Amritraj rubbishes TA's IPL-Davis Cup analogy

BANGALORE: Vijay Amritraj, the man who led India to two Davis Cup finals in 1987 and 74, reacted with a mixture of shock and sadness to Australia's decision to pull out of the Asia-Oceania Group I third round tie in Chennai next month.

"This is a first that any team is refusing to travel to India for a Davis Cup tie. It has never happened and shouldn't have happened," Amritraj, who has worn many hats including that of Indias sporting ambassador, said.The closest we came to anything like this was in 1973, when we asked the ITF permission to play Pakistan at a neutral venue.

Permission was granted and we played them in Kuala Lumpur. Obviously what happened in 1974 when we conceded the Davis Cup final was a political situation, and that needs to be viewed differently."Amritraj rubbished Australia's stand of Chennai and India being "unsafe", particularly during the election period. "That Chennai is not safe is farfetched," the US-based Amritraj said.

"We've been having an ATP Tour event in Chennai for 14 years, and 90 per cent of the participants are foreigners and Australians have played there too."The world situation is such that greater and greater attention is being paid to security and I don't think we would've taken any chances on that. We had government backing too."

The Aussies had sought to explain their stand by constantly comparing the Davis Cup situation to the Indian Premier League which was moved out of the country because it clashed with elections.Amritraj, however, wasn't buying any of that.

He said: "The Davis Cup will take a maximum of one week (the actual event including the draw is 4 days) to conduct. Its two teams with a maximum of 10 members each, including the support staff. Its limited to one city, one stadium. With the IPL the geography, the time and the amount of personnel required is far greater. You cannot even compare the two events."

On the flip side India is through to the World Group play-offs in September, the draw for which will be made on May 12. "We're now in the relegation round," Amritraj said. "But this is no way to make it. This is not the way that we wanted to contest the World Group play-offs."

http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/4452543.cms?TOI_Sports_mostread

Prakash Amritraj advances in Greece challenger

RHODES (Greece): India's Prakash Amritraj and Rohan Bopanna advanced while Somdev Devvarman made a first round exit at the 85,000 euros Association o
f Tennis Professionals (ATP) challenger.

India's No. 1 Somdev was shown the door by French Edouard Roger-Vasselin, who won 6-3, 6-2.

Prakash thrashed Canadian qualifier Pierre-Ludovic Duclos 6-4, 6-0 to set up a second round meeting with Russian Michail Elgin.

Boppana, who qualified for the main draw, trounced wildcard Theodoros Angelinos 6-1, 6-2.

http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Prakash-Amritraj-advances-in-Greece-challenger/articleshow/4464644.cms

Indians make winning start in World TT Championship

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Indians make winning start in World TT Championship

New Delhi, Apr 28 (PTI) Indian paddlers got off to a spectacular start in the World Table Tennis Championship as all the six players including new woman national champion Kumaresan Shamini spanked their respective opponents with 4-0 scoreline in their opening matches of qualifying round in Yokohama, Japan today.

Shamini drubbed New Zealander Garmet Debbie, while in men's singles former national champion Subhajit Saha overcame El Mak Osama Ahmed of Sudan on the opening day of the eight-day tournament.

Sourav Chakraborty defeated Nepal's Rakesh Maharjan, while A Amal Raj thumped Jimenez Daniel of Costa Rica.

Pathik Mehta got the walkover from B Daniel of Malta.

In women's singles, former national champion Poulomi Ghatak tamed Nyberg Hanna of Finland and her doubles partner Mouma Das outplayed Hoppert Andrea of Honduras.

Madhurika Patkar spanked Finland's M Vastavuo, while Kasturi Chakraborty sent S Thiphakone of Laos packing.

All the Indian paddlers will play their second and final match of the qualifying round tomorrow.

Meanwhile, in the mixed doubles category, both the Indian pairs in contention -- Amal Raj-Madhurika Patkar and Pathik-Kasturi -- got byes in the preliminary round.

Olympian paddler Achanta Sharath Kamal will start his campaign in the men's singles category on Thursday, against Wang Jianfeng of Norway in the main draw. PTI

Nadal wins Barcelona title

BARCELONA, April 26: Rafael Nadal won his 35th career title and fifth in a row at the Barcelona Open here on Sunday as the number one pounded fellow Spaniard David Ferrer 6-2, 7-5 in the final.

