Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Swimming camp from July 1
GUWAHATI, June 23 – The Dolphin Swimming Club will start its swimming coaching camp from July 1, a press release states. Admission forms can be collected from the club office.
ACA shortlists players
GUWAHATI, June 23 – The Assam Cricket Association today shortlisted 33 players from a list of 77 in the ongoing women’s coaching camp. The camp, meant for both senior and junior players, gor under way on June 20 under the supervision of national player Deveika Sathe.
Noted sportsperson Binoy Medhi passes away
GUWAHATI, June 23 – Noted sportsperson and organiser Binoy Medhi died at his Noonmati residence here today. He was 65.
A former captain of the Assam volleyball team, Medhi was an employee of the Guwahati Refinery since 1972 and retired as manager of the Fire and Safety Department. He was the chief organiser of the Noonmati Bihu Sanmilan.
He was also secretary of the Guwahati Sports Association and was closely associated with the Assam Volleyball Association, the Assam Cricket Association, the Assam Football Association along with several State level sports organisations.
Orginally hailing from Loharghat, Mirza, Medhi was a leading citizen of Noonmati area and his death has cast a pall of gloom among the people of the locality.
His body was taken to the GSA office today where organisations like GSA, ACA, AFA, Sports Journalists, Assam Table Tennis Association, Youngstar Football Coaching Centre paid floral tributes to him.
The Assam Olympic Association and the Assam Sepak Takraw Association have also condoled the death of Medhi. He leaves behind his wife, three sons and a daughter.
http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/details.asp?id=jun2409/Sports1
A former captain of the Assam volleyball team, Medhi was an employee of the Guwahati Refinery since 1972 and retired as manager of the Fire and Safety Department. He was the chief organiser of the Noonmati Bihu Sanmilan.
He was also secretary of the Guwahati Sports Association and was closely associated with the Assam Volleyball Association, the Assam Cricket Association, the Assam Football Association along with several State level sports organisations.
Orginally hailing from Loharghat, Mirza, Medhi was a leading citizen of Noonmati area and his death has cast a pall of gloom among the people of the locality.
His body was taken to the GSA office today where organisations like GSA, ACA, AFA, Sports Journalists, Assam Table Tennis Association, Youngstar Football Coaching Centre paid floral tributes to him.
The Assam Olympic Association and the Assam Sepak Takraw Association have also condoled the death of Medhi. He leaves behind his wife, three sons and a daughter.
http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/details.asp?id=jun2409/Sports1
Gayle, Sarwan wary of depleted Indian side
Kingston, June 23 (PTI): The Indian team sports a distinctly depleted look in absence of Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Zaheer Khan but West Indies captain Chris Gayle said he would not make the folly of underestimating the visitors in the forthcoming four-match ODI series starting on Friday.
After arriving here from England along with Ramnaresh Sarwan, Jerome Taylor and Xavier Marshall, Gayle said India maybe without some of the star players but West Indies would do well not to take them lightly.
“It is never a walk over against India. There are a lot of guys still there to give us a lot of trouble, so we just have to stick to the game plan and make it a successful one,” Gayle said.
The hosts themselves have seen quite a few changes in their squad with pace spearhead Fidel Edwards missing the tournament with a back injury.
The West Indies selectors added Darren Bravo, younger brother of Dwayne, in the 13-member squad in which Runako Morton and Narsingh Deonarine replaced Lendl Simmons and Kieron Pollard.
“There are a few changes in the squad, there is Darren Bravo and Deonarine coming in and it is a good opportunity for them to play an important part against India,” Gayle said.
Senior batsman Sarwan also agreed that even a depleted India would prove a difficult challenge for the hosts in the series.
“The Indians are a very good one-day team and while they may be without a couple of their players, they will prove to be a handful for us,” Sarwan said.
“But we are in good form and have confidence in our abilities and hopefully, beginning Friday, we can get a good start to the series,” added Sarwan.
On his personal form, the right-hander said, “I don’t think I have too much problem with my form, it’s just unfortunate in the 20/20 game you don’t have too much overs. But apart from that, I am pretty confident and I am hitting the ball well.”
Gayle, meanwhile, was proud of the West Indies’ performance in the Twenty20 World Cup even though he rued not advancing beyond the semifinals.
