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March 31, 2013

Juventus close in on title, Napoli win thriller

Juventus moved a step closer to a second successive Serie A title after winning 2-1 in a pulsating "derby of Italy" at Inter Milan on Saturday, while Edinson Cavani came off the bench to inspire Napoli to a thrilling 5-3 win at Torino.

Bayern crush Hamburg 9-2 to stride towards title

League leaders Bayern Munich demolished Hamburg SV 9-2 with four goals from striker Claudio Pizarro and two from Arjen Robben on Saturday to put one hand on the Bundesliga trophy with seven games to play.

La Liga: Real, Barca draw as Europe takes priority

Barcelona and Real Madrid both drew away against sides battling relegation in La Liga on Saturday as the top two focused their attentions on next week's Champions League quarter-finals.

March 30, 2013

EPL: Own goal helps United move closer to title

A Titus Bramble own goal helped Manchester United edge closer to their 20th league title when they won 1-0 at Sunderland on Saturday to stay 15 points clear of champions Manchester City with only eight Premier League games left to play.

Chiangmai Golf Classic: Bhullar sizzles with 65

Gaganjeet Bhullar made the great charge with a sizzling seven-under 65, the best card of the day, but Thai veteran Prayad Marksaeng fired a majestic six-under-par 66 to open up a commanding five-shot lead over the field at the end of the third day in the inaugural $750,000 Chiangmai Golf Classic in Thailand.

Pistorius set to receive snub from major athletic events

The sporting world is set to snub Oscar Pistorius from major events around the world after a court in South Africa allowed the Olympic and Paralympic star to return to international competition.

German officials welcome cyclist's doping admission

Rider Stefan Schumacher's admission that he had used banned substances was welcomed by the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) and national cycling federation (BDR) on Friday.

March 29, 2013

United SC hold East Bengal
A goalkeeping folly by Gurpreet Singh helped United SC bounce back from behind as they struck twice in three minutes to hold East Bengal 2-2 in their round 22 I-League fixture in Kalyani. England reported to FIFA after Ferdinand racially abused

England have been reported to world governing body FIFA after racist abuse was heard from visiting fans at last week's World Cup qualifier in San Marino.

Newcastle and Wigan assistants fined for clash

Newcastle United assistant manager John Carver and Wigan Athletic first team coach Graham Barrow have been fined 1,000 pounds by the FA following an altercation at halftime in a Premier League match last month.

Mexican weightlifter Soraya Jimenez dies at age 35

Mexican weightlifter Soraya Jimenez, a gold medalist at the Sydney games in 2000, died at age 35 on Thursday from a heart attack, Mexico's Olympic Committee said.

March 28, 2013

NBA: Miami's 27-game win run ends
Miami Heat's 27-game winning streak in the National Basketball Association ended on Wednesday when they were beaten by the Chicago Bulls. Pistorius granted permission to travel abroad

Oscar Pistorius, charged with murdering his girlfriend, was granted permission to travel abroad by a South African judge on Thursday.

March 27, 2013

Saina in race for BWF's Player of the Year Award

Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal has been nominated for the 2012 Female Player of the Year Award of the Badminton World Federation on the back of an impressive performance in the season which had seen her win a bronze medal in London Olympics.

KL squash: Bright start for Pallikal

India's top woman squash player Dipika Pallikal started her campaign in the KL Open tournament on a winning note, beating Lisa Aitken of Scotland in straight sets in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.

March 26, 2013

One leg handicap won't deter Arunima in Everest climb

Arunima Sinha, who lost her left leg after being thrown off a moving train two years ago, is determined to conquer he world's highest peak -- Mt Everest.

March 25, 2013

Russian tycoon Abramovich not detained in US: Spokesman

A spokesman for Roman Abramovich denied a news report on Monday that the billionaire Russian owner of London's Chelsea soccer club had been arrested in the United States.

Delhi leg of Indian Grand Prix athletics postponed
The third and final leg of the Indian Grand Prix, scheduled to be held on April 13, has been postponed due to clash of dates with the Annual General Body Meeting of the Athletics Federation of India. NBA: Miami, without Wade, wins 26th game in a row

If Dwyane Wade had to pick a game to sit out with a bruised right knee, this was the one.

March 23, 2013

Atwal in second place at Louisiana Open

Arjun Atwal moved into overdrive with a six-under 30 on the second nine to climb to second spot in the Chitimacha Louisiana Open in Broussard, United States.

Jeev lies three behind leader in Malaysia

Jeev Milkha Singh gave himself an outside chance to make a bid for the Maybank Malaysian Open with a fine run of five-under through 11 holes in the third round of the tournament that has now been reduced to 54 holes.

Djokovic wins in Miami, while Azarenka withdraws

Novak Djokovic and Maria Sharapova both survived unscathed but the Sony Open lost two other grand slam champions on Friday when Victoria Azarenka and Juan Martin Del Potro exited the Miami tournament.

March 22, 2013

India-Indonesia Davis Cup tie to be played under lights
In a first of its kind, the three-day Asia Oceania Davis Cup tie between India and Indonesia will be played under lights from April 5 to 7 at the KSLTA Tennis Stadium in Bangalore. Junior weightlifters allege harassment at NIS
A 19-year-old weightlifter has been suspended by the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF) for allegedly harassing three junior women weightlifters at the NIS, Patiala. Hodgson cagey on Ferdinand's England future

Roy Hodgson will wait to see if defender Rio Ferdinand has an international future after he withdrew from the squad for the next two World Cup qualifiers, the England manager said.

FIFA fail to agree on age limits

FIFA's executive committee failed on Thursday to agree whether age and mandate limits should be placed on senior officials.

March 21, 2013

Sneijder back as Dutch seek to keep perfect record

Playmaker Wesley Sneijder is relishing being back in the international fold and helping the Netherlands take another step towards World Cup qualification when they host Estonia on Friday.

WC qualifier: Spain face Xavi poser before Finland clash

The main conundrum for Spain coach Vicente del Bosque ahead of Friday's World Cup Group I qualifier at home to minnows Finland is who to deploy in place of Xavi should the injured Barcelona playmaker be ruled out as expected.

France have Georgia, and not Spain, on their mind

France coach Didier Deschamps will ram home the message that his side must focus on beating Georgia on Friday and not think about the looming clash with Spain as their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign takes a decisive turn.

WC qualifier: Germany break with tradition against Kazakhstan

Whether it was Gerd Mueller, Rudi Voeller or Miroslav Klose, Germany have never had a shortage of gifted strikers but when they take on Kazakhstan in their World Cup qualifier on Friday there could be none in their lineup.

WC qualifiers: Roof row heats up Sweden-Ireland clash

Amid accusations of gamesmanship, Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has called for the stadium roof to be left open for Friday's World Cup qualifier in Sweden.

Platini accuses Blatter of attacking European soccer

Michel Platini has accused FIFA president Sepp Blatter of attacking European soccer while defending UEFA's decision to stage Euro 2020 across the continent and its right to question FIFA's reform process.

March 20, 2013

Golf: Chinese schoolboy youngest to get European Tour card
Twelve-year-old Ye Wocheng became the youngest golfer to qualify for a European Tour event when the Chinese schoolboy survived a late wobble to grab a place at the Volvo China Open on Wednesday.

March 19, 2013

Chechen head Kadyrov labels referee a 'donkey'

Terek Grozny could face stiff penalties from the Russian FA after ChechenRepublic head and club honorary president Ramzan Kadyrov insulted the referee following Sunday's 0-0 draw against Rubin Kazan, calling him a "donkey".

March 17, 2013

Aiken gets three-stroke win at Avantha Masters

South African Thomas Aiken held firm against a spirited challenge by local favourite Gaganjeet Bhullar to win his second European Tour title at the Avantha Masters in New Delhi on Sunday.

Azlan Shah: Rupinder double helps India beat Pakistan
Drag-flicker Rupinder Pal Singh struck twice as India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 4-2 in a thrilling match and avoided the wooden spoon in the Sultan Azlan Shah hockey tournament Ipoh on Sunday.

March 16, 2013

South African Aiken soars to three-shot lead in India

South African Thomas Aiken carded a blemish-free round of 10-under-par 62 to grab a commanding three-stroke lead after the third round of the Avantha Masters on Saturday.

Indian boxers settle for bronze at Asian Youth C'ship
Four Indian pugilists had to be content with bronze medals after suffering defeats in the penultimate round of the ASBC Asian Confederation Youth Boxing Championship in Subic Bay, Philippines. Azlan Shah: Malaysia hold India in final league encounter
A controversial penalty stroke enabled Malaysia to hold India to a 2-2 draw in the final round-robin match of the Sultan Azlan Shah hockey tournament in Ipoh on Saturday. Saina storms into Swiss Open semis

Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal was on course for her third consecutive Swiss Open title as she stormed into the semi-finals of the Grand Prix Gold tournament after thrashing Tzu Ying Tai of Chinese Taipei in Basel.

March 15, 2013

Taiwanese athlete loses appeal against IOC election ban

A Taiwanese Olympic gold medallist has lost his appeal against a ruling which barred him from taking part in an election for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) athletes' commission last year.

Avantha golf: Chapchai, Liang share halfway lead in India

Chapchai Nirat of Thailand and China's Liang Wenchong both carded second successive rounds of six-under-par to share a two-shot lead after the second round of the Avantha Masters on Friday.

Indo-Pak hockey series called off after govt's objection

The diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan has yet again spilled over to the sporting arena as the Indian government has refused permission for a home-and-away bilateral hockey series between the two countries on security grounds.

Swiss Open: Saina Nehwal through to quarters

India's ace shuttler Saina Nehwal stormed into the quarterfinals of the Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold badminton tournament with a straight game win over of Petya Nedelcheva of Bulgaria in Basel.

FIFA warns Guatemala on reprieve for match-fixers

Guatemala have been warned they could be suspended by FIFA after three internationals, including two of the country's most-capped players, had life bans for match-fixing overturned.

March 14, 2013

Kashyap bows out of Swiss Open

Parupalli Kashyap crashed out of the Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold badminton tournament after losing to Wei Feng Chong of Malaysia in the men's singles pre-quarter-finals in Basel on Thursday.

Injured Dibaba pulls out of London Marathon

Ethiopia's Olympic 10,000 metres champion Tirunesh Dibaba has withdrawn from next month's London Marathon with a shin injury, organisers said on Thursday.

Thailand's Phadungsil on fire at Avantha Masters

Abhijit Chadha shone bright for India with a flawless opening card in his debut European Tour event but it was Thai youngster Chinnarat Phadungsil who stole the thunder from several stalwarts by turning in a sensational 11-under 61 on Day one of the Avantha Masters golf tournament in Greater Noida on Thursday.

IOC fixes date for meeting with IOA, Sports Ministry
The International Olympic Committee has fixed the dates of the joint meeting with the Indian Olympic Association and Sports Ministry in the second week of next month to find a way towards resolving the issues that led to the country's ban from the Olympic family. Pellegrini lauds players for staying focused on football

Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini praised his players for keeping their focus through a turbulent period for the Qatari-owned club after they eliminated Porto on Wednesday to advance to the Champions League last eight on their debut in the competition.

Saina regains No 2 ranking, Kashyap rises to No 7

London Olympics bronze medalist Saina Nehwal regained second place while Parupalli Kashyap continued his upward progress, earning two places to reach seventh in the latest world badminton rankings, on Thursday.

Glasgow CWG to incorporate best practices of Delhi Games

Organisers of next year's Glasgow Commonwealth Games are introducing some of the "best practices" of the 2010 New Delhi Games, Senator Hugh Segal, Canada's Special envoy for CWG renewal, said.

Swiss Open: Saina, Kashyap reach pre quarterfinals

Ace Indian shuttlers Saina Nehwal and Parupalli Kashyap reached the pre-quarterfinals of the Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold after notching up contrasting victories in the women's and men's singles competitions in Basel.

Indian Wells: Kvitova out, Kirilenko and Sharapova advance

Erratic serving cost Petra Kvitova dearly as the fifth-seeded Czech was knocked out of the BNP Paribas Open by Russian Maria Kirilenko on Wednesday, losing 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the quarter-finals.

Dropping wrestling from Olympics unjustified: Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that wrestling should not be excluded from the Olympics, suggesting its ancient roots made it an integral part of the programme.

Seventeen athletes face bans after blood profile changes

Seventeen athletes face doping bans after abnormalities were detected in the International Association of Athletics Federations' (IAAF) biological passports which track changes in their blood profiles.

New Pope suffers for Argentine soccer club San Lorenzo

The new pope, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, is not above the passion his countrymen share for soccer and is an avid a fan of San Lorenzo, one of Argentina's top clubs.

Lobby group urge Armstrong to make full confession

Disgraced U.S. cyclist Lance Armstrong has been personally urged to make a full confession of all his involvement in doping by the founder of the lobby group Change Cycling Now.

March 13, 2013

Solskjaer sees Giggs as future manager at United

Ryan Giggs has the potential to manage Manchester United when Alex Ferguson eventually calls it a day, according to his former team mate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Former Arsenal boss reckons Wenger has lost his touch

Arsenal's Arsene Wenger has lost his touch in the transfer market and the standard of players at the club has fallen, the club's former manager George Graham said on Tuesday.

March 12, 2013

Suarez would be greatest not to win award: Gerrard

Liverpool's Luis Suarez will be the greatest player not to win one of England's player of the year awards if he is overlooked this season, according to his captain Steven Gerrard.

Benitez abuse affects players, says Chelsea's Mikel

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel believes fan negativity is affecting the players at the Premier League club.

Palermo sack Gasperini for second time this season

Palermo sacked coach Gian Piero Gasperini for the second time in a season on Monday as owner Maurizio Zamparini desperately battles to avoid the drop.

Reading sack manager McDermott

Reading have sacked manager Brian McDermott after a difficult first season back in the Premier League, the club said on Monday.

Usain Bolt, Jessica Ennis win top Laureus Awards

Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt and British heptathlete Jessica Ennis won the Laureus World Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Awards on Monday following their success at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Wrestling part of European Games despite Olympic snub

Wrestling officially became part of the inaugural 2015 European Games on Tuesday despite being axed from the 2020 Olympic Games last month by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Arundhati clears 1st hurdle at Swiss Open qualifiers
India's Arundhati Pantawane made a winning start in the qualifying round of the Women's singles event at the Swiss Open Badminton Championship while compatriot Tanvi Lad made an early exit.

March 11, 2013

Bayern's Ribery ruled out against Arsenal

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has been ruled out of their Champions League round of 16 second leg at home to Arsenal on Wednesday after picking up an ankle injury in the league on Saturday, the club said in a statement.

'Action will be taken if Vijender is found guilty'

Union Sports Minister Jitendra Singh, on Monday, said that appropriate action will be taken against Olympic bronze-medallist Vijender Singh only if the boxer is found guilty in the drug scandal that has rocked Indian boxing.

Lahiri climbs to 2nd in Asian Tour Order of Merit

Rising Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri's successful consecutive title triumph at the SAIL-SBI Open on Sunday helped him climb to the second spot in the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

Ronaldo double lifts Real to second in La Liga

Real Madrid followed up Tuesday's Champions League success at Manchester United by climbing above beaten city rivals Atletico into second in La Liga when Cristiano Ronaldo struck twice in a 2-1 win at second-bottom Celta Vigo on Sunday.

Stricker's generosity helps Tiger to victory

Steve Stricker could be forgiven for regretting he helped Tiger Woods with his putting before the WGC-Cadillac Championship, but after losing to him by two shots on Sunday, Stricker said he simply did what golfing buddies do.

Millwall and Blackburn fail to break FA Cup stalemate

Millwall and Blackburn Rovers fought out a goalless stalemate in a scrappy FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday with both the Championship (second tier) sides going into the semi-final draw.

Late Gerrard penalty gives Liverpool win over Spurs

Liverpool ended Tottenham Hotspur's 12-match unbeaten Premier League run when a late Steven Gerrard penalty gave them a 3-2 win at Anfield on Sunday after the visitors led 2-1 with little more than 20 minutes to play.

FA Cup: Chelsea fight back to earn replay with United

Holders Chelsea came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Manchester United on Sunday and earn a replay of their FA Cup quarter-final, inflicting further pain Alex Ferguson's side who have endured a week to forget.

March 10, 2013

Gurmeet wins bronze in 20km walk in Japan
Olympian Gurmeet Singh on Sunday won a bronze medal but Khushbir Kaur had to be content with a fourth-place finish in the Asian 20km Walking Championship, held at Nomi City, Japan. Azlan Shah Hockey: India go down to South Korea

A defensive lapse towards the end cost India dear as they went down 1-2 against South Korea to suffer their second consecutive defeat in the Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey tournament, in Ipoh on Sunday.

'Don't think Vijender has involvement with drug haul'

Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Sunday said he does not think boxer Vijender Singh has any involvement with the drug haul case in Punjab, stressing that law would take its own course.

Messi surpasses goal record from 1930s

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi broke a record from the 1930s on Saturday when he scored for a 17th consecutive La Liga game, a 2-0 victory at home to bottom club Deportivo La Coruna.

Hard to mistake drugs for food supplements: NIS

The National Institute of Sports on Sunday rejected expelled boxer Ram Singh's claim that he and Olympic medallist Vijender Singh had taken drugs mistaking them for "food supplements", saying the NIS has a well laid out system on food supplements for sportspersons.

Rooney will be offered new contract, says Ferguson

Manchester United's England striker Wayne Rooney will be offered a new contract before his deal ends in 2015, the club's manager Alex Ferguson was quoted as saying by British media on Sunday.

Drug haul: Factory of Arjuna awardee's kin searched
A factory belonging to relatives of an Arjuna award winner was on Sunday searched by Punjab police in a village in Fatehgarh Sahib in the wake of recovery of 26 kg haul of heroin with a street value of Rs 130 crore. Defending champ Saina starts as top seed in Swiss Open

After a semifinal finish at the All England Championship, ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal will now look to defend her title at the Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold where she starts as the top seed in the women's singles competition.

NADA unlikely to test Vijender Singh

Olympic bronze-medallist Vijender Singh is unlikely to be tested by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) despite claims by his sparring partner Ram Singh that the star boxer consumed small amounts of heroin.

We mistook drugs for food supplements, says boxer Ram

In a massive blow to star Indian boxer Vijender Singh, his friend Ram Singh has claimed that the Olympic bronze-medallist consumed drugs with him on a few occasions but insisted that the duo mistook the contraband for food supplements.