The victory comes on the back of Nadal securing five consecutive Monte Carlo titles a week ago as the 22-year-old’s clay dominance shows no signs of slowing ahead of the French Open and a possible fifth there as well.

Nadal’s title triumph was a re-run of the 2008 edition, where he also beat Ferrer and marks the fourth all-Spanish Barcelona final in the past five years.

Nadal becomes the seventh consecutive home champion at the Real club.
The top seed did suffer a minor blemish as he lost his first three service games of the week, the second set being more competitive as the first four games went against the server.

But once he gathered himself together, the mighty Nadal finally secured a break for 6-5 and served out victory in one and three quarter hours on his second match point.

Nadal will have no time to celebrate as he heads directly for the Rome Masters which begins on Monday. A year ago, a patently exhausted Nadal lost in his opening second round match to Juan Carlos Ferrero. (Agencies)

Mohun Bagan beat Churchill Brothers to win in Super Cup

Gurgaon, April 26: A late strike from Jose Ramires Barreto guided Mohun Bagan to their third trophy of the season, beating I-League champions Churchill Brothers 2-1 in the one-off Super Cup tie at the Devilal Sports Complex here on Sunday.

Federation Cup winners Mohun Bagan took the lead in the 21st minute through NS Manju’s header but an own goal from Dipak Mondal in the 45th minute neutralised the advantage. It was then left to Brazilian striker Baretto who nodded in the 88th minute to score the winner for the Kolkata team. Having lost badly in their last two matches against Mahindra United and Kuwait SC (in AFC Cup), nothing less than a win could have been apt for Mohun Bagan to cap off the season. (Agencies)

Sania Mirza rises in WTA rankings

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Sania Mirza rises in WTA rankings

NEW DELHI: Her poor singles form notwithstanding, Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza rose seven places to 93rd spot in the WTA rankings issued on Monday.


Sania, who crashed out in the second round of the Family Circle Cup last week, has 692 ranking points.

In doubles, however, Sania has dropped to 60 th with 1696 points.

In the ATP rankings, Leander Paes gained a spot to fifth with 6980 points, while Mahesh Bhupathi remained static at ninth with 5795 points.

http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/4424988.cms

Australia refuse to send Davis Cup team to India

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Australia refuse to send Davis Cup team to India

MELBOURNE: Australia will not send its Davis Cup team to India for next month's tie because of security concerns, Tennis Australia (TA) said on Satur
day, knowing the country could now face a year-long ban and substantial fine.

TA had appealed the International Tennis Federation's (ITF) decision to keep the May 8-10 Asia/Oceania group I tie in Chennai, citing security concerns.

The ITF on Friday, however, rejected the appeal and upheld the decision of the Davis Cup committee to keep the tie in the southern Indian city, which is considered by Indian authorities to be a safe destination.

The ITF had based its original decision to keep the tie in India after a review by its security consultants.

"The ITF decision has left us with no other option," Tennis Australia president Geoff Pollard said in a statement.

"We cannot send the team. It is extremely disappointing.

"It would be irresponsible of us to send our players into an area of such high risk. Davis Cup is very important to us but some things are more important than tennis."

Security in the sub-continent has been called into question following the ambush of the Sri Lanka cricket team's bus in Lahore, Pakistan, last month.

The incident triggered concern that sport could become a target for more attacks in south Asia. India also remains nervous after Islamist militants killed more than 150 people in a three-day attack in Mumbai in November.

The Indian cricket board moved the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 league to South Africa after the government said providing security would be a problem due to clash of dates with the general election.

Davis Cup captain John Fitzgerald said he was angry with the ITF's decision and pointed to events surrounding the election that suggested security forces were being stretched.

"It is just irresponsible. Surely some thought must be given to the players' safety," Fitzgerald said.

"I believe they say the election is not a cause for concern, the IPL moving is not relevant and that an ATP tournament held in January shows it is safe to play in Chennai.

"So what about the fact that dozens of people are being killed along the campaign trail of the election? A train was hijacked this week, but that does not alter their thoughts? Did the IPL move for no reason?

"This decision makes no sense. We have worked so hard to get back in to World Group contention, to have it snatched away like this is gut wrenching."

Under Davis Cup rules, TA now could be banned from the competition for 12 months and face a substantial fine.