“It was a pretty decent performance. We tried our best but in the end it was not to be. But I am not disheartened. In fact, I am proud of the guys, as at the championship, not many were expecting us to reach that far,” said Gayle.
“The aim was to bring home the trophy and make everyone happy, especially the fans. Having said that, however, it was a wonderful experience, one that I think will serve the team well going into the future and one that should serve us well when we host the next World Twenty20 Championship here in the Caribbean,” added the skipper.
Meanwhile, Indian team sources said they were not aware of Mahendra Singh Dhoni warning his players not to hide injuries or niggles ahead of the one-day series against the West Indies.
http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/details.asp?id=jun2409/Sports
After arriving here from England along with Ramnaresh Sarwan, Jerome Taylor and Xavier Marshall, Gayle said India maybe without some of the star players but West Indies would do well not to take them lightly.
“It is never a walk over against India. There are a lot of guys still there to give us a lot of trouble, so we just have to stick to the game plan and make it a successful one,” Gayle said.
The hosts themselves have seen quite a few changes in their squad with pace spearhead Fidel Edwards missing the tournament with a back injury.
The West Indies selectors added Darren Bravo, younger brother of Dwayne, in the 13-member squad in which Runako Morton and Narsingh Deonarine replaced Lendl Simmons and Kieron Pollard.
“There are a few changes in the squad, there is Darren Bravo and Deonarine coming in and it is a good opportunity for them to play an important part against India,” Gayle said.
Senior batsman Sarwan also agreed that even a depleted India would prove a difficult challenge for the hosts in the series.
“The Indians are a very good one-day team and while they may be without a couple of their players, they will prove to be a handful for us,” Sarwan said.
“But we are in good form and have confidence in our abilities and hopefully, beginning Friday, we can get a good start to the series,” added Sarwan.
On his personal form, the right-hander said, “I don’t think I have too much problem with my form, it’s just unfortunate in the 20/20 game you don’t have too much overs. But apart from that, I am pretty confident and I am hitting the ball well.”
Gayle, meanwhile, was proud of the West Indies’ performance in the Twenty20 World Cup even though he rued not advancing beyond the semifinals.
“It was a pretty decent performance. We tried our best but in the end it was not to be. But I am not disheartened. In fact, I am proud of the guys, as at the championship, not many were expecting us to reach that far,” said Gayle.
“The aim was to bring home the trophy and make everyone happy, especially the fans. Having said that, however, it was a wonderful experience, one that I think will serve the team well going into the future and one that should serve us well when we host the next World Twenty20 Championship here in the Caribbean,” added the skipper.
Meanwhile, Indian team sources said they were not aware of Mahendra Singh Dhoni warning his players not to hide injuries or niggles ahead of the one-day series against the West Indies.
http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/details.asp?id=jun2409/Sports
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Michael Owen desperate for move
LONDON, June 14: Michael Owen’s management company have compiled a brochure on the striker in a bid to win him a move back to the top flight. Wasserman Media Group has sent the document, which highlights the strengths of the former Liverpool man over a reported 34 pages, to a select group of top-flight clubs.
Owen has struggled with injury since joining Newcastle from Real Madrid in 2005 and has fallen out of the England frame.
The 29-year-old is out of contract this summer and, following Newcastle's relegation from the Premier League, is looking for a transfer to revive his flagging career.
Sam Rush, chief operating officer of WMG, told Sunday Mirror Sport: “As one of the world's leading sports agencies, Wasserman regularly utilise comprehensive documentation and audio-visual material to illustrate the benefits of our clients. “Although there has been interest from abroad, Michael has told us that he would prefer to stay in the Premier League. “In the week after the season ended, we prepared a document showing all the information an interested club would require and this was circulated to a select group.
“We also included a medical report and answers to frequently asked questions as well as a review of his commercial benefits and international name awareness.” (Agencies)
Friday, June 12, 2009
English soccer coach starts training local boys
GUWAHATI, June 11 – Eric Winstanley, an UEFA ‘A’ licence holder coach from England started his training course to a batch of State footballers of under 16 years of age at the Nehru Stadium here today.