Drug haul: Boxer Ram Singh expelled from National camp

Indian boxing's image continued to take a massive beating with the Sports Authority of India on Sunday expelling Olympic medallist Vijender Singh's roommate Ram Singh from the national camp here after he confessed to consuming drugs.

March 09, 2013

Egypt's soccer riot sentence sparks widespread violence

An Egyptian court, on Saturday, upheld death sentences against 21 convicts of last year's deadly soccer riot that killed 74 people, and acquitted 28 others, sparking off widespread violence in the deeply polarised country.

FA Cup: Wigan shock Everton to reach first semis

Wigan Athletic scored three times in four wild minutes on Saturday to stun Everton 3-0 at GoodisonPark and reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup for the first time in the club's 81-year history.

Saina's All England dream over as she loses in semi-finals

Star Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal's dream of winning her maiden All England Championship went up in smoke as the Indian suffered a straight-game defeat to World No. 8 Intanon Ratchanok of Thailand in the semifinals of the women's singles competition in Birmingham on Saturday.

Wrestling to hold extraordinary congress in Moscow

The world wrestling federation (FILA) will hold an extraordinary congress in May to elect a new president as the ancient sport battles to maintain its place on the Olympic programme.

Lahiri retains title after play-off at SAIL-SBI Open

India's Anirban Lahiri successfully defended his title at the SAIL-SBI Open following a thrilling play-off victory over compatriot Rashid Khan in New Delhi on Saturday.

Pistorius challenges strict bail conditions in murder case

Lawyers acting for "blade runner" Oscar Pistorius, accused of shooting dead his girlfriend, want his bail conditions relaxed and passports returned so he can travel overseas, South African media reported.

Chandhok named for FIA Drivers' Commission

The FIA World Motor Sport Council on Saturday nominated Indian racer Karun Chandhok to be part of the newly created Drivers' Commission, which will be headed by two-time world champion Emerson Fittipaldi.

Saina enters All-England semi-finals

London Olympics bronze medallist Saina Nehwal advanced to the semi-finals of the All-England Badminton Championships with a hard-fought victory over sixth seeded Chinese Shixian Wang on Friday. The second seeded Indian ace, who got the better of Belaetrix Manuputi of Indonesia in the previous round, won 23-21, 19-21, 21-16 in 30 minutes.

Azlan Shah Hockey: India go down to Australia in opener

A young Indian side put up a spirited fight before going down 3-4 to six-time champions Australia in the opening encounter of the Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey tournament in Ipoh on Saturday.

Balotelli helps 10-man Milan sink Genoa

Mario Balotelli came off the bench to help 10-man AC Milan record a 2-0 victory at Genoa on Friday that tightened their grip on third place in Serie A ahead of Tuesday's Champions League return match with Barcelona.

Drug haul case: Kahlon attempts suicide
One of the key accused in the drug haul case from Zirakpur allegedly attempted suicide, even as Punjab Police maintained that no decision has been taken yet on summoning boxer Vijender Singh after the Olympic medallist's name cropped up.

March 08, 2013

'We have to fix the problems we have in wrestling'
Wrestling will implement a string of immediate changes as the sport seeks to win back its Olympic spot with time fast running out, acting international federation (FILA) president Nenad Lalovic said on Thursday. India welcome IOC move to meet minister to end deadlock

India has welcomed the IOC's invitation to attend a meeting at its headquarters in Switzerland and sees it as a positive step towards its return to the Olympic fold, a top government official told Reuters on Friday.

I am shocked, don't have links with drug dealer: Vijender

In a fresh development, the investigating officers have revealed that the man arrested with heroin did not mention Vijender Singh. The boxer is only being probed because of the car found outside that Zirakpur flat.

Saina romps into All-England quarter-finals

London Olympics bronze medallist Saina Nehwal advanced to the quarter-finals of the All-England Badminton Championships with a straight games victory over Belaetrix Manuputi of Indonesia, in London, on Thursday night. The world No 2 Indian ace won 21-16, 21-11 in 34 minutes to set up a meeting with sixth seeded Chinese Shixian Wang on Saturday.

March 07, 2013

Ousted Pistorius detective quits SA police

The South African detective, pulled off the investigation of athletics star Oscar Pistorius for murder after it emerged he himself faces attempted murder charges, has resigned from the force, police said on Thursday.

Kashyap, Sindhu in All-England pre-quarters

Parupalli Kashyap booked a place in the pre-quarter-finals of the All-England Badminton Championships after a straight games victory over Jen Hao Hsu of Chinese Taipei on Thursday. The world No 9 Indian ace won his first round match 21-17, 21-18 in 43 minutes. He now runs into seventh seed Kenichi Tago of Japan.

IOC calls joint meeting of IOA, sports minister
In a significant move towards resolving the issues that led to India's ban from the Olympic family, the International Olympic Committee has asked the Indian Olympic Association to fix a date, in consultation with the Sports Minister, for a meeting before the end of this month in its headquarters in Lausanne. Apologetic McIlroy promises walk off will not happen again

Facing the media for the first time since his controversial withdrawal at PGA National, McIlroy said it soon dawned on him that he had made the wrong decision.

All England: Saina edges past Sapsiree to enter last 16

Olympic bronze medallist Saina Nehwal on Wednesday made a positive start to her campaign at the All England Championship by notching up a difficult three-game victory over Sapsiree Taerattanachai of Thailand to reach the pre-quarter-finals.

March 06, 2013

Somdev bows out of Indian Wells Masters qualifiers
Somdev Devvarman's bid to enter the main draw of the Indian Wells ATP Masters tournament fell flat as he lost the opening round of the qualifiers in straight sets to Italian 27th seed Matteo Viola. Mourinho, Real march on towards elusive 10th title

Jose Mourinho has been on the ropes at times this season as Real Madrid's La Liga title defence stumbled but the Portuguese coach delivered knockout blows to heavyweight opponents this week that kept the Spanish club's hopes of silverware very much alive.

United midfielder Giggs makes 1,000th appearance

Ryan Giggs made his 1,000th competitive appearance when Manchester United kicked off their Champions League last-16 second leg against Real Madrid at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

NRAI going by govt, IOC rules

National Rifle Association of India president Raninder Singh has made an appeal to not politicise the federation's upcoming elections and said its constitution is not in conflict with the government's sports code and the IOC.

Barcelona to appeal Valdes four-match ban

Barcelona will appeal a four-match ban handed to goalkeeper Victor Valdes after he furiously berated the referee at the end of Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Real Madrid, the La Liga leaders said on Wednesday.

March 05, 2013

McIlroy regrets decision to withdraw from Honda Classic

Rory McIlroy has admitted he was wrong to withdraw from the Honda Classic last week, saying he now regretted his decision to stop playing.

Barca coach Vilanova could be back with club soon

Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova may have finished his cancer treatment in New York and be back with the squad by the end of March, president Sandro Rosell said on Monday.

Man United's Jones ruled out of Real match

Manchester United's Phil Jones will miss the Champions League last 16 second leg at home to Real Madrid after failing to recover from an ankle injury, manager Alex Ferguson said on the eve of Tuesday's match.

Police, fans hurt in trouble after Bosnian game
Nineteen police officers and two supporters were injured in crowd trouble after a Bosnian first division soccer match in Sarajevo on Saturday, police said on Monday.

March 04, 2013

Blake to run at opening Doha Diamond League meeting

Jamaica's 100 metres world champion Yohan Blake is the first high-profile athlete to sign up for the opening Diamond League event in Doha, organisers said on Monday.

Vijay appointed advisor of Delhi's new shooting range
The capital has got a new state-of-the-art 10-meter shooting range, which will have London Olympics silver medallist marksman Vijay Kumar as its advisor. Rankings: Somdev leapfrogs 65 places to 250

Continuing to reclaim lost ground in the ATP rankings, Somdev Devvarman jumped 65 places to 250th to be India's best-placed singles player in the list issued on Monday.

China ropes in Beckham to revive football image

China has named former England captain David Beckham as its first global football ambassador to revive the game's image which has been hit by a match-fixing scandal and an exodus of international stalwarts from the country's premier league.

Saina leads a record Indian field in All England C'ship

Olympic bronze medallist Saina Nehwal will return to Great Britain with a renewed hope of clinching the prestigious All England title but a tough draw awaits her in the women's singles of the Super Series Premier event, which starts with the qualifiers in Birmingham on Tuesday.

South Korea drop Park for World Cup qualifier

Spain-based striker Park Chu-young has been left out of South Korea's 23-man squad for this month's World Cup qualifier against Qatar, the country's football association said on Monday.

Tokyo an inspirational choice for Games, Abe tells IOC

Tokyo would be an inspirational choice to host the 2020 Olympic Games, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told Olympic officials on Monday, with Japan keen to showcase its recovery from a devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

Gulbis captures second Delray Beach title

Ernests Gulbis celebrated his second Delray Beach International title after edging French journeyman Edouard Roger-Vasselin 7-6, 6-3 on Sunday.

Second-string Bayern cruise past Hoffenheim

Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich effortlessly cruised to a 1-0 victory at Hoffenheim on Sunday courtesy of a Mario Gomez goal that kept them on course for the title with a 17-point advantage at the top.

Atletico fail to take full advantage of Barca loss

Atletico Madrid squandered a chance to cut the gap to stuttering La Liga leaders Barcelona to nine points when they were held to a 0-0 draw at fourth-placed Malaga on Sunday.

March 03, 2013

Jeev misses cut in South Africa

Five dropped shots in a matter of three holes saw Jeev Milkha Singh plummet from being a contender to missing the cut in the second round of the Tshwane Open at the Copperleaf Golf & Country Estate in Centurion, on Sunday.

Advani eyes corporate lift to continue pro circuit journey

India's top cueist Pankaj Advani seeks corporate help to help him play a second season of the pro circuit in London.

Suhr sets world record in indoor pole vault

Olympic champion Jenn Suhr lit up the US indoor athletics championships on Saturday by leaping 5.02 metres to set a new women's pole vault world record.

March 02, 2013

Wrestling champion goes on hunger strike over games axe

Double Olympic wrestling champion Armen Nazaryan has decided to go on a hunger strike to protest against the sport's possible exclusion from the Games.

Injury-time goal gives India 2-1 win over Taipei
India struck the winner in the injury time through striker Robin Singh as they began their AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers campaign with a 2-1 victory over Chinese Taipei in Yangon on Saturday. Qatar must hold winter World Cup, says Platini

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar must be held in winter in order to protect players and fans from searing desert heat, European football boss Michel Platini said on Saturday.

QPR's Redknapp rejects team drinking reports

Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp has rejected allegations that several players from his Premier League bottom side often stayed out until 5 a.m. drinking alcohol at a training camp in Dubai last month.

FIFA praises Lebanon for matchfixing response

FIFA has praised Lebanon for taking action against matchfixing and has requested more details about the sanctions it recently imposed on players and officials, world soccer's governing body has said.

Zurich Chess: Anand beats Kramnik to finish second

World champion Viswanathan Anand capitalised on a blunder by Vladimir Kramnik of Russia to beat him in the final round and finish second in the Zurich Chess Challenge that concluded in Zurich.

Serena 'yelled' at for trying to photograph Woods

Tennis World No. 1 Serena Williams found herself in trouble with security officials at the PGA Tour's Honda Classic on Friday after she tried to photograph Tiger Woods.

Spurs driven by last season's stumble, says Villas-Boas

One year after his axing by Chelsea left a dent in his ego Andre Villas-Boas finds his reputation soaring again as high-flying Tottenham Hotspur prepare to host north London rivals Arsenal in a match of huge significance.

March 01, 2013

Van Persie fit for action after hip injury

Manchester United's top scorer Robin van Persie has shaken off a hip injury and will be fit for Saturday's Premier League game at home to NorwichCity, manager Alex Ferguson said on Friday.

I cannot rest on past laurels, says Chhetri
India skipper Sunil Chhetri, who had struck a hat-trick in the final when India won the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup, stressed on the importance of not resting on past laurels and said he is focussed on leading the team's campaign in the AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers. Jeev in tied 3rd in Tshwane Open

Jeev Milkha Singh exploded into superb form on the back-nine with four birdies to card a five-under 67 and grab a share of the third spot after the first round of the Tshwane Open in Centurion, South Africa.

Australian Olympic chief deems WADA testing 'ineffective'

The World Anti-Doping Authority's prescribed testing is 'ineffective' at catching drug cheats and should be supplemented by criminal penalties for athletes who refuse to cooperate with investigations, Australia's Olympic chief has said.

Manipur Govt grants Mary Kom land for boxing academy

London Olympics bronze-medallist M C Mary Kom has finally been alloted the plot of land promised to her by the Manipur government to expand her boxing academy.

Wrestling faces tough fight to pin down Olympic spot
As a former chief executive of the United States Olympic Committee, Jim Scherr knows better than most the daunting challenge facing wrestling as the sport tries to avoid being tossed from the Games. French doping agency will do Tour de France testing
The French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD) has agreed to carry out testing at the Tour de France in June.

February 28, 2013

Rs 8.30 crore for anti-doping in budget
A hike of Rs 214 crore was allocated to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, with Finance Minister P Chidambaram earmarking Rs 1219 crore for it in the 2013-14 budget presented in Parliament on Thursday. In his Budget presented in the Lok Sabha, Chidambaram allocated Rs 1093 crore as plan outlay while Rs 126 crore was set aside for non-plan. NBA: Thunder roll on with massive win over Hornets
Kevin Durant landed a triple double as the Oklahoma City Thunder recorded a 119-74 blowout victory over the outclassed New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday. Anand Pawar reaches German Open pre-quarters
Indian shuttler Anand Pawar notched up a straight-game win over sixth seed Viktor Axelsen to join compatriot Ajay Jayaram in the pre-quarterfinals of the German Open badminton championship in M lheim an der Ruhr, Germany.

February 27, 2013

Sports Minister writes to IOC seeking wrestling review
Sports Minister Jitendra Singh on Wednesday wrote to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), urging the world body's Executive Board to reconsider its decision to remove wrestling from the 2020 Summer Games roster. Was Pistorius' slain girlfriend pregnant?

Oscar Pistorius' slain girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp was pregnant on the night of her killing, according to explosive allegations that came into light in the US.

AIBA denies approving IABF constitution

Threatening the IABF with an extended spell of suspension, the International Boxing Association (AIBA) has rejected the barred body's claim of getting approval for its amended constitution, calling it a "work in progress" for the time being.

AFC probes Lebanon matchfixing report

The Asian Football Confederation are investigating a report of matchfixing in Lebanon, the regional body told Reuters on Wednesday, after the World Cup hopefuls handed out punishments to 22 players for rigging games.

Can't be looking at the draw anymore: Kashyap

Gearing up for the All England Championship, India's top male shuttler P Kashyap said the "challenging" draw does not bother him as he can beat anyone on a given day.

German Open: Jayaram, Anand and Arvind enter 2nd round

Indian shuttlers Ajay Jayaram, Anand Pawar and Arvind Bhat reached the second round of the German Open badminton championship after notching up contrasting victories in their respective men's singles matches at Mulheim an der Ruhr, Germany.

NBA: LeBron scores 40 as Heat topple Kings

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade combined for 79 points as the Miami Heat prevailed 141-129 in a double overtime marathon against the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday.

Henry, Red Bulls hope latest changes finally bring glory

The New York Red Bulls head into this weekend's new Major League Soccer (MLS) season hoping that their latest personnel reshuffle will finally deliver a maiden title after an 18-year wait.

FA Cup: Everton end Oldham run in replay, Wigan next

Everton ended third-tier Oldham Athletic's giantkilling FA Cup run with a 3-1 victory in their fifth round replay on Tuesday to tee up an all Premier League quarter-final against Wigan Athletic.

February 26, 2013

Bolt to run 200 in Paris Diamond League meeting

Six-times Olympic champion Usain Bolt will race over 200 metres at the Paris Golden League meeting on July 6 as part of his buildup for the Moscow world athletics championships in the following month.

NBA: Wizards discover some second half magic as surge continues

With just five wins from their first 33 games there was certainly nothing magical about the Washington Wizards' start to the National Basketball Association (NBA) season.

Somdev breezes past Kunitsyn to enter 2nd round

India's Somdev Devvarman entered the second round of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship beating Russia's Igor Kunitsyn in straight sets, in Dubai.

Laudrup signals intention to stay with Swansea

SwanseaCity coach Michael Laudrup is flattered by Real Madrid fans wanting him to return to the club as their next manager but said on Monday he intends to stay in Wales next season.

West Ham pay tribute to England hero Moore

Bobby Moore's grandchildren led the teams out before West Ham United played Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League at Upton Park on Monday as his former club marked the 20th anniversary of his death.

King's Cup Clasico: Barca seeking all-round improvement

Barcelona need to be more efficient in front of goal and iron out defensive lapses if they are to beat Real Madrid in the King's Cup last four, assistant coach Jordi Roura and midfielder Cesc Fabregas said on Monday.

February 25, 2013

Pistorius faces random bail checks for drugs and alcohol

South African Olympic and Paralympic track star Oscar Pistorius, charged with murdering his girlfriend, faces at least four random tests for drugs and alcohol in coming months to ensure he is complying with bail terms, an official said on Monday.

Alonso, Benzema return for King's Cup 'Classico'

Real Madrid should have midfielder Xabi Alonso and forward Karim Benzema back from minor injuries for Tuesday's King's Cup semi-final second leg at holders Barcelona, coach Jose Mourinho said on Monday.

AIBA approves IABF's amended constitution

After the lifting of suspension on Indian boxers, the barred Indian Amateur Boxing Federation has got another shot in the arm with the world body, AIBA, approving its amended constitution.

CONCACAF supports changes to FIFA presidency terms

CONCACAF, which represents soccer in North and Central America and the Caribbean, has backed a proposal to limit the FIFA presidency to two four-year terms and to impose an age limit of 72 for the president.

NBA: Bryant silences Cuban with 38 points in Lakers' win

Kobe Bryant fired back at Dallas owner Mark Cuban with 38 points as he lifted the Los Angeles Lakers past the Mavericks 103-99 on Sunday.

Mancini not looking at the table for another month

ManchesterCity manager Roberto Mancini understands better than most the cliches about title races not being over until the final minute of the season and is therefore refusing to look at the Premier League table.

Falcao keeps 10-man Atletico perfect at home

Radamel Falcao's penalty ensured 10-man Atletico Madrid preserved their 100 percent home record in La Liga with a 1-0 victory over resurgent Espanyol on Sunday.