Three weeks ago the ITF banned the city of Malmo from hosting future Davis Cup ties for five years and fined Swedish tennis officials $25,000 after the host nation decided to stage the World Group tie against Israel behind closed doors.

http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Australia-will-not-travel-to-India-for-Davis-Cup-tie/articleshow/4447027.cms

Ind-Aus Davis Cup tie to stay in Chennai: ITF

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Ind-Aus Davis Cup tie to stay in Chennai: ITF

New Delhi, Apr 24 (PTI) The International Tennis Federation (ITF) today rejected Australia's plea to shift next month's Asia-Oceania Group I Davis Cup tie against hosts India out of Chennai over security grounds.
The ITF today upheld the decision to stage the India-Australia encounter in Chennai from May 8-10 after Tennis Australia has appealed to the international body to reconsider its decision on the venue following Aussie players reluctance to travel to India due to security fears.

However, the ITF has made it clear that they were satisfied with the security situation in Chennai.

"The ITF Board of Directors has upheld the decision of the Davis Cup Committee regarding the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Asia/Oceania Zone Group I third round tie between India and Australia," an ITF statement said.

"The tie will take place at the SDAT Tennis Stadium in Chennai on May 8-10. The location and venue was previously approved by the Davis Cup Committee following a positive report from the ITF's security consultants," the statement added.

Meanwhile, reports in Australian media said that the nation could face a year's ban and a penalty of USD 100,000 if it decides to skip the tie, adding Lleyton Hewitt and Chris Guccione were contemplating of withdrawing their names from the touring squad. PTI

AIFF defers decision on ‘Goal 2011’ Project to April 24

NEW DELHI, April 17 (PTI): The All India Football Federation will take a final decision on April 24 on the ambitious ‘Goal 2011’ Project which envisages 27 players training continuously under national coach Bob Houghton for 19 months from July to prepare for the 2011 Asian Cup without any club commitments.

After a meeting of I-League club representatives with the AIFF top brass here today, Houghton said the clubs were “generally supportive” of the Project though they have reservations on some matters.

Under this plan which is expected to cost the AIFF Rs 400 million, 27 players will be barred from playing any domestic tournaments, including I-League and Federation Cup, for two seasons to prepare for the Asian Cup which will be held in Doha in January 2011.

They will train under Houghton from July 2009 onwards and will receive the same salary they were getting from their clubs from the AIFF.

“We have heard views of club representatives and they are generally supportive of the plan. They want the betterment of Indian football. They know that 2011 Asian Cup is very important for Indian football. AIFF Executive Committee will take a decision on April 24,” Houghton said after the meeting.

Out of the 12 I-League teams this season, nine – Dempo, Churchill Brothers, Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mohammedan Sporting, JCT, Mahindra United, Air India and Mumbai FC – have agreed the plan in principle.

Hamburg ousts Man City to reach UEFA Cup semis

MANCHESTER, April 17 (AP): Hamburg eliminated Manchester City to reach the UEFA Cup semifinals, surviving a 2-1 loss in England to advance 4-3 on aggregate.

Hamburg held a 3-1 lead after the first leg in Germany, and Paolo Guerrero extended the advantage by scoring after 12 minutes. But Elano responded four minutes later from the penalty spot and Felipe Caicedo scored City’s second in the 50th yesterday.

Elano had a free kick hit the woodwork in each half, as City couldn’t score the third goal needed to force the match into extra time.

“It’s unbelievable, to get to the semifinals is fantastic,” Hamburg coach Martin Jol said. “I think we were the better team at home, and the first half (tonight) we were probably the better team. The penalty was also harsh but the crowd was fantastic and they’ve got some good players.”

City was reduced to 10 men in the 75th when defender Richard Dunne was shown a second yellow card for hauling down Ivica Olic.

Despite becoming one of the world’s richest clubs after being bought up by an Abu Dhabi investment group last September, the loss means City will end the season without a title and should make it tougher for the club to attract big-name players in the offseason. City looks likely to miss out on European football next season, sitting in 11th place in the Premier League.

“We had a lot of chances and we didn’t take them, we should have been more clinical,” midfielder Stephen Ireland said. “I think Caicedo had a few clear-cut chances and didn’t finish them, the same with Micah Richards.

“We have to have that spirit every week. We have to pick ourselves up. We’ve got to get seventh (in the league) if we can and not let this destroy our season.”

