‘Sports’ Articles
Written by admin on 21 January 2010
New Delhi, Jan 21 (IANS) International Cricket Council (ICC) endorsed Indian board’s decision not to have any international matches at the Ferozeshah Kotla till the year-end, thus clearing the way for the stadium to host the 2011 World Cup matches.
The Kotla came under cloud after the fifth One-day International between India and Sri Lanka was abandoned because of the ‘unfit’ pitch, as ICC match referee Alan Hurst dubbed it.
The ICC accepted Hurst’s findings but decided not to penalise Kotla between one-two years or fine as per its rule, giving the benefit of doubt since this was the first time that Kotla pitch has come in for any harsh criticism or scrutiny.
‘While the pitch was unfit for international cricket, it is also worth bearing in mind that it is the first time the Ferozeshah Kotla pitch has been rated as unfit, that the ground has a long history of successfully hosting international cricket and that it is scheduled to host matches at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011,’ said ICC’s general manager David Richardson.
In any case, no international matches were scheduled at Kotla for the reminder of this year.
The decision was made by Richardson and chief match referee Ranjan Madugalle after examining both the match referee’s (Alan Hurst) report and the submissions from the Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI), and after considering all the evidence, including studying video footage of the match.
The ICC pitch consultant will inspect the Ferozeshah Kotla ground as soon as possible and oversee a programme of remedial work throughout 2010 designed to ensure the pitch returns to the standard required to host international cricket, in particular, matches in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 as planned, the ICC said.
The decision was relayed to the BCCI Thursday.
‘As part of its investigation, the ICC received a submission from the BCCI assuring it that no international match is scheduled and therefore no international match will be played at the ground until the end of 2010.
‘We acknowledge and endorse the decision by the BCCI not to schedule any international cricket at the ground prior to the end of 2010, which is consistent with our own finding and within the parameters of the relevant regulations that apply,’ Richardson said.
‘We understand that turf pitches, by their very nature, are not and cannot be expected to always behave predictably and that an occasional delivery of unexpected steep bounce, while not ideal especially for limited-overs cricket, is part of the game.’
ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said the council was confident that necessary remedial work would be carried out ahead of next year’s World Cup.
‘It is important now that the work should be carried out and domestic cricket played on the pitch to make sure it returns to the standards required for high-level international cricket.’
‘Let’s not forget, this ground is one of the world’s iconic venues and it’s imperative it stages matches during what is the game’s biggest tournament,’ he said.
Delhi and District Cricket Association heaved a sigh of relief that the ICC did not impose a ban on the Kotla nor any fine.
‘It’s not a ban. There is no fine. We are confident of holding the World Cup matches. There are no international matches scheduled till December 2010 so its okay for us. We are still awaiting the official letter from the ICC,’ DDCA vice-president Chetan Chauhan told IANS.
‘The work to rectify the pitch is going on. It will be ready in another month and a half and we will be holding the IPL matches. In fact, ICC offered us to help with the curators and we welcome that.’
Tags: Alan Hurst, BCCI, benefit of doubt, Cricket, cricket world cup, cricket world cup 2011, cup, david richardson, decision, Delhi, ground, ICC, icc cricket world, icc cricket world cup 2011, india, international cricket council, Kotla, match, New Delhi, pitch, remedial work, Richardson, Sri Lanka, world
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Written by admin on 21 January 2010
Chittagong: India clinched the first cricket Test against Bangladesh with an emphatic 113-run victory to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, despite a rollicking century by wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim that delayed the inevitable.
The Indians, who needed to pick up eight wickets on the last day, took just about two sessions to wrap up the game and make amends for their disappointing batting show in the first innings.
Chasing an improbable 415-run victory target, the hosts resumed on 67 for two and rode on Rahim’s gutsy 101 and Tamim Iqbal’s gritty 52 before folding for 301 in 75.2 overs.
Amit Mishra (4/92), Ishant Sharma (3/48), and Zaheer Khan (2/90) struck at regular intervals to bowl out the hosts at the Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.
The baby-faced Rahim threw his bat at everything hurled at him but that was merely a desperate attempt by a number seven batsman to delay the inevitable.
