Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Defiant Indian Olympic Association to go ahead with Executive Council meeting
New Delhi: 
Undeterred by IOC's refusal to recognise it, the Indian Olympic Association has decided to go ahead with its Executive Council meeting on January 19, a move which could put National Sports Federations in a spot in the wake of the world body's warning not to deal with the IOA.
The IOC, in its latest letter addressed to V K Malhotra, who was the acting IOA chief before the controversy-marred December 5 elections, had warned the NSFs not to associate with the current office bearers, led by Abhay Singh Chautala whom the world body described as "illegitimate individuals".
The IOC had said it would ask the international Federations to take action against such NSFs.
In a circular to the heads of NSFs and state Olympic bodies, a defiant Chautala said the Executive Council meeting would be held as scheduled.
"I am forwarding herewith a letter dated January 14 received from Mr Pere Miro, NOC Relations Director, IOC and Mr Hussain Al-Musallam, Director General and Technical Director, OCA, which has been addressed to Prof Vijay Kumar Malhotra and which has been forwarded by him to me for necessary action," Chautala said in the circular.
"In the Executive Council Meeting to be held on 19th January 2013 our endeavour will be to get back into the IOC and we would like to discuss this letter, so that appropriate action can be taken by us in this regard," he said.
Since the suspension of the IOA on December 4 last on the ground of government interference, the IOC has refused to deal with the office bearers led by Chautala. The world body had declared the the controversy-marred elections held a day after the suspension as null and void.
The IOC, in its latest letter, had also proposed a meeting with the IOA, led by Malhotra, and a government representative while also maintaining that the lifting of the ban on India would be considered only after the elections are held solely under the Olympic Charter.
The IOC still continues to recognise Malhotra as the legitimate head of the IOA.
Undeterred by IOC's refusal to recognise it, the Indian Olympic Association has decided to go ahead with its Executive Council meeting on January 19, a move which could put National Sports Federations in a spot in the wake of the world body's warning not to deal with the IOA.The IOC, in its latest letter addressed to V K Malhotra, who was the acting IOA chief before the controversy-marred December 5 elections, had warned the NSFs not to associate with the current office bearers, led by Abhay Singh Chautala whom the world body described as "illegitimate individuals".
The IOC had said it would ask the international Federations to take action against such NSFs.
In a circular to the heads of NSFs and state Olympic bodies, a defiant Chautala said the Executive Council meeting would be held as scheduled.
"I am forwarding herewith a letter dated January 14 received from Mr Pere Miro, NOC Relations Director, IOC and Mr Hussain Al-Musallam, Director General and Technical Director, OCA, which has been addressed to Prof Vijay Kumar Malhotra and which has been forwarded by him to me for necessary action," Chautala said in the circular.
"In the Executive Council Meeting to be held on 19th January 2013 our endeavour will be to get back into the IOC and we would like to discuss this letter, so that appropriate action can be taken by us in this regard," he said.
Since the suspension of the IOA on December 4 last on the ground of government interference, the IOC has refused to deal with the office bearers led by Chautala. The world body had declared the the controversy-marred elections held a day after the suspension as null and void.
The IOC, in its latest letter, had also proposed a meeting with the IOA, led by Malhotra, and a government representative while also maintaining that the lifting of the ban on India would be considered only after the elections are held solely under the Olympic Charter.
The IOC still continues to recognise Malhotra as the legitimate head of the IOA.
Saurashtra to take on Punjab in Ranji semifinal
RAJKOT: Having beaten Saurashtra in the league stage, Punjab would be aiming for an encore when the two sides ssquare off in the Ranji Trophysemifinals from Wednesday at the SCA stadium, Khandheri.
Punjab captain Harbhajan Singh said he was hoping the team would continue to play good cricket.
"We have done well and therefore we are in the semifinal of the Ranji Trophy and I am hoping that the team will once again play good cricket against Saurashtra," Harbhajan said.
In the league match, Punjab had defeated Saurashtra but the Punjab skipper said he would not be taking the hosts lightly.
"We had done well in the previous match but Saurashtra too is a good side having reached the semifinal," he said.
Punjab batting would revolve around Jivan Jyot Singh, Mandeep Singhand Taruvar Kohli while Harbhajan Singh, Sandip Sharma, Manpreet Singh and Bipul Sharma would spearhead the bowling attack.
While Saurashtra will have the advantage of playing at home, they will miss the Services of Ravindra Jadeja and Cheteswar Pujara as the two are serving for the national side.
Saurashtra will miss Jadeja and Pujara who had done well in the league matches but players like Arpit Vasavada, Sheldon Jackson and Kamlesh Makwana are in good form.
Vasavada and Jackson alongwith Sagar Jogiyani and seasoned Sithanshu Kotak would shoulder the batting responsibility, while pacers Siddharth Trivedi and Jaydev Unadkat would be spearheading the bowling department.