Eric, who arrived here yesterday, will look after the technical and tactical sided of the players apart from developing their physical fitness. While Erich has been sponsored by West Virginia, USA based FS Sports, Bharti Airtel has provided the playing kits to the trainees. Till today 25 youngsters have joined the 15-day camp organized by the Assam Football Association.
Talking to this correspondent Erich said he has been a professional football coach and has the experience of coaching in Africa and Europe apart from in the English Premier League.
He promised to share his experience among the youngsters here and hoped all the players from this region will be able to make it to the international arena.
He advised the players from this part of the world should go to play in Europe in order to gain the required exposure. Without playing in big league no player can gain experience, which is very important for raising the standards.
Earlier, the camp was formally inaugurated by State Sports Minister Bharat Chandra Narah in a well attended function. Sports Director Sanjeeb Gohain Baruah, veteran sportspersons Pulin Das, Suren Ram Phookun, Dr Sarat Dutta, Nripendra Narayan Singha, Airtel official Tridip Sarma along with AFA officials and a host of sports loving people were present in the opening ceremony presided over by AFA president Hemendra Nath Brahma. AFA secretary Ankur Dutta gave detail about the camp.
Young State footballer Alen Deori, who recently represented the Indian team in the AFC U-13 Football Festival in Tehran was felicitated by the AFA. Sports Minister presented him Rs 10,000 for his achievement. Alen scored one goal against Sri Lanka and three against Maldives in the meet.
http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/details.asp?id=jun1209/Sports5
Eric, who arrived here yesterday, will look after the technical and tactical sided of the players apart from developing their physical fitness. While Erich has been sponsored by West Virginia, USA based FS Sports, Bharti Airtel has provided the playing kits to the trainees. Till today 25 youngsters have joined the 15-day camp organized by the Assam Football Association.
Talking to this correspondent Erich said he has been a professional football coach and has the experience of coaching in Africa and Europe apart from in the English Premier League.
He promised to share his experience among the youngsters here and hoped all the players from this region will be able to make it to the international arena.
He advised the players from this part of the world should go to play in Europe in order to gain the required exposure. Without playing in big league no player can gain experience, which is very important for raising the standards.
Earlier, the camp was formally inaugurated by State Sports Minister Bharat Chandra Narah in a well attended function. Sports Director Sanjeeb Gohain Baruah, veteran sportspersons Pulin Das, Suren Ram Phookun, Dr Sarat Dutta, Nripendra Narayan Singha, Airtel official Tridip Sarma along with AFA officials and a host of sports loving people were present in the opening ceremony presided over by AFA president Hemendra Nath Brahma. AFA secretary Ankur Dutta gave detail about the camp.
Young State footballer Alen Deori, who recently represented the Indian team in the AFC U-13 Football Festival in Tehran was felicitated by the AFA. Sports Minister presented him Rs 10,000 for his achievement. Alen scored one goal against Sri Lanka and three against Maldives in the meet.
http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/details.asp?id=jun1209/Sports5
Thursday, June 11, 2009
TT camp begins at Duliajan
DULIAJAN, June 10 – A 15-day advance table tennis coaching camp began at the Oil India Indoor Stadium here today under the aegis of the Duliajan Club.
Former international player Montu Ghosh is imparting training to 60 players in the camp, which will be concluded on June 25.
http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/details.asp?id=jun1109/Sports6
Former international player Montu Ghosh is imparting training to 60 players in the camp, which will be concluded on June 25.
http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/details.asp?id=jun1109/Sports6
Assam boy shines in UK school cricket
GUWAHATI, June 10 – Ashirbad Hazarika, a student of the Assam valley School was invited to play for the Rossall School, Fleetwood, Lancashire in UK and played in the school’s main eleven this season with a great deal of success.
According to Thomas Root, master in charge cricket and deputy headmaster of the school, Ashirbad played for a period of two months and a successful player of the school team’s pre-season tour to Sussex. The main strike bowler of the team Ashirbad has taken enough wickets to qualify for the Wisden book, which will be published in 2010, wrote Thomas Root.
http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/details.asp?id=jun1109/Sports5
According to Thomas Root, master in charge cricket and deputy headmaster of the school, Ashirbad played for a period of two months and a successful player of the school team’s pre-season tour to Sussex. The main strike bowler of the team Ashirbad has taken enough wickets to qualify for the Wisden book, which will be published in 2010, wrote Thomas Root.
http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/details.asp?id=jun1109/Sports5
Bengal enter Santosh Trophy final
CHENNAI, June 10 (PTI): A brace from Gouranga Biswas helped Bengal defeat Services 2-0 in the semi-finals and reach the title round of the 63rd Santosh Trophy for the National Football Championship, here today.