Happy Beckham delights PSG in his French debut

Former England captain David Beckham enjoyed a promising French league debut for Paris St Germain, riding warm crowd support in a late cameo during the 2-0 home victory over Olympique Marseille on Sunday.

Match Play Championship: 'Amazing feeling' for Kuchar

Matt Kuchar felt as if he ruled the golfing world on Sunday after landing his first World Golf Championships (WGC) title with a 2&1 victory over Hunter Mahan in the Accenture Match Play Championship final.

Acupuncture can help athletes perform better

Researchers have now reviewed four studies on the effects of acupuncture on an individual before and after an exercise-session. Based on their observations, they suggest the therapy can act as a performance enhancer for athletes.

Shunned by govt Indian fencers arrange for own funds

Left to themselves to find the resources to participate in next month's Asian Junior and Cadet Championships in Thailand, the Indian fencers finally managed to raise funds and will now take part in the event under Fencing Confederation of Asia (FCA) banner.

Japan starts petition site to keep wresting in Olympics
Japan launched an online petition site with the aim of submitting 100,000 signatures to the International Olympic Committee to keep wrestling in the Olympics, reports Kyodo

February 24, 2013

Haryana beat J&K 3-1 in Santosh Trophy
Riding on twin strikes from Vikas, Haryana beat Jammu and Kashmir 3-1 in a Group C match to keep their semi-final hopes alive in the Santhosh Trophy. India thrash Bangladesh in Hockey World League
Danish Mujtaba scored a brace as India came from behind to beat a gritty Bangladesh 5-1 in their final round robin match and qualify for the third round of the Hero Hockey World League at the floodlit Major Dhyan Chand Stadium. Bopanna-Fleming win Open 13 title
Rohan Bopanna won his first title of the season when he combined with Colin Fleming to claim the ATP Open 13 doubles trophy with a straight-sets win over Aisam-ul-haq Qureshi and Jeal-Julien Rojer in Marseille on Sunday. Hockey World League: Indian eves pip Russia 1-0
India defeated Russia by a solitary goal in their final round-robin match to top the standings in the women's competition and progress to the third round of Hero Hockey World League at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi. Dhoni's team wins first race of World Super Bike C'ship

Mahi Racing Team India began their World Supersport Championship campaign with a bang when their lead rider Kenan Sofuoglu of Turkey comfortably won the first race of the season at the Philip Island, Australia on Sunday.

Pistorius's brother faces trial in woman's road death

Oscar Pistorius's elder brother faces trial for killing a woman in a traffic incident five years ago, the family said on Sunday, confirming a report that dominated South African media two days after the "Blade Runner" athlete was bailed for murder.

Myanmar Open: Gangjee opens season with top-10

Indian golfer Rahil Gangjee carded a sedate two-under 70 to open his season with a fine top-10 finish at the Zaykabar Myanmar Open on Sunday.

Dutt livid over IOC's decision to drop wrestling

Yogeshwar Dutt, Indian Olympic grappler and 2012 Olympics bronze medallist, has strongly objected to the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) decision to exclude the sport from the 2020 event.

Kvitova claims 10th tour title with Dubai victory

Former Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova claimed her 10th singles title after defeating Sara Errani 6-2, 1-6, 6-1 in the final of the Dubai Championships on Saturday.

Kenya's Maisei third time lucky in Hong Kong marathon

Julius Maisei learnt his lesson from two failed early breaks to time it just right at the third time of asking and win the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon on Sunday.

Kimetto takes Tokyo record as Kenyans sweep podium

Dennis Kimetto claimed his first marathon victory in only his second race over the distance when the Kenyan won the Tokyo Marathon in a race record time on Sunday.

Nishikori to meet Lopez in Memphis, Erakovic wins title

Japan's Kei Nishikori will meet Spain's Feliciano Lopez in the final of the US National Indoor Tennis Championships after besting Australian Marinko Matosevic in the semi-finals in Memphis on Saturday.

Two major scalps put Day into last four

Jason Day found it nerve-racking at the end but he could not keep the smile off his face after beating the Masters champion and a former US Open winner on Saturday at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship.

NBA: Clippers rebound with big win over Jazz

The Los Angeles Clippers registered a comprehensive 107-94 win over the Utah Jazz at the StaplesCenter on Saturday to rebound from their thrashing at the hands of San Antonio Spurs on Thursday.

Wrestlers fume as Indian cricketers back squash

Cricket stars like Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag supporting squash's bid for inclusion in the 2020 Olympics has left India's wrestling fraternity distraught.

Anand draws with Caruana in Zurich Challenge opener

World champion Viswanathan Anand played out an easy draw with Fabiano Caruana of Italy in the first round of the Zurich Chess Challenge that got underway in Zurich.

'Pistorius must live with his conscience'

South African Paralympic star Oscar Pistorius will have to live with his conscience after he shot dead his girlfriend on Valentine's Day and said it was a tragic mistake, the victim's father Barry Steenkamp was quoted as saying in the local media.

February 23, 2013

Gangjee in tied fifth in Myanmar Open

A second successive flawless round of 67 brought India's Rahil Gangjee into contention for his first Asian Tour title since 2004, as he moved within three shots of leader, Thailand's Chawalit Plaphol, at the $300,000 Zaykabar Myanmar Open in Yangon on Saturday.

India boxers to participate under AIBA flag

The International Boxing Federation (AIBA) has decided to allow Indian boxers to participate in competitions approved by it under its flag, reversing the world body's earlier decision to bar them in the aftermath of the country's ban by the IOC.

Indian teams make Asian Junior Squash C'ships finals
Indian boys prevailed over Hong Kong 2-1 while the girls team outclassed Malaysia 3-0 to enter the finals of the 16th Asian Junior Squash Championship, in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. NBA: Jack powers Warriors past weary Spurs

Jarrett Jack came off the bench to score 30 points as the Golden State Warriors rallied past the road-weary San Antonio Spurs for a 107-101 overtime victory on Friday.

Piercy hits another jackpot to stun Donald

Six years after he overcame the odds to earn a $2 million cheque, Scott Piercy landed a different jackpot with a stunning 7&6 victory over Luke Donald at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship on Friday.

US government sues Armstrong for sponsor money

The United States accused cyclist Lance Armstrong on Friday of defrauding the US Postal Service by taking its sponsorship money at the same time he was doping and using performance-enhancing drugs in violation of cycling rules.

February 22, 2013

AITA: Committee meets, looks at correspondence between 2 parties

The AITA appointed three-member committee to look into players issue had its first meeting on Friday and observed that players-friendly conditions should prevail and for that it would seek help of both the Federation and the government.

NBA: Heat win ninth straight, tighten grip on East

The Miami Heat tightened their grip on the Eastern Conference by routing the Chicago Bulls 86-67 on Thursday.

ATP Open 13: Bopanna-Fleming in semis

Rohan Bopanna and his British partner Colin Fleming fought their way to the semifinals of the ATP Open 13, edging past James Cerretani and Adil Shamasdin, in Marseille.

Corinthians to play behind closed doors after fan's death

Reigning Libertadores Cup champions Corinthians have been ordered to play their upcoming home matches in the tournament behind closed doors, after their fans were accused of killing a young Bolivian supporter with a thrown firework, Brazilian media reported late on Thursday night.

Aussie swimmers admit doping before London Olympics

James Magnussen and his teammates from the Australian men's 4x100m freestyle relay squad have admitted using a sedative banned by their national Olympic committee in a bonding session before the London Games.

Pistorius bail decision expected in court

A judge is likely to decide on Friday whether to grant bail to Oscar Pistorius, with prosecutors arguing he is a cold-blooded killer and his own lawyers that he is far too famous to have any chance of fleeing prosecution.

Match Play C'ship: McIlroy, Woods go out on day of upsets

World No 1 Rory McIlroy and three-times winner Tiger Woods were both sent packing in stunning fashion in the snow-delayed first round of the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship on Thursday.

Gangjee sizzles with 66, five Indians make cut in Myanmar

Nine years after making his Asian Tour debut here in Yangon, Indian golfer Rahil Gangjee on Friday celebrated that memory with a superb six-under 66 that carried him up to tied 14th at the midway stage of the Zaykabar Myanmar Open golf tournament in Yangon, Myanmar.

Errani into Dubai final after winning all-Italian semi

Sara Errani beat doubles partner Roberta Vinci 6-3, 6-3 in a subdued all-Italian semi-final at the Dubai championships on Friday.

Alonso, Benzema out of Real match at Deportivo
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has left midfielder Xabi Alonso and forward Karim Benzema out of his squad for Saturday's La Liga game at bottom side Deportivo La Coruna as they continue their recuperation from minor injuries. Somdev, Yuki may return; Bhupathi, Bopanna unlikely

Top singles players Somdev Devvarman and Yuki Bhambri are likely to return to the Indian Davis Cup team as the national selectors meet to pick the squad for the tie against Indonesia, in New Delhi on Saturday.

Sania-Bethanie in final of Dubai Tennis Championships

Sania Mirza earned a shot at her second title of the season with partner Bethanie Mattek-Sands as they reached the final of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, in Dubai on Friday.

February 21, 2013

Hockey World League: Lacklustre India prevail over Ireland
A lacklustre India had to sweat it out before pipping Ireland 3-2 for their third consecutive win in the men's competition of the Hero Hockey World League at the floodlit Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi. Indian athletes to miss out on two Asian events
Indian athletes are likely to miss out on two important upcoming Asian sporting events as a result of the confusion and power struggle following the Indian Olympic Association's suspension by the IOC. Saina stays at No. 2, Kashyap slips out of top-10
Ace Indian shuttler Parupalli Kashyap slipped out of the top-10 bracket but Olympic bronze medallist Saina Nehwal continued to hold on to her second position in the latest World badminton ranking issued in New Delhi. 'We will try to keep Asian Athletics C'ship in India'
The Athletics Federation of India (AAI) has said that it would try its best to hold the Asian Athletics Championship in another city of the country after the prestigious event, schedule to be held in Chennai, was shunned by the Tamil Nadu government. Chennai won't host Asian Athletics meet over SL protests
The Chennai government is refusing to host the Asian Athletics Championships in July in protest against Sri Lanka for alleged war crimes that targeted Tamil Tiger rebels. Junior fencers can't represent India at Asian event

India's junior fencing team will not be able to participate in the Asian Junior and Cadet Championship scheduled to be held in Thailand under the national flag owing to IOC's ban on India.

Nike halts Pistorius deal to protect brand

Nike froze its contract with "Blade Runner" Oscar Pistorius on Thursday after he was charged with murdering his girlfriend, the latest in a series of scandals to hit athletes sponsored by the sportswear giant.

Ministry issues fresh deadline to Sports Federations
The Sports Ministry has issued a fresh deadline to all National Sports Federations, which have not amended their constitution in accordance with the sports code, to make their position clear by February 28, failing which their government recognition could be "impacted". Pistorius faces new charge over unlicensed ammunition

Paralympic star Oscar Pistorius is set to face a fresh charge of possessing unlicensed ammunition after firearm was recovered from his home by the police during the investigation into the death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, the Pretoria Magistrate's Court heard.

Lead Pistorius detective dropped from case

The lead detective in 'Blade Runner' Oscar Pistorius' murder investigation was taken off the case on Thursday after it emerged he was facing seven attempted murder charges for opening fire on a minibus full of passengers.

Armstrong ignores USADA deadline to cooperate in probe

The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) will push ahead with efforts to clean up cycling without help from Lance Armstrong after the disgraced cyclist rejected another deadline to meet anti-doping investigators by Wednesday.

Federer plays big brother to village kids at charity event

The Roger Federer Foundation supports 40 pre-schools in the area and spends over $3 million a year on educational projects in South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Ethiopia and Federer's home country Switzerland. Over 50,000 children benefited from the foundation's efforts in 2012 to improve quality education in pre-schools and primary schools.

Graph: How the soccer match-fixing syndicate works

The multi-billion dollar soccer industry was shaken to its core earlier this month when European police and prosecutors said hundreds of games may have been rigged in a match-fixing syndicate being run from Singapore.

February 20, 2013

Serena pulls out from Dubai with back injury

Serena Williams withdrew from the Dubai Championships because of a lower back injury just minutes before she was due on court for a second round match against Frenchwoman Marion Bartoli on Wednesday.

Advani set to miss Asian Billiards Championship

Faced with a tough choice to decide between two top tournaments due to clash of dates, eight-time World champion Pankaj Advani is all set to skip the Asian Billiards Championship to take part in the World Championship Qualifiers, both scheduled in the first week of April.

Ministry writes to IOC to review decision on wrestling
Describing wrestling's omission from the 2020 Summer Games as against the Olympic tradition, the Sports Ministry asked India's representative in the IOC Randhir Singh to urgently take up the matter with the Executive Board and request the world body to reconsider its decision. Wenger warns 'will be missed' once he leaves Arsenal

Under pressure Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hinted towards leaving the north London club on Tuesday at the Emirates stadium.

Stosur eases through in Dubai, Azarenka pulls out

Grand Slam winners Samantha Stosur and Petra Kvitova strolled into the second round of the Dubai championships with straight sets wins on Tuesday after Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka withdrew due to a foot injury.

News media relations with Obama hit low ebb over golf weekend

Relations between the White House and the correspondents who cover it, always edgy and adversarial, have hit a low ebb in a dispute over whether the press should have access to the president during his downtime.

AFC, INTERPOL begin seminar to tackle match-fixing

No continent has escaped the 'cancer' of football match-fixing and it is too big a problem for one organisation to tackle alone, AFC acting president Zhang Jilong warned as the regional body and INTERPOL kicked off a two-day seminar on the issue on Wednesday.

Wrestling rolls dice, selects Las Vegas for Worlds

Las Vegas will host the 2015 World wrestling Championship in the first qualifier for what could be wrestling's final appearance as an Olympic sport in the 2016 Rio Games.

FA Cup: Bradford long for happy ending to fairytale run

An excited youngster stocked up on flags for his Wembley trip and the players spoke of fairytales as BradfordCity prepared for the last chapter in a giant-killing run that has lifted the gloom around the club.

Maradona dreams of son playing with Messi, Aguero boys

Diego Maradona dreams of seeing his newborn son Diego Fernando playing for Argentina with the offspring of Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero, he said on Tuesday.

Poignant evening ahead for low-profile Barca coach Roura

Barcelona's Champions League match at AC Milan on Wednesday will be a poignant affair for interim coach Jordi Roura as he returns to the stadium where he suffered an injury that ultimately forced him to end his career.

Tsunami survivor Deborah is a top cyclist now
She was left scurrying for shelter into the forests during the 2004 Tsunami which had devastated the coasts of Andaman and Nicobar Islands but nine years down the line, Deborah has not only reshaped her life but also emerged as the country's top cyclist. Testosterone found in Pistorius bedroom - S.Africa police
South African police found two containers of testosterone and needles in the bedroom of Paralympic track star Oscar Pistorius, a detective testifying at his murder bail hearing said on Wednesday. Witness heard 'non-stop shouting' from Pistorius home

A witness heard "non-stop shouting" in the home of athletics star Oscar Pistorius shortly before his girlfriend was shot dead, the lead detective in the murder investigation said on Wednesday.

Randhir Singh expects global amateur ban to be lifted

Indian International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Randhir Singh is confident the world amateur boxing federation (AIBA) will soon lift its ban on the country's pugilists, the official told Reuters on Wednesday.

February 19, 2013

Text: Pistorius Affidavit at Pretoria bail hearing

Following are the central extracts of the court affidavit of Paralympic star Oscar Pistorius, who is accused of murdering girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp last week.

Had no intention to kill Reeva: Pistorius

South African olympian Oscar Pistorius put on his artificial legs and walked across his bedroom before firing four shots through a locked bathroom door, killing his cowering girlfriend in cold blood, prosecutors said on Tuesday.

I want to clean up boxing mess: Vijender

Beijing Olympic bronze-medallist Vijender Singh said given a chance he would not mind stepping in clean to up the mess that the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation finds itself in following the ban imposed by the International Boxing Association (AIBA).

Pistorius could lose Paralympic medals

Oscar Pistorius could lose his London 2012 Paralympic medals after sporting federations and anti-doping agencies claimed they were monitoring developments in South Africa following reports that banned steroids were found from 'Blade runner's home during the murder investigation of his girlfriend.

Pistorius' slain girlfriend's texts' to hold key

Oscar Pistorius' girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp's text messages to a South African rugby player is set to play a key to investigations into her death as banned steroids reportedly found in the Paralympic star's home.

'Toxic' culture fuelled Aussie swimming flop

Slack management allowed a "culturally toxic" environment to develop in Australia's swimming team at the London Olympics with abuse of alcohol and prescription drugs as well as flouting of curfews and bullying going unchecked, a review said on Tuesday.

Fund crunch may force Pakistan to skip Azlan Shah

Pakistan will not be able to send its national team for Azlan Shah tournament in Malaysia next month and the junior team to Singapore unless the government released the promised funds, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has said.

Cilic rallies past Dodig in Memphis opener

Marin Cilic struggled early before finding his rhythm as the top seed ground out a 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 victory over friend and Croatian compatriot Ivan Dodig in the first round of the Memphis International on Monday.

Ivanovic reaches Dubai second round, Stephens bows out

Former French Open champion Ana Ivanovic beat Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-3, 7-6 in the first round of the Dubai tennis championships on Monday while US teenager Sloane Stephens was eliminated in three sets to cap a miserable debut trip to the Gulf.

Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss dies at 80

Jerry Buss, who parlayed a $1,000 real estate investment into ownership of the Los Angeles Lakers, winning 10 National Basketball Association championships and making the team one of the most glamorous in American sports, died on Monday at 80, the team said on its official website.

Ronaldo donates 100k euros to help Afghan landmine victims

Real Madrid's soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo donated 100,000 euros on behalf of UEFA to help rehabilitate Afghans who have lost limbs, mostly landmine victims, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Wednesday.

Pistorius back in court for murder bail hearing

"Blade Runner" Oscar Pistorius, the South African double amputee who became one of the biggest names in world athletics, is due in court for a second time on Tuesday to apply for bail after being charged with murdering his girlfriend.

February 18, 2013

Top international stars for Indian Badminton League
Top badminton stars, including two-time All England champion Tine Baun of Denmark and world No.4 Indonesian Sony Dwi Kuncoro will participate in the inaugural edition of the US$ 1 million Indian Badminton League. Lyngkhoi, Babbar to represent India in Asian Marathon
Mumbai Marathon winners, Binning Lyngkhoi and Lalita Babbar, will represent India in the men's and women's section of the 14th Asian Marathon Championship to be held in Hong Kong (China) on February 24. Wilshere says Arsenal must show Chelsea spirit

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere says his team must take Chelsea's spirit into Tuesday's Champions League, last-16 first-leg clash with Bayern Munich if they are to keep alive their hopes of salvaging something from a mediocre season.