Teams:
Saurashtra: Jaydev Shah (Capt), Sagar Jogiyani, Sitanshu Kotak, Sheldon Jackson, Arpit Vasavada, Rahul Dave, Kamlesh Makwana, Jaydev Unadkat, Siddharth Trivedi, Saurya Sanandiya, Dharmendra Jadeja, Sandip Maniar, Vishal Joshi, Chirag Pathak and Harsh Anghan.
Punjab: Harbhajan Singh (Capt), Mandeep Singh, Jivan jyot Singh, Ravi Inder Singh, Taruvar Kohli, Imitozz Singh, Gurkeet Mann, Uday Kaul, Siddharth Kaul, Sandip Sharma, Manpreet Singh, Sarabjeet Singh, RajVinder Singh, Karan Goel and Bipul Sharma.
AIFF lifts ban on Mohun Bagan, let off with Rs 2 crore fine
NEW DELHI: In a massive reprieve for Mohun Bagan, the All India Football Federation revoked the two-year ban on the club while imposing a meagre fine of Rs 2 crore for abandoning its I-League derby against East Bengal mid-way, last December.
The decision was taken during the AIFF's executive committee meeting, chaired by president Praful Patel.
The I-League's core committee had earlier banned Mohun Bagan from the I-League for two years for breaching of rules.
"The executive committee, after due deliberation, Mohun Bagan will be continue to play in the current season, but they will lose all the 12 points they have earned so far in the league. They will start with zero points and will have to pay Rs 2 crore as compensation," Patel said here.
"There is a panel provision under which the quantum of damage can be decided by the executive committee," he added.
He said the decision was arrived at keeping in mind the larger interest of the sport, the players fans and all stakeholders involved.
Among other decisions related to the contentious issue, no official from Mohun Bagan will be allowed to represent the club in AIFF or I-League meetings in the current calendar year.
"We have also asked them to provide an undertaking that they will never again breach the rules or get involved in an act of indiscipline," Patel said.
I-League CEO Sunanda Dhar will chart out a revised fixture and Mohun Bagan will have to pay the fine before their next match.
Club captain Okolie Odafa's case has been referred to the disciplinary committee of the federation.
Patel, however, made it clear that if any club is found to be flouting with the rules in future, there will be no scope for reconsideration.
"This is a first and last in Indian football. The committee does not mean that we found any merit (in Bagan's plea). We have only reduced the quantum of the punishment."
Mohun Bagan were a goal down against bitter rivals East Bengal in Kolkata when a stone hurled from one of the stands -- apparently aimed at the referee -- hit midfielder Syed Rahim Nabi.
The match resumed after a 13-minute stoppage towards the end of the first half, but Mohun Bagan refused to take the field after the interval as India international Nabi was treated for a fractured right jaw.
The decision to cancel the 12 points has left Mohun Bagan at the bottom of the 14-team league and fighting to avoid relegation, and with Odafe out for at least two matches -- it could be depending more on the disciplinary committee's decision -- the club will have to play really well in the remaining 16 matches to avoid playing in the second division next season.
The president, who is also a union minister, said the club has expressed an unconditional apology.
In other decision, Patel said the AIFF will be inviting bids for two new clubs who will get a direct entry into the I-League 2013-14 season.
"The clubs will be outside Goa and Kolkata as we want to make the league pan-Indian. But the clubs will have to come with the commitment to build infrastructure. Clubs need to have their own stadium. The bids will be finalised in March so that the new teams get an opportunity to choose players," Patel said.
Institutional teams like Air India and ONGC are all set to be scrapped for repeatedly failing to meet the deadlines for fulfilling the AFC's licensing criteria.
"We have been at the receiving end of AFC because of them. We have lost points for earning berths in the Champions League. So, the decision will be taken keeping in the mind the interest of Indian football."
Patel also said that they are going to change rules in the constitution that can have shortcomings.
The decision was taken during the AIFF's executive committee meeting, chaired by president Praful Patel.
The I-League's core committee had earlier banned Mohun Bagan from the I-League for two years for breaching of rules.
"The executive committee, after due deliberation, Mohun Bagan will be continue to play in the current season, but they will lose all the 12 points they have earned so far in the league. They will start with zero points and will have to pay Rs 2 crore as compensation," Patel said here.
"There is a panel provision under which the quantum of damage can be decided by the executive committee," he added.
He said the decision was arrived at keeping in mind the larger interest of the sport, the players fans and all stakeholders involved.
Among other decisions related to the contentious issue, no official from Mohun Bagan will be allowed to represent the club in AIFF or I-League meetings in the current calendar year.
"We have also asked them to provide an undertaking that they will never again breach the rules or get involved in an act of indiscipline," Patel said.
I-League CEO Sunanda Dhar will chart out a revised fixture and Mohun Bagan will have to pay the fine before their next match.
Club captain Okolie Odafa's case has been referred to the disciplinary committee of the federation.
