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."
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