, Goindi said the Ranges were ready.
Venues handed over
Other stadiums handed over by the Sports Authority of India on Friday
Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium
Cycling Velodrome
Wrestling Stadium
Gymnastics Stadium.
Still to be handed over
The SP Mukherjee Swimming Complex
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
Yamuna Sports Complex will be handed over on August 9.
Organising Committee (OC), which has come under the scanner.
Weird as it may sound, the official handing over charge of a stadium and the one taking over is the same.
At the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Ranges in Tughlakhabad, which is one of the venues for the CWG, Manmeet Singh Goindi is the SAI administrator as well as the OC-appointed venue commander.
The awkwardness of this all has not gone down well with former Olympian and pistol shooter, Mohinder Lal, whose name was earlier proposed for the job by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI).
Some two months ago, my name was proposed by the NRAI for the post of venue commander, but for reasons best known to the OC, I was sidelined and others chosen," Lal told HT.
Lal added he had the credentials to serve at the position. I'm not disappointed but do feel I have the credentials to give back to the sport which has given me so much."
Lal is a former world record holder in pistol shooting and also an Arjuna Awardee.
The former Olympian, who retired as DIG, BSF, is also a qualified International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) judge, while Goindi is a deputy director in SAI and does not have any such credentials in the field of shooting.
When HT reached Goindi for his comments, he said, I cannot do anything if I am the person representing both the organisations. Fortunately or unfortunately, I am the man chosen for both the jobs."
Another thing that has come to light is that none of the stadiums under SAI, which were handed over to the OC, including the Karni Singh Range, on Friday have clearance from the fire department.
Chief Fire Officer, Delhi Fire Service, RC Sharma, confirmed that none of the stadiums handed over by SAI on Friday had been issued fire-safety certificate. Barring the Thyagaraj and Chhatrasal stadiums (training venue), we have not given clearance to any of the venues as some work still needs to be completed," said Sharma.
A few days back, the competition manager for the Karni Singh Ranges, Avtar Singh Sethi, had told the Hindustan Times that here were 42 technical issues that still needed to be sorted out before NRAI could give its seal of approval to the Ranges. However, on Friday, Goindi said the Ranges were ready.
IHF is the official body, Govt tells FIH
A day after it de-recognised Hockey India, the Sports Ministry dealt it another blow by seeking permission from the international hockey federation (FIH) to allow Indian Olympic Association (IOA) or Sports Authority of India (SAI) to select and send teams for international tournaments. The Ministry told the FIH that it has recognised IHF as the sole national federation for India and requested it not to assign any international tournament or have any commercial dealings with HI under the impression that it was the National Sports Federation for hockey in India.
In November 2008, the FIH had transferred the membership of Indian Hockey Confederation, a joint body of men's and women's bodies in India, IHF and IWHF, to Hockey India after IOA suspended and disaffiliated IHF in April 2008.
Hockey India was eventually set up in May 2009. But IHF was revived in May this year after the Delhi High Court termed its suspension illegal as IOA had not followed its own rules in suspending it.
In a letter to the FIH on Friday, the ministry said the IHF president has confirmed that the process of unification of the men and women hockey bodies will be completed soon. "Once this process is completed and IHF becomes fully compliant with the constitution of the FIH, they will approach FIH for recognition /Affiliation / Membership," the Ministry said, clarifying that it would closely monitor the process of merger.
"In the meanwhile, it is requested that the IOA or Sports Authority of India (SAI) may be permitted to field the Indian team for various FIH-recognised competition," the letter said.
The FIH refused to comment on the letter or de-recognition of HI.
"The FIH is not in the position of making any comments at this stage," said FIH communications manager Arjen Meijer.
The FIH office in Lausanne said president Leandro Negre was travelling in Germany and was not available for comment while acting director general Roger Webb was in a meeting.
The confusion over the national federation for hockey in India will persist for some more days. As per FIH bye-laws, recognition by the National Olympic Committee, the IOA in this case, and not government is necessary for membership.
The FIH can always ignore the government de-recognition and continue its association with HI. However, that would mean that neither it not HI will get government support for selection and sending teams for international competitions after the Commonwealth Games.
The Ministry has decided to ensure the players are not victimised in this power struggle till the end of the Games. Without the government support, HI can't even run camps or tournaments or send teams abroad as government funds all these activities.
In November 2008, the FIH had transferred the membership of Indian Hockey Confederation, a joint body of men's and women's bodies in India, IHF and IWHF, to Hockey India after IOA suspended and disaffiliated IHF in April 2008.
Hockey India was eventually set up in May 2009. But IHF was revived in May this year after the Delhi High Court termed its suspension illegal as IOA had not followed its own rules in suspending it.
In a letter to the FIH on Friday, the ministry said the IHF president has confirmed that the process of unification of the men and women hockey bodies will be completed soon. "Once this process is completed and IHF becomes fully compliant with the constitution of the FIH, they will approach FIH for recognition /Affiliation / Membership," the Ministry said, clarifying that it would closely monitor the process of merger.
"In the meanwhile, it is requested that the IOA or Sports Authority of India (SAI) may be permitted to field the Indian team for various FIH-recognised competition," the letter said.
The FIH refused to comment on the letter or de-recognition of HI.
"The FIH is not in the position of making any comments at this stage," said FIH communications manager Arjen Meijer.
The FIH office in Lausanne said president Leandro Negre was travelling in Germany and was not available for comment while acting director general Roger Webb was in a meeting.
The confusion over the national federation for hockey in India will persist for some more days. As per FIH bye-laws, recognition by the National Olympic Committee, the IOA in this case, and not government is necessary for membership.
The FIH can always ignore the government de-recognition and continue its association with HI. However, that would mean that neither it not HI will get government support for selection and sending teams for international competitions after the Commonwealth Games.
The Ministry has decided to ensure the players are not victimised in this power struggle till the end of the Games. Without the government support, HI can't even run camps or tournaments or send teams abroad as government funds all these activities.
Victory for Pargat: Ex-players
Ashok Kumar, Vasudevan Baskaran and Baljit Singh Saini have, among them, won pretty much everything men's hockey has to offer. On Friday, they said even in defeat Pargat Singh had won them over. "The 21 votes Pargat won was his victory," Baskaran, captain of the last Olympic gold-medal winning team, told HT here. "Pargat showed the willingness to fight politicians and that should spur more former players to do the same, myself included," Baskaran said. Pargat lost to 83-year-old Vidya Stokes, a career politician, in Thursday's election.
At different times through the day, Kumar and Saini echoed Baskaran with Saini adding that it is important for ex-players to become administrators. "It isn't as if non-players and politicians don't make good administrators but if you have played the game, come through the ranks and have a knack for this, you would help the sport more," said Saini, member of the 1998 Asiad gold-medal winning team.
"But I knew what the result would be long back," Baskaran said. To that Kumar, Dhyan Chand's son and scorer of the matchwinner in the only World Cup India have ever won in men's hockey in 1975, added: "Be it general elections or that of a sports body, Pargat's defeat (to Vidya Stokes for the post of Hockey India president) again showed that it is contacts and money power win you votes, not your ability."
And what kind of elections were these anyway with cradles of Indian hockey like Tamil Nadu, Mumbai and Karnakata being unrepresented, Baskaran asked. "The government should immediately appoint a committee comprising former players to look into this problem.
'Football better'
Kumar said administrators have serially ignored hockey at the grassroots, choosing to focus only on the "upper, five-star level" of the national team.
"Even football, where India is ranked in the 130s, looks after its players better. When it comes to organising domestic events, football does a better job than hockey," Kumar said.
At different times through the day, Kumar and Saini echoed Baskaran with Saini adding that it is important for ex-players to become administrators. "It isn't as if non-players and politicians don't make good administrators but if you have played the game, come through the ranks and have a knack for this, you would help the sport more," said Saini, member of the 1998 Asiad gold-medal winning team.
"But I knew what the result would be long back," Baskaran said. To that Kumar, Dhyan Chand's son and scorer of the matchwinner in the only World Cup India have ever won in men's hockey in 1975, added: "Be it general elections or that of a sports body, Pargat's defeat (to Vidya Stokes for the post of Hockey India president) again showed that it is contacts and money power win you votes, not your ability."
And what kind of elections were these anyway with cradles of Indian hockey like Tamil Nadu, Mumbai and Karnakata being unrepresented, Baskaran asked. "The government should immediately appoint a committee comprising former players to look into this problem.
'Football better'
Kumar said administrators have serially ignored hockey at the grassroots, choosing to focus only on the "upper, five-star level" of the national team.
"Even football, where India is ranked in the 130s, looks after its players better. When it comes to organising domestic events, football does a better job than hockey," Kumar said.