The diminutive stumper-batsman took 112 balls to hit his maiden Test ton – also the fastest by a Bangladeshi batsman – and was the last man out. Both the team now moves to Mirpur for the last Test starting on Sunday.
Rahim, who came in just before lunch when his side were 135 for five, took the Indian attack by the scruff of its neck, hitting 17 fours and a six.
With this win, India maintained their unbeaten record in Bangladesh. They have now won five out of six matches in Bangladesh, including a drawn Test in 2007.
The Test, which began with a war of words between the two sides after India’s stand-in captain Virender Sehwag had described the hosts as an ordinary side, was also a memorable one for opening batsman Gautam Gambhir who became the only fourth batsman to have scored five successive Test tons.
Sachin Tendulkar also reached the milestone of becoming the only player to score 13,000 Test runs by notching up his 44th hundred, which also earned him Man of the Match award.
An Indian batting collapse on the opening day of the weather-hit match provided some excitement but the Test ultimately ended on expected lines with the visitors scripting a comfortable win.
Chasing a stiff 415, Bangladesh needed 348 from the final day and once they were 136 for five at lunch any hopes of an improbable win had evaporated. Wickets fell at regular intervals with the Indian bowlers applying pressure all day with some impressive show till came the tail.
Using the early movement of the ball due to foggy conditions, Ishant struck twice in the first hour conceding just 11 runs from his seven-over uninterrupted spell to give his side the stranglehold in the Test.
Ishant first removed key batsman Mohammad Ashraful (27) in the fourth over of the day with Rahul Dravid taking a fine catch at the second slip. Bangladesh were 94 for four soon with Ishant striking again in his sixth over, trapping Raqibul Hossain LBW.
Sehwag introduced himself in place of S Sreesanth and immediately removed Tamim Iqbal to reduce Bangladesh to 135 for five. Overnight batsman Tamim went for an unnecessary slash off a Sehwag delivery which shaped away after pitching on the off and the thick edge went straight to Dravid’s safe hands at slip. Tamim, who who resumed the day on 23, faced 122 balls and hit six boundaries in his 52.
Bangladesh, who resumed the post-lunch session on 136 for five, showed no intention of digging their heel and trying to save the match. Captain Shakib Al Hasan perished in the third over after lunch, foxed by an Amit Mishra googly which took the shoulder of his blade for Sehwag to take a head-high catch at silly point.
Mahmadullah (20) hit two fours in the same over of Zaheer Khan but the veteran Indian bowler had the last laugh as he removed the batsman in his next over with wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik collecting the faint edge. Mishra struck twice in quick time to remove Shahadat Hossain (24) and Shafiul Islam (8) before he went on to end Rahim’s heroics.
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Written by admin on 05 January 2010
Auto Expo 2010
Auto Expo 2010 is starting on January 5 at the Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
The Chevrolet Beat will be available in two versions i.e. petrol and diesel versions.
German automaker, Audi, will display its luxury sedan, Audi A7, at the show and it will also unveil the new logo of Audi.
Maruti Suzuki will display the hatchback version of its popular SX4 sedan.The SX4 hatchback is very popular in the European market.
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Written by Rahul on 04 September 2009
Chandigarh, Sep 4 (ANI): Indian batsman Mohammad Kaif has said that he was hopeful of making a come back to the national squad.
Talking to reporters here Kiaf said he was hopeful of making a come back to the national squad.
“You can just perform, that’s only thing in your hand. A lot of players who used to play with me are making a come back. That’s a good thing. Like I said that so many tournaments are taking place that any good performance can provide you a place in team. I am hoping for a come back. I am working hard for this,” he added.
Kaif who represents Air India (Blue) was practising at the nets for Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) corporate cup.
The eight day ‘Inter-Corporate National Cricket Tournament’ featuring 12 corporate teams being held at four centres, is expected to generate employment opportunities for domestic cricket players in India’s corporate houses.
Kaif played last of his 125 one-day internationals on November 2006 against South Africa in Port Elizabeth.