Shiva gets IOC scholarship, Winter Games dream still alive

Left in lurch after denial of government funding, Indian luge competitor Shiva Keshavan has found support from the IOC, which has granted him the Olympic Solidarity Scholarship to compete in the qualifiers for the 2014 Sochi Winter Games.

Anand wins Grenke Classic in a thriller

World champion Viswanathan Anand notched up his first title of the year when he scored an emphatic victory over German Arkadij Naiditsch to lift the Grenke Chess Classic trophy in Baden Baden, Germany.

NBA: Durant leads West over East in All-Star game

Kevin Durant and Blake Griffin provided a potent mix of outside shooting and inside dominance to lift the Western Conference to a 143-138 victory over the Eastern Conference in the NBA All-Star game on Sunday.

CL: Porto's Colombian duo lined up to sink Malaga

In-form Malaga must brace themselves for a barrage of attacking football from Porto's Colombian Jackson Martinez and his returning compatriot James Rodriguez when they meet at the Dragao Stadium for their Champions League last 16 first leg on Tuesday.

Raonic wins third straight San Jose title

Canada's Milos Raonic beat Tommy Haas 6-4, 6-3 on Sunday to win his third straight San Jose Open title and bring the final curtain down on the second oldest men's professional tournament in the United States.

Pistorius cancels race appearances after murder charge

Paralympic star Oscar Pistorius has cancelled all his scheduled track appearances in the next few months to allow him to concentrate on defending himself against a murder charge in his native South Africa, his agent said.

La Liga: Real survive Ramos red, Atletico end away blues

Real Madrid survived an early red card for Sergio Ramos to see off city rivals Rayo Vallecano 2-0 at the Bernabeu on Sunday, matching the wins of La Liga leaders Barcelona and Atletico Madrid over the weekend.

Merrick earns first PGA Tour win in playoff

Local favourite John Merrick won his first PGA Tour title by beating fellow American Charlie Beljan in a sudden-death playoff for the Northern Trust Open at Riviera Country Club on Sunday.

In a first, Obama playing golf with Tiger Woods

President Barack Obama had an intimidating partner for a round of golf on Sunday -- Tiger Woods, the World's No. 2 ranked player, according to a report.

Azarenka topples Serena to win in Doha

Outgoing World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka showed that being second best was not an option for her as she outclassed Serena Williams 7-6, 2-6, 6-3 to win the Qatar Open on Sunday.

February 17, 2013

Pistorius accused of assaulting two women in rock concert

A fuming music fan has accused Oscar Pistorius of assaulting two women at a rock concert after getting drunk, saying the Paralympic and Olympic star pushed her and a friend and then branded them lesbians when they complained.

Police find blood-covered cricket bat at Pistorius's home

South African police have found a bloodied cricket bat at the home of Oscar Pistorius, a local newspaper reported on Sunday.

Lusofonia Games: OC quits after Kalmadi aide named advisor
Tainted Commonwealth Games official, Rajkumar Sacheti has been appointed as 'advisor' for this year's Lusofonia Games by the Goa government, leading to the resignation of the Organising Committee chairman.

February 16, 2013

Sharath in 2nd round of ITTF Kuwait Open Super Series

Ace Indian paddler Sharath Kamal on Saturday advanced to the second round of the ITTF Kuwait Open Super Series table tennis tournament after a 4-2 victory over Hampus Soderlund of Sweden in Kuwait City.

Wrestling: BJP asks govt to intervene for 'national pride'

The BJP on Saturday termed the dropping of wrestling in the 2020 Olympics as an "international conspiracy" and urged the Indian government to intervene in the interest of "national pride".

FA Cup: Blackburn knock out Arsenal

Arsenal suffered a second humiliation in two months against lower league opponents when Blackburn Rovers beat them 1-0 in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Saturday.

Pistorius, girlfriend were planning future

South African athlete Oscar Pistorius was planning a future with girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, who he is accused of shooting in cold blood this week, his uncle said on Saturday.

Farah to make marathon debut in 2014 London race

Britain's double Olympic champion Mo Farah will run the first half of this year's London marathon prior to making his debut over the full distance in the 2014 race.

Nigeria heroes Mikel and Moses can lift Chelsea: Benitez

The return of African Nations Cup heroes John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses will add an extra dimension to Chelsea's squad for the last three months of the season, interim manager Rafael Benitez said.

Wrestling chief resigns following IOC snub

The president of wrestling's world governing body FILA resigned on Saturday less than a week after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended that the sport be dropped from the 2020 Summer Games.

Doping-IOC plans conference on WADA role amid strained ties

The International Olympic Committee is planning a conference on the role of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to improve the drugs in sport watchdog's deteriorating ties with international federations and national Olympic committees.

Bayern open 18-point lead with 2-0 win at Wolfsburg

Runaway leaders Bayern Munich won 2-0 at VfL Wolfsburg on Friday with goals from Mario Mandzukic and Arjen Robben to move a massive 18 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga.

Pistorius under 'suicide watch' in prison

South African Paralympic and Olympic star Oscar Pistorius is under suicide watch in prison after fears emerged that the traumatized sprinter might try to take his own life following charges he premeditatedly killed his model girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.

Sharapova too good for Stosur in Qatar
Maria Sharapova continued her untroubled progress at the Qatar Open on Friday, brushing aside Australia's Samantha Stosur 6-2, 6-4 to reach the semi-finals. Balotelli helps Milan grab 2-1 win over Parma

A stunning Mario Balotelli free-kick gave AC Milan a 2-1 win over mid-table Parma in Serie A on Friday that put them level with third-placed Lazio and a point ahead of rivals Inter Milan in the race for European places.

Now a basketball player? You must be Usain

Usain Bolt, do not quit your day job. The world's fastest man played in a celebrity basketball game on Friday in the run-up to Sunday's NBA All-Star game and failed to impress the crowd -- or himself -- with his skills.

Federer backs squash for 2020 Games inclusion
As arguably the greatest ever tennis player, Roger Federer is urging Olympic officials to back another racket sport by including squash in the programme for the 2020 Games. Grenke Chess: Anand held by Meier again
World champion Viswanathan Anand was held to a draw by Georg Meier of Germany for the second time in the Grenke Chess classic now underway in Baden-Baden.

February 15, 2013

Advani's dream run ends; loses in quarters

Pankaj Advani lost to world No 2 Judd Trump of England in the last-eight of the BetVictor Welsh Open Pro Snooker Series at Newport, Wales, on Friday.

United to make changes for Reading FA Cup clash

Manchester United will ring the changes for their FA Cup fifth-round clash with Reading on Monday, but manager Alex Ferguson still expects his new-look side to get through against the Premier League strugglers.

Xavi may be back from injury for Milan clash: Roura

Barcelona playmaker Xavi may recover from a hamstring injury in time to feature in Wednesday's Champions League last 16 first leg at Serie A side AC Milan, interim coach Jordi Roura said on Friday.

East German Olympic shot put champion admits doping

Former East German Olympic shot put champion and three-time world record breaker Udo Beyer has admitted doping in a new documentary film about the lives of top athletes in the socialist state.

Pistorius disputes murder charge - agent
South African 'Blade Runner' Oscar Pistorius disputes a murder charge laid against him on Friday "in the strongest possible terms," his agent said in a statement. After HIL, women's league on the cards: Hockey India

The unprecedented success of the inaugural Hockey India League has prompted the national federation (Hockey India) to plan a similar franchise-based event for the women players in future.

Hockey World League: Form of goalkeepers concern Sardar

Both P R Sreejesh and P T Rao did not have the best of outings in the inaugural Hockey India League and national hockey team captain Sardar Singh feels goalkeeping is an area of concern for the hosts ahead of the Hockey World League 2 to be held here from February 18-26.

Pistorius was in an emotional state: Lawyer

Oscar Pistorius' lawyer has claimed the Paralympic star was in an emotional state, but holding up following his arrest in connection with the shooting of his girlfriend at his Pretoria home.

Czech Zahlavova Strycova given six-month doping ban
Czech tennis player Barbora Zahlavova Strycova has been given a six-month ban for a doping offence, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) said on Thursday. NBA: James' record streak ends as Heat overcome Thunder

LeBron James continued his sizzling form with 39 points in the Miami Heat's 110-100 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday but missed a late three-pointer to bring his record scoring streak to an end.

February 14, 2013

Nadal pulls out of Brazil doubles

Former world number one Rafa Nadal withdrew suddenly from the doubles at the Brazil Open on Wednesday because of what organisers said was a desire to preserve his strength for the singles competition.

Paralympian Pistorius accidentally shoots girlfriend

South African paralympic star Oscar Pistorius is being questioned by South African police for shooting dead his girlfriend at his home in Pretoria, domestic media said on Thursday.

Sutil at Force India for seat-fitting ahead of test

Adrian Sutil moved closer to a return to Formula One after the German driver visited the Force India factory for a seat-fitting on Thursday.

Advani rewrites history, enters quarters of Welsh Open

Pankaj Advani continued his dream run in the Welsh Open Pro Snooker Series as the eight-time world champion on Thursday rewrote history by entering the quarter-finals of a major ranking event, defeating Scotland's Graeme Dott 4-1 at Newport, Wales.

Pistorius ads pulled off air by South African TV Channel
South Africa's M-Net cable TV channel is pulling campaign adverts featuring 'Blade Runner' Oscar Pistorius off air with immediate effect, a company official said on Thursday. Pistorius to appear in SA court on Friday

South African Olympic and Paralympic athletics star Oscar Pistorius will appear in court on Friday after being charged with murdering his girlfriend, a spokesman for the National Prosecuting Authority said on Thursday.

February 13, 2013

'Embattled UCI boss McQuaid has IOC support'

International Cycling Federation (UCI) president Pat McQuaid enjoys the support of the International Olympic Committee despite the sport's tarnished image and the UCI's bitter row with the World Anti-Doping Agency, the IOC said.

IOA, WFI hopeful of wrestling staying in Olympics
Describing wrestling's omission from the 2020 Olympics as demoralising, the IOC-recognised IOA and the Wrestling Federation of India hoped that the sport would be brought back on the schedule after reconsideration. Welsh Open: Advani creates history, enters pre-quarters

Pankaj Advani on Wednesday created history by becoming the first Indian cueist ever to reach the pre-quarterfinals of the BetVictor Welsh Open Pro Snooker Series, defeating former world champion, England's Shaun Murphy, 4-3 at Newport, Wales.

NBA: LeBron James sets new shooting mark

LeBron James' red-hot shooting hit record level on Tuesday as he became the first NBA player ever to score 30 points while shooting 60 percent in six straight games.

NBA: Gay drains winning basket as Raptors stun Nuggets

Rudy Gay drained the game-winning shot in the final seconds as the rejuvenated Toronto Raptors withstood a furious fightback from the Denver Nuggets for a 109-108 victory over one of the NBA's hottest teams on Tuesday.

Grenke Chess: Anand to meet Adams after rest day

World Champion Viswanathan Anand will take on Michael Adams of England in the opening round of the second half of Grenke Chess Classic in Baden-Baden, Germany.

Pakistan close to an Olympic ban: IOC

Pakistan could soon join neighbours India as Olympic outcasts with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Tuesday considering suspending the country over what it said was government interference.

February 12, 2013

Russian weightlifter stripped of Athens bronze medal
Russian weightlifter Oleg Perepetchenov was stripped of his 2004 Olympic bronze medal on Tuesday after a retest of his sample from the Athens Games returned positive for banned substance clenbuterol. China produces most raw doping materials: WADA

Virtually all the raw materials used by criminal gangs throughout the world to produce illegal performance-enhancing drugs come from China, World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) director general David Howman said on Tuesday.

NBA: Spurs top Bulls without injured trio

San Antonio Spurs protected their NBA-best record with an impressive 103-89 victory over Chicago Bulls on Monday despite missing three top players through injury.

PSG are more like Real than Barca: Valencia coach

Valencia are expecting a counter-attacking team such as Real Madrid rather than a possession-hungry side like Barcelona when they host Paris St Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday, coach Ernesto Valverde said.

Grenke chess: Anand beats Naiditsch; jumps to 2nd spot
World Champion Viswanathan Anand came up with a sterling effort to beat German Grandmaster Arkadij Naiditsch in the fifth round of Grenke chess Classic in Baden-Baden, Germany. Federer calls for biological passports to detect doping

World No. 2 Roger Federer has called for the introduction of biological passports in tennis similar to those used in cycling to detect possible doping.

Barca's Villa admitted to hospital due to illness

Barcelona forward David Villa has been admitted to hospital due to a bout of renal colic and may be unavailable for Saturday's league game at Granada, the La Liga leaders said on Monday.

Real Madrid thrash United in the financial stakes

Since Real Madrid last played Manchester United, getting a 6-5 aggregate win in the 2002-03 Champions League quarter-finals, the Spanish side have given their English rivals a thorough drubbing in the financial arena.

UCI harden anti-corticoid stance

The International Cycling Union (UCI) has toughened up its anti-doping policy by imposing an eight-day rest on riders following an injection of corticoids, it said on Monday.

Rathore, Sodhi to lead Indian challenge in Shotgun World Cups

Athens Olympics silver medallist Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and Ronjan Sodhi will spearhead Indian challenge at the ISSF Shotgun World Cups in Mexico and United Arab Emirates in March and April.

Six Aussie rugby league clubs investigated over doping

Anti-doping officials have met with six top-flight Australian rugby league clubs named in a national probe into the use of banned performance-enhancing drugs that has sent shockwaves through the sports-mad country.

IABF agrees to amend its constitution
The suspended Indian Amateur Boxing Federation has incorporated the government guidelines on age and tenure in its amended constitution and has requested the Sports Ministry to re-recognise the body for falling in line. IOC recommends to cut wrestling from 2020 Olympics

Wrestling should be removed from the 2020 Olympic Games, the International Olympic Committee's Executive Board said in a surprise recommendation on Tuesday as it looks to revamp the Games sports programme.

Sports Ministry says, IABF not recognised body

The Sports Ministry on Tuesday refused to attach too much importance to Indian Amateur Boxing Federation's (IABF) request for government's intervention saying it is "not a recognised body".

February 11, 2013

Former Barcelona fitness trainer to teach Indian coaches

The 41-year old Dutchman has worked with some of the best tacticians in the business like Guus Hiddink, Dick Advocaat and Frank Rijkaard, tasting success at both international and club level.

NRAI bars three officials from elections
The National Rifle Association of India barred its three officials, who occupy key positions in the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), from taking part in its elections on April 6, a few days after giving affiliation to Meghalaya and Mizoram. Is boxing federation chairman Chautala on his way out?
Indian Amateur Boxing Federation's (IABF) Chairman, Abhay Singh Chautala, could be on his way out as the IABF has decided to remove the nominated post from its amended constitution sent to AIBA for approval. Jones a doubt for United's Bernabeu trip

Manchester United midfielder Phil Jones is a doubt for the first leg of the Champions League last 16 tie against Real Madrid on Wednesday after injuring his calf against Everton.

Champions League: Haves take on have-nots as PSG meet Valencia

Paris St Germain's trip to Valencia in the Champions League on Tuesday pits the wealthy French team against one of many La Liga clubs struggling to stay competitive after years of financial struggle.

Grenke Chess Classic: Anand slips to draw again

World champion Viswanathan Anand missed out on a winning advantage and played out a draw with Daniel Fridman of Germany in the fourth round of the Grenke Chess Classic in Baden-Baden, Germany.

NBA: Clippers beat Knicks in clash of division leaders

Reserves Jamal Crawford and Eric Bledsoe led a fourth-quarter surge that carried the visiting Los Angeles Clippers to a 102-88 victory over the New York Knicks in a battle of NBA division leaders on Sunday.

Australia names Briton Nathan new athletics chief

Simon Nathan, who helped Britain's athletics team clinch four golds medals at the London Olympics, has been named Australia's high performance director of athletics.

Zeballos surprises Nadal to win Chilean Open

Argentine Horacio Zeballos sprung a major surprise by beating Rafael Nadal 6-7, 7-6, 6-4 to win the Chilean Open on Sunday and clinch the first title of his career.

United praying Ronaldo does not emulate namesake

The Champions League provides a crackerjack of a fixture on Wednesday when Real Madrid hot-shot Cristiano Ronaldo faces Manchester United, the club where he made his name, for the first time.

Sizzling Snedeker wins Pebble Beach title

FedExCup champion Brandt Snedeker finally reaped just reward for his red-hot early form on the PGA Tour this year when he eased to victory by two shots at the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am on Sunday.

February 10, 2013

Advani beats Ebdon to qualify for Welsh Open

Pankaj Advani added another feather to his illustrious cap as the eight-time world champion became only the second Indian cueist to qualify for the main draw of Welsh Open Pro Snooker Series.

PT Usha looking for sponsors for Luka

P T Usha feels "frustrated sometimes" at the lack of corporate interest in athletics and said despite running from pillar to post, she has failed to find a sponsor for her protege Tintu Luka.

Fit-again Sushil eyes return at Asian Championship

After missing the Dave Schultz Cup due to a shoulder injury, star Indian wrestler Sushil Kumar is now eyeing a return at the Asian Wrestling Championships starting from April 18 to 22.

Olympic champion Bolt beaten in season opener

Jamaican Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt was beaten in his first race of the 2013 season on Saturday, finishing third in a low-key 400 metre event in his hometown of Kingston.

Grenke Chess: Anand draws with Meier
World champion Viswanathan Anand played out his third draw on the trot, forced to sign peace with lowest-ranked Georg Meier of Germany in the third round of the Grenke Chess Classic

February 09, 2013

Salgaocar beat Shillong Lajong in I-League tie
Salgaocar scored a facile 2-0 win over Shillong Lajong to move away from the relegation zone in the 20th round of the I-League played at Duler stadium in Mapusa on Saturday. Kolkata derby ends in goalless draw
Mohun Bagan and East Bengal played out a drab goalless draw in the return leg I-League derby which was watched by just one fourth capacity crowd at Yuba Bharati Krirngan (YBK) in Kolkata on Saturday. Hero to sponsor FIH events in India for next four years
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) signed a major sponsorship deal with two-wheeler giant Hero MotoCorp for all events of the world body to be held in India in the next four years. Deadlock ends as rebels agree to play next Davis Cup tie

The five-week long tennis crisis ended as all the 11 rebel players made themselves available for the tie against Indonesia, a day after All India Tennis Association gave all the assurances with regard to Davis Cup playing conditions in writing.