With this win, Bengal also avenged last year’s 1-4 humiliation to Services at the same stage. They now await the winner of tomorrow’s semi-final between Tamil Nadu and Goa in Sunday’s title round.
Chirag United mid-fielder Gouranga headed Bengal into the lead in the 35th minute against the run of play. A powerful drive from the hardworking PC Lalwmpuiya was headed beyond Services goalkeeper Sujan Suku.
Buoyed by the goal, Bengal went on the offensive and gave Services some anxious moments.
Last year’s runners-up too came up with some chances of their own but S Raleng, who was instrumental in Services moving to the final in the previous edition, and Gordon Zoramchhana wasted them. They were also guilty of holding on to the ball for far too long and thereby wasting some good opportunities.
The Bengal players broke free on a counter attack and an unmarked Gouranga beat Mahesh Rai and then placed the ball past an onrushing Suku for the team’s insurance goal.
http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/details.asp?id=jun1109/Sports1
With this win, Bengal also avenged last year’s 1-4 humiliation to Services at the same stage. They now await the winner of tomorrow’s semi-final between Tamil Nadu and Goa in Sunday’s title round.
Chirag United mid-fielder Gouranga headed Bengal into the lead in the 35th minute against the run of play. A powerful drive from the hardworking PC Lalwmpuiya was headed beyond Services goalkeeper Sujan Suku.
Buoyed by the goal, Bengal went on the offensive and gave Services some anxious moments.
Last year’s runners-up too came up with some chances of their own but S Raleng, who was instrumental in Services moving to the final in the previous edition, and Gordon Zoramchhana wasted them. They were also guilty of holding on to the ball for far too long and thereby wasting some good opportunities.
The Bengal players broke free on a counter attack and an unmarked Gouranga beat Mahesh Rai and then placed the ball past an onrushing Suku for the team’s insurance goal.
http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/details.asp?id=jun1109/Sports1
Monday, June 8, 2009
Liverpool launches football centre in Pune
PUNE, June 8 (PTI): English Premier League giants Liverpool today launched their first football centre in the country in tie-up with Abhijeet Kadam Memorial Foundation here.
The ‘Abhijit Kadam Football Development Centre’, to be based within the campus of Bharati Vidyapeeth University here, will allow aspiring young footballers combine their studies with football under the guidance of Liverpool FC coaches.
The students enrolled at the centre will be taught a number of football related courses, which are to be delivered in partnership with some leading colleges in United Kingdom.
The courses include, coaching, refereeing, Sports Science, Sports Turf technology and Football Industry Management. Most of the curriculum will be delivered in Pune but students will be offered the chance to complete some of their studies in the UK. The centre will open its doors to students in September.
Cheshire-based international football company, Kickworldwide, and Bharati Vidyapeeth University here are the other two partners of the Anfield team in the project.
Liverpool Commercial Director Ian Ayre said, “This project brings football with first class education and an ambition to feed the Indian game. It’s certainly an exciting start and one of a variety of key projects that Liverpool will unveil in the Indian market over the coming months.”
The launch was also attended by All India Football Federation General Secretary Alberto Colaco.
http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/details.asp?id=jun0909/Sports1
The ‘Abhijit Kadam Football Development Centre’, to be based within the campus of Bharati Vidyapeeth University here, will allow aspiring young footballers combine their studies with football under the guidance of Liverpool FC coaches.
The students enrolled at the centre will be taught a number of football related courses, which are to be delivered in partnership with some leading colleges in United Kingdom.
The courses include, coaching, refereeing, Sports Science, Sports Turf technology and Football Industry Management. Most of the curriculum will be delivered in Pune but students will be offered the chance to complete some of their studies in the UK. The centre will open its doors to students in September.
Cheshire-based international football company, Kickworldwide, and Bharati Vidyapeeth University here are the other two partners of the Anfield team in the project.