The BCCI corporate cup began simultaneously in Bangalore and Dharamshala on Tuesday.
India declared the squad for the Sri Lanka tri-series followed by the Champions Trophy in August. (ANI)
Tags: air india, Bangalore, champions trophy, corporate houses, Cricket India, cricket players, cricket tournament, day internationals, dharamshala, domestic cricket, employment opportunities, india bcci, india blue, indian batsman, mohammad kaif, national cricket, port elizabeth, South Africa, Sri Lanka, tri series
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Written by Rahul on 04 September 2009
London, Sep.4 (ANI): Premier League champions Manchester United is still the world’s richest sports club.
The club is valued at between 1.3 billion to152 million pounds, which is more than American football’s Dallas Cowboys in a new rich list.
Magazine Forbes believe the Old Trafford side’s value has risen four per cent since 2008 when they were also top.
The richest ten in British pounds are: 1 Man U (1,305m), 2 Dallas Cowboys (1,153m), 3 Washington Redskins (1,080m), 4 New York Yankees (1,050m), 5 New England Patriots (952m), 6 Real Madrid (944m), 7 Arsenal (837m), 8 New York Giants (827m), 9 New York Jets (818m) and 10 Bayern Munich (774m), reports The Sun. (ANI)
Tags: American Cowboys, american football, arsenal, bayern munich, british pounds, dallas cowboys, Forbes, League champions, London, manchester united, New England, new england patriots, new york giants, new york jets, new york yankees, old trafford, premier league, real madrid, rich list, sports club, Sports London, washington redskins
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Written by Rahul on 04 September 2009
London, Sep.4 (ANI): That England football coach Fabio Capello is a stickler for discipline is well known, and who would know better than West Ham striker Carlton Cole, who was left squirming when upset the coach for the first time.
“When you come to the England squad, you soon discover you have to be punctual. Fabio doesn’t stand for lateness and will embarrass you in front of your teammates if you’re not on time for something. I got a taste of that on my first trip to Spain last season. I’m not saying exactly what happened but I learned my lesson,” The Sun quoted Cole, as saying.ole, 25, is adamant he has finally started to take football seriously, after threatening to waste all his early promise.
Cole has yet to start a game for England but hopes to get a return favour from Jermain Defoe this week, after his awful back-pass set up the Spurs striker for a goal against West Ham last month.
He said: “If I can put him in again like that for England, it might get me into the next squad!” (ANI)
Tags: coach fabio capello, discipline, england coach, england football, England London, england squad, favour, first trip, football coach, game, jermain defoe, lateness, London, promise, Spurs, stickler, striker, Sun, teammates, trip to spain, West Ham
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Written by Rahul on 20 August 2009
Dubai, Aug.19 (ANI): The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday confirmed that its Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) had received a report from the Australia team management concerning an approach to one of its players by a man suspected of links to illegal bookmaking.
“There is no evidence of any illegal activity as a result of this approach, which took place following the second Test at Lord’s in July, and the ICC would like to place on record its praise for the player approached and the Australia team management for reporting the issue,” an ICC press release said.
“Approaches to players do happen and it would be naove to assume otherwise; if they did not then there would be no need for the continuing existence of the ACSU. The ICC is confident that all approaches are being reported, it is proud of systems and education processes in place which have created a widespread culture of integrity among the world’s top players and it is pleased those players have confidence in the ACSU to report such matters,” the release added.
“Incidents such as the one reported in the media illustrate the need for constant and ongoing vigilance on the part of players, officials and administrators and there is no scope for complacency. However, thanks to the ACSU, cricket is regarded by other as a world leader in the area of anti-corruption and the ICC wants it to stay that way,” it said further.
“There is no indication that any matches in the current Ashes series or the ICC World Twenty20 2009 have been affected by corruption in any way and the ICC is confident the issue is under control. The ICC does not intend to reveal specifics of any approaches to players because doing so would have the potential to be counter-productive to any investigations and also to relationships of trust the ACSU has developed,” the release said. (ANI)
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Written by Rahul on 20 August 2009
Islamabad, Aug.19 (ANI): Former Pakistan wicket-keeper captain Rashid Latif has said captain Younis Khan has been asking him to join the national team’s coaching staff for the last one year.