Plenty of room for Real improvement, says Modric

Luka Modric is still struggling to find his feet at Real Madrid but is sure he will end up winning over sceptical fans in the future, the Croatia midfielder said.

Anand held by Caruana; slips to joint third
World champion Viswanathan Anand slipped to joint third after being held to a draw by second seed Fabiano Caruana of Italy in the second round of the Grenke Chess Classic in Baden-Baden, Germany. Damning drug report fuels anger in Australia

Australian sports administrators responded angrily to a government report saying doping was widespread among professional and amateur athletes and demanded investigators name offenders to protect clean athletes' reputations.

Nadal creates athlete, event management company

Rafa Nadal has set up his own company to manage athletes and organise events with his long-term agent Carlos Costa, the world number five announced on Saturday.

Hockey India League: Waveriders-Rhinos set up summit clash
Delhi Waveriders scored a clinical 3-1 win over Jaypee Punjab Warriors to set up the title clash against Ranchi Rhinos in the inaugural Hockey India League in Ranchi. Bhullar's eight-under leads Punjab Lancers to the top

Gaganjeet Bhullar was in his element as he carded a stunning, error-free eight-under for the 14-hole round to lift his team, Wital See Punjab Lancers, to the top of the table on the second day of the inaugural Pearls Golf Premier League in Aamby Valley.

Hockey India League: Brilliant Rhinos beat Wizards to enter final
Mandeep Singh and Nick Wilson scored twice each to help hosts Ranchi Rhinos beat Uttar Pradesh Wizards 4-2 in a thrilling encounter and enter the summit clash of the inaugural Hockey India league in front of a packed Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi.

February 08, 2013

AITA communicate all offers in writing to rebel players

In its last ditch effort to break the deadlock, the All India Tennis Association communicated all the offers with regard to playing conditions in writing to the rebel players and also asked for their availability for the upcoming tie against Indonesia.

Russian long jumper Kotova suspended for doping

Russian long jumper Tatyana Kotova has been provisionally suspended after failing a drugs test at the Helsinki 2005 world championships, the Russian anti-doping agency (RUSADA) said on Friday.

Koevermans names probables for AFC Challenge cup

National football coach Wim Koevermans today named 30 probables for the preparatory camp for the AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers scheduled to be held in Myanmar capital of Yangon from March 2-6 with no major surprises in the list.

Australian betting on football club suspended

Bookmakers suspended betting on an Australian Rules club on Friday due to doping claims, as police warned of significant match-fixing risks due to large Asian betting pools, citing A$40 million in wagers on one local soccer match.

'Doping has become a universal problem'
A massive awareness needed to be created among sportspersons, coaches and even doctors to deal with the menace of doping in sports, said Dr P S M Chandran, president of Indian Federation of Sports Medicine. Grenke Chess Classic: Anand settles for draw

World champion Viswanathan Anand played out a fighting draw with Michael Adams of England in the first round of the Grenke Chess Classic that got underway in Baden-Baden, Germany.

Transfer systems needs changing to close wealth gap, says EC

Football's transfer system needs to be reformed to allow a fairer distribution of wealth in the game, the European Commission said in a report.

Portsmouth face League exit threat over new bidder

Third tier Portsmouth will lose league status if they do not exit administration by the end of the season and if a takeover by the Pompey Supporters' Trust (PST) does not succeed, the Football League said on Thursday.

Ex-PM says Australia's sports image 'torpedoed' by doping report

A damning report into doping in Australian sport has "torpedoed" the country's identity as a nation of fair play and investigators must quickly name the athletes and teams involved, according to former prime minister Kevin Rudd.

Armstrong sued over $12 mn in Tour De France prize money

Disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong on Thursday was sued by a company that paid him about $12 million for three of his seven Tour de France wins that have since been stripped from him for his use of banned drugs.

Lakers' Gasol out at least 6-8 weeks with foot injury

The injury-hit Los Angeles Lakers were dealt another major blow on Thursday with the news that forward Pau Gasol is expected to be sidelined for at least six to eight weeks with a foot injury.

Beckham hopes to emulate Giggs and Scholes in PSG role

David Beckham does not expect to be a regular starter at Paris St Germain but he hopes to adopt the same role as Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes perform at his old club Manchester United, the former England captain said on Thursday.

February 07, 2013

Ranchi Rhinos beat Mumbai Magicians in HIL
Mumbai Magicians ended their campaign on a disappointing note after going down 0-1 to Ranchi Rhinos in the final league game of the Hero Hockey India League at Mumbai Hockey Association Stadium. FIH mulling to introduce club World Cup in India: Negre

After football and cricket, hockey is the latest sport which is set to introduce a world championship of clubs with the International Hockey Federation (FIH) mulling a Club World Cup to be held in India from next year.

UP Wizards end Delhi Waveriders' unbeaten run
It took an inspired performance from the Uttar Pradesh Wizards to finally stop the Delhi Waveriders juggernaut from rolling as they thrashed the home team 4-1 in their final round-robin match of the Hockey India League at the floodlit Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi. Balotelli fined by police after airport row: Reports

Mario Balotelli's troubles have followed him back to Italy after media reports on Thursday said the AC Milan striker was fined by police following a row over his parked car at a city airport.

GPL: No ambition of turning pro in future, says Mahela

Sri Lankan cricket legend and owner of Colombo 6's franchise in the Golf Premier League, Mahela Jayawardene has no ambition of turning pro in the future, but would not mind getting a tip or two from established golfers such as Darren Clarke and Angel Cabrera.

Adebayor's dash back set to lift Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur striker Emmanuel Adebayor is racing to get back in time from the African Nations Cup with fellow forward Jermain Defoe ruled out for as long as three weeks for the striker-light club.

Russia's Putin sacks official over Olympic delays
President Vladimir Putin dismissed a senior Russian Olympic Committee official on Thursday because of delays in construction work for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. Poonia inks 2-year sponsorship deal with Hindustan Zinc

Star discus thrower Krishna Poonia signed a two-year sponsorship deal with Hindustan Zinc Limited on Thursday.

London event drops taxes to lure Bolt for July meet

Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt and other overseas athletes will be able to compete tax-free in this year's London Diamond League event at the Olympic Stadium after the British finance minister agreed to a "one-off" exemption.

Russia will be ready for 2014 Winter Olympics: Putin

President Vladimir Putin told Olympic chiefs on Wednesday that Russia would have its facilities ready in time to host the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, despite rising costs and concerns about corruption and humans rights abuses.

Australia report says drug use in sports 'widespread'
The use of performance enhancing drugs is "widespread" among professional and amateur athletes in Australia, a government report which rocked the sports-mad country said on Thursday. Australia to crack down on match fixing in sport

The Australian government promised on Thursday to crack down on match fixing and the growing influence of organised crime on sports after a major investigation found links between doping and crime may have led to manipulated results.

USADA extends deadline for Armstrong to cooperate

The US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has given disgraced American cyclist Lance Armstrong two more weeks to cooperate fully in an investigation into cycling's darkest episode in return for a possible reduction of his life ban.

'Mary Kom can take part in 2016 Olympics'

Chief Boxing Coach of India G S Sandhu on Thursday said that London Olympic bronze medallist M C Mary Kom still has enough talent to represent the country in at least one more Olympic games.

'India lacks sports medicine experts'
The number of sports medicine experts required to improve the standard of sports is desperately lacking in the country, lamented Indian Federation of Sports Medicine president Dr P S M Chandran.

February 06, 2013

India's special athletes win record medals
India's differently-abled athletes returned with the largest haul of medals in the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games at Pyeong Chang, South Korea. I need to adjust to new rules in 2013: Bindra

Ace Indian shooter Abhinav Bindra said adjusting to the newly introduced rules will remain a priority for him in the 2013 season.

Somdev in 2nd round of Zagreb ATP event

A resilient Somdev Devvarman saved a match point before wearing out German Michael Berrer in the opening round of the ATP Zagreb Indoor event on Wednesday.

Armstrong will not be prosecuted for doping: US official

Disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong's public admission that he took performance-enhancing drugs will not change US prosecutors' decision to spare him of criminal charges, an attorney who oversaw the federal investigation said.

February 05, 2013

Costantini approaches TTFI for second stint
Former Indian table tennis chief coach, Massimo Costantini has expressed interest in taking up the top job with the Table Tennis Federation of India, which has in turn asked the Italian to revert back with his terms and conditions. Adlington retires from competitive swimming

Double Olympic champion swimmer Rebecca Adlington has retired from competition to concentrate on grassroots coaching, the 23-year-old said on Tuesday.

Pallikal wins sixth WSA title in Canada

India's Dipika Pallikal won her sixth Women's Squash Association (WSA) title of her career after outplaying Joey Chan of Hong Kong in straight games in the summit clash of the Meadowood Pharmacy Open in the Canadian city of Winnipeg.

February 04, 2013

NRAI bars Chautala's cronies from IOA polls
The National Rifle Association of India has barred all state association officials, who sided with Abhay Singh Chautala's faction in the last IOA elections, from voting in its April 6 polls on the directive of ISSF and the International Olympic Committee.

February 03, 2013

We had a better chance on faster court: SP Misra
The slow courts were best suited to the players who chose to skip the tie and had V M Ranjeet and Vijayant Malik competed on a fast surface, the hosts would have a better chance of winning the Davis Cup tie against South Korea, the Indian team said in one voice. Indians win 20 medal in Special Olympics Winter Games
Indian athletes have won 20 medals, including six gold, in the ongoing 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games at Pyeong Chang, South Korea. Hockey India League: Waveriders thrash Wizards 3-0
A clinical all-round display helped Delhi Waveriders thrash Uttar Pradesh Wizards 3-0 and maintain their supremacy in the Hero Hockey India League, at the Dhyan Chand Astroturf Stadium in Lucknow. India lose Davis Cup tie after Ranjeet's defeat
A charged up V M Ranjeet put up a spirited fight before losing while Vijayant Malik suffered a tame defeat as India, without its top players, lost the Asia/Oceania Group I Davis Cup tie against South Korea 1-4 in New Delhi on Sunday.

February 02, 2013

Kapur close to win after four-shot lead at Kensville

Shiv Kapur carded a flawless seven-under 65 in the penultimate round to grab a four-shot lead over Andrew McArthur (71) of Scotland at the Gujarat Kensville Challenge in Ahmedabad on Saturday.

Jeev climbs into top-5 at Dubai Classic

Indian golfer Jeev Milkha Singh had a brilliant par-birdie-eagle start as he went on to compile a second successive five-under 67 that catapulted him to tied fourth with one more round to go in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic on Saturday.

Liverpool's Sterling charged with assaulting woman

Liverpool and England winger Raheem Sterling has been charged with assaulting a woman and the case will go to court later this month.

February 01, 2013

Waveriders continue invincible run, beat Rhinos 5-2
Table leaders Delhi Waveriders extended their invincible run in the Hockey India league as they trounced Ranchi Rhinos 5-2 at the Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi. NRAI, Sports Ministry set for collision course
The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) will be conducting its elections on April 5, but the body could find itself on a collision course with the government, as not all of its provisions are in accordance with the sports code. Koreans enjoy easy day but insist task not over
Smiling ear to ear after grabbing a 2-0 lead in the Davis Cup tie against India, South Korean captain Yong II Yoon said it turned out easier than expected for his team but the task is yet to be finished. Davis Cup: Debutants Ranjeet, Malik suffer defeats
Bereft of its top players, India risk losing the Asia-Oceania Group I tie against Korea as the hosts conceded a 0-2 lead on opening day after debutants V M Ranjeet and Vijayant Malik suffered contrasting defeats in their singles matches in New Delhi on Friday. Golfer Singh withdraws from Phoenix Open

Vijay Singh pulled out of the Phoenix Open on Thursday before the start of the first round, a day after admitting he had used deer antler spray which contains an ingredient banned by the PGA Tour.

I played my best game, insists Ranjeet
He managed to hold serve just once in the entire match but an unfazed V M Ranjeet said he played his best game in what turned out to be a nightmarish Davis Cup debut against South Korea's Min Hyeok Cho in New Delhi on Friday.

January 31, 2013

Brazil stadium fence felled by "avalanche" celebration
Several fans were injured when a fence collapsed during the so-called "avalanche" celebration at a Libertadores Cup match in Brazil. O'Meara calls for ban on Vijay Singh

Twice major winner Mark O'Meara believes former world number one Vijay Singh should be suspended by the PGA Tour after the Fijian admitted to using a spray to treat an injury which contains a banned substance.

Steffensen banned after racial allegations dismissed

Controversial 400 metre runner John Steffensen has been given a six-month suspension by Athletics Australia (AA) for bringing the sport into disrepute after an independent investigation dismissed his claims of racial vilification.

Doping king doc will not be forced to give client names
Spanish doctor Eufemiano Fuentes, on trial for allegedly masterminding a doping ring in cycling, will not be obliged to identify any of the clients whose frozen blood was found in bags seized by police, the judge in the case ruled on Wednesday. IOC plans to cut one sport, add another for 2020 Games
One Olympic sport will learn next month that its Games future is in jeopardy when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) meets to decide the shape of the summer Games from 2020. Singh admits using banned medicine to speed recovery

Former World No 1 golfer Vijay Singh has admitted using deer antler spray, but says he was unaware the extract contained an insulin-like growth factor that is banned by the PGA Tour.

Punjab Warriors too good for Mumbai Magicians
Punjab Warriors completed their domination over Mumbai Magicians in the Hockey India League by scoring their third win against the hosts with a 3-1 margin at the MHA Mahindra Stadium in Mumbai.

January 29, 2013

Delay in trial of cycling dope mastermind
The high-profile and much-delayed trial of a Spanish doctor accused of masterminding a doping ring in cycling got off to an anti-climactic start on Monday when his testimony was postponed until Tuesday. UCI disbands Armstrong independent commission

Cycling's world governing body has disbanding the Independent Commission which investigated the Lance Armstrong doping scandal in favour of a 'truth and reconciliation process', the UCI said on Monday.

Dominant Woods pockets his 75th PGA title at Torrey Pines

Tiger Woods withstood a late bogey, double-bogey, par, bogey wobble in strengthening winds to end a week of dominant golf by clinching his 75th PGA Tour title by four shots at the Farmers Insurance Open on Monday.

January 28, 2013

Jackson, Mandeep Singh score in Rhinos' win
Dabur Mumbai Magicians' chances of making it to the top four of the Hero Hockey India League suffered another blow as they went down 1-2 to Ranchi Rhinos in an away game at the Astroturf Stadium. Issues between IOC, IOA can be resolved soon: Ministry
With hopes of the ban on the Indian Olympic Association being lifted, Sports Minister Jitendera Singh, on Monday, cleared the air, stating that, if needed, he will meet International Olympic Committee officials in Lausanne.

January 27, 2013

AFI removes contentious clause, calls poll on Feb 24
Faced with the threat of de-recognition from the Sports Ministry, the Athletics Federation of India on Sunday removed a contentious clause from its constitution and called for re-election to three top posts next month. Armstrong, USADA squabble over further probe

An attorney for Lance Armstrong said the disgraced cyclist will not meet the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency's (USADA) deadline for him to answer questions under oath, and suggested his client would rather participate in international efforts to 'clear the air'.

Valencia fight back to see off 10-man Deportivo
Valencia ended a miserable week on a high when they came from behind to snatch a 3-2 win at struggling 10-man Deportivo La Coruna that lifted them to fifth in La Liga on Saturday. Juventus frustrated by Borriello, Lazio shocked
A second-half equaliser by Marco Borriello earned struggling Genoa a 1-1 draw at Serie A leaders Juventus on Saturday, denting the champions' hopes of a second successive title. Australian duo win mixed doubles title
Jarmila Gajdosova and Matthew Ebden became the first locals to win a main draw Australian Open title since 2005 when they clinched the mixed doubles on Sunday. Mourinho shuns Madrid-based media as he turns 50

Under-fire Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho again chose not to face the Madrid-based media as he celebrated his 50th birthday on Saturday but told Italian TV he was certain he would win at least one more Champions League title before he retires.

NBA: Okafor sparks big win for Wizards over Bulls
Washington's Emeka Okafor dominated inside as the improving Wizards stunned the Chicago Bulls 86-73 to record their fifth straight home win on Saturday. Anelka joins Juventus on five-month deal
Former Arsenal, Real Madrid and Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka has joined Juventus on a five-month deal from China's Shanghai Shenhua, the Italian club said on Saturday. Tata chess: Anand beats L'Ami; Carlsen takes unbeatable
World champion Viswanathan Anand fought back from an inferior position to beat Erwin L'Ami of Holland to be joint second at the 75th Tata Steel chess tournament with one round to spare at the De Moriaan in Wijk Aan Zee, The Netherlands.

January 26, 2013

Chennai to host Asian Athletics Meet despite IOC ban
Notwithstanding the IOC ban on the country, India will host the prestigious Asian Athletics Championships in Chennai in July as the continental athletics body gave its go-ahead to the event, in Gurgaon on Saturday. Gangjee earns Asian Tour card; Chopra, Rashid miss out
Faced with the prospect of having no International Tour card to play with, Rahil Gangjee turned in a stunning finish with four birdies in last five holes to finish at five-under in the Final Stage of the Asian tour QualifyingSchool and at tied 21st he earned full playing privileges on the Asian Tour for 2013. Sushil disappointed to miss out on Padma Bhushan

Wrestler Sushil Kumar, the only Indian sportsperson to win back-to-back individual Olympic medals, is disappointed to miss out on the Padma Bhushan award though his name had been recommended.

Sania pulls out of Fed Cup due to hip strain

India's campaign at the Fed Cup has suffered a big jolt even before its start as country's top player Sania Mirza has pulled out of the tournament due to a hip strain sustained during the Australian Open.

Kyrgios, Konjuh win junior titles

Australian Nick Kyrgios and Ana Konjuh of Croatia followed in some famous footsteps on Saturday when they were crowned junior champions at the Australian Open.

USADA sets deadline for Armstrong's full cooperation

The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has set disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong a February 6 deadline to fully cooperate in the investigation into cycling's darkest episode in return for a possible reduction of his life ban.