CWG Merchandise to hit the market from Monday
The Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games are in dire need of some good news. If things go according to plan, that will happen through the launch of the Games merchandise at outlets in the Capital on Monday. Unfortunately, like various other aspects of the Games' preparations, this too is a delayed start.
The London 2012 Olympics opened their first merchandise outlet two years before the Games, but here, we only have 57 days to go.
OC spokesman, Lalit Bhanot, told Hindustan Times, We would have liked to launch earlier, but didn't want it to coincide with the football World Cup. It is unfortunate that we have so little time left, but I am sure the response will be great."
The tender process for merchandising began in November 2009 but the first tender had to be scrapped because revenue targets were not being met. What we were getting earlier was just about 2.3 crores. Now we have finalized a deal that guarantees 7.2 crores, and could go up depending on sales. We are pretty sure it will increase."
Premier Brands will be responsible for merchandising operations, and will put on sale a number of products in 12 categories, including apparel, toys and souvenirs.
Bhanot also said the official letter terminating the services of Sports Marketing and Management (SMAM), tasked with landing sponsorship for the Games, had been sent only on Friday, and until that was done, the merchandising launch was not possible.
Merchandising was also under the charge of OC joint director general, M Jayachandran, who has been suspended and is under inquiry for his alleged role in the Queen's Baton Relay financial irregularities.
Friday was the first day of Jayachandran's hearing and Bhanot was non-committal on his replacement.
The OC has been accused of failing to secure adequate revenue to pay back the 1620 crore loan it received from the Centre, but Bhanot said, We have raised 600 crores through sponsorship and broadcast rights. More deals are going to be finalised in a few days, and we will meet the targets."
The London 2012 Olympics opened their first merchandise outlet two years before the Games, but here, we only have 57 days to go.
OC spokesman, Lalit Bhanot, told Hindustan Times, We would have liked to launch earlier, but didn't want it to coincide with the football World Cup. It is unfortunate that we have so little time left, but I am sure the response will be great."
The tender process for merchandising began in November 2009 but the first tender had to be scrapped because revenue targets were not being met. What we were getting earlier was just about 2.3 crores. Now we have finalized a deal that guarantees 7.2 crores, and could go up depending on sales. We are pretty sure it will increase."
Premier Brands will be responsible for merchandising operations, and will put on sale a number of products in 12 categories, including apparel, toys and souvenirs.
Bhanot also said the official letter terminating the services of Sports Marketing and Management (SMAM), tasked with landing sponsorship for the Games, had been sent only on Friday, and until that was done, the merchandising launch was not possible.
Merchandising was also under the charge of OC joint director general, M Jayachandran, who has been suspended and is under inquiry for his alleged role in the Queen's Baton Relay financial irregularities.
Friday was the first day of Jayachandran's hearing and Bhanot was non-committal on his replacement.
The OC has been accused of failing to secure adequate revenue to pay back the 1620 crore loan it received from the Centre, but Bhanot said, We have raised 600 crores through sponsorship and broadcast rights. More deals are going to be finalised in a few days, and we will meet the targets."
Medals last thing on minds of Indian shooters
If the news of top foreign athletes pulling out of the Commonwealth Games was not enough, here is more bad news. Two of India's top sportspersons - rifle shooter Gagan Narang and pistol shooter Samresh Jung - who shared among them nine gold at the quadrennial Games in Melbourne in 2006, are frustrated because of varied reasons.
Narang, who returned to the Capital on Friday after shooting down a bronze at the World Championships in Munich, told HT he was taking a "break from shooting", as he had "no motivation left for the Commonwealth Games". The Hyderabad marksman had four gold at the Melbourne CWG and this time he could be gunning for six in individual and pairs events.
Narang was ignored for the highest sporting honour, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, for the third consecutive year and it's "broken me from inside".
"I don't have the motivation to shoot in the Commonwealth Games. I might not shoot. I don't have the motivation to shoot beyond today. Ignoring a world record holder is an insult. The perception of people can be changed with the government's intent and without it there is no reason why one should continue to bring in glory. I feel wrecked," the champion shooter, who sealed the first London Olympic Games quota for the country, said on Friday.
"I usually stop checking my e-mails five days before a major competition. But, on the eve of the competition I opened my mailbox only to see that I had been ignored again. I was heartbroken. (Team-mate) Samresh took me out, tried to talk me out of the shock.I wish they (Sports Ministry) had treated me better."
"I don't say (shuttler) Saina (Nehwal) shouldn't get the Khel Ratna. But, what about me.my achievements are bigger."
Samresh, who earned the sobriquet of 'Goldfinger' after his five-gold haul in Melbourne hasn't had a coach since Czaba Gyorik left two years back following the expiry of his contract after the Beijing Olympics in 2008. "There is no coach for more than a year, the shooting ranges are not ready, so where is the motivation to shoot, although I know Samresh will still give his best in the CWG," said wife, Anuja, who too won a gold in Melbourne.
Samresh is in Munich for the World Championships and is returning on August 13. "You need an experienced coach while you are shooting to iron out technical issues. This is indeed a big dampener," said Anuja, adding her husband's preparation had not been going in the right direction.
Half the number of gold India win in the CWG will be shared between them. But no one's talking about medals, at least for now.
Narang, who returned to the Capital on Friday after shooting down a bronze at the World Championships in Munich, told HT he was taking a "break from shooting", as he had "no motivation left for the Commonwealth Games". The Hyderabad marksman had four gold at the Melbourne CWG and this time he could be gunning for six in individual and pairs events.
Narang was ignored for the highest sporting honour, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, for the third consecutive year and it's "broken me from inside".
"I don't have the motivation to shoot in the Commonwealth Games. I might not shoot. I don't have the motivation to shoot beyond today. Ignoring a world record holder is an insult. The perception of people can be changed with the government's intent and without it there is no reason why one should continue to bring in glory. I feel wrecked," the champion shooter, who sealed the first London Olympic Games quota for the country, said on Friday.
"I usually stop checking my e-mails five days before a major competition. But, on the eve of the competition I opened my mailbox only to see that I had been ignored again. I was heartbroken. (Team-mate) Samresh took me out, tried to talk me out of the shock.I wish they (Sports Ministry) had treated me better."
"I don't say (shuttler) Saina (Nehwal) shouldn't get the Khel Ratna. But, what about me.my achievements are bigger."
Samresh, who earned the sobriquet of 'Goldfinger' after his five-gold haul in Melbourne hasn't had a coach since Czaba Gyorik left two years back following the expiry of his contract after the Beijing Olympics in 2008. "There is no coach for more than a year, the shooting ranges are not ready, so where is the motivation to shoot, although I know Samresh will still give his best in the CWG," said wife, Anuja, who too won a gold in Melbourne.
Samresh is in Munich for the World Championships and is returning on August 13. "You need an experienced coach while you are shooting to iron out technical issues. This is indeed a big dampener," said Anuja, adding her husband's preparation had not been going in the right direction.
Half the number of gold India win in the CWG will be shared between them. But no one's talking about medals, at least for now.
A mere Rs60 a day for vital supplements for India's elite athletes
Thousands of crores are being spent on the 2010 Commonwealth Games, but organisers are struggling to provide Indian athletes with even Rs 200 worth of essential dietary supplements each day. HT has learnt that athletes are getting supplements worth barely Rs 60 per day, less than one-sixth of what they need in order to be competitive at the international level.
The supplements, which are vital in preparing athletes for the Games, are not merely insufficient, but even what is provided is often so substandard that athletes are not using them.
In 2008 the sports ministry sanctioned funds that would allow for Rs 200 per day to be spent on each athlete's supplements, in addition to Rs 250 for food and Rs 100 for overhead expenses. However, athletes are getting supplements worth Rs60. What's more, they got nothing at all for the first 8 months of their preparation for the Games because the ministry placed the tender late.
This has forced athletes to spend between Rs 10000-20,000 per month, an expense many can ill afford, on supplements. The kind of supplement needed and the quantity varies based on the discipline, with boxers and weightlifters being the worst hit.
"I have been using my own supplements," Olympic bronze medallist Vijender Singh told HT.
"I rarely use supplements provided by our authorities. Sometimes I take the energy drink that we get," said Vijender, even as other athletes spoke of jars of protein supplements arriving unsealed. "The expenditure on food supplements depends on the weight category and the level of competition of a boxer and comes to around R 10,000 to 20,000."
Weightlifters have suffered similar difficulties, and in their case the problem has been solved by the Indian Weightlifting Federation providing supplements worth Rs 300, and claiming a subsidy of Rs 200 from the Sports Authority of India. The excess expense is borne by the IWF.
"To perform well at the international arena, a lifter requires a minimum supplement of Rs 400 per day," Sahdev Yadav, IWF secretary general said.