Liverpool Commercial Director Ian Ayre said, “This project brings football with first class education and an ambition to feed the Indian game. It’s certainly an exciting start and one of a variety of key projects that Liverpool will unveil in the Indian market over the coming months.”
The launch was also attended by All India Football Federation General Secretary Alberto Colaco.
http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/details.asp?id=jun0909/Sports1
PARIS: Roger Federer gloriously completed a career Grand Slam on Sunday by capturing a record-equalling 14th major with a 6-1, 7-6 (7/1), 6-4 win over Robin Soderling in the French Open final.
The 27-year-old world number two finally won a Roland Garros crown at the 11th attempt and in his fourth successive final having come up heartbreakingly short in the last three showdowns against Spanish nemesis Rafael Nadal.
Blog: Federer, the greatest ever
His victory, ironically over the Swedish 23rd seed who shocked four-time Nadal in the last 16, took him level with great friend Pete Sampras as the holder of 14 Grand Slam titles.
He also moved into a select group made up only of Fred Perry, Don Budge, Rod Laver, Roy Emerson and Andre Agassi as men who have won all four of the Grand Slam events.
"It was probably my greatest victory, I was under big pressure. I did it and it's phenomenal," said Federer who broke down in tears after being presented with the trophy by Agassi, the 1999 champion, and while the Swiss national anthem was played.
Soderling, who has now lost 10 times in 10 meetings with Federer, admitted the Swiss was a deserving winner.
"Roger was too good for me today, he played much better. He is a worthy winner and for me he is the best player in history," said Soderling.
"He gave me a lesson in how to play tennis."
Any doubts over Federer's ability to overcome his Paris jinx were quickly dashed as the Swiss star, playing in a record-equalling 19th Grand Slam final and riding a tidal wave of support, dominated Soderling.
He broke the first game on a Soderling double fault and was soon a second break to the good to lead 4-0 when a sweetly-timed drop shot left the Swede stranded behind the baseline.
Soderling, the first Swede in the Roland Garros final since his coach Magnus Norman finished runner-up to Gustavo Kuerten in 2000, stopped the rot with a hold to trail 4-1, but Federer quickly nipped further ahead to 5-1.
Soderling's uncompromising forehand, which was a dagger to the heart of Nadal, was looking more like a blunt instrument in the damp and chilly conditions.
His service game crumbled again in the seventh game as Federer claimed the opening set.
It had taken just 23 minutes with the Swiss losing just two points on serve.
The final was then delayed by a worrying security breach during the fourth game of the second set with Federer ahead 2-1.
A spectator, dressed in red, waved a flag of the Barcelona football club in the world number two's face before he was wrestled off Court Philippe Chatrier by security guards.
But the Swiss star wasn't disrupted from his elegant stride, either by the intruder or the rain which started to steadily fall.
Although Soderling slowly rediscovered his service power, it was Federer who was comfortably dictating the points and he fired down four aces in the tie-break to open up a two-sets lead.
He was a break ahead in the third set to lead 1-0 before Soderling carved out, and squandered, his first break point of the match in the fourth game.
Federer then sent down his 16th ace of the tie to stretch to 4-2.
He came out to serve for a place in history but faltered to 30-40 with a wild, running forehand.
With pregnant wife Mirka looking anxiously on, he averted the crisis and went to match point with a confident volley and claimed victory when Soderling netted a service return after 1hr 55min on court.
Federer slumped to the Paris clay in celebration and in tears as he secured his place as arguably the greatest player of all time.
toi
The 27-year-old world number two finally won a Roland Garros crown at the 11th attempt and in his fourth successive final having come up heartbreakingly short in the last three showdowns against Spanish nemesis Rafael Nadal.
Blog: Federer, the greatest ever
His victory, ironically over the Swedish 23rd seed who shocked four-time Nadal in the last 16, took him level with great friend Pete Sampras as the holder of 14 Grand Slam titles.
He also moved into a select group made up only of Fred Perry, Don Budge, Rod Laver, Roy Emerson and Andre Agassi as men who have won all four of the Grand Slam events.
"It was probably my greatest victory, I was under big pressure. I did it and it's phenomenal," said Federer who broke down in tears after being presented with the trophy by Agassi, the 1999 champion, and while the Swiss national anthem was played.