In an interview with PakPassion.net, Latif said his commitments with the National Cricket Academy and his family was keeping him away from joining the national team.
“Younis has been asking me for the past year to join the coaching setup for the national team. However I am just so busy with my work at my academies and now the National Cricket Academy in Karachi,” Latif said.
Latif said he is also looking forward for working with team coach Intikhab Alam, but have not decided to join the team yet.
“It would be fantastic to work with Intikhab Alam, a coach who has won 2 World Cups, in fact I would be honoured, but at this moment in time I am undecided about the role and also nobody at the PCB has actually sat down and talked about the role yet with me,” he said.
When asked about the tainted fast bowler Mohammad Asif, he said : “Asif is working very hard and I firmly believe that he has learnt his lessons and after this camp I intend to give Pakistan back the Mohammad Asif that was such a fine bowler, before his problems.”
Rashid applauded young batting sensation Umer Akmal for his brilliant show during the Sri Lanka series, but said he needs to polish his skills to become an indispensable part of the national squad.
“Umar is someone who has not come through the academy system, but that’s not to say that he wont need to work at the academies in future. He’s new to international cricket and teams will already be analyzing his strengths and weaknesses. He’s a fantastic talent and if he continues to work hard on his game he will do very well,” he said. (ANI)
Tags: Akmal, commitments, game, international cricket, intikhab alam, Islamabad, Karachi, Mohammad Asif, moment in time, national cricket academy, Pakistan, PCB, rashid latif, sensation, Sri Lanka, strengths and weaknesses, team coach, Team Coaching, wicket keeper, world cups, younis khan
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Written by Rahul on 20 August 2009
New York, Aug 19 (ANI): Rumours are rife that Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich’s girlfriend Dasha Zhukova is pregnant.
A source has revealed that 28-year-old Zhukova is almost six months pregnant, “but still very active”.
“She and Roman were at the U2 concert at Wembley over the weekend as well as the first match of the new Chelsea (soccer) season,” the New York Post quoted the source as saying.
Zhukova, editor of London’s Pop magazine, has her first issue coming out soon, and her museum, The Garage, is a key venue for the Moscow Art Biennale, which kicks off next month. (ANI)
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Written by Rahul on 14 August 2009
London, Aug.14 (ANI): Former opener Marcus Trescothick has admitted that suggestions he might come out of international retirement for next week’s showdown Ashes Test had given him nightmares.
Trescothick quit international cricket 18 months ago because he suffers from depression and does not want to tour again, but that did not stop suggestions that he might be the man for a crisis at the Brit Oval.
Trescothick, 33, has dismissed the idea and revealed he had woken up early one morning in a cold sweat dreaming about playing for England again.
“There is a nightmare a lot of cricketers experience that they can’t get their pads on when they are due in to bat. My dream was a variation of that. I couldn’t get my England kit out of my bag! The other players were waiting for me on the pitch to do a team photo so I was in a right panic. I woke up in a cold sweat,” the Daily Express quoted him, as saying.
“Perhaps that told me something. It gives me a massive kick that I am still thought good enough to come back and play at international level, but I’ve gone too far down the line in battling my stress problems to change my mind now about ending my England career,” he added.
Trescothick said: “My wife, Hayley, and I did talk about what my reaction should be if I were asked and we ended up having a good chuckle about it. She was prepared to back me if I wanted to play at The Oval and part of us both fancied the thought of getting involved again.”
Trescothick and Mark Ramprakash have been two names touted this week as potential England saviours after the debacle of Headingley, which saw Australia level the series 1-1.
Trescothick, writing in his column in a West Country newspaper, added: “I had a great time playing international cricket and we both have some very happy memories of my days as an England player. But it just didn’t feel right.