A senior Delhi-based SAI official, however, suggested that there was no shortcoming in the supplements being supplied.
"Whatever we are providing is according to recommendations of the National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad," he said.
"The sanctioned money for supplements also includes energy drinks and juices and all our Centre's players are getting this as per the santioned amount."
The supplements, which are vital in preparing athletes for the Games, are not merely insufficient, but even what is provided is often so substandard that athletes are not using them.
In 2008 the sports ministry sanctioned funds that would allow for Rs 200 per day to be spent on each athlete's supplements, in addition to Rs 250 for food and Rs 100 for overhead expenses. However, athletes are getting supplements worth Rs60. What's more, they got nothing at all for the first 8 months of their preparation for the Games because the ministry placed the tender late.
This has forced athletes to spend between Rs 10000-20,000 per month, an expense many can ill afford, on supplements. The kind of supplement needed and the quantity varies based on the discipline, with boxers and weightlifters being the worst hit.
"I have been using my own supplements," Olympic bronze medallist Vijender Singh told HT.
"I rarely use supplements provided by our authorities. Sometimes I take the energy drink that we get," said Vijender, even as other athletes spoke of jars of protein supplements arriving unsealed. "The expenditure on food supplements depends on the weight category and the level of competition of a boxer and comes to around R 10,000 to 20,000."
Weightlifters have suffered similar difficulties, and in their case the problem has been solved by the Indian Weightlifting Federation providing supplements worth Rs 300, and claiming a subsidy of Rs 200 from the Sports Authority of India. The excess expense is borne by the IWF.
"To perform well at the international arena, a lifter requires a minimum supplement of Rs 400 per day," Sahdev Yadav, IWF secretary general said.
A senior Delhi-based SAI official, however, suggested that there was no shortcoming in the supplements being supplied.
"Whatever we are providing is according to recommendations of the National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad," he said.
"The sanctioned money for supplements also includes energy drinks and juices and all our Centre's players are getting this as per the santioned amount."
'The national team has always been top priority'
From helping the Indian team qualify for the Asian Cup, to signing with Major League Soccer club Kansas City Wizards, to facing Manchester United in a friendly, Sunil Chhetri's life has been a whirlwind. It could well have been a blur, but the refreshingly mature footballer has made it a point to take it all in, and learn from every experience. In New Delhi on his way to joining the Indian football team's training camp in Portugal, Chhetri was jetlagged, but candidly spoke to Hindustan Times about his journey, and where the road ahead may take him. Excerpts from the conversation:
What everyone wants to know, what was it like getting onto the pitch to face Manchester United?
It was incredible. When I found out the game was on, and that legends like Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes would be playing, I couldn't believe it. That we won, despite being down to 10 men, made the dream complete. How many clubs can say that?
Any particular incidents you remember?
So many. One was when I was playing up front as lone striker, and our keeper sent a long ball up the field, I chested it down, turned and shot on the volley with my left foot. It wasn't the best of shots, but to be able to do that against a world-class defence gave me a lot of confidence.
Prior to the United game, you had said you were a little bit frustrated at not getting more minutes on the field.
I have grown up not being used to sitting on the bench. In the early days I would get angry. Then I realized it's not always that easy. I started being more positive, working harder in training, and automatically things started looking up.
Your coach has said there are some aspects of the game you need to work on.
I have but a great rapport with Wizards boss Peter Vermes. In India I play out and out striker, but here Kei Kamara has that role, so I have to sit back a little. I need to work on my defence, and whenever you learn new things you become a better player. This will show when I play with the national team as well.
How is the playing in the US different from India?
For one the technical proficiency of the players is much higher. The game is also faster and more physical. And then there are the training facilities and the venues. In Kansas, we have four training pitches, plus a stadium that is one of the best in America. Typically we come in around 9 am, have breakfast at the club kitchen, get treated by the masseurs, and then go to training. It's phenomenal.
What has it been like for you personally to make the switch to the USA?
Initially it was difficult, lonely. Indians there used to complain about India, and I would get angry, but I realized that life is just a lot easier there. Here by the time you get to office from home, you are already angry, hassled, stressed. People have a lot more respect for each other there. But there were difficult times as well, when you have no one to talk to. My family has been a huge support. Without them I would never have been able to survive.
What do you do in your free time?
A lot of us foreign players stay in the same building. I was sharing an apartment with Chance Myles and Diop, in the centre of the city. We play a lot of Playstation, go out for meals, hang out. The usual stuff boys do.
For your female fans, are you single?
Let's say I'm not married, and leave it at that. I am a pretty good catch though. I cook, I'm neat, and I'm fit, so it's a good package (laughs).
You are going to join the national team. How did it feel to leave the Wizards and what thoughts do you have on preparations for the Asian Cup?
There was a twinge of disappointment when I left Kansas, because things were really looking up, and I was confident of being in the playing XI soon. But they have been great, and so has the AIFF. My manager told me they wanted to support me and give me the freedom to do what I want. And I have a long term contract there, so I have nothing to lose.
As far as the camp is concerned, the national team has always been my number one priority. I have massive respect for Bob Houghton. He is the best thing to have happened to Indian football, and when I think about joining the team in a couple of days, I get really pumped.
India's chances at the Asian Cup?
Playing higher ranked teams is the way forward for us. Even in the US, my goal has been to show people Indians can play football. And it is the same for the national team. We are ranked low only because we don't play enough international matches. That will change. In Doha next year, we will play all the big names, and that is not a surprise. Getting six months with Bob will make us a much better team. We have already shown that we can beat higher ranked teams at home, now we have to go out and do the same. We are focused and positive.
And who will be the next Indian to play abroad?
There are lots of guys, Steven Dias, Subrata Pal, Pradeep; I hope they get a chance and prove to the world that we are better than 130th in the world.
Lastly, your thoughts on the AIFF development team playing in the next edition of the I-League.
I think it's a brave move that will pay-off. I am sure the team will do well, the Delhi crowd will back them, and they will pull off a few surprises. It will also give us a much bigger pool for the national squad. These boys otherwise would have signed for big clubs, but sat on the bench, been ignored. Now they will play every week and it will make them stronger. If I was here and had the option, I would have loved to sign up for this squad.
What everyone wants to know, what was it like getting onto the pitch to face Manchester United?
It was incredible. When I found out the game was on, and that legends like Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes would be playing, I couldn't believe it. That we won, despite being down to 10 men, made the dream complete. How many clubs can say that?
Any particular incidents you remember?
So many. One was when I was playing up front as lone striker, and our keeper sent a long ball up the field, I chested it down, turned and shot on the volley with my left foot. It wasn't the best of shots, but to be able to do that against a world-class defence gave me a lot of confidence.
Prior to the United game, you had said you were a little bit frustrated at not getting more minutes on the field.
I have grown up not being used to sitting on the bench. In the early days I would get angry. Then I realized it's not always that easy. I started being more positive, working harder in training, and automatically things started looking up.
Your coach has said there are some aspects of the game you need to work on.
I have but a great rapport with Wizards boss Peter Vermes. In India I play out and out striker, but here Kei Kamara has that role, so I have to sit back a little. I need to work on my defence, and whenever you learn new things you become a better player. This will show when I play with the national team as well.
How is the playing in the US different from India?
For one the technical proficiency of the players is much higher. The game is also faster and more physical. And then there are the training facilities and the venues. In Kansas, we have four training pitches, plus a stadium that is one of the best in America. Typically we come in around 9 am, have breakfast at the club kitchen, get treated by the masseurs, and then go to training. It's phenomenal.
What has it been like for you personally to make the switch to the USA?
Initially it was difficult, lonely. Indians there used to complain about India, and I would get angry, but I realized that life is just a lot easier there. Here by the time you get to office from home, you are already angry, hassled, stressed. People have a lot more respect for each other there. But there were difficult times as well, when you have no one to talk to. My family has been a huge support. Without them I would never have been able to survive.
What do you do in your free time?
A lot of us foreign players stay in the same building. I was sharing an apartment with Chance Myles and Diop, in the centre of the city. We play a lot of Playstation, go out for meals, hang out. The usual stuff boys do.
For your female fans, are you single?
Let's say I'm not married, and leave it at that. I am a pretty good catch though. I cook, I'm neat, and I'm fit, so it's a good package (laughs).
You are going to join the national team. How did it feel to leave the Wizards and what thoughts do you have on preparations for the Asian Cup?
There was a twinge of disappointment when I left Kansas, because things were really looking up, and I was confident of being in the playing XI soon. But they have been great, and so has the AIFF. My manager told me they wanted to support me and give me the freedom to do what I want. And I have a long term contract there, so I have nothing to lose.