January 25, 2013

Manchester United agree fee for exciting forward Zaha

Premier League leaders Manchester United have agreed a fee to buy exciting young forward Wilfried Zaha from second-tier Crystal Palace, the clubs said on Friday.

Errani and Vinci win Australian Open doubles for Italy

Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci wore down local hopes Ashleigh Barty and Casey Dellacqua 6-2, 3-6, 6-2 to become the first Italian pair to win the women's doubles at the Australian Open on Friday.

NBA: Anthony fires Knicks to win over Celtics
Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Garnett showed no signs of any lingering bad blood between them as the New York Knicks snapped their 11-game losing streak in Boston with a 89-86 win over the Celtics on Thursday. Former Olympic champion Robles to retire

Dayron Robles, the 2008 Olympic Games 110 metres hurdles champion and former world record holder, will retire from athletics owing to a lack of attention from Cuban sports officials, his coach said on Thursday.

Europeans propose 12-year limit for FIFA president
Future FIFA presidents should serve an initial term of eight years and a maximum of 12 years overall, European football associations suggested on Thursday. Heavyweight clash on cards at Nations Cup
Holders Zambia and Nigeria go head-to-head on Friday in the first heavyweight clash of the African Nations Cup as they seek to break the stalemate in Group C. Korean defender Yun set for QPR move
South Korean defender Yun Suk-young is set to join compatriot Park Ji-sung at English Premier League strugglers Queens Park Rangers, his Korean side Chunnam Dragons said. Agassi shocked, saddened by Armstrong confession

Andre Agassi was shocked and saddened by disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong's confession to using performance-enhancing drugs and the eight-times Grand Slam champion said tighter, more frequent dope testing procedures in tennis would be good for the sport.

Kalmadi to chair Asian Athletics Association meeting
Commonwealth Games scam-tainted Suresh Kalmadi is all set to chair a crucial meeting of the Asian Athletics Association in New Delhi, which will take stock of the continental championships which is scheduled to be held in Chennai in July.

January 24, 2013

Rhinos hand Wizards their first loss in HIL
Late strikes from Nick Wilson (67th min) and Ashley Jackson (69th min) helped Ranchi Rhinos beat Uttar Pradesh Wizards 3-1 in a Hockey India League match at the Astroturf Hockey stadium in Ranchi. United Sikkim hold Mohun Bagan to a goalless draw
Mohun Bagan struggled to get going against minnows United Sikkim FC to settle for a goalless draw in an I-League fixture at home in Kolkata on Thursday. Hazard apologises to ballboy after League Cup red card

Chelsea's Eden Hazard has apologised for kicking a ballboy who was preventing him from retrieving the ball in the League Cup semi-final against Swansea City on Wednesday.

Bolt eyes three gold at World Championships

Triple London Olympic champion Usain Bolt is injury free and eyeing three gold medals at this year's world championships in Moscow in August.

UCI head McQuaid steps down from IOC committee

International Cycling Union (UCI) chief Pat McQuaid has stepped down as member of the International Olympic Committee panel evaluating 2020 Games bids, citing time constraints, the IOC said on Wednesday.

January 23, 2013

Walker Irfan, two other sportsmen join OGQ list
Walker K T Irfan, who surprised everyone with his creditable 10th place finish at the London Games in the 20km walk race, is a new addition to the list of talented sportspersons supported by the Olympic Gold Quest. Oprah's Armstrong interview viewed by 28 million
Some 28 million viewers worldwide watched Oprah Winfrey's two-part interview last week in which cyclist Lance Armstrong finally admitted he had been taking performance-enhancing substances for years, Winfrey's OWN cable TV channel said on Tuesday. Tottenham post 4.3 million pounds loss
Tottenham Hotspur posted a loss of 4.3 million pounds last season mainly because they did not play in the Champions League, the Premier League club said on Tuesday.

January 22, 2013

Spanish govt accused of covering up drug supplier
The Spanish government has been accused of curbing proof linking footballers and tennis stars to a disreputable doctor who will go on trial in Madrid next week and has been described as a 'one-man Wal-Mart' of doping, according to a report in an English daily. Saints defang Everton and defuse fans' revolt
Southampton threw up a defensive wall around both their goal and their new Argentine manager on Monday, repelling a high-flying Everton side as well as a threatened fans' protest at St Mary's. Betting, match-fixing the big threats: Platini

Match-fixing and illegal betting are the biggest threats to the future of soccer, UEFA president Michel Platini said on Monday.

King's Cup: Villa, Cuenca back for Barcelona

Barcelona had positive news on the injury front on Monday when David Villa returned to training and fellow forward Isaac Cuenca was declared fit after more than seven months out with a knee injury.

Eriksson agrees Al Nasr deal, eyes Beckham

Sven-Goran Eriksson will try to convince former England captain David Beckham to join him at Al Nasr after the experienced Swedish coach signed an 18-month contract as a technical advisor of the United Arab Emirates club.

Pochettino makes solid start with Everton draw

Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino began his reign at the struggling Premier League club with an impressive 0-0 draw against fifth-placed Everton on Monday, three days after taking over from the sacked Nigel Adkins.

African Nations Cup: Zambia, Nigeria make stuttering starts

Zambia's chances of emulating Egypt, Ghana and Cameroon as the only nations to retain the African Nations Cup did not look promising when they began their campaign with a stuttering 1-1 draw against Ethiopia on Monday.

Hockey India League: Warriors, Wizards split points
Jaypee Punjab Warriors and Uttar Pradesh Wizards shared two points each after playing a 2-2 draw in the Hero Hockey India League at the Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar on Tuesday. Del Piero-Dempsey to launch motor racing team

Italian World Cup-winning striker Alessandro Del Piero has joined forces with American actor Patrick Dempsey to launch a new motor racing team which the duo hope to enter in the prestigious Le Mans 24-hour endurance race.

January 21, 2013

Tata Steel chess: Anand held by Sokolov, slips to 2nd

World champion Viswanathan Anand slipped to the second position after he was held to an easy draw by tail-ender Ivan Sokolov of Holland in the eighth round of 75th Tata Steel Chess tournament Wijk Aan Zee, The Netherlands.

Ibrahimovic on target again as PSG back on top

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's domination of the French League continued on Sunday when he scored his 19th Ligue 1 goal as Paris St Germain reclaimed top spot with a clinical 1-0 win at Girondins Bordeaux.

Cole staying at Chelsea, says Benitez

Chelsea's old guard demonstrated that they still have plenty to offer the club on Sunday with left back Ashley Cole signing a new contract and Frank Lampard scoring his 195th goal since arriving at Stamford Bridge.

La Liga: Atletico, Real trim gap on leaders Barcelona

Atletico Madrid took full advantage of Barcelona's defeat at Real Sociedad and closed to within eight points of the La Liga leaders when Adrian and Koke struck in a 2-0 win at home to Levante on Sunday.

January 20, 2013

Hockey India League: Warriors too good for Magicians
Punjab Warriors edged out Mumbai Magicians by 4-2 in a fast-paced Hockey India League encounter at the MHA Mahindra Stadium in Mumbai to notch up their first victory in four games. Bhupathi-Petrova enter second round of mixed doubles
Mahesh Bhupathi joined three more compatriots in the mixed doubles second round of the Australian Open after scoring a straight-set win with partner Nadia Petrova in Melbourne. Mumbai Marathon: Lyngkhoi, Babar top among Indians
Binning Lyngkhoi was the best Indian finisher among men while Lalita Babar successfully defended her title in the women's section in the 10th Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon in Mumbai. Ex-USADA boss rejects Armstrong denial over cash offer

Disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong is not telling the truth by denying his representatives offered a six-figure cash donation to the U.S. Anti Doping Agency (USADA), the body's former chief executive Terry Madden said on Saturday.

Kiprop, Kipketer set course records to win Mumbai Marathon

Uganda's Jackson Kiprop won the 10th Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon on Sunday, setting a new course record of 2 hours, 09 minutes, 54 seconds. Running his first marathon, the 26-year-old eclipsed the course record of 2:09:54 seconds, set by Girma Assefa of Ethiopia two years ago.

January 19, 2013

Two Indians in joint lead at Chennai Open chess
Grandmasters M R Lalith Babu and Henrik Teske of Germany played out a hard-fought draw between them to maintain their lead at the end of the seventh round of the 5th Chennai Open International Grandmasters chess tournament in Chennai on Saturday. First-ever golf auction sees Rs 3.83 crores spent
Indian golf has witnessed the dawn of a new era as more than Rs. 3.83 crores (around $700,000) spent in the auction for 24 players as the inaugural Pearl Golf Premier League was in Mumbai on Saturday. Chowrasia fires best round but wife misses him in action

Shiv Chowrasia's wife will be ruing her decision to stay in bed on Saturday morning after missing out on seeing her journeyman husband shoot the best round of the week at the Abu Dhabi Championship.

Cycling has become much cleaner these days: Schleck

Andy Schleck, who was retroactively awarded the 2010 Tour de France win last year, believed Lance Armstrong when the American said he did not dope after his comeback, the Luxembourger said on Saturday.

Malaysia Open Super Series: Tzu Ying Tai shocks Saina

India's ace shuttler Saina Nehwal suffered a shock straight-game defeat at the hands of world number 12 Tzu Ying Tai of Chinese Taipei in the semifinal to crash out of the Malaysia Open Super Series in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.

Critics question Armstrong's interview answers

While Lance Armstrong's confession that he used performance-enhancing drugs during his cycling career was praised in some quarters, critics say his interview with talk show host Oprah Winfrey left many important questions unanswered.

Fauja Singh, 101, to run in Mumbai Marathon

Fauja Singh, the world's oldest runner at 101 years of age, is participating in the 10th Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon on Sunday in what could be his first and last appearance in the city. Singh, who lives in London, will run the 4.3 km event for senior citizens.

January 18, 2013

AITA defends Davis Cup selection
Taking strong exception to the comments made by its own vice president, the All India Tennis Association said it was "unethical" to label the team selected for Davis Cup tie against Korea as "third rate" and that the young players were being misled. Saina in Malaysian Super Series semis
London Olympics bronze medallist Saina Nehwal survived a scare from lower-ranked Japanese Nozomi Okuhara to advance to the semi-finals of the women's singles in the Malaysian Super Series, in Kuala Lumpur, on Friday. The top seeded Indian lost the second game 14-21, after winning the first 21-11, but with Nozomi retiring early in the third, she cemented a place into the last four. Manchester United's Fletcher out for rest of season

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher has been ruled out for the rest of the season after having surgery to resolve a bowel condition, the Premier League leaders said.

Doping admission could cost Armstrong millions

Lance Armstrong's admission that he used performance-enhancing drugs during his cycling career could hurt his bank balance as much as his reputation, with one company demanding $12 million from him.

Armstrong must now confess under oath: USADA
Lance Armstrong finally confessed his doping sins to talk show host Oprah Winfrey on Thursday but the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has now challenged the disgraced cyclist to do the same under oath. West Brom's Reid played against Arsenal with broken leg
West Bromwich Albion right back Steven Reid played the second half of their 2-0 defeat at Arsenal in early December with a fractured fibula, manager Steve Clarke said on Thursday. King's Cup: Atletico beat Betis 2-0 to close on semis

Atletico Madrid took a big step towards the King's Cup semi-finals when Radamel Falcao set them on the way to a 2-0 win at home to Real Betis in their last-eight first-leg on Thursday.

Performance enhancing drugs used in sports
Lance Armstrong's confession that he cheated in international cycling races acknowledges that he used a cocktail of performance-enhancing drugs to try to boost red blood cells, improve strength and stamina, and mask his cheating from anti-doping authorities. Lance Armstrong admits to doping

American cyclist Lance Armstrong had admitted to doping in all of his seven Tour de France victories in his first interview since being stripped of the titles.

January 17, 2013

Mumbai Marathon: Moiben not targeting course record

Lowering the course record is not on defending men's champion Laban Moiben mind as he goes into the 10th Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon on Sunday. He is focusing on only retaining the crown in the US $350,000 event.

IOC strips Armstrong of 2000 Olympics time trial bronze

The International Olympic Committee has stripped Lance Armstrong of his bronze medal from the 2000 Sydney Olympics because of his involvement in doping.

Armstrong's admission a 'striking' moment: Tour director

Lance Armstrong's expected admission of doping will be a "striking" moment but the Tour de France will still thrive, the race director said on Thursday.

Tennis row: Rebel players approach Sports ministry
In a desperate attempt to get back to the Indian Davis Cup team, the 11 rebel players have sought intervention of Sports Ministry to resolve the crisis but their effort is unlikely to bear any fruit with the ministry categorically stating that it has "no role to play in selection matters". Malaysia Open: Saina storms into quarter-finals
On a day she regained her world number 2 status, India ace Saina Nehwal produced a dominant performance to cruise into the quarter-finals of the Malaysia Open Super Series with a straight-game victory over Hong Kong's Pui Yin Yip in Kuala Lumpur. TTFI amends its constitution in tune with Sports Code
Following the Sports Ministry's directive asking all National Sports Federations to fall in line with the Sports Code, the Table Tennis Federation of India has amended its constitution by incorporating the provisions with regard to age and tenure. No choice but to suspend boxers, coaches: AIBA
A miffed International Boxing Association said it was left with no choice but to suspend the Indian boxers and coaches from world events given the "lack of progress" in resolving the electoral mess that led to IABF's suspension late last year. Nadal recovery on course, confirms return next month

Rafael Nadal has passed the latest medical tests on his injured knee, the Spanish tennis federation (RFET) said on Wednesday as the world number four confirmed he would return after more than seven months out at the Brazil Open next month.

Tata Steel Chess: Anand to meet Carlsen

Back with a bang, World champion Viswanathan Anand will be up against World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen of Norway in a much-awaited fifth-round clash of the Tata Steel Chess tournament in Wijk Aan Zee, The Netherlands.

Saudi Arabia sack Dutch coach Rijkaard
Saudi Arabia have sacked Frank Rijkaard as coach of the national soccer team after 18 months in charge, the country's football federation has announced. Pound expects no apologies from Armstrong

Lance Armstrong may be ready to admit to doping and say sorry for his actions but his old nemesis, former-World Anti-doping Agency (WADA) chief Dick Pound, does not expect any apologies coming his way.

Rivaldo signs for new Brazilian club at age 40
Former Brazil midfielder and 1999 World Player of the Year Rivaldo announced on Wednesday he had signed to play for Sao Caetano at the age of 40 until the end of the year. King's Cup: Barcelona held to 2-2 draw by 10-man Malaga

Holders Barcelona squandered a chance to all but seal a probable King's Cup semi-final showdown with Real Madrid when they conceded a late goal to draw 2-2 at home to 10-man Malaga in their last-eight first-leg match on Wednesday.

January 16, 2013

Decision to send Pak players back unfortunate: Oltmans
Hockey India's decision to send back Pakistani players due to cross-border conflict has been termed as "unfortunate" by Uttar Pradesh Wizards' Dutch coach Roelant Oltmans, who feels the Hockey India League will certainly lose its sheen with the departure of the visitors. 'Atmosphere not good from security point of view'

The teams and players coming to India for any sporting event in the future will be subjected to proper scrutiny, the Sports Minister Jitendra Singh said on Wednesday as Hockey India League's Pakistani signings headed home due to simmering tension on the Indo-Pak border.

Unhappy WADA not participating in UCI's Armstrong probe
Friction between anti-doping chiefs and the UCI escalated on Tuesday as WADA decided not to partake in an inquiry set up by cycling's governing body to look into allegations of widespread doping, saying it was too focused on Lance Armstrong. Saina cruises at Malaysia Open; Sindhu loses
London Olympics bronze medallist Saina Nehwal sailed into the second round of Malaysia Open after a straight games victory over Singapore's Gu Juan in the women's singles, in Kuala Lumpur, on Wednesday. However, India's rising star PV Sindhu went down fighting to higher-ranked Tine Baun of Denmark in the first round. US football club end Livestrong stadium deal

Major League Soccer's Sporting Kansas City have ended their stadium naming deal with Livestrong, the cancer foundation started by disgraced former cycling champion Lance Armstrong, the team said on Tuesday.

Armstrong scam could end cycling's time at the Olympics

Cycling could be dumped from the Olympic programme if Lance Armstrong implicated the sport's governing body of covering up a widespread doping scheme, International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Dick Pound told Reuters on Tuesday.

January 15, 2013

Gurusaidutt enters main draw of Malaysia Open
RMV Gurusaidutt made it to the main draw of the men's singles at the Malaysia Super Series, after contrasting victories in the first two rounds of the qualifiers in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday. The Indian shuttler first staved off the challenge from Andre Kurniawan Tedjono of Indonesia, winning 21-23, 21-18, 21-14, and then brushed aside Yan Kit Chan of Hong Kong 21-13, 21-9. Pak Hockey Federation says players safe in India
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has said that eight Pakistan players taking part in the Indian Hockey League in India were safe and there was no security concern regarding their participation in the event. McIlroy reckons Nike deal will improve his game

World No 1 golfer Rory McIlroy praised the clubs of his new sponsor Nike on Monday saying he was hitting the ball further than ever after agreeing a multi-year sponsorship deal with the U.S. sportswear firm.

Armstrong admits to doping during Winfrey interview

His fall nearly complete, disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong finally confessed to using performance-enhancing drugs in an interview on Monday with Oprah Winfrey.

January 14, 2013

Anti-Pakistan protests threaten to derail HIL
A new franchise-based Indian hockey league faces the prospect of being forced out of Mumbai after heightened regional political tensions led to protests against Pakistani players competing in the IPL-style event on Sunday. IOC proposes meeting with Malhotra-led IOA
The International Olympic Committee proposed to hold a meeting with Indian Olympic Association and government representatives while maintaining that it would consider lifting of the ban on India only if the IOA holds elections solely under the Olympic Charter. Puerto Rican boxer Orlando Cruz reveals he is gay

Puerto Rican boxer Orlando Cruz has quite suddenly become a hero to many after becoming the first active athlete in a traditional male sport to announce to the world that he is homosexual.

January 12, 2013

Armstrong to admit to doping in Oprah interview

Lance Armstrong plans to admit to doping throughout his career in an interview with Oprah Winfrey next week, the American cyclist's first interview since being stripped of his seven Tour de France titles, USA Today reported on Saturday.

Swiss laboratory denies helping Armstrong

The director of Switzerland's laboratory for doping analysis has denied allegations that he once told disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong how to avoid being detected for EPO.