Hamburg didn’t look content with its first-leg advantage, starting aggressively and extending its advantage in the 12th when Guerrero fired a low shot past Shay Given.

Hyderabad safe for badminton WC: BWF

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Hyderabad safe for badminton WC: BWF

NEW DELHI: After the green signal from the security experts commissioned by the Badminton World Federation (BWF), Hyderabad is all set to stage a successful World Championships from August 10 to 16. "The experts concluded that the Gachibowli Stadium is far more safer than some previous venues. For example, Jakarta, which hosted the Thomas Cup, carried more risk of an attack than Hyderabad," confirmed VK Verma, president of the Badminton Association of India.

"There have been growing concerns after the Mumbai attacks and the recent terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in neighbouring Pakistan. Therefore, it was important to dispel fears," Verma, who is also the vice-president (Asia) of BWF, added.

Sydney-based Intelligent Risks Pvt Ltd, in its Security Risks Assessment & Recommendations, which TOI has a copy of, has pointed out that "the overall terrorist risk level for the Championships ranges between very low and medium" and if proper security measures are taken, the threat will be minimum. Besides, the fact that badminton doesn’t hold the same profile as cricket and hockey in the country is a comfort.

"The presentation was made at the executive board meeting in Basel last month. The BWF was extremely pleased with the findings and have given the go-ahead to the member countries. We have been asked to make arrangements for a large number of athletes and coaches. We are expecting 64 athletes each for the five events and around 100 coaches," said Verma. "We will get the final entries by July 1."

Verma added that the joint director general of Andhra Pradesh, Durga Prasad, who is also the president of the AP Badminton Association, will facilitate the protection of the hotels, transport and entry into the stadium. The Hyderabad Police Academy cadets and home guards will control access to the stadium.

Source: TOI

Saina Nehwal drops to 10th, Chetan, Arvind rise in rankings

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Saina Nehwal drops to 10th, Chetan, Arvind rise in rankings

NEW DELHI: Ace shuttler Saina Nehwal's first round exit in the Asian Badminton Championship has pushed the Hyderabadi girl two places down the rung a
t 10, even as Chetan Anand climbed one spot in the latest ranking issued on Thursday.

Saina, who rose to the eighth spot riding on her quarter-finals appearance in the Indian Open recently, faltered in the first round of the Asian badminton Champion. The 20-year-old shuttler lost 21-14, 14-21, 12-21 against Jiang Yanjiao of China.

In contrast, Chetan, who also lost in the first round going down 13-21, 19-21 to lesser known Japanese Kozai Kazuteru, managed to rise one spot, while Arvind Bhat who decided to take a break to regain his complete fitness also gained a place to 27th spot.

Meanwhile, P Kashyap, who reached the quarter-finals of the Asian badminton Championship before losing to fourth seed Chinese Bao Chunlai ranked 35th, while Anand Pawar who was ousted in the second round figured at the 49th place.

However, Indian mixed doubles pair of Jwala Gutta and V Diju retained their number 10 spot in the latest ranking.

Source: TOI

Triumphant Indian team arrives home

NEW DELHI: The triumphant Indian hockey team, which won the Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia after a gap of 13 years, returned home to a warm reception on Indian captain Sandeep Singh holding Sultan Azlan Shah Trophy along with other team-mates arrives at IGI Airport.

The Indian team contingent, including coach in-charge Harendra Singh, was received at Indira Gandhi International Airport by officials and a few well-wishers.

IOA-appointed ad-hoc committee member AK Mattoo and ad-hoc selection panel chairman Ajit Pal Singh were there at the airport to receive the team members.

India regained the Azlan Shah Cup after 13 years after beating Malaysia 3-1 in the final in Ipoh on Sunday.

Captain Sandeep Singh said the team's next target was to do well in the Asia Cup next month.

"It was a good performance by the team. Even before going for the tournament we knew we had a good team and we were confident. The next target is Asia Cup," he said.

Praising SV Sunil, who stayed back with the team despite his father's demise, Sandeep said, "Sunil is a true soldier. Even in that situation he wanted to stay back. We dedicate the win to his father."

Harendra expressed satisfaction with the victory but said the boys will have to improve if they want to do well in other tournaments.

"It was satisfying (to win the Cup) but we need to improve a lot. We would sort out the problems in the camp before the next assignment," he said.