As far as the camp is concerned, the national team has always been my number one priority. I have massive respect for Bob Houghton. He is the best thing to have happened to Indian football, and when I think about joining the team in a couple of days, I get really pumped.
India's chances at the Asian Cup?
Playing higher ranked teams is the way forward for us. Even in the US, my goal has been to show people Indians can play football. And it is the same for the national team. We are ranked low only because we don't play enough international matches. That will change. In Doha next year, we will play all the big names, and that is not a surprise. Getting six months with Bob will make us a much better team. We have already shown that we can beat higher ranked teams at home, now we have to go out and do the same. We are focused and positive.
And who will be the next Indian to play abroad?
There are lots of guys, Steven Dias, Subrata Pal, Pradeep; I hope they get a chance and prove to the world that we are better than 130th in the world.
Lastly, your thoughts on the AIFF development team playing in the next edition of the I-League.
I think it's a brave move that will pay-off. I am sure the team will do well, the Delhi crowd will back them, and they will pull off a few surprises. It will also give us a much bigger pool for the national squad. These boys otherwise would have signed for big clubs, but sat on the bench, been ignored. Now they will play every week and it will make them stronger. If I was here and had the option, I would have loved to sign up for this squad.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
I-League to kick-off in November: AIFF
The All India Football Federation president, Praful Patel, played host to representatives of the I-League clubs in the Capital on Wednesday. On top of the agenda was the kick-off date for the fourth edition of the country's top club tournament. League CEO, Sunando Dhar, told HT, "It has been
decided that the league will begin after the Asian Games, around the third week of November."
There were proposals to hold the League from March 2011, after the Asian Cup, but this was rejected on the grounds that most clubs had already signed players, and had begun training for the new season.
Dhar said the Asian Football Confederation would be sending its assessment team to India from October 23 to November 1 to assess participating clubs. The AFC has laid down criteria for club licensing, and those who fail, will not be allowed to participate.
Another key issue discussed was the 14th team in the League, after Mahindra United's withdrawal. A number of clubs had asked for the spot, but it was decided that the AIFF development team (essentially an U-19 squad) would fight it out. The issue of the number of foreigners allowed per team was also decided. The league will retain the current limit of 3+1 overseas players. "Mohun Bagan raised the point that they had already committed to signing four foreigners for the next season, and since other tournaments will be held before the League, the president said he was in agreement with allowing all to play in these tournaments," said Dhar. Normally, only two foreigners are allowed per team for local leagues, the IFA Shield, Durand and Federation Cups which will be held in September, October and November.
decided that the league will begin after the Asian Games, around the third week of November."
There were proposals to hold the League from March 2011, after the Asian Cup, but this was rejected on the grounds that most clubs had already signed players, and had begun training for the new season.
Dhar said the Asian Football Confederation would be sending its assessment team to India from October 23 to November 1 to assess participating clubs. The AFC has laid down criteria for club licensing, and those who fail, will not be allowed to participate.
Another key issue discussed was the 14th team in the League, after Mahindra United's withdrawal. A number of clubs had asked for the spot, but it was decided that the AIFF development team (essentially an U-19 squad) would fight it out. The issue of the number of foreigners allowed per team was also decided. The league will retain the current limit of 3+1 overseas players. "Mohun Bagan raised the point that they had already committed to signing four foreigners for the next season, and since other tournaments will be held before the League, the president said he was in agreement with allowing all to play in these tournaments," said Dhar. Normally, only two foreigners are allowed per team for local leagues, the IFA Shield, Durand and Federation Cups which will be held in September, October and November.
Darbari denies role
The Sports Ministry might have recommended his sacking, but T S Darbari, whose name featured during the exchange of mails between the OC and the Indian High Commission, in the Queen's Baton Relay controversy, is putting up a brave front. It has been reliably learnt that Darbari, in a letter to Jarnail Singh (who is heading a three-member probe panel to verify the authenticity of the email, and the deal with AM Car and Van Ltd), has said that he had no role whatsoever in the deal. He has reportedly stated this was backed up by the minutes of the meetings.
The letter states, "Consequent upon a later confirmation of the President of India to grace the occasion, event arrangements had to be upscaled. This resulted in readdressing the budgets for conducting all related aspects."
The letter adds there wasn't enough time for a fresh tender to be floated to match rising costs and so, the Finance Committee of Organising Committee (OCFC) was requested to consider extending the work of M/S Jack Morton Worldwide by 25 per cent of original contract value.
For additional work, the Indian High Commission was to be approached to help out in finding vendors. The approach was accepted by the OCFC and thereby, "on recommendation of the Indian High Commission", M/s AM Car and Van Hire Ltd were considered for services.
The letter states, "Consequent upon a later confirmation of the President of India to grace the occasion, event arrangements had to be upscaled. This resulted in readdressing the budgets for conducting all related aspects."
The letter adds there wasn't enough time for a fresh tender to be floated to match rising costs and so, the Finance Committee of Organising Committee (OCFC) was requested to consider extending the work of M/S Jack Morton Worldwide by 25 per cent of original contract value.
For additional work, the Indian High Commission was to be approached to help out in finding vendors. The approach was accepted by the OCFC and thereby, "on recommendation of the Indian High Commission", M/s AM Car and Van Hire Ltd were considered for services.
CAG questions 5% revenue share to IOA
From a projected surplus of more than Rs 200 crore, when India won the bid in 2003, the Commonwealth Games 2010 is unlikely to earn any surpluses. What's more, the revenues earned might not be enough to even take care of the operating expenses of the Organising Committee (OC).
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), in an evaluation report filed to the Prime Minister last year, warned that there were not enough avenues to ensure that the Games will earn any surplus revenue.
Most revenue contracts were not finalised till July last year.
However, not much seems to have changed in the mean time. The CAG has also raised serious objections to the OC's commitment to offer five per cent of revenues,not surplus, earned from CWG 2010 to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
"Payment of five per cent of sponsorship revenue to IOA should be considered only out of the cash revenue surplus of the Games, if any," CAG said.
The estimated revenue generation, pegged at Rs 900 crore in August 2007, has nearly doubled within a year.
"The available documentation, however, could not satisfy us of the soundness of the increased estimate of revenue," CAG said in its report.
CAG's calculations, based on these numbers, pegged figures of targeted revenue from Rs. 1330 to 1366 crore. The OC had indicated that most of the sponsorship revenue would be "value in kind," which would be used to set off expenses.
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), in an evaluation report filed to the Prime Minister last year, warned that there were not enough avenues to ensure that the Games will earn any surplus revenue.
Most revenue contracts were not finalised till July last year.
However, not much seems to have changed in the mean time. The CAG has also raised serious objections to the OC's commitment to offer five per cent of revenues,not surplus, earned from CWG 2010 to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
"Payment of five per cent of sponsorship revenue to IOA should be considered only out of the cash revenue surplus of the Games, if any," CAG said.
The estimated revenue generation, pegged at Rs 900 crore in August 2007, has nearly doubled within a year.
"The available documentation, however, could not satisfy us of the soundness of the increased estimate of revenue," CAG said in its report.
CAG's calculations, based on these numbers, pegged figures of targeted revenue from Rs. 1330 to 1366 crore. The OC had indicated that most of the sponsorship revenue would be "value in kind," which would be used to set off expenses.
Tennis courts: Another scam?
The contract for relaying the surface at the Commonwealth Games tennis venue was bagged by international firm Rebound Ace, whose India representative is Aditya Khanna. He happens to be the son of All India Tennis Association secretary Anil Khanna.
"There is no conflict," insisted Anil Khanna.
"Neither the tennis association nor I had any say in the matter. According to the sports ministry's directions, it was the Delhi Development Authority that decided who the contract should go to."
He said his son's firm had not been paid a paisa.
"The total amount of Rs 1.19 crore for the winning bid will be paid directly to Rebound Ace Australia."
Meanwhile, India's leading tennis players are unhappy with the relaid synthetic surface, which is believed to increase injury risk and was rejected by the Australian Open three years ago.
"That surface is known to put extra pressure on the ankle and knee joints. It also gets kind of sticky when hot and that puts a lot of extra load on the legs," said Leander Paes.
"It's a tried and failed surface," said Mahesh Bhupathi.
"There is no conflict," insisted Anil Khanna.
"Neither the tennis association nor I had any say in the matter. According to the sports ministry's directions, it was the Delhi Development Authority that decided who the contract should go to."
He said his son's firm had not been paid a paisa.
"The total amount of Rs 1.19 crore for the winning bid will be paid directly to Rebound Ace Australia."
Meanwhile, India's leading tennis players are unhappy with the relaid synthetic surface, which is believed to increase injury risk and was rejected by the Australian Open three years ago.