British man who threw bottle at Bolt found guilty

A mentally ill British man who shouted abuse at Usain Bolt and threw a beer bottle on the track at the start of the men's Olympic 100 metres final was found guilty of a public order offence on Friday.

January 11, 2013

'Hurt' Zeeshan promises to give his best
A 'hurt' Zeeshan Ali said that his credentials as coach were never in doubt and promised to give his best in the upcoming Davis Cup tie against South Korea despite having an inexperienced side at his disposal. Wenger optimistic over Walcott's Arsenal future

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said he was "optimistic" that England international Theo Walcott will commit his long-term future to the London club and sign a new deal.

Aguero's comeback still a week away, says Mancini

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero will miss Sunday's match against Arsenal and faces another week on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, manager Roberto Mancini said on Friday.

Redknapp holds no grudge against Spurs

Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp said he does not bear a grudge against former club Tottenham Hotspur and will shake chairman Daniel Levy's hand when the two teams meet in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime kickoff.

Saina beaten in Korea Open quarter-finals
The Indian challenge ended in the Korea Open Super Series Premier badminton tournament after Olympic bronze medallist Saina Nehwal suffered a stunning quarter-final defeat to China's Li Han in Seoul on Friday. The third-seeded Indian ace was beaten 14-21, 21-15, 12-21 in 59 minutes. Qataris refuse to pay Woods $3 million appearance fee

Tiger Woods may guarantee packed galleries but even the oil-rich Qataris cannot afford the former World No 1's appearance fee for the only European Tour event in the Gulf state.

King's Cup: Barca maul Cardoba 5-0 after Villa double

Barcelona's David Villa proved he still has a sharp eye for goal by scoring twice as the holders cruised into the King's Cup quarter-finals by beating second division Cordoba 5-0 at the Nou Camp on Thursday.

January 10, 2013

Gebrselassie named Mumbai Marathon brand ambassador
Two-time Olympic gold medallist Haile Gebrselassie has been named brand ambassador of the US $3,50,000 tenth Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, on January 20. Revolting players stick to stand, AITA not worried
The All India Tennis Association (AITA) would be forced to select a depleted side to counter South Korea as none of the eight revolting players has made himself available for Davis Cup selection so far. Saina in Korea Open QF; Kashyap, Sindhu lose
Saina Nehwal sailed into the quarter-finals with a straight games victory, but it was curtains for Parupalli Kashyap and P V Sindhu in the second round of the Korea Open Super Series Premier, in Seoul, on Thursday. London Olympics bronze medallist Saina needed 36 minutes to beat Mingtian Fu of Indonesia 21-16, 21-9 in a women's singles match at the SK Handball stadium. Draft of amended IABF constitution ready
The suspended Indian Boxing Federation (IABF) claims to have taken the first step towards regaining recognition from the International Boxing Association by preparing the draft of an amended constitution which would be compliant with the AIBA statute.

January 09, 2013

Korea Open: Saina, Kashyap, Sindhu reach second round

Top Indian shuttlers, including Saina Nehwal, started the new year on a winning note, reaching the second round of the season-opening Korea Open Premier Super Series in Seoul on Wednesday.

Armstrong offered donation to anti-doping agency?

Disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong once offered to donate nearly $250,000 to anti-doping efforts, the head of the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) tells 60 Minutes Sports in an interview to be aired on Wednesday.

Armstrong to break silence on Oprah's TV show

Lance Armstrong will break his silence about his lifetime ban from cycling and the doping charges made against him in a televised interview with Oprah Winfrey next week, the television presenter announced on Tuesday.

January 08, 2013

McIlroy breaks with first sponsor, Nike waits in wings

World number one golfer Rory McIlroy has parted company with his first corporate sponsor ahead of confirmation of a deal that will make him the new face of sportswear giant Nike.

Will try to learn from Sardar, says Pakistan's Rizwan

Pakistan's star forward Mohammad Rizwan Sr. is a big fan of Indian captain Sardar Singh and wants to pick up a few nuances of the game from him when the two play together for the Delhi Waveriders in the upcoming Hockey India League.

Guardiola says to return to coaching next season

Former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has confirmed he plans to return to management next season after a year's sabbatical.

After superb 2012, Saina starts quest for new highs

After a highly successful 2012, Saina Nehwal will look to start the new year on a winning note when she takes the court at the season-opening Korea Super Series Premier badminton tournament at Seoul on Wednesday.

Olympic swimmer Lochte gets US reality TV series

Gold medal-winning Olympic swimmer and party boy Ryan Lochte will get his own reality television series as he trains with one eye on the 2016 Summer Games and another looking for love, US network E! said on Monday.

FA Cup: Everton cruise past Cheltenham

Everton enjoyed trouble-free progress to the FA Cup fourth round with a 5-1 victory at fourth tier Cheltenham Town on Monday.

Suarez goal raises issue of sporting honesty

Never far from controversy during his career, Liverpool striker Luis Suarez's winner in an FA Cup match on Sunday re-ignited the morality debate in sport -- should the honesty card be played in the heat of battle?

Boateng was 'courageous' to walk off: Blatter

FIFA president Sepp Blatter praised AC Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng on Monday for displaying courage when he walked off the pitch last week in protest at racial abuse.

FACTBOX: Ballon d'or winner Lionel Messi

Factbox on Argentina and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi who won the Ballon d'Or for world player of the year for an unprecedented fourth successive time on Monday.

January 07, 2013

First Look: Paes teams up with Navratilova in Mumbai

Ten years after winning their first Grand Slam titles (Australian Open and Wimbledon) together in 2003, Leander Paes and Martina Navratilova met in Mumbai and shared memories on what made them a winning pair on court and great friends off it.

January 06, 2013

Indians ousted from British Junior Open squash
The Indian challenge ended in the British Junior Open squash tournament after Mahesh Manhaonkar and Kush Kumar

January 05, 2013

Brighton end Newcastle's FA Cup hopes again
Premier League Newcastle United's FA Cup hopes floundered on England's south coast for the second year in a row as Championship club Brighton and Hove Albion kicked off third round action with a 2-0 victory on Saturday. Tipsarevic survives Bedene scare, reaches final

Second seed Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia lived dangerously before prevailing over Slovakia's Aljaz Bedene 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 to enter the final of the Aircel ATP Chennai Open Tennis Tournament in Chennai on Saturday.

Chennai Open: With Somdev's exit, Indian challenge ends

The Indian challenge ended at the Chennai Open tournament with Somdev Devvarman and his Ukrainian partner Sergiy Stakhovsky losing their doubles quarterfinal match to Thai brothers Sanchal and Sonchat Ratiwatana in straight sets.

Armstrong may admit to doping: Report

Disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong, who was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles for doping, is weighing whether to admit he used performance-enhancing drugs, The New York Times reported.

January 04, 2013

Ramaala among top-class field for Mumbai Marathon
Defending men's champion Laban Moiben of Kenya, last year's runner-up Raji Assefa of Ethiopia and third-placed John Kyui of Kenya have all confirmed to run in the US $3,50,000 10th Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, on January 20. Rooney return from knee injury delayed

Wayne Rooney's return for Manchester United after injury has been delayed with manager Alex Ferguson saying the striker may be sidelined for a further two weeks.

Indian hockey team has improved a lot: Oltmans

Legendary Dutch coach Roelant Oltmans feels that although Indian hockey team has improved by "leaps and bounds", it needs to regularly play against powerhouses like Australia, Holland and Germany in order to become a force to reckon with.

UK man on trial for abusing Bolt during Olympics

A British man went on trial on Thursday accused of screaming abuse at Usain Bolt and hurling a beer bottle onto the track as the Olympic men's 100 metres final was starting, a climactic moment of the London Games in August.

January 02, 2013

NBA: Nuggets end Clippers 17-game winning streak
The Nuggets brought the Los Angeles Clippers' franchise record 17-game winning streak to a halt on Tuesday with a 92-78 victory in Denver. Goal difference could be decisive again, says Mancini

Goal difference could again be the deciding factor in the Premier League title race and Manchester City therefore need to score as many as possible in every game, manager Roberto Mancini said on Tuesday.

'No more fun' Serena looks to become oldest World No 1

Serena Williams credited a more subdued lifestyle on Tuesday for the current form which has put her on track to succeed fellow-American Chris Evert as the oldest world one in women's tennis.

Casillas battling to win back place in Real team
Real Madrid goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas says he is fighting to prove to coach Jose Mourinho that he deserves his place back in the side after the Portuguese controversially dropped him for last month's La Liga match at Malaga.

January 01, 2013

Indian archers mull appeal against ban
Clueless about their future in the wake of Archery Association of India's (AAI) derecognition, the young marksmen hope to make an appeal through their players' association with the season scheduled to commence in a couple of months time.

December 31, 2012

LA Galaxy set to lure Lampard with 4million pound deal

LA Galaxy is set to offer veteran Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard the same wage package as David Beckham had in a desperate bid to lure the England international to America's Major League Soccer (MLS).

Olympic champion Farah detained on terrorist suspicion

British Olympic hero Mo Farah claimed that he was quizzed by United States border officials on suspicion of being a terrorist.

December 30, 2012

United will not sell Nani, says Ferguson

Manchester United winger Nani will not be sold in the January transfer window, manager Alex Ferguson said on Sunday in dismissing media reports that the Portuguese international could leave Old Trafford.

Lampard double inspires Chelsea to 2-1 win at Everton

Frank Lampard underlined his value to Chelsea with a well-taken double that secured a 2-1 comeback win at Everton on Sunday to move the Londoners back up to third place in the Premier League.

Shooting: Vijay, Heena clinch gold medals in nationals

London Olympics silver medalist Vijay Kumar on Sunday clinched the gold medal in the men's rapid fire pistol event at the 56th National Shooting Championship in New Delhi.

Keshavan guns for medal at Winter Olympics

To enter 30s might signal decline in many sports but for veteran luge racer Shiva Keshavan, it is the start of his peak form which, he feels, would make him the first Indian to win a Winter Olympics medal, come 2014.

December 29, 2012

Majeric completes a double with first singles title
Slovenia's Tadeja Majeric presented herself a New Year gift by winning her maiden singles title with a hard-fought win over Turkey's Basak Eraydin in the final of the NECC ITF Women's $25,000 tennis tournament, in Pune.

December 28, 2012

Tejaswini, Mahaveer win gold in shooting nationals
Rajasthan's Mahaveer Singh and Tejaswini Sawant of Maharashtra were among the shooters to have won the gold medals on the 10th day of the 56th National Shooting Championship in New Delhi. Vardhan-Sanam get wildcards for Chennai Open
Indian tennis players, including Vishnu Vardhan and Sanam Singh, have been granted wild card entries into the doubles draw of the Chennai Open, the organisers announced in Chennai. Ricketts in trouble for tweets against coach Armando
Dempo's star foreign striker Rohan Ricketts has been served with a suspension notice for his outburst against coach Armando Colaco on a social networking website. Milanov becomes Bulgaria's youngest footballer of year
Litex Lovech's midfield dynamo Georgi Milanov was voted Bulgaria's Footballer of the Year on Thursday, becoming the youngest player to pick up the prestigious prize. United's Bebe loaned to Portugal's Rio Ave
Manchester United's misfit striker Bebe has moved to Portuguese side Rio Ave on loan in a bid to resurrect his career at home. Sunderland ban fans for standing
Sunderland have taped up seats and stripped several fans of their season tickets for standing during matches as controversy grows over a law that requires many English soccer spectators to sit. Villa key part of Barcelona squad: Iniesta

David Villa is an important member of the Barcelona squad, his club and international team mate Andres Iniesta said on Thursday amid speculation the Spain striker could move in the January transfer window.

December 27, 2012

Justice Ganguly submits report on Bagan controversy
The one-man committee, appointed by the All India Football Federation to look into the legality of Mohun Bagan's actions in their I-League derby against East Bengal early this month, submitted its report today and the AIFF Emergency Committee will take a decision on Saturday. Kashyap reaches career-best ranking after title win
India's ace shuttler Parupalli Kashyap, who recently triumphed in the Syed Modi International India Grand Prix, made a leap of six places to reach a career-best ranking of 14th in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) rankings released on Thursday.

December 26, 2012

LIVE! Chat with Leander Paes on his Bollywood debut

Join the tennis superstar as he connects with Rediff readers from 1.30pm on Thursday, December 26, only on Rediff ZaraBol.

Veteran keeper Friedel extends Tottenham contract
Veteran goalkeeper Brad Friedel has signed a new contract with Tottenham Hotspur through to 2014, the Premier League club said on Wednesday. Liverpool's Sterling commits to England over Jamaica

Liverpool's teenage winger Raheem Sterling has pledged his international future to England, despite still being eligible for his place of birth, Jamaica.

Del Piero dismisses Sydney exit talk

Alessandro Del Piero's uncertain future in Australia could be close to being resolved, with the former Italy striker pledging his support for struggling Sydney FC.

NBA: James leads Heat past Thunder in finals rematch

LeBron James scored 29 points and flirted with a triple-double as the Miami Heat claimed a 103-97 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in a rematch of last season's NBA finals on a Christmas Day schedule of five games.

December 25, 2012

Rathore wins gold in shooting nationals
Athens Olympics silver-medallist Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore on Tuesday, clinched the double trap gold medal ahead of former world number one Ronjan Sodhi and Mohammad Asab at the 56th Shooting National Championship in New Delhi.

December 24, 2012

Gold for Shreyasi, Sushma as Chandela shocks Ghatkar
Shreyasi Singh and Sushma Singh bagged gold medal in women's double trap and sports pistol events, respectively, while Sushil Ghaley clinched the yellow metal in men's rifle in New Delhi on Monday. The Queen goes 3D for Olympics tribute

The Queen will use her traditional Christmas Day message, filmed in 3D for the first time, to pay tribute to the world's athletes for delivering a "splendid summer of sport" at the London Olympics.

December 23, 2012

I-League: Mumbai FC puncture East Bengal with a 2-1 win

Mumbai Football Club scored their one of the most memorable win in I-League when they beat East Bengal 2-1 in the 12th Round match at the Balewadi Sports Complex Stadium, Pune on Sunday.

Asian Champions Trophy: India humiliate Oman 11-0
A dominant India humiliated minnows Oman 11-0 to register their third consecutive win in the second Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament in Doha on Sunday. Kashyap wins Indian GP title, Sindhu loses in final
Ace Indian shuttler Parupalli Kashyap clinched his maiden Grand Prix title after a thrilling three-set win over Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk of Thailand in the men's singles summit clash in the $120,000 Syed Modi Indian GP Gold tournament. Claudius laid to rest in presence of teammates
Olympians and dignitaries of the state government today bid their final adieus to legendary hockey player Leslie Claudius whose mortal remains were laid to rest at the Lower Circular Road Cemetery in Kolkata. Keshavan wins gold in Asian Championships

India's top luge athlete Shiva Keshavan reclaimed the gold medal for the second time in succession by setting a new Asian record of 49.590 seconds in the Asian Championship in Nagano, Japan.

December 22, 2012

EPL: Barry's late winner helps City overcome Reading

Manchester City needed Gareth Barry's stoppage-time winner to earn a 1-0 win at home to bottom club Reading on Saturday and exert some pressure on Premier League leaders Manchester United.

India GP: Kashyap, Sindhu storm into final
India's star shuttler Parupalli Kashyap and teen sensation PV Sindhu stormed into the final of the men's and women's singles respectively in the $120,000 Syed Modi Indian Grand Prix Gold tournament in Lucknow on Saturday. National Shooting: Gold for Manavjit, Bindra wins silver
Olympian Manavjit Singh Sandhu on Saturday clinched the trap gold medal while unheralded Chain Singh of Army bagged the yellow metal in 10-metre air rifle event ahead of Beijing Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra, at the 56th National Shooting Championship in New Delhi. Arteta penalty seals win for Arsenal at Wigan

A second-half penalty by Mikel Arteta earned Arsenal a 1-0 victory at Wigan Athletic on Saturday to move the Gunners up to third place in the Premier League.

Ferguson scoffs at talk of Scholes retirement

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has dismissed media reports that his long-serving trio of Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand will leave the Premier League leaders at the end of the season.

Ibrahimovic sets up leaders PSG for easy win
Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored his 18th goal of the season to inspire Ligue 1 leaders Paris St Germain to a comprehensive 3-0 victory at 10-man Stade Brest which lifted them three points clear at the top on Friday. Matri hits late double to salvage win for Juventus

Substitute Alessandro Matri struck twice, including a winner in stoppage time, as Serie A leaders Juventus hit back to win 3-1 at 10-man Cagliari on Friday.

Adrian maintains Atletico's perfect home record
Adrian came off the bench to fire second-placed Atletico Madrid to a 1-0 La Liga home win over Celta Vigo on Friday and secure a ninth victory in nine matches this season at their Calderon stadium. Mancini ready to give Balotelli another chance

Manchester City will give volatile Italian striker Mario Balotelli another chance, manager Roberto Mancini said on Friday.

December 21, 2012

Kashyap, Sindhu advance to semis of Indian GP
India's star shuttler Parupalli Kashyap and teen sensation PV Sindhu stormed into the semi-finals of the men's and women's singles respectively in the US$ 120,000 Syed Modi Indian Grand Prix Gold tournament. Shreyasi wins trap gold in shooting nationals

Shreyasi Singh of Bihar on Friday won the gold medal in the women's trap event as Beijing Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra slipped a place to second in the men's 10-m air rifle competition.

Fed Cup: Sania to spearhead Indian challenge

Sania Mirza will lead the four-member Indian side in the upcoming Asia/Oceania Group I tie of the Fed Cup tennis tournament.

Keshavan qualifies for Asian Championship finals

Indian luge pilot Shiva Keshavan on Friday made a positive start to his title defence at the Asian Championship in Nagano as he qualified for the finals of the event.

Kalmadi, Bhanot to be charged with forgery in CWG scam

A Delhi court has ordered framing of charges against former Commonwealth Games (CWG) organising committee (OC) chairman Suresh Kalmadi and others for forgery, cheating and conspiracy, in a Games-related graft case.

December 20, 2012

Sindhu, Gurusaidutt in quarter-finals
Rising shuttler PV Sindhu breezed into the quarter-finals of the women's singles while the reigning National champion Sayali Gokhale saw her campaign fall apart as Indian shuttlers endured a mixed day in the Syed Modi International India Open Grand Prix Gold in Lucknow on Thursday. Syed Modi: Saina in controversy over first round pullout

Saina Nehwal has kicked up a storm by retiring from a match she was on the verge of winning because of a knee injury.