Soderling, who has now lost 10 times in 10 meetings with Federer, admitted the Swiss was a deserving winner.
"Roger was too good for me today, he played much better. He is a worthy winner and for me he is the best player in history," said Soderling.
"He gave me a lesson in how to play tennis."
Any doubts over Federer's ability to overcome his Paris jinx were quickly dashed as the Swiss star, playing in a record-equalling 19th Grand Slam final and riding a tidal wave of support, dominated Soderling.
He broke the first game on a Soderling double fault and was soon a second break to the good to lead 4-0 when a sweetly-timed drop shot left the Swede stranded behind the baseline.
Soderling, the first Swede in the Roland Garros final since his coach Magnus Norman finished runner-up to Gustavo Kuerten in 2000, stopped the rot with a hold to trail 4-1, but Federer quickly nipped further ahead to 5-1.
Soderling's uncompromising forehand, which was a dagger to the heart of Nadal, was looking more like a blunt instrument in the damp and chilly conditions.
His service game crumbled again in the seventh game as Federer claimed the opening set.
It had taken just 23 minutes with the Swiss losing just two points on serve.
The final was then delayed by a worrying security breach during the fourth game of the second set with Federer ahead 2-1.
A spectator, dressed in red, waved a flag of the Barcelona football club in the world number two's face before he was wrestled off Court Philippe Chatrier by security guards.
But the Swiss star wasn't disrupted from his elegant stride, either by the intruder or the rain which started to steadily fall.
Although Soderling slowly rediscovered his service power, it was Federer who was comfortably dictating the points and he fired down four aces in the tie-break to open up a two-sets lead.
He was a break ahead in the third set to lead 1-0 before Soderling carved out, and squandered, his first break point of the match in the fourth game.
Federer then sent down his 16th ace of the tie to stretch to 4-2.
He came out to serve for a place in history but faltered to 30-40 with a wild, running forehand.
With pregnant wife Mirka looking anxiously on, he averted the crisis and went to match point with a confident volley and claimed victory when Soderling netted a service return after 1hr 55min on court.
Federer slumped to the Paris clay in celebration and in tears as he secured his place as arguably the greatest player of all time.
toi
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Under-fire IOA finally forms Hockey India
NEW DELHI: Amidst concerns and threats from the International Hockey Federation (FIH) of stripping away India's participation rights from international events, the IOA on Wednesday formally announced the formation of 'Hockey India', a unified body comprising men and women's association.
Indian Olympic Association President Suresh Kalmadi said Hockey India was formed on May 20 after the IOA received a warning letter from FIH on May 5.
The FIH had expressed concerns about the existence of two hockey federations in the country and set a 15 day deadline to act or else not only lose the hosting rights of next year's World Cup but also their participation rights in FIH events.
"I am very happy to inform you that Hockey India has been formed. The nine member committee met five times and discussed the issue and finally formed Hockey India," he told reporters.
"The Government of India and FIH has been apprised of the development," he added.
The IOA has formed a nine-member committee under the chairmanship of IOA Joint Secretary Harish Sharma to look into the matter and gave full powers to it to take decision on hockey matters.
Apart from Sharma, other members of the committee include Athletics Federation Chief Lalit Bhanot, Avinash Kohli, Table Tennis Federation President MC Chowhan, Vidya Stokes, Amrit Bose, Mohammad Aslam Khan, Rajiv Mehta and Rakesh Gupta.
After a series of meetings, the nine-member committee finally decided to amalgamate men's and women's hockey under one roof by the name of Hockey India which already has been provisionally recognised by the IOA and registered with the Registrar of Societies.
The governing council of Hockey India consists of seven members with former Indian Boxing Federation chief AK Matto as the President, Vidya Stokes as Senior Vice President, Mohammad Aslam Khan as Secretary General, Narendra Batra as Treasurer and Harish Sharma, Rajeev Mehta and Mushtaq Ahmed as members.
Kalmadi, who was also the chairman of the ad-hoc committee which ran hockey affairs in the country for almost a year after KPS Gill-led Indian Hockey Federation was dissolved, said the Hockey India will work with all the state Olympic Associations to ensure one hockey unit for all the states and then conduct election of the Body within six months of its registration under the supervision of an FIH observer.