"That surface is known to put extra pressure on the ankle and knee joints. It also gets kind of sticky when hot and that puts a lot of extra load on the legs," said Leander Paes.
"It's a tried and failed surface," said Mahesh Bhupathi.
Champion by default?
India is the world's No 1 ranked Test team. But is it the team that others benchmark themselves against? The answer has to be an emphatic no. In fact, given Team India's lacklustre performance in the ongoing Test series in Sri Lanka, many are even questioning if India deserves the top dog tag,
thus, questioning the credibility of the International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings.
From the summer of 1976 to the end of the 1980s - in the era before the ICC rankings - the West Indians owned cricket. When the Windies played (Tests or ODIs), the discussion was usually over the margin of victory, and not so much about the result (which, in most cases, was a foregone conclusion).
There were no ICC rankings, but there was no doubt who was No 1.
From the late 1990s till recently, Australia was the team to beat. A high-quality domestic system that produced tough international sportsmen was the envy of other nations. But as players of the quality of Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist and Mathew Hayden retired, the Australians struggled to keep up their high standards. South Africa, which had been snapping at Australia's heels for a while, emerged as strong contenders for the No 1 spot in ICC's rankings.
But, while the Proteas were successful at home and in conditions that offered bounce and assistance to their pace-powered bowling attack, the lack of a quality spinner hampered their progress in Asian conditions.
England had their moments, Sri Lanka perennially threatened, but in all this churning, India rose to the top of the rankings - despite not having won a series in Australia or South Africa.
But, watching India struggle to take 20 wickets on slow, lifeless pitches in Sri Lanka, questions have inevitably arisen over just how accurately the rankings reflect the situation on the ground.
Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara questioned the credibility of the ranking system by saying: "If rankings can't be understood by the public, the players, or the administrators, what's the use of having them?"
He was merely articulating what many former players were whispering in private.
Mahela Jayawardene, the former Sri Lanka captain, made a very pertinent point.
"I was disappointed (with the Indians). I felt they were not as aggressive as a No 1 team should be," said Jayawardene after India failed to push on and seize the initiative in the second Test that ended in a draw.
The fact that India is without pace spearhead Zaheer Khan, who is recovering from a shoulder injury, and that Harbhajan Singh, leader of the spin department, is off the boil, would explain captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni's inability to be more aggressive. But a team that wants to hang on to its No 1 ranking can't afford to take refuge in excuses.
To Dhoni's credit, though, he has never gloated over the rankings. His constant refrain has been that it's his job to achieve results and that the rankings would take care of themselves. And, given that India has not conceded a single Test series under his leadership, the logic is sound.
But the basis of the complaints against the ranking system is the different volumes of matches played by different teams within a given period.
"Rankings need to be fairly done. A fair tours programme is the first step towards having proper rankings. Each side should play the others at least once, home or away, once every two years. That's how you can get a fair deal when it comes to Test cricket," said Sangakkara.
So, does India owe its numero uno position in Tests only to a skewed statistical formula?
Former Australia captain Ian Chappell, sums up the issue succinctly.
"There are now five teams, all of whom are flawed but at any moment can produce a performance that portrays them as potential World Test champions," said Chappell.
He added that India's position at the top is safe only to a "mis-informed computer" and offered a solution.
"What better way to clear those murky waters than a highly entertaining and competitive on-field battle for the world crown?"
The ball, now, is in the ICC's court.
thus, questioning the credibility of the International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings.
From the summer of 1976 to the end of the 1980s - in the era before the ICC rankings - the West Indians owned cricket. When the Windies played (Tests or ODIs), the discussion was usually over the margin of victory, and not so much about the result (which, in most cases, was a foregone conclusion).
There were no ICC rankings, but there was no doubt who was No 1.
From the late 1990s till recently, Australia was the team to beat. A high-quality domestic system that produced tough international sportsmen was the envy of other nations. But as players of the quality of Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist and Mathew Hayden retired, the Australians struggled to keep up their high standards. South Africa, which had been snapping at Australia's heels for a while, emerged as strong contenders for the No 1 spot in ICC's rankings.
But, while the Proteas were successful at home and in conditions that offered bounce and assistance to their pace-powered bowling attack, the lack of a quality spinner hampered their progress in Asian conditions.
England had their moments, Sri Lanka perennially threatened, but in all this churning, India rose to the top of the rankings - despite not having won a series in Australia or South Africa.
But, watching India struggle to take 20 wickets on slow, lifeless pitches in Sri Lanka, questions have inevitably arisen over just how accurately the rankings reflect the situation on the ground.
Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara questioned the credibility of the ranking system by saying: "If rankings can't be understood by the public, the players, or the administrators, what's the use of having them?"
He was merely articulating what many former players were whispering in private.
Mahela Jayawardene, the former Sri Lanka captain, made a very pertinent point.
"I was disappointed (with the Indians). I felt they were not as aggressive as a No 1 team should be," said Jayawardene after India failed to push on and seize the initiative in the second Test that ended in a draw.
The fact that India is without pace spearhead Zaheer Khan, who is recovering from a shoulder injury, and that Harbhajan Singh, leader of the spin department, is off the boil, would explain captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni's inability to be more aggressive. But a team that wants to hang on to its No 1 ranking can't afford to take refuge in excuses.
To Dhoni's credit, though, he has never gloated over the rankings. His constant refrain has been that it's his job to achieve results and that the rankings would take care of themselves. And, given that India has not conceded a single Test series under his leadership, the logic is sound.
But the basis of the complaints against the ranking system is the different volumes of matches played by different teams within a given period.
"Rankings need to be fairly done. A fair tours programme is the first step towards having proper rankings. Each side should play the others at least once, home or away, once every two years. That's how you can get a fair deal when it comes to Test cricket," said Sangakkara.
So, does India owe its numero uno position in Tests only to a skewed statistical formula?
Former Australia captain Ian Chappell, sums up the issue succinctly.
"There are now five teams, all of whom are flawed but at any moment can produce a performance that portrays them as potential World Test champions," said Chappell.
He added that India's position at the top is safe only to a "mis-informed computer" and offered a solution.
"What better way to clear those murky waters than a highly entertaining and competitive on-field battle for the world crown?"
The ball, now, is in the ICC's court.
How ICC calculates its rankings
The ICC rankings table reflects the results of all Test series completed since August more than three years ago. For example, right now the table reflects all series since August 2006. The next revision, due any time now, will drop all matches played between August 2006 and August 2007.
Since that year wasn't particularly good for India, the removal of statistics relating to that period will help it retain the top spot in ICC rankings even it loses the current series 2-0.
The data on wins, draws and losses (against both higher ranked and lower ranked teams) is assigned weights in accordance with a formula. Recent results (over the past one year) are given more weight. A win over a team with higher rating gets the winner more points.
A rating above 120 suggests consistently strong performances. India, Australia, South Africa and Sri Lanka are currently in this band. A rating above 130 suggests a high degree of dominance over all other teams.
Since that year wasn't particularly good for India, the removal of statistics relating to that period will help it retain the top spot in ICC rankings even it loses the current series 2-0.
The data on wins, draws and losses (against both higher ranked and lower ranked teams) is assigned weights in accordance with a formula. Recent results (over the past one year) are given more weight. A win over a team with higher rating gets the winner more points.
A rating above 120 suggests consistently strong performances. India, Australia, South Africa and Sri Lanka are currently in this band. A rating above 130 suggests a high degree of dominance over all other teams.
Show-cause notice issues to BAI by Sports Ministry
The Sports Ministry on Wednesday asked the Badminton Association of India (BAI) to explain why the government should not initiate action to withdraw its registration under the Societies Act for violating the guidelines of the Ministry. In a show-cause notice, director (sports), Deepika Kachhal, levied five charges against BAI and asked it to respond within 14 days or face de-recognition.
The notice has added to the woes of BAI president, VK Verma, who is facing a court case against his re-election for the fourth consecutive term, which is in violation of the tenure guidelines issued by the government on May 1, 2010.
Verma had written to the Ministry stating BAI would seek no financial assistance from the government and so was not bound to abide by the guidelines. The Ministry pointed out that the sport's governing body was using the word "India" in its name and hence was bound to comply with the government guidelines.
"The Clause 28 of the above (Registrar of Societies Act) Act reads as, "where a government is a member or is wholly or substantially financing a society, it may place such terms and conditions on the society as are mutually agreed upon or through specific public policy notified by the government for the purpose", the notice said.
The Ministry has also charged Verma of not following proper procedure while conducting the elections on June 13 and giving a distorted picture of the financial assistance received from the government.
The notice has added to the woes of BAI president, VK Verma, who is facing a court case against his re-election for the fourth consecutive term, which is in violation of the tenure guidelines issued by the government on May 1, 2010.