“Nothing in me made me feel I had to do it so I came to the conclusion that I don’t want it enough. Andrew Strauss did ring me over the last few days, but it was to ask me to play in a golf day for him. We did talk about England, but there was nothing direct about my involvement and he knows I won’t be reconsidering.” (ANI)
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Written by Rahul on 14 August 2009
Colombo, Aug.14 (ANI): Former Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has criticized selectors for not picking leg-spinner Danish Kaneria for the one-day games, saying the bowler is being wasted by the team management by playing him only in Test matches.
“Kaneria is a very experienced bowler and he has quality about him. I would like to see him playing in Tests and other forms of the game as well,” Mushtaq said.
Mushtaq believed that Kaneria together with off-spinner Saeed Ajmal could form a lethal spin attack for Pakistan in the limited over games.
“Pakistan should take advantage of the fact that they have a seasoned bowler like Danish; he and Saeed Ajmal can form a potent and effective spin pair for Pakistan in Test and ODI games,” The Daily Times quoted Mushtaq, as saying.
Kaneria, who was overlooked in the first two matches of the Sri Lanka series, has taken nearly 250 wickets in the longer version of the game.
He was not considered for the one-day international series and the one-off Twenty20 match even after grabbing five wickets in the first innings of the third Test of the three match series.
When asked about his new assignment as New Zealand’s spin bowling coach, Mushtaq said he accepted the offer as Pakistani cricket administration never contacted him for any coaching job.
“I am a professional and I have to earn my living from somewhere,” he said. (ANI)
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Written by Rahul on 14 August 2009
Tottenham, Aug 14 (ANI): Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe is suing the police claiming that he was “unlawfully” stopped in his Range Rover and held for several hours at a police station in Harlow, Essex.The claim arises out of Defoe’s wrongful arrest for driving whilst disqualified last month,” The Sky News quoted Nick Freeman, Defoe’s solicitor, as saying.
“At the time the police were advised by Defoe, and on no less than five occasions by my office, that Defoe was not disqualified and that his detention was unlawful,” he added.
Freeman further said that Defoe had to face lots of trouble following his arrest and accused the police of misplacing his car.
“Instead, in addition to being locked in a cell, the police were unable to recall where his car had been impounded and were not prepared to return his car keys (which also contained house keys) until he produced documentation to his vehicle,” he added.
Freeman also said that the claim was not for money, but for principle and any damages awarded to Defoe would be donated to charity.
Meanwhile, Essex Police has apologised for the issue, and informed that an official investigation is being carried out to sort of the mistake.
“We’ve formally apologised, acknowledging our mistake, which was due to an inputting error. An internal investigation is under way to determine why this error occurred and to ensure that a similar mistake is not repeated in the future,” an Essex Police spokesman said. (ANI)
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Written by Rahul on 11 August 2009
London, Aug.11 (ANI): Arsenal FC manager Arsene Wenger has offered eight million pounds for Bordeaux strike ace Marouane Chamakh.
Although Chamakh only has a year left on his contract, a Bordeaux insider said Wenger is in for a nasty shock as the French club is holding out for 10 million pounds.
The source said: “Bordeaux are in the driving seat now. Wenger blinked first so they know they have the psychological upper hand.”
Meanwhile, 26-year-old Ivory Coast defender Emmanuel Eboue has agreed to stay with the Gunners, The Sun reports. (ANI)
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Written by Rahul on 11 August 2009
London, Aug.11 (ANI): England and Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney loves the challenge of being his club’s middle man and has vowed to hit manager Sir Alex Ferguson’s 25-goal target in the 2009-10 season.
According to The Sun, the Man U chief wants Roo to repay him with goals for taking center-stage in place of Ronaldo, and Roo’s four goals in pre-season suggest he is ready to step up to the plate.
The former Everton hero believes the extra responsibility since Ronaldo’s departure will not faze him one bit.
Rooney scored 20 in all competitions for United last season and accepts he needs to add more goals to his game this term.
He said: “Of course 25 is a target which I hope I’m going to reach. I’ve always said I should score more and hopefully I’ll do that this season. I’ve got what I wanted. I like to play through the middle.