"The committee will assess and work with all the states to govern and administer the functions to form a single unit at the state level and then conduct election within six months under an FIH observer," he said.
Asked why Mattoo, who was never a hockey official, was chosen as the acting President of Hockey India, he said, "Be sure Mattoo will not run for the President post. We brought him temporarily keeping in mind his vast experience in sports management. He is there to form the base of Hockey India till it is on its feet."
Mattoo, who was the boxing federation President for 16 years, said his priority in the new assignment would be to conduct the elections of Hockey India as early as possible.
He said as per the constitution he has 10 members units ready, he would call for the elections without further delay.
"I am not looking for any recognition. I will talk to the states and the moment I have 10 units I will hold the elections without wasting any time.
He said he is open to gender equality in the new body and would float the idea in the coming meetings.
"I think gender equality should be there but that doesn't mean 50-50 participation. It can be 60-40 either way but it has to be worked out in detail," he added.
http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Under-fire-IOA-finally-forms-Hockey-India/articleshow/4613855.cms
Indian Olympic Association President Suresh Kalmadi said Hockey India was formed on May 20 after the IOA received a warning letter from FIH on May 5.
The FIH had expressed concerns about the existence of two hockey federations in the country and set a 15 day deadline to act or else not only lose the hosting rights of next year's World Cup but also their participation rights in FIH events.
"I am very happy to inform you that Hockey India has been formed. The nine member committee met five times and discussed the issue and finally formed Hockey India," he told reporters.
"The Government of India and FIH has been apprised of the development," he added.
The IOA has formed a nine-member committee under the chairmanship of IOA Joint Secretary Harish Sharma to look into the matter and gave full powers to it to take decision on hockey matters.
Apart from Sharma, other members of the committee include Athletics Federation Chief Lalit Bhanot, Avinash Kohli, Table Tennis Federation President MC Chowhan, Vidya Stokes, Amrit Bose, Mohammad Aslam Khan, Rajiv Mehta and Rakesh Gupta.
After a series of meetings, the nine-member committee finally decided to amalgamate men's and women's hockey under one roof by the name of Hockey India which already has been provisionally recognised by the IOA and registered with the Registrar of Societies.
The governing council of Hockey India consists of seven members with former Indian Boxing Federation chief AK Matto as the President, Vidya Stokes as Senior Vice President, Mohammad Aslam Khan as Secretary General, Narendra Batra as Treasurer and Harish Sharma, Rajeev Mehta and Mushtaq Ahmed as members.
Kalmadi, who was also the chairman of the ad-hoc committee which ran hockey affairs in the country for almost a year after KPS Gill-led Indian Hockey Federation was dissolved, said the Hockey India will work with all the state Olympic Associations to ensure one hockey unit for all the states and then conduct election of the Body within six months of its registration under the supervision of an FIH observer.
"The committee will assess and work with all the states to govern and administer the functions to form a single unit at the state level and then conduct election within six months under an FIH observer," he said.
Asked why Mattoo, who was never a hockey official, was chosen as the acting President of Hockey India, he said, "Be sure Mattoo will not run for the President post. We brought him temporarily keeping in mind his vast experience in sports management. He is there to form the base of Hockey India till it is on its feet."
Mattoo, who was the boxing federation President for 16 years, said his priority in the new assignment would be to conduct the elections of Hockey India as early as possible.
He said as per the constitution he has 10 members units ready, he would call for the elections without further delay.
"I am not looking for any recognition. I will talk to the states and the moment I have 10 units I will hold the elections without wasting any time.
He said he is open to gender equality in the new body and would float the idea in the coming meetings.
"I think gender equality should be there but that doesn't mean 50-50 participation. It can be 60-40 either way but it has to be worked out in detail," he added.
http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Under-fire-IOA-finally-forms-Hockey-India/articleshow/4613855.cms
PARIS: World number two Roger Federer was back to his brilliant best as he eased past local favourite Gael Monfils 7-6, 6-2, 6-4 to book his place in the French Open semi-finals on Wednesday.
The Swiss will play his 20th consecutive grand slam semi-final against either Argentine fifth seed Juan Martin del Potro or Spain's Tommy Robredo, seeded 16th.