Verma had written to the Ministry stating BAI would seek no financial assistance from the government and so was not bound to abide by the guidelines. The Ministry pointed out that the sport's governing body was using the word "India" in its name and hence was bound to comply with the government guidelines.
"The Clause 28 of the above (Registrar of Societies Act) Act reads as, "where a government is a member or is wholly or substantially financing a society, it may place such terms and conditions on the society as are mutually agreed upon or through specific public policy notified by the government for the purpose", the notice said.
The Ministry has also charged Verma of not following proper procedure while conducting the elections on June 13 and giving a distorted picture of the financial assistance received from the government.
Thumbs up for cycling circuit
Much has been said of the circuit to be used for the road cycling events of the Games, and its test event, the Tour de Delhi, scheduled for August 29. Race director David McQuaid, a former international cyclist, said everything was under control. "I arrived yesterday and inspected the circuit.
It's very picturesque, challenging, and will be ready in time for the event," he said.
"August 20 is the date of completion, which is tight. We would have liked it to be done earlier, but it will not be a problem," he reiterated.
McQuaid denied suggestions that organisers were settling for less. "We have a reputation as organisers, and will not settle for anything less than 100 percent," he said. "UCI (International Cycling Union) will be sending a jury to evaluate the event, because it is ranked."
Final infrastructure, such as equipment for the photo finish, and work rooms for the judges are still to be put in place.
On the question of course safety, he said, "Cycling is a sport where crashes are an occupational hazard. There will be 120 cyclists on a tight track, so it will be a challenge for the riders, but one that they will enjoy."
It's very picturesque, challenging, and will be ready in time for the event," he said.
"August 20 is the date of completion, which is tight. We would have liked it to be done earlier, but it will not be a problem," he reiterated.
McQuaid denied suggestions that organisers were settling for less. "We have a reputation as organisers, and will not settle for anything less than 100 percent," he said. "UCI (International Cycling Union) will be sending a jury to evaluate the event, because it is ranked."
Final infrastructure, such as equipment for the photo finish, and work rooms for the judges are still to be put in place.
On the question of course safety, he said, "Cycling is a sport where crashes are an occupational hazard. There will be 120 cyclists on a tight track, so it will be a challenge for the riders, but one that they will enjoy."
'No clean chit to anybody'
A day after giving a clean chit to Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit and Union ministers M S Gill and Jaipal Reddy on irregularities in the Commonwealth Games projects, the Congress on Wednesday backtracked from its remarks. "We have not given any clean chit or unclean chit to anybody. We are neither holding any brief for anybody nor indicting anybody," party spokesman Manish Tewari said.
On Tuesday, the party had distanced itself from Indian Olympic Association president and Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi and given a clean to Sheila Dikshit, M S Gill and Jaipal Reddy on the issue.
On Tuesday, the party had distanced itself from Indian Olympic Association president and Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi and given a clean to Sheila Dikshit, M S Gill and Jaipal Reddy on the issue.
HC intervention sought in Games
A Supreme Court lawyer on Wednesday asked the Delhi High Court to intervene and "save the prestige of the country" by ensuring that Commonwealth projects are completed on time. Amitabha Sen, 68, who himself was a chief engineer with a construction company in San Francisco, suggested formation of panel of competent technocrats to help finish the Games projects. But the judges refused to intervene saying "such directions are not within the domain of the court".
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
India's Devvarman enters top 100 tennis players, on his way out
If getting to the top is tough, staying there is tougher. And India's Somdev Devvarman was forced to face the gravity of one of sport's oldest adages. While the 25-year-old made a breakthrough on Monday, becoming the first Indian man since Leander Paes to be ranked in the top-100, he suffered a disappointing loss on the eve of the achievement.
According to the latest ATP rankings released on Monday, the Indian shot up seven places to be placed 96th in the world. But he could not crown it by winning a main draw-spot at the Washington ATP.
Despite winning the first set, Somdev succumbed 6-3, 4-6, 1-6 to Kevin Kim in the second and final qualifying round at the Legg Mason Classic on Sunday.
"After a tough day at the office I still got motivation," wrote Somdev on the social site Twitter. "Finally top 100 after all these years of work. Thank you everyone who helped me get here."
Like his game, it has been an attritional journey fueled by the slow burning fire within.
The run on the ranking treadmill, however, can be relentless. And Somdev is likely to feel the pinch come next Monday.
For it was in Washington last year that Somdev showed he could take down the big guns when he beat Marin Cilic in the second round.
The successful run also amounted to 55 points. The Indian has only been able to defend four of them this week.
In the lower echelons of top-100, where every point matters, it could mean a big drop. Donald Young of America, ranked 100 in the world currently, is six points off Somdev.
But that is still a Monday away. And given the steady progress he has shown in his game, and in turn the rankings, it will be only a matter of time before he makes the grade again.
He has been able to make the first break into the top-100 within three years of turning pro, without any spectacular spurts in the ranking graph. More importantly, Somdev has shown an effective fusion of physical fitness and the emotional maturity that seemed to skip the generation of Indians after Paes.
According to the latest ATP rankings released on Monday, the Indian shot up seven places to be placed 96th in the world. But he could not crown it by winning a main draw-spot at the Washington ATP.
Despite winning the first set, Somdev succumbed 6-3, 4-6, 1-6 to Kevin Kim in the second and final qualifying round at the Legg Mason Classic on Sunday.
"After a tough day at the office I still got motivation," wrote Somdev on the social site Twitter. "Finally top 100 after all these years of work. Thank you everyone who helped me get here."
Like his game, it has been an attritional journey fueled by the slow burning fire within.
The run on the ranking treadmill, however, can be relentless. And Somdev is likely to feel the pinch come next Monday.
For it was in Washington last year that Somdev showed he could take down the big guns when he beat Marin Cilic in the second round.
The successful run also amounted to 55 points. The Indian has only been able to defend four of them this week.
In the lower echelons of top-100, where every point matters, it could mean a big drop. Donald Young of America, ranked 100 in the world currently, is six points off Somdev.
But that is still a Monday away. And given the steady progress he has shown in his game, and in turn the rankings, it will be only a matter of time before he makes the grade again.
He has been able to make the first break into the top-100 within three years of turning pro, without any spectacular spurts in the ranking graph. More importantly, Somdev has shown an effective fusion of physical fitness and the emotional maturity that seemed to skip the generation of Indians after Paes.
Stokes meets women's team, gives assurance
Hockey India (HI) president, Vidya Stokes, met the women's hockey team on Monday and assured them that their demands, following the sex scandal involving coach MK Kaushik and support staff, would be met. The team returned to the Capital from Busan, South Korea, after winning the bronze in the Asian
Champions Trophy.
It was the first time since the sex scandal rocked the nation that Stokes met the players. "We met Stokes Ma'am and told her everything, what happened earlier and what is presently going on in the team," said a player. "Ma'am told us that we should concentrate on our game and needn't worry as Hockey India is with us and it will take care of T. Ranjitha's complaint," she added.
The players have demanded that coach, Vasu Thapliyal, who travelled with the team in the absence of Kaushik, should also be replaced and assistant coach, Sandeep Somesh, and goalkeeping coach, Khalid Modi, who were with the team in Bhopal before the Busan trip, should stay on, as they were aware of the team's progress and training schedule.
"Even before leaving for Busan we had conveyed our demands to HI and even written to it. Today, we personally told Stokes Ma'am and she assured us that our demands would be met soon," said another player. The members also complained against Madhu Yadav, who had accompanied the team as manager, to Stokes. "We had mentioned in our earlier letter that we don't want her as manager. Her unhealthy comments have spoilt the team's morale. Today, we reiterated our demand regarding her (Yadav)," said a player.
Champions Trophy.
It was the first time since the sex scandal rocked the nation that Stokes met the players. "We met Stokes Ma'am and told her everything, what happened earlier and what is presently going on in the team," said a player. "Ma'am told us that we should concentrate on our game and needn't worry as Hockey India is with us and it will take care of T. Ranjitha's complaint," she added.
The players have demanded that coach, Vasu Thapliyal, who travelled with the team in the absence of Kaushik, should also be replaced and assistant coach, Sandeep Somesh, and goalkeeping coach, Khalid Modi, who were with the team in Bhopal before the Busan trip, should stay on, as they were aware of the team's progress and training schedule.
"Even before leaving for Busan we had conveyed our demands to HI and even written to it. Today, we personally told Stokes Ma'am and she assured us that our demands would be met soon," said another player. The members also complained against Madhu Yadav, who had accompanied the team as manager, to Stokes. "We had mentioned in our earlier letter that we don't want her as manager. Her unhealthy comments have spoilt the team's morale. Today, we reiterated our demand regarding her (Yadav)," said a player.