The team touched down at the airport at around 2200 hrs. Senior player Dilip Tirkey, who became the most capped international player during the Azlan Shah Cup, said he would want to carry as long as possible and help the team win more tournaments.

"As a senior player there was always pressure to perform. My aim would be to keep playing as long as possible and help the team," said the former captain.

Team manager Dhanraj Pillay said the country can do well under Indian coaches.

"We can do well under Indian coaches. I don't think we need foreign coaches. Indian coaches are better, they have produced great players," he said.

Source: TOI

Bodybuilding meet in Guwahati

GUWAHATI, April 8 – On the occasion of the Rongali Bihu the Noonmati Bihu Organising Committee under the aegis of Kamrup District Bodybuilding and Fitness Association will conduct a prize-money bodybuilding championship at the Noonmati Bihutoli on April 16, a release said.

It will be an open championship for all the bodybuilders of the Kamrup district and the interested players may contact the organizers at the Noonmati Bihutoli office. ASSAM TRIBUNE

India in must-win game against Malaysia

IPOH (MALAYSIA), April 7 (PTI): Stung by the shocking draw against debutants Egypt in the opening match of the Sultan Azlan Shah hockey tournament, India will have to pull up their socks and come out all guns blazing against in-form Malaysia in their second round robin encounter here tomorrow.

India, eight-time Olympic champions, put up a shoddy performance against newcomers Egypt, conceding a last-gasp goal to settle for a 2-2 on Sunday. On the contrary, the hosts’ confidence is sky high after registering back-to-back victories in the five-nation tournament.

Malaysia scampered past Pakistan 3-2 on Sunday before outplaying Egypt 4-1 yesterday and a win tomorrow will seal their place in the final, leaving India, New Zealand and Egypt to slug out for the other spot.

Pakistan, the other team in the event, has already been ruled out of the summit clash after they slumped to their second successive defeat yesterday.

And India could end up joining Pakistan on the sidelines if they don’t win tomorrow’s all-important tie as even a draw won’t help their cause because New Zealand will take on lowly Egypt in the other match.

A win for the Kiwis and defeat or draw for India tomorrow, will more or less take the last year’s runner-up out of the summit clash equation and coach Harendra Singh admitted it was a desperate situation.

“We will continue to play attacking hockey and go for the win. A win tomorrow can only keep us in the fray for the final. We can’t think about any other option,” he said on the eve of the all-important match.

“India has to show their character. We will play simple hockey tomorrow but with confidence,” he added.

Although India (10th) are five spots ahead of Malaysia in world rankings, the Sandeep Singh-led side will have to produce a disciplined performance to crack the hosts, who will be hoping to carry on their winning streak before the home crowd.

Most importantly, pressure would be on veteran Dilip Tirkey-led Indian defence which, in the recent past, has faltered time and again in the dying stages of the match, but Harendra said although it’s a matter of worry, he is more concerned about India’s low rate of penalty corner conversion. ASSAM TRIBUNE

Double delight for Akhtar, recalled for Australia series

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Double delight for Akhtar, recalled for Australia series

Karachi, Apr 6 (PTI) Controversial Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar today made a comeback to the national team after he was named in the 15-member squad for the one-day series against Australia in Abu Dhabi and Dubai from April 22 to May 7.

Apart from his selection in the squad to face Australia, Akhtar was also named in Pakistan's 30 probables for this year's Twenty20 World Cup in England.

Justifying the maverick pacer's selection in the squad, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief selector Abdul Qadir said Akhtar was included in the team after PCB medical panel, consisting of team trainer David Dwyer and Dr Sohail Saleem, gave a green signal about his fitness.

"He did well in the fitness tests conducted by the board and appears match fit. He is an experienced bowler and he is a big boost for the team," Qadir said while announcing the squad.

The fast bowler has played a handful of matches since early 2006 due to fitness and disciplinary problems.

Akhtar recently made a comeback to the national ODI team during the home series against Sri Lanka in January but a disappointing show in the first two matches ensured his ouster for the final match. PTI

PCB keeps Miandad away from international cricket

KARACHI: Former captain Javed Miandad was on Monday reinstated as director general by the Pakistan Cricket Board but has been kept away from international cricket and financial and administrative affairs and will focus on domestic cricket instead.

Miandad had resigned from his position some months back claiming PCB Chairman Ejaz Butt had not given him the authority and powers he had been assured of at first.