After three successive matches in which he dropped sets, Federer finally found his groove on Wednesday, much to the frustration of Monfils.
Federer, the hot favourite after four-time champion Rafael Nadal was knocked out in the fourth round, saved a set point in the first-set tiebreak before clinching it 8-6 with a forehand volley winner.
It was then much easier for the Swiss, who is gunning for the only major title to have eluded him.
He broke Monfils in the first and third games of the second set, moving the 11th-seeded Frenchman from left to right and often finishing off the points at the net.
Monfils called on the trainer at change of ends before the decider as he appeared to be in distress.
Federer, who is chasing a record-equalling 14th grand slam crown, snatched the decisive break in the ninth game when the Frenchman netted a forehand.
He put him out of his misery on his first match point with a backhand winner after two hours 10 minutes.
"I was very nervous before this match, yesterday and today," said Federer.
"But I have a lot of experience. I know that when I step on the court, I will play well. Or very well."
Federer ran into a spot of bother when he contested a call following a Monfils dropshot that appeared to be wide. He was briefly booed by the 15,000-capacity Centre Court crowd but normal service quickly resumed.
"It is very important to me, to have the crowd with me," he said.
http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/4614137.cms
The Swiss will play his 20th consecutive grand slam semi-final against either Argentine fifth seed Juan Martin del Potro or Spain's Tommy Robredo, seeded 16th.
After three successive matches in which he dropped sets, Federer finally found his groove on Wednesday, much to the frustration of Monfils.
Federer, the hot favourite after four-time champion Rafael Nadal was knocked out in the fourth round, saved a set point in the first-set tiebreak before clinching it 8-6 with a forehand volley winner.
It was then much easier for the Swiss, who is gunning for the only major title to have eluded him.
He broke Monfils in the first and third games of the second set, moving the 11th-seeded Frenchman from left to right and often finishing off the points at the net.
Monfils called on the trainer at change of ends before the decider as he appeared to be in distress.
Federer, who is chasing a record-equalling 14th grand slam crown, snatched the decisive break in the ninth game when the Frenchman netted a forehand.
He put him out of his misery on his first match point with a backhand winner after two hours 10 minutes.
"I was very nervous before this match, yesterday and today," said Federer.
"But I have a lot of experience. I know that when I step on the court, I will play well. Or very well."
Federer ran into a spot of bother when he contested a call following a Monfils dropshot that appeared to be wide. He was briefly booed by the 15,000-capacity Centre Court crowd but normal service quickly resumed.
"It is very important to me, to have the crowd with me," he said.
http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/4614137.cms
Safina sets semifinal date with Cibulkova
PARIS, June 2: Facing match point in the quarterfinals, Maria Sharapova was no longer focused on winning her first French Open title. She merely wanted to win a game.
That she did. A weary, rusty Sharapova barely averted a shutout but lost on Tuesday to Dominika Cibulkova 6-0, 6-2.
Cibulkova was one point from victory at 5-love in the second set before Sharapova finally found her form. She won that game and then another, hitting a flurry of winners and saving four match points before Cibulkova closed out the win.
Sharapova was playing in just her second tournament after a layoff of nearly 10 months because of a right shoulder injury. The three-time Grand Slam champion had 27 unforced errors to nine for the No. 20-seeded Cibulkova, a Slovak who advanced to her first major semifinal.
Cibulkova’s opponent on Thursday will be top-ranked Dinara Safina, who rallied to beat Victoria Azarenka 1-6, 6-4, 6-2.
That she did. A weary, rusty Sharapova barely averted a shutout but lost on Tuesday to Dominika Cibulkova 6-0, 6-2.
Cibulkova was one point from victory at 5-love in the second set before Sharapova finally found her form. She won that game and then another, hitting a flurry of winners and saving four match points before Cibulkova closed out the win.
Sharapova was playing in just her second tournament after a layoff of nearly 10 months because of a right shoulder injury. The three-time Grand Slam champion had 27 unforced errors to nine for the No. 20-seeded Cibulkova, a Slovak who advanced to her first major semifinal.
Cibulkova’s opponent on Thursday will be top-ranked Dinara Safina, who rallied to beat Victoria Azarenka 1-6, 6-4, 6-2.
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