Ghosal rues top names giving Delhi Games a miss
Squash player Saurav Ghosal likened the Commonwealth Games, sans the stars, to the India cricket team taking the field without Sachin Tendulkar. "The decision of Usain Bolt and others to not take part in the Games is disappointing because they are big names and people like to watch them. Their absence is like India playing without Sachin," said Ghosal, on the sidelines of the function to announce the Punj Lloyd Squash PSA Masters and WISPA Silver Tour, to be held here from December 12-19.
On his preparations for the October 3-14 Games and getting to play at the Siri Fort Sports Complex, the venue for squash, just 10 days before the event, the world No. 26 said players need more time to adjust to a venue but added it should not be an excuse for poor performance.
"Ideally, we wanted a little more time to get used to the courts but it did not turn out that way, so have to get on with it and perform well," said Ghosal.
Before the Games, the 24-year-old will feature in the Australian Open followed by tournaments in Hong Kong and England before returning home in September.
The Punj Lloyd Masters, which will be organised in association with the Squash Racquets Federation of India (SFRI), comprises of a series of nationwide championships across various age groups and will culminate in the Punj Lloyd PSA Masters (prize money of 187,500 dollars )Rs 8687148 and Punj Lloyd WISPA Silver Tour event for ladies (prize money of 36,500 dollars) Rs 1691098.
There will also be 11 promotional events, which will be played in Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai from August to November. The finalists will be invited to participate in the pre-event of the Punj Lloyd Masters and Punj Lloyd Silver Tour event.
On his preparations for the October 3-14 Games and getting to play at the Siri Fort Sports Complex, the venue for squash, just 10 days before the event, the world No. 26 said players need more time to adjust to a venue but added it should not be an excuse for poor performance.
"Ideally, we wanted a little more time to get used to the courts but it did not turn out that way, so have to get on with it and perform well," said Ghosal.
Before the Games, the 24-year-old will feature in the Australian Open followed by tournaments in Hong Kong and England before returning home in September.
The Punj Lloyd Masters, which will be organised in association with the Squash Racquets Federation of India (SFRI), comprises of a series of nationwide championships across various age groups and will culminate in the Punj Lloyd PSA Masters (prize money of 187,500 dollars )Rs 8687148 and Punj Lloyd WISPA Silver Tour event for ladies (prize money of 36,500 dollars) Rs 1691098.
There will also be 11 promotional events, which will be played in Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai from August to November. The finalists will be invited to participate in the pre-event of the Punj Lloyd Masters and Punj Lloyd Silver Tour event.
Ministry issues show cause to HI, IHF
For long accused of being indifferent in solving the mess in Indian hockey, the Sports Ministry on Monday sprung into action and issued show cause notices to both Hockey India and Indian Hockey Federation asking them to explain why their affiliation should not be withdrawn. The Ministry took
exception to Hockey India's contention that it was a private body and therefore free to conduct its affairs as per its own set of rules and by-laws and sought reasons why the provisional affiliation given to HI till December 31, 2010 not be withdrawn. The Ministry made it clear that HI can't claim to be a private body and exist as a government-recognised National Sports Federation, which has to function as a public body and subject itself to public accountability.
HI has been asked to give the explanation before holding its elections on Thursday (August 5). "Failure to furnish a satisfactory reply within the time limit stated above will automatically result in withdrawal of recognition to the HI as an NSF for hockey in India," the Ministry said in the show cause notice signed by Joint Secretary (Sports) Injeti Srinivas.
The show cause notice sent the Hockey India top brass into a huddle with its legal team on Monday night to draft the explanation to the Ministry before the deadline.
The Ministry asked IHF to explain within 14 days as to how it proposes to meet the requirement of FIH of having a unified body for both men and women at the national level so as to comply with the rules and regulations of the international body and get its affiliation. IHF has also been asked to confirm its acceptance to all government guidelines including those regarding tenure and age-limit for NSF office-bearers.
The show cause notices are ministry's response to the rigid stand taken by both HI and IHF at a meeting called by the Sports Ministry on Saturday to work out ways to have a single NSF for hockey in the country. IHF president KPS Gill asked the Ministry to rebuff the FIH's growing interference in Indian hockey and opposed the merger of men's and women's associations.
HI secretary general Narinder Batra reiterated their stand of being a private body and threatened legal action if forced to merge with IHF.
exception to Hockey India's contention that it was a private body and therefore free to conduct its affairs as per its own set of rules and by-laws and sought reasons why the provisional affiliation given to HI till December 31, 2010 not be withdrawn. The Ministry made it clear that HI can't claim to be a private body and exist as a government-recognised National Sports Federation, which has to function as a public body and subject itself to public accountability.
HI has been asked to give the explanation before holding its elections on Thursday (August 5). "Failure to furnish a satisfactory reply within the time limit stated above will automatically result in withdrawal of recognition to the HI as an NSF for hockey in India," the Ministry said in the show cause notice signed by Joint Secretary (Sports) Injeti Srinivas.
The show cause notice sent the Hockey India top brass into a huddle with its legal team on Monday night to draft the explanation to the Ministry before the deadline.
The Ministry asked IHF to explain within 14 days as to how it proposes to meet the requirement of FIH of having a unified body for both men and women at the national level so as to comply with the rules and regulations of the international body and get its affiliation. IHF has also been asked to confirm its acceptance to all government guidelines including those regarding tenure and age-limit for NSF office-bearers.
The show cause notices are ministry's response to the rigid stand taken by both HI and IHF at a meeting called by the Sports Ministry on Saturday to work out ways to have a single NSF for hockey in the country. IHF president KPS Gill asked the Ministry to rebuff the FIH's growing interference in Indian hockey and opposed the merger of men's and women's associations.
HI secretary general Narinder Batra reiterated their stand of being a private body and threatened legal action if forced to merge with IHF.
Injury list grows as India seek revival in must-win Test match
Whenever Mahendra Singh Dhoni has led India in Tests - even if only standing in for one game - India has not conceded the series. His enviable record, proudly defended over 27 months since he first took on the captaincy full time, however, is under serious threat. Sri Lanka's record at home is
enough to give the Indians something to think about when the third Test begins in Colombo on Tuesday.
Trailing 1-0, the last thing Dhoni wanted was an addition to the injury list, which has steadily grown longer since the team arrived in Sri Lanka.
But that was exactly what happened, with Gautam Gambhir, who missed the second Test due to a knee injury, being ruled out. Harbhajan Singh, already carrying a side strain, suffered a calf strain while jogging on Sunday evening and is a "doubtful starter," according to Dhoni.
If Harbhajan, who did not turn up for practice on Sunday and Monday, is ruled out, an already ineffective bowling attack could be converted into a hopeless one with the loss of their most experienced bowler.
Though the off-spinner has had a mediocre series so far, he seemed to be getting into his groove in Sri Lanka's second innings during last week's run feast at the SSC ground.
Despite the Oval track's reputation of helping seamers, with Dhoni making his preference of sticking to a "two-two combination," leg-spinner Amit Mishra will be Harbhajan's likely replacement rather than reserve pacer Munaf Patel.
While the management is struggling to get four quality bowlers, they also have to deal with a problem of plenty in the batting . Suresh Raina's century on debut has almost put aside Yuvraj Singh's hopes of making an immediate comeback after recovering from a viral fever.
But more than pondering over the No 6 conundrum, the Indian batsmen will have to find a way to deal with Lasith Malinga, who is set to return after missing the second Test. Though Malinga received treatment on his tender knee in the middle of Sri Lanka's practice session, his inclusion in the XI is all but certain unless he wakes up on Tuesday with a stiff knee.
Despite having their backs to the wall, Dhoni will take comfort from history. In the seven series that he has featured in as captain, twice India were in danger of conceding a series going into the last Test. But on both occasions - against South Africa in 2008 and in February this year - India managed to register a victory and avoid losing the series.
But both those instances were at home. Will Dhoni and his boys be able to convert the Oval into a home away from home?
enough to give the Indians something to think about when the third Test begins in Colombo on Tuesday.
Trailing 1-0, the last thing Dhoni wanted was an addition to the injury list, which has steadily grown longer since the team arrived in Sri Lanka.
But that was exactly what happened, with Gautam Gambhir, who missed the second Test due to a knee injury, being ruled out. Harbhajan Singh, already carrying a side strain, suffered a calf strain while jogging on Sunday evening and is a "doubtful starter," according to Dhoni.
If Harbhajan, who did not turn up for practice on Sunday and Monday, is ruled out, an already ineffective bowling attack could be converted into a hopeless one with the loss of their most experienced bowler.
Though the off-spinner has had a mediocre series so far, he seemed to be getting into his groove in Sri Lanka's second innings during last week's run feast at the SSC ground.