Butt had made it clear there would be no come back for Miandad after accepting his resignation but had to bow down to the pressures of influential government officials and reinstate the former skipper as director general of the PCB.

However, Butt has ensured Miandad has got nothing to do with international cricket, selection matters or the national team.

The board issued a press release on Monday stating that Miandad would be supervising domestic cricket's development and development of cricket in Pakistan and would be based in Karachi.

The release also said that Miandad, who has been the national team coach thrice, would be in-charge of women's cricket affairs as per instructions of the PCB Chairman.

"Financial, international and administrative matters will not come under his preview," the release said.

"He will not take up any media assignment while in service with the PCB," the release added.

But Miandad has also been given additional post of special advisor to the Chairman on cricket affairs.

Sources meanwhile said Butt is trying to get a motion moved in the next meeting of the General body in which Miandad and Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam would cease to be members of the powerful governing body.

"Butt has been forced to take Miandad back under pressure to save his own position but apparently he is trying to distance the former captain from all important issues of the board, particularly team and selection matters in which Miandad has past experience," one source said.

http://cricket.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/News/News/PCB-keeps-Miandad-away-from-international-cricket/articleshow/4367224.cms

Hadlee compliment a pleasant surprise: Sachin

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Hadlee compliment a pleasant surprise: Sachin


WELLINGTON: Rated the greatest batsman ever by legendary all-rounder Richard Hadlee, star Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar said the accolade was a pleasant surprise for him, coming from a player of such unquestionable credentials.

Hadlee recently rated Tendulkar even higher than Don Bradman, considering the Indian's staggering success in both the long and short formats of the game.

Tendulkar said it was a rare honour, especially coming from Hadlee, one of the greatest all-rounders to have played the game ever.

"Nobody has ever said like that before. I am happy and satisfied," an elated Tendulkar said.

"This comes as a pleasant surprise and it comes from a personality whose credentials cannot be questioned. I am happy that I played with him on my first tour to New Zealand in 1989," the Indian told a website.

Hadlee had earlier pointed to Tendulkar's mind-boggling achievements while rating him the greatest batsman ever.

"Sir Donald Bradman has been regarded as the greatest player ever. He played just Test cricket. He hasn't played any other forms of the game. Clearly that is understandable.

"But to see Sachin and other players actually adjust to different forms of the game and different conditions all around the world, even though the average is fractionally more than half of the Don's is in itself incredible. You got to respect it," Hadlee had said.

Tendulkar recalled his first encounter with the star Kiwi player and said, "I also cherish that memory. I still remember one moment after the Napier Test. He was giving an interview in a television in which I found he made his debut in 1973. I was born in the same year, which means when he made his debut in Tests, I was just born. Yet I got the opportunity to play against him."

Even the ongoing tour, in which India won the ODI series and is on the verge of clinching the Test rubber as well, has been memorable for him, said Tendulkar.

"This is really a memorable tour for me. We won the series and got an excellent accolade from Sir Richard Hadlee," he added.

Tendulkar had no doubt that the squad under Mahendra Singh Dhoni is a "special" side which was winning regularly abroad.

"No doubt, it's a special team. The most important factor of the team is that we are winning matches regularly in foreign countries", he said.

"Previously we won only at home. Now we have started winning in Australia, West Indies, England, South Africa, Pakistan, almost in every country", Tendulkar said.

"We did not win a Test series in New Zealand in the last 41 years and the whole team had one ambition before coming here. We are happy that we are going back as winners," he said.

Asked if this would be his most memorable win, Tendulkar said, "Not really. But I am enjoying every moment of it. One gets special pleasure for anything he would get for the first time. I would be able to say proudly for the next generation that I was also a part of a team which won a Test in New Zealand."

Source: http://cricket.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/4365614.cms

India's long wait in New Zealand finally ended

WELLINGTON: India recorded their first series triumph on New Zealand soil in 41 years though rain denied them a deserving victory in the third Test on Tuesday. (Watch)

Rain played spoilsport in India's push for a 2-0 series win on the fifth and final day and the hosts escaped with a draw after they were down 281 for eight in the post-lunch session in chase of a near impossible 617 for a win.

The visitors will have to be content with a 1-0 victory in the three-match Test series after India won the first match in Hamilton by 10 wickets and drawing the second in Napier.

Despite the draw, India ended their long wait of 41 years to win a Test series in New Zealand after Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi-led side drubbed the Kiwis 3-1 in 1968.