Patel, however, made it clear that if any club is found to be flouting with the rules in future, there will be no scope for reconsideration.
"This is a first and last in Indian football. The committee does not mean that we found any merit (in Bagan's plea). We have only reduced the quantum of the punishment."
Mohun Bagan were a goal down against bitter rivals East Bengal in Kolkata when a stone hurled from one of the stands -- apparently aimed at the referee -- hit midfielder Syed Rahim Nabi.
The match resumed after a 13-minute stoppage towards the end of the first half, but Mohun Bagan refused to take the field after the interval as India international Nabi was treated for a fractured right jaw.
The decision to cancel the 12 points has left Mohun Bagan at the bottom of the 14-team league and fighting to avoid relegation, and with Odafe out for at least two matches -- it could be depending more on the disciplinary committee's decision -- the club will have to play really well in the remaining 16 matches to avoid playing in the second division next season.
The president, who is also a union minister, said the club has expressed an unconditional apology.
In other decision, Patel said the AIFF will be inviting bids for two new clubs who will get a direct entry into the I-League 2013-14 season.
"The clubs will be outside Goa and Kolkata as we want to make the league pan-Indian. But the clubs will have to come with the commitment to build infrastructure. Clubs need to have their own stadium. The bids will be finalised in March so that the new teams get an opportunity to choose players," Patel said.
Institutional teams like Air India and ONGC are all set to be scrapped for repeatedly failing to meet the deadlines for fulfilling the AFC's licensing criteria.
"We have been at the receiving end of AFC because of them. We have lost points for earning berths in the Champions League. So, the decision will be taken keeping in the mind the interest of Indian football."
Patel also said that they are going to change rules in the constitution that can have shortcomings.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Is Delhi hockey-ready?
After the glamorous IPL, which brought fame for many upcoming cricketers, the game of hockey is coming up with its own league, hoping for a similar kind of response from the fans. The inaugural season of the Hockey India League (HIL), starting from January 14, will feature five city
based
franchises, which will compete against each other. Just like the IPL, matches will be played on home and away basis with players from India as well as abroad. The participating teams are Delhi Wave Riders, Mumbai Magicians, Punjab Warriors, Ranchi Rhinos and Uttar Pradesh Wizards. Sardar Singh, Jamie Dwyer, Teun de Nooijer, are some of the marquee players of the league.
After the glamorous IPL, which brought fame for many upcoming cricketers, the game of hockey is coming up with its own league, hoping for a similar kind of response from the fans. The inaugural season of the Hockey India League (HIL), starting from January 14, will feature five city
based
This hockey league can bring both the games of cricket and hockey at par and the youth would definitely like to go for such events...
Garima Bhasin, 20, student, Janki Devi Memorial College
Garima Bhasin, 20, student, Janki Devi Memorial College
It is a very good step, as this would promote hockey, young talent will emerge on the screens and it will give them good exposure
My father used to play hockey, so I am aware about the league that’s coming up. Cricket got famous with IPL, as it drew a lot of attention. Similarly, people might start following hockey because of this league
Hera Rasool, 19, Indraprastha University
Hera Rasool, 19, Indraprastha University
I was not aware that such a league was taking place. It’s always good to promote our national game, it is our duty that we promote every game equally.
Rohan Gautam 23, student
Rohan Gautam 23, student
I am hearing about this league for the first time, but would love to go and watch these games. Hockey is not promoted at the same level as cricket
Gitika Bhasin, 20,student, Janki DeviMemorial College
Gitika Bhasin, 20,student, Janki DeviMemorial College
Nadal’s absence opens up the draw for the guys, says Federer
Nadal’s absence opens up the draw for the guys, says Federer
England is back
England finding that familiarity breeds content in India
Last Wednesday, the England team flew from Delhi to Rajkot on a flight specially chartered by the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
Read more at : http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/international/england/9797624/England-finding-that-familiarity-breeds-content-in-India.html
India's second ODI in Gods Own Country
India desperate for turnaround
India and England teams arrive in Kochi for the second ODI to be played on January 15.
Kochi: Members of India and England teams arrived here on Saturday for the second ODI to be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium on January 15. Despite a disappointing start to the series in Rajkot, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and boys were cheered by thousands upon arrival at the Nedumbassery Airport. The English who flew alongside the hosts in a chartered flight from Rajkot were led out of the Airport by pacer Steven Finn and received equal attention as the men-inblue. The visitors will practice at the venue for two hours on Sunday morning and a three-hour session scheduled for the hosts will follow.
The England team is also expected to address the media later in the evening. BCCI curator P. R. Viswanath visited the venue on Saturday and expressed satisfaction over the condition of the wicket, which is expected to be batting-friendly. The two sides have a long history to renew in Kochi and just four men remain in contention from the time they locked horns here back in April, 2006.
Captain Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Yuvraj Singh were the three players who featured in the match that India won convincingly by four wickets. Kevin Pietersen was the lone Englishman to have done well for his team in that game.
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