“The manager has come out now and said I am going to play there throughout the season so I’m delighted with that,” he added. (ANI)
Tags: aims, alex ferguson, center stage, competitions, England, Everton, Fergie, game, Goals, hero, London, manchester united, middle man, ronaldo, Sir Alex Ferguson, Sun, taking center stage, Target, Wayne Rooney
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Written by Rahul on 11 August 2009
London, Aug.11 (ANI): After talks with Bayern Munich general manager Uli Hoeness last weekend, Chelsea FC’s Russian billionaire owner Roman Abramovich will fly to Germany to make a 40-million-pound bid for winger Franck Ribery, The Sun reports.
Abramovich has made it clear that he is willing to pay the most ever by a British club to get Ribery.
A senior Bayern source said: “Uli was taken by surprise by the phone call but was very honest and courteous with Mr. Abramovich. We are still resolved to keep Ribery but Hoeness agreed to meet with Abramovich in Germany to discuss any offer.”
Sun Sport revealed last month, Manchester United and Chelsea will both launch bids for Ribery this summer. United have yet to make an offer and Abramovich has now stolen a march on them.
Ribery, however, has openly declared his preference for Real Madrid. (ANI)
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Written by Rahul on 10 August 2009
Islamabad, Aug 10 (ANI): The International Cricket Council (ICC) has cleared Pakistan players of coming in contact with bookmakers on their recent tour of Sri Lanka.
The ICC said in a statement on Monday that it was satisfied “no evidence of any such contacts exists” after its Anti-Corruption and Security Unit held an investigation following media reports that the visitors had been approached.
“I am pleased those investigations have indicated nothing untoward has taken place on this occasion but it is a reminder that all of us… must maintain our vigilance to ensure we remain on top of the issue of corruption,” ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said in a statement.
The Pakistan Cricket Board informed ICC that it suspected bookmakers were staying on the same floor as their players in the team hotel in Colombo after the tourists lost the test series 2-0 and had lost the first three games of their five-match, one-day series.
Pakistan pulled back to win the final two one-dayers. (ANI)
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Written by Rahul on 09 August 2009
Hyderabad, Aug. 9 (ANI): World Badminton Federation (WBF) on Sunday said that it would not be reviewing security arrangements despite England pulling out of the world championships to be held from Monday in Hyderabad.
“We are not reviewing our security measures. We are following that plan that was set up months ago and implementing that plan because that’s the plan that will make the tournament secure. And there’s absolutely no change in the security measures from yesterday to today,” said Thomas Lund, Chief Operating Officer of BWF.
England pulled out of the world championships on Sunday amid concerns about the team’s security.
Badminton England said in a statement that the decision followed “concerns about the English team potentially being a target of attack in the event of a terrorist act.”
The team had already arrived in India for the championships, but would be returning home immediately.
Meanwhile, Hyderabad police commissioner allayed reports of any inputs of terror threat.
“There is no security problem, as per our information there is no specific threat. But, keeping the overall situation in mind we have made all the security arrangements,” said Prabhakar Reddy, Police Commissioner of Hyderabad.
While, participants also expressed content at the level of security arrangements they are being provided with.
“We are all confident that the local authorities and they will take care of the security here. And make sure all things go accordingly,” said Peter Gad, a Danish player.
The decision comes a day after Union Home Minister P Chidambaram had assurance that that the championships would take place in complete security, and there was no need to have any apprehensions. (ANI)
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Written by Rahul on 26 March 2009
New Delhi, Mar 26 (ANI): The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice President Rajiv Shukla on Thursday said that the South African Government has consented to provide all security measures to the teams participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
“Security precautions would be taken in South Africa. The Government of South Africa has given assurance that foolproof security would be provided to all the IPL players. Since the security concern is a worldwide concept, all relevant security measures would be taken,” Shukla told reporters here.
Shukla further said it was almost impossible for the BCCI to shift the tournament from April to May, as the players are required to report in England after May 24, where the Twenty20 World Cup is being held.