The Indians, who outplayed the Kiwis throughout the match, were well on course for a victory by conjuring up four wickets in just over a session before light rain stopped play 30 minutes into post lunch session. Daniel Vettori on 15 was at the crease at that time alongwith Iain O'Brien (19).

Source: http://cricket.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/quickiearticleshow/4369078.cms

Indian men to clash for gold in Archery WC

KOLKATA, April 5 (IANS): The Indian men’s recurve team reached the final of the team championship in the World Cup archery meet (Stage 1) at Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.

The top seeds drew a bye in the opening round and went on to annihilate Turkey 222-203 in the quarterfinals before overcoming a strong US 219-215 points in the semis Saturday, according to information received here.

The Indian team, comprising Rahul Banerjee, Mangal Singh Champia and Jayanta Talukdar, is now assured of at least a silver as they lock horns with Britain in the gold medal play-off. The Britons are represented by Laurency Godfrey, Simon Terry and Alan Wills. The women’s compound team, comprising Jhano Hansdah, Bheigybati Chanu and Manjudha Soy, will take on Venezuela in the bronze medal play-off. Earlier, the Indians beat Colombia 207-200 in the quarterfinals but lost to the US in the semifinals at 220-225.

Success eluded the women’s recurve side and men’s compound team. The threesome of Dola Banerjee, L. Bombayla Devi and Reena Kumar, having got the top billing, failed to live up to expectations by going down to Britain by just a point 207-208 in the quarters. The men’s compound outfit, consisting of Khuraijam Ratan Singh, Chungda Sherpa and Chinna Raju Srither, lost to Mexico in the quarterfinals 214-218.

Earlier, Dola Banerjee and Reena Kumari made it to the bronze medal play-off in the women’s individual recurve section to assure India of a medal.

Indian hockey team leave for Malaysia

Bhopal, April 1: An 18-member Indian hockey team led by captaincy of Sandeep Singh today left for Malaysia to take part in the 18th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Hockey Tournament to be played in Ipoh in Malaysia from April 5 - 12.

Before leaving for Malaysia after a 12-day training camp held at Sports Authority of India (SAI) at Goragaon near here, Team India chief coach and former international player Harendra Singh said that five teams Malaysia, Pakistan, India, Egypt and New Zealand are taking part in the tournament.

Expressing confidence about Team India’s success in the tournament, Singh said the team was well-balanced with blend of young and experienced players. The tournament will be played in league-cum-knock out format.

Talking about rigorous training in the camp, Singh said keeping in mind about the modern hockey’s speed and stamina, the players went thorough hard training and the players were shown video clippings of the foreign team to be acquainted with their style of playing and finer points of the game.

Apart from Singh, two assistant coaches former Olympian Ramandeep Singh and former international goal keeper Romeo James also guided the players.

Team India captain and penalty corner specialist Sandeep said the team was buoyed after winning Punjab Gold Cup and the team’s laudable performance in overseas countries like Argentina, Australia and New Zealand.

“Team’s morale is very high and presence of experienced defender Dilp Tirkey, who set a world record of playing 403 international matches, mid-fielder Arjun Halappa, former captain Sardara Singh and full backs V Raghunath and Tushar Khandekar and other senior players, the team is all set to give a good fight in the tournament,” Singh said. The selection committee, headed by former captain Ajit Pal Singh, made two changes in the team last evening. Team India’s field hockey midfielder Vikram Pillay, who had fractured his nose and drag-flicker V Raghunath, who sustained shoulder injuries, were out of the tournament. V S Vinay and Sarwanjeet Singh replaced the duo.

The team is arriving Delhi from here and would leave for Malaysia tonight, sources said.
Following is the team : Baljeet Singh, Adrine D’souza (goalkeepers), Dilip Tirkey (defender), Sandeep Singh (captain), Ajitesh Rai (full back), Ignesh Tirkey, Gurbaz Signh, Prabodh Tirkey, Arjun Halppa, Sardara Singh, V S Vinay (Mid-fielder), Tushar Khandekar, Prabhojyot Singh, Bharat Chikara, Shivendra Singh, S B Sunil, Sarwanjeet Singh and Gurbinder Singh Chandi. Chief coach: Harendra Singh, Assistant coaches: Ramandeep Singh and Romeo James. (Agencies)