Despite the Oval track's reputation of helping seamers, with Dhoni making his preference of sticking to a "two-two combination," leg-spinner Amit Mishra will be Harbhajan's likely replacement rather than reserve pacer Munaf Patel.
While the management is struggling to get four quality bowlers, they also have to deal with a problem of plenty in the batting . Suresh Raina's century on debut has almost put aside Yuvraj Singh's hopes of making an immediate comeback after recovering from a viral fever.
But more than pondering over the No 6 conundrum, the Indian batsmen will have to find a way to deal with Lasith Malinga, who is set to return after missing the second Test. Though Malinga received treatment on his tender knee in the middle of Sri Lanka's practice session, his inclusion in the XI is all but certain unless he wakes up on Tuesday with a stiff knee.
Despite having their backs to the wall, Dhoni will take comfort from history. In the seven series that he has featured in as captain, twice India were in danger of conceding a series going into the last Test. But on both occasions - against South Africa in 2008 and in February this year - India managed to register a victory and avoid losing the series.
But both those instances were at home. Will Dhoni and his boys be able to convert the Oval into a home away from home?
Dhoni provides script for 'half-hour serial'
Whenever any of India's international cricketers are asked about how they react when they see something about them on television or read what's written in the newspapers, most of them respond: "I don't watch it or read it." Mahendra Singh Dhoni is an exception. At the end of the second Test, Dhoni had refused to comment about the selection problem that had arisen due to Suresh Raina's debut ton while replacing an unwell Yuvraj Singh.
While Dhoni cited "four days of (media) coverage" about it, on Monday also he kept his cards to his chest.
"You have a half-an-hour serial to run today and tomorrow. So I will protect the decision till tomorrow morning," said Dhoni. "Still the speculation will go on and a half-an-hour serial will be there."
Dravid dazzles
Despite producing a dull wicket at the Sinhalese Sports Club last week, Sri Lanka's national curator Anuruddha Polonowita is popular with both teams for one reason. The veteran curator has allowed the teams to practice on the wickets next to the main strip on the eve of the match.
And guess who made the most of it by hitting some lusty blows off the spinners? Not Virender Sehwag, but Rahul Dravid. Let's hope Dravid's change of mindset is carried into the third Test.
Sightscreen poses a problem
Sachin Tendulkar has been very particular about the sight screen. Even the slightest movement behind a bowler's arm bothers the master a lot. Naturally, when he saw an advertising hoarding above a not-too-high sightscreen at the scoreboard end of the P Sara Oval, there was concern.
"We have requested that the screen on the scoreboard end be increased in height because Sachin is short and when you have a taller bowler bowling it becomes tough to sight the ball.," said Dhoni.
One wondered how Sir Don Bradman coped with the sight screen, if there was one, while batting for an Australian XI against the All Ceylon XI at the same venue 62 years ago.
Stumpy arrives
In order to name the mascot of the next year's World Cup, the International Cricket Council had launched an online contest for fans to suggest names. However, the lack cricket fans' imagination came to the fore on Monday as the name of the baby elephant was made public. Stumpy. Yes, that's what the mascot for the showpiece event to be hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will be known as.
While Dhoni cited "four days of (media) coverage" about it, on Monday also he kept his cards to his chest.
"You have a half-an-hour serial to run today and tomorrow. So I will protect the decision till tomorrow morning," said Dhoni. "Still the speculation will go on and a half-an-hour serial will be there."
Dravid dazzles
Despite producing a dull wicket at the Sinhalese Sports Club last week, Sri Lanka's national curator Anuruddha Polonowita is popular with both teams for one reason. The veteran curator has allowed the teams to practice on the wickets next to the main strip on the eve of the match.
And guess who made the most of it by hitting some lusty blows off the spinners? Not Virender Sehwag, but Rahul Dravid. Let's hope Dravid's change of mindset is carried into the third Test.
Sightscreen poses a problem
Sachin Tendulkar has been very particular about the sight screen. Even the slightest movement behind a bowler's arm bothers the master a lot. Naturally, when he saw an advertising hoarding above a not-too-high sightscreen at the scoreboard end of the P Sara Oval, there was concern.
"We have requested that the screen on the scoreboard end be increased in height because Sachin is short and when you have a taller bowler bowling it becomes tough to sight the ball.," said Dhoni.
One wondered how Sir Don Bradman coped with the sight screen, if there was one, while batting for an Australian XI against the All Ceylon XI at the same venue 62 years ago.
Stumpy arrives
In order to name the mascot of the next year's World Cup, the International Cricket Council had launched an online contest for fans to suggest names. However, the lack cricket fans' imagination came to the fore on Monday as the name of the baby elephant was made public. Stumpy. Yes, that's what the mascot for the showpiece event to be hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will be known as.
Australians worried about preparedness
Ever since the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has made its probe report public, revealing improprieties and poor quality execution of 15 Commonwealth Games (CWG) projects, it's been flooded with unusual calls. Foreigners, especially from Australia, have been calling up the commission to find out whether it would be safe to visit India for the Commonwealth Games.
"Every day we are getting desperate calls from foreigners. Many Australians have called up to enquire whether the quality of the construction work is substandard. They seemed concerned and wanted to know whether it would be safe to visit India," a CVC official said, wishing to remain anonymous.
"We have been telling them they need not worry at all since the problem is not as big as it is made out to be," the official added.
However, this is not to be mistaken as calls from the Australian government or athletes from that country.
The CVC inquiries into burgeoning allegations of corruption in Commonwealth Games projects have raised an alarm in India, with the government expressing serious concern over the poor quality work at various sites.
But the vigilance commission has maintained that inspections were carried out by its chief technical examiner's wing in a routine manner and it was not the final investigation report.
"Every day we are getting desperate calls from foreigners. Many Australians have called up to enquire whether the quality of the construction work is substandard. They seemed concerned and wanted to know whether it would be safe to visit India," a CVC official said, wishing to remain anonymous.
"We have been telling them they need not worry at all since the problem is not as big as it is made out to be," the official added.
However, this is not to be mistaken as calls from the Australian government or athletes from that country.
The CVC inquiries into burgeoning allegations of corruption in Commonwealth Games projects have raised an alarm in India, with the government expressing serious concern over the poor quality work at various sites.
But the vigilance commission has maintained that inspections were carried out by its chief technical examiner's wing in a routine manner and it was not the final investigation report.
Monday, August 2, 2010
OC officials call for executive board meeting
In the wake of the Central Vigilance Commission and the Commonwelath Games Federation's call for obtaining quality assurance certificates for all Games' venues, key members of the Delhi 2010 Organising Committee have called for an emergency meeting of the OC's executive, putting pressure on OC chairman, Suresh Kalmadi.
In a letter to the executive, IOA secretary general, and OC vice-chairman, Randhir Singh, said the allegations in the media were "grave", and that the Board must meet within 48 hours to find a resolution to the existing issues plaguing the Games.
Randhir reportedly has the backing of OC treasurer, Anil Khanna, and IOA vice-president, V K Malhotra. There were also unconfirmed reports that Kalmadi has agreed to the demand, and the meeting will be held on August 5.
In a letter to the executive, IOA secretary general, and OC vice-chairman, Randhir Singh, said the allegations in the media were "grave", and that the Board must meet within 48 hours to find a resolution to the existing issues plaguing the Games.
Randhir reportedly has the backing of OC treasurer, Anil Khanna, and IOA vice-president, V K Malhotra. There were also unconfirmed reports that Kalmadi has agreed to the demand, and the meeting will be held on August 5.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
BCCI refuses grant for the Games
The BCCI 's Working Committee formally rejected the request for financial assistance to the tune of Rs. 100 crore for the Commonwealth Games. In 2007, the Board's constitution was amended to enable them "to assist financially or otherwise and to promote, encourage, advance and develop and generally assist the game of cricket or any other sport."
The Board has already contributed Rs. 50 crore to the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF). However, when tax authorities have suggested that the Board should have taken permission from the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBTD) in advance. With the matter being before a tribunal, the Board didn't want to commit Rs 100 crore to the Games.
Kalmadi's repeated attacks on the Board, which he has called "very commercial," did not help. The negative publicity surrounding the Games, and the lack of clarity on how the money would be spent, were also factors in reaching the decision, a Board source revealed.
The Board has already contributed Rs. 50 crore to the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF). However, when tax authorities have suggested that the Board should have taken permission from the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBTD) in advance. With the matter being before a tribunal, the Board didn't want to commit Rs 100 crore to the Games.
Kalmadi's repeated attacks on the Board, which he has called "very commercial," did not help. The negative publicity surrounding the Games, and the lack of clarity on how the money would be spent, were also factors in reaching the decision, a Board source revealed.
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