It may be recalled that after the IPL decided to take the tournament outside India due to the general elections in India, the BCCI select South Africa for this year’s edition. (ANI)
Tags: April, Cricket, elections in india, England, foolproof security, General Elections, government of south africa, india bcci, IPL, may 24, New Delhi, premier league, rajiv shukla, security concern, security measures, security precautions, south african government, twenty20 world cup, vice president, worldwide concept
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Written by Rahul on 26 March 2009
Bangalore, Mar 26 (ANI): Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone on Thursday announced that a ten-kilometer marathon would be held here on May 31, 2009.
Padukone, who is promoting the marathon, said she would try to run as much as she could in the marathon.
“I have been practicing yoga for the past few years. I don’t know how much that is going to help me. Maybe not in terms of endurance but definitely in terms of metal strength. In flexibility, I think I have a decent stamina. So, I will try and run as much as I can,” she said.
The marathon has separate categories and different distances are allocated for different categories.
The categories are as follows: World ten-kilometer elite for men and women, nation’s challenge, senior citizen’s run, wheel chair run, and open ten-kilometer run.
A total prize money of 1,55,000 dollars is to be won in this event. (ANI)
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Written by Rahul on 26 March 2009
Beijing, Mar.26 (ANI): Even as Indian capital New Delhi continues to wrestle with the myriad obstacles coming in the way of it hosting the 2010 Commonwealth Games between October 3 and 14, China has announced plans for the global broadcast of XVI Asian Games to be held in the same year.
Though it has held several Games-related review meetings, New Delhi is yet to decide on who is going to handle the coverage of the event.
A Ruffolo Communications press release from southern Guangzhou described the 16th Asian Games as part of the worldwide Olympic movement.
The main broadcasting service of the Games – The Guangzhou Asian Games Broadcasting (GAB) was established on December 31, 2008.
Interim HD broadcasting plans will cover twelve of the leading Asian Games’ events, including the opening and closing ceremonies, athletics, aquatics, gymnastics, badminton, table tennis, basketball (Finals), football (Finals), volleyball (Finals), judo and taekwondo.
The release further goes on to say that compared to the previous Asian Games held in Doha, the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou would increase the HD signal programming of the Games by seven events.
The GAB’s broadcasting signal will be in three modes – HD, SD and ENG. There will be a total of 74 lines of live signals, including 22 lines of HD signals and 52 lines of SD signals with 13 recorded broadcast fields available.
The GAB will be forming 48 broadcast production teams, including three international teams; 43 domestic teams and two standby teams (domestic) which will be in charge of the TV signal production of 42 sports.
Ren Tianhua, Deputy Director of the GACOG Broadcasting and Media Services Department said, “HBS, a high level international producing company with years producing experience, will be invited as the responsible producer of Athletics, Aquatics and Gymnastics. CCTV and Guangdong TV will form the core team for the signal production of 22 other sports. GACOG will be naming experienced TV stations with very good signal producing capabilities in Beijing, Tianjin, Guangzhou and other cities to work together for others sport signal production.”
Ren added that “several domestic and international broadcasting and TV networks want to be involved in the Asian Games’ broadcasting signal production and expects numerous broadcasting and TV outlets to purchase the broadcasting rights of these Games”. He said that GAB plans to hold a signing ceremony in Guangzhou (this May) to name its key broadcast TV partners.
The 16th Asian Games will be held in the “Flower City” of Guangzhou from November 12 – 27, 2010. More than 14,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions will compete in 42 sports. More than 10,000 accredited and non-accredited worldwide media are anticipated to cover the Games with more than three million spectators expected to attend.
In contrast, the Indian Government is still reviewing security arrangements for the Commonwealth Games.
Two days ago, a meeting of the Empowered Security Committee headed by Union Home Secretary and Commonwealth Games Security Review Committee was held take stock of the measures being taken for conducting smooth and incident-free sports extravaganza.
The Indian Home Ministry is still busy with issuing security guidelines at the under-construction sites to all the concerned venue owners for implementation. (ANI)
Tags: 16th asian games, 2010 commonwealth games, basketball finals, broadcast production, broadcasting service, cctv, core team, deputy director, football finals, guangdong tv, guangzhou, gymnastics, hd signals, judo, other sports, producing company, ruffolo, table tennis, tv signal, volleyball finals, worldwide olympic movement
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