Aus athlete Steffensen to be probed over racism claim

Controversial 400 metres runner John Steffensen will be investigated for bringing the sport into disrepute after having his claim of racial vilification against Athletics Australia (AA) thrown out by the body on Thursday.

IOC directs Randhir to take legal action against Bhanot
The International Olympic Committee has asked its Indian member Randhir Singh to take all measures, including legal action, against 'illegitimate individuals' claiming to represent the suspended Indian Olympic Association.

December 19, 2012

Pallikal loses in pre-quarters of World Open
India's Dipika Pallikal squandered a one-game lead and went down to Egypt's Raneem El Weleily in the pre-quarter-finals of the women's World Open Squash Championship in the Grand Cayman Islands, in the Caribbean. Pallikal, ranked world No 10 and seeded 13th in the tournament, lost to second seed Weleily 11-7, 9-11, 6-11, 5-11 in 38 minutes at the South Sound squash club on Wednesday. City's Balotelli withdraws appeal, ready to pay club fine

Mario Balotelli has accepted a fine of two weeks' wages from Manchester City after withdrawing his appeal against disciplinary action taken against him by the Premier League champions, the club said on Wednesday.

Pratul Joshi stuns Hidayat; Saina concedes tie
India's Pratul Joshi created a flutter, shocking top seed and former Olympic champion Taufiq Hidayat in the first round of the men's singles in the Syed Modi International India Open Grand Prix Gold badminton in Lucknow on Wednesday. The 18-year-old, a Delhi University student, displayed good touch to beat the Indonesian great 21-17, 21-12 in 30 minutes. NBA: Warriors beat Hornets at home to stay hot
The Golden State Warriors staved off a late fourth-quarter challenge to beat New Orleans Hornets 103-96 for a successful home return on Tuesday. Rangers FC raises 22 million pounds on market return
Scottish soccer club Rangers raised around 22.2 million pounds on its return to the stock market on Wednesday, funds which the club hopes will help to support a recovery after being demoted to the fourth tier in Scotland. Inter beat Verona to advance in Italian Cup
Inter Milan moved into the Italian Cup quarter-finals with a 2-0 victory over second-tier Verona on Tuesday. Bayern advance in German Cup, Schalke slump out

Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery was sent off for slapping an opponent just after halftime but that did not stop his side moving into the German Cup quarter-finals with a 2-0 win at Augsburg on Tuesday.

December 18, 2012

Indian athletes can take part in OCA Games but not officials
The Olympic Council of Asia has barred officials of the suspended IOA from participating in OCA events, but said "as a special case" Indian athletes will be allowed to take part in the OCA Games, including the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon under the IOC flag. Messi to stay at Barcelona until 2018

Barcelona have reached agreement on new contracts with key squad members Lionel Messi, Xavi and Carles Puyol, the La Liga leaders said on Tuesday.

Drogba, Anelka future at Shanghai in doubt

The China careers of former Chelsea strikers Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka are in doubt amid reports of unpaid wages at the end of a tumultuous year at Shanghai Shenhua.

Bin Hammam resigns, FIFA bans him for life

Mohamed Bin Hammam, the former FIFA presidential candidate embroiled in corruption allegations, has resigned from all his positions in football and been given a life ban, FIFA said on Monday.

EPL: Cazorla hat-trick fires Arsenal romp

Spanish playmaker Santi Cazorla scored a hat-trick as Arsenal stylishly dismantled bottom club Reading 5-2 to move up to fifth in the Premier League on Monday.

December 17, 2012

Confident India leave for Asian Champions Trophy
Determined to defend the title, a confident Indian hockey team under Sardar Singh left for Doha to participate in the second edition of the Asian Champions Trophy to be held from December 20-27. Lochte ends with eight medals at short-course C'ship

American swimmer Ryan Lochte ended his world short-course championships on a high in Istanbul on Sunday, when he took gold in the 4x100 metres medley and 100 metres individual medley to take his overall medal tally to eight.

Grosjean overtakes Schumi, Vettel to win Race of Champions

French Formula One driver Romain Grosjean, whose future with the Lotus team is yet to be confirmed, beat Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher on his way to winning the Race of Champions event in Bangkok on Sunday.

Garcia wins, Wiratchant oldest to take home Order of Merit
Spain's Sergio Garcia fired a sparkling 11-under-par 61 to claim the weather-hit Iskandar Johor Open golf tournament on Sunday as Thailand's Thaworn Wiratchant became the oldest winner of the Asian Tour's Order of Merit title. Wiggins named BBC Sports Personality of the Year

Cyclist Bradley Wiggins was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year on Sunday to cap a remarkable 12 months when he became the first Briton to win the Tour de France and followed it up with Olympic gold.

Golf: Asia beat Europe in playoff to clinch Royal Trophy
Asia won the Royal Trophy by the tightest of margins on Sunday, edging Europe in a sudden death playoff to complete a stunning comeback in the team match play competition after the contest had finished level at 8-8.

December 16, 2012

Tottenham beat Swansea to move back into the top four

Belgium international Jan Vertonghen scored a second-half winner to send Tottenham Hotspur back into the top four of the Premier League after a 1-0 home win against a stubborn Swansea City on Sunday.

Lochte breaks own World Record in 200m medley

Ryan Lochte of the United States smashed his own world record to win the 200 metres individual medley at the world short-course championships on Friday and then shocked the crowd by giving his medal to a fan.

Corinthians stun Chelsea to win Club World Cup

Paolo Guerrero snatched a 69th-minute winner as South American champions Corinthians stunned Chelsea to win soccer's Club World Cup on Sunday.

Khan outclasses Molina to register comeback victory

Britain's Amir Khan returned to winning ways after two tough defeats with a comprehensive 10th round stoppage of previously unbeaten American Carlos Molina in a light-welterweight contest on Saturday.

Intense action against IABF if re-election not held soon
The International Boxing Association (AIBA) might be forced to initiate more action against the suspended Indian Federation if its old guard does not take charge soon and calls for a re-election, which is essential to get the provisional ban revoked. Sergio wins Johor Open title; Chowrasia, Kapur 10th
Indian golfers SSP Chowrasia and Shiv Kapur carded 10-under 206 to finish tied 10th at the rain-shortened $ two million Iskandar Johor Open which was won by Spain's Sergio Garcia in Nusajaya, Malaysia on Sunday. IOC instructs international federations to examine India
The International Olympic Committee has asked international sports federations to carefully examine the "complicated" situation in India in the wake of IOA's suspension and take appropriate action to "protect the autonomy of the national federations" in the country. Sardar, Raghunath stars of HIL auctions
India captain Sardar Singh became the highest-paid marquee player at the inaugural Hockey India League auctions as the Delhi franchise bought him for $ 78,000 (Rs 42.49 lakh), while drag-flicker VR Raghunath also grabbed quite a few eyeballs with an intense bidding war for him in New Delhi on Sunday.

December 15, 2012

Indian challenge ends at World Junior TT
The Indian challenge at the Volkswagen 2012 World Junior table tennis championships came to an end when Ayhika Mukerjee and Suthirtha Mukherjee lost their respective pre-quarterfinal matches in Hyderabad on Saturday. Golf: Chopra takes slight lead in Malaysia
Sweden's Daniel Chopra took a one-stroke lead into the final day of the Iskandar Johor Open in Malaysia after the tournament was reduced to 54 holes on Saturday due to several weather disruptions. Golf: Asia comeback strong against Europe in Royal Trophy
Asia stormed back into contention at the Royal Trophy on Saturday by taking three points from the four fourball matches against Europe to close the deficit to just one ahead of the final day singles. Indian eves defeat Malaysia to lift Kabaddi World Cup
India's women Kabaddi team defeated Malaysia to win the one-sided final of the World Cup Kabaddi played in Ludhiana on Saturday. Saina knocked out in semis at World Super Series Finals

Saina Nehwal's hopes of winning her maiden 'World Super Series Finals title this year went up in smoke as she lost her semi-final clash against top seed and current Olympic champion Li Xuerui of China in a three-game encounter.

Lochte betters own world record in 200m medley

Lifetime Achievement honour for Jeev Milkha Singh

Seasoned Indian golfer Jeev Milkha Singh celebrated his 41st birthday in style by winning the Asia Pacific Lifetime Achievement award along with 18-time Major champion Jack Nicklaus and eight-time European Tour Order of Merit winner Colin Montgomerie in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei.

2014 Tour de France to start in Yorkshire
British cycling success this year has been rewarded with the selection of north of England county Yorkshire to host the start of the 2014 Tour de France.

December 14, 2012

Saina in semis of Super Series Finals

Saina Nehwal looks set to cap a remarkable year on a high. The ace Indian shuttler entered the semi-finals of the BWF World Super Series Finals with a fine straight-game win over Juliane Schenk of Germany,in Shenzhen, China, on Friday.

Bastia barred from playing at home after violence
Bastia have been barred from playing at home until further notice after supporters of the top-flight club were involved in a series of violent incidents, the French League (LFP) said on Thursday. NBA: Anthony inspires Knicks to big win over Lakers

Adding more hope to their dream of a long-awaited return to the NBA winner's circle, the New York Knicks enjoyed a role reversal night against the once-mighty Los Angeles Lakers at Madison Square Garden on Thursday.

Xavi close to deal to stay at Barca until retirement

Barcelona midfielder Xavi is close to an agreement on a new contract that will mean he ends his playing career at the La Liga club he joined more than 20 years ago, the Spain international said.

Zaragoza in command after King's Cup win at Levante
Carlos Aranda's 90th-minute goal gave Real Zaragoza a 1-0 win at Levante in a King's Cup last 16 first-leg tie on Thursday while Real Betis were held to a 1-1 draw at second division Las Palmas. Anti-doping on agenda for UCI consultation
Anti-doping will be one of four discussion topics for the International Cycling Union's (UCI) stakeholder consultation to be launched next year, the sport's governing body said on Thursday.

December 13, 2012

Super Series: Saina loses again, semis chances bleak

Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal is virtually out of the semifinals race of the BWF World Super Series Finals after losing her second consecutive women's singles Group B match in the $ 500,000 event in Shenzhen, China on Thursday.

Boxers allowed but officials barred by AIBA from Baku tourney
The International Boxing Association has allowed India's youth pugilists to compete in a tournament in Azerbaijan but has barred the officials from accompanying the boys, insisting that it does not recognize the Secretary General or any other office-bearer of the suspended federation. Former Brazil coach Dunga joins Internacional

Dunga took charge of Porto Alegre club Internacional on Wednesday, his first coaching job since leading Brazil at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Vidic poised for Man United return against Sunderland

Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic has a chance of making his return from injury against Sunderland at Old Trafford on Saturday, manager Alex Ferguson said.

Pressure builds on Pardew as Newcastle entertain City

Alan Pardew was hailed last season as a steady hand on the Newcastle United tiller but finds himself contemplating an impending relegation battle ahead of a clash with wounded champions Manchester City on Saturday.

King's Cup: Messi keeps on scoring as Real lose 2-1

The apparently unstoppable Lionel Messi extended his record goals tally for 2012 to 88 when he scored twice to earn holders Barcelona a 2-0 win at second division Cordoba in their King's Cup last-16 first leg on Wednesday.

Jeev only Indian in Asia vs Europe clash for Royal Trophy

Jeev Milkha Singh will be the lone Indian golfer in the Asian that will take on Europe in the sixth Royal Trophy clash this week.

Court restrains AIFF from taking action against Bagan
A city court restrained the All India Football Federation (AIFF) from preventing Mohun Bagan from participating in the I-League. Sick Norman pulls out of Australian PGA championship

Greg Norman withdrew from his home Australian PGA Championship after only two holes on Thursday due to a bout of food poisoning.

Swansea reach League Cup semifinals

Swansea City booked their place in the semi-finals of the League Cup after an own goal by Seb Hines secured the Premier League club a 1-0 victory over second-tier Middlesbrough on Wednesday.

December 12, 2012

Russian weightlifter told to return 2004 Olympic medal
Oleg Perepechyonov has been asked to return his Olympic bronze medal from the 2004 Athens Games after his samples from eight years ago were retested and showed traces of 'a funny substance', the Russian weightlifter said on Wednesday. King's Cup: Valencia gain upper hand against Osasuna
Valencia moved towards a place in the King's Cup quarter-finals and a possible meeting with Real Madrid when Dani Parejo and substitute Roberto Soldado struck in a 2-0 win at Osasuna in their last 16, first leg on Tuesday. City's Barry charged with insulting match official

Manchester City's Gareth Barry has been charged with abusing a match official by the Football Association (FA) as the fallout from Sunday's Manchester derby continues.

December 11, 2012

Athletics federation told to hold re-elections
The Sports Ministry on Tuesday gave the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) two months to amend its constitution and hold re-elections for the post of president, secretary and treasurer. Mohun Bagan set to face two-year ban
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is all set to ban Mohun Bagan for two years for walking off the pitch after one of their key players got injured during the violence-ridden I-League derby against East Bengal in Kolkata. McIlroy takes home European Writers Trophy

World No 1 Rory McIlroy won the 2012 European Golf Writers Trophy on Monday after a spectacular season during which he landed his second major title and topped the money-list on both sides of the Atlantic.

Armstrong has 21 days to appeal UCI penalties

Lance Armstrong has been notified by the UCI that he has been stripped of all the titles he won after July 1998 and the American has three weeks to appeal, a spokesman for cycling's world governing body said on Monday.

December 10, 2012

Ministry issues notice to Athletic Federation of India
Three days after de-recognising two federations, Sports Ministry issued a notice to the Athletic Federation of India to remove a few contentious clauses from its constitution and hold re-elections for the post of president and secretary. I-League: Beto brace sets up Churchill Brothers victory

Churchill Brothers played true to their reputation to hold off the challenge of youthful Pailan Arrows 3-0 in the 10th round of the I-League at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium on Monday.

India's Olympic embarrassment: What is the road ahead?
Aabhas Sharma gives us the low down on what really went wrong between IOA and IOC. Indian stars to write to IOC to resurrect sports
Former India hockey captain Zafar Iqbal said the country's prominent athletes would write to the International Olympic Committee seeking its help for drawing up a blueprint for resurrecting sports in the country.

December 09, 2012

Manchester derby: United beat City in thriller

Robin van Persie's stoppage-time free kick snatched a 3-2 victory for Manchester United in a pulsating derby at champions Manchester City to send them six points clear at the top of the Premier League on Sunday.

Ozil double earns Real Madrid comeback victory

Mesut Ozil netted a superb double to fire Real Madrid to a 3-2 comeback win at Real Valladolid on Saturday and lift Jose Mourinho's side within two points of second-placed Atletico Madrid in La Liga.

I-League: Kolkata derby abandoned amid high drama
In what was another shameful episode in a city as passionate about sports as Kolkata, the much hyped I-League local derby between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake stadium) was abandoned on Sunday. Several good signs for Indian hockey: Nobbs

Disappointed he might be on missing out on a medal but India's hockey coach Michael Nobbs said there were several good signs for his team during the Champions Trophy in which it finished fourth after losing to Pakistan in the bronze medal playoff in Melbourne on Sunday.

World archery body recognises AAI elections
The Archery Association of India (AAI) has got a shot in the arm after the World Archery Federation (FITA) extended recognition to its elections and extended full support to it. Senior masters Sydney gale to win Australian Open

Peter Senior drew on all his experience from 34 years as a professional golfer to master galeforce winds and win the Australian Open by a shot on Sunday, 23 years after he first held aloft the Stonehaven Cup.

December 08, 2012

European Games approved after EOC vote
The European Olympic Committee (EOC) voted on Saturday to launch a new European Games multi-sport competition with the first event taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan in 2015. Lahiri tied seventh; Chopra second behind Schwartzel
Anirban Lahiri's effort to cap a wonderful year with a good finish stayed on course as he was tied seventh along with some classy company at the Thailand Golf Championships in Chonburi on Saturday. WCup Kabaddi: NADA collects blood samples of 81 players
The teams of National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) collected samples of 81 players of all the teams who are taking part in the ongoing third World Cup Kabaddi. AIBA directs Indian Boxing Federation to hold re-election
Thrown into disarray by a provisional suspension, the Indian Boxing Federation has been offered a glimmer of hope by its parent body AIBA, which has asked it to hold a re-election and amend its constitution to get the ban revoked. EOC mulling new European Olympics competition
Senior officials are looking to launch a new European Olympics competition, European Olympic Committee (EOC) president Patrick Hickey said on Friday. Qatar Open squash: Ghosal advances to Round 2; Suchde out
India's Saurav Ghosal advanced to the second round of the Qatar PSA World Squash Championship, beating Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi in straight games in Doha on Saturday. Suspension of IOA punishing to Indian athletes: Bhupathi

Veteran Indian tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi feels the suspension of the Indian Olympic Association by the IOC is a 'culmination of dirty politics'.

December 07, 2012

Ready to quit for future of Indian athletes: Chautala
Abhay Chautala, who was elected president of the Indian Olympic Association, which was subsequently banned by the International Olympic Committee earlier this week, told rediff.com on Friday evening he will 'take a decision whether to move the court or not in due course of time'. AAI slams government, calls de-recognition illegal

The Archery Association of India (AAI) hit out at the Government for de recognizing the body, calling the decision "unconstitutional and arbitrary".

Good day for Shagun as shooter claims 2 medals
India's Shagun Choudhury fired a total of 83 (64+19) to clinch the silver medal in the women's individual trap event and the trap gold went to the hosts in the 2nd Asian Shooting Championship Patiala. Archers will suffer most by AAI suspension: Dola Banerjee
Ace Indian archer Dola Banerjee told Rediff.com that the biggest loss in the derecognition of the boxing and archery associations will be that of players. Government suggests forming of ad-hoc committee to IOC
Amid the controversy over Indian Olympic Association's suspension, government suggested to the International Olympic Committee that an "ad-hoc" committee comprising only eminent sportspersons -- be formed to look after the affairs of the national sports body. Sports ministry derecognises boxing and archery associations
Close on the heels of International Boxing Association provisionally suspending the Indian Federation, the Sports Ministry also suspended recognition to the IABF, citing 'flawed and faulty' elections. Indian boxing federation ready for re-elections
Rattled by the International Boxing Association's (IABF) decision to provisionally suspend the Indian Federation, Chairman Abhay Singh Chautala has said he was willing to step down from his post and the body was ready to hold a re-election to regain AIBA's affiliation. IOA's 'elected office-bearers' have no legitimacy: IOC
The International Olympic Committee has refused to recognise the elections conducted by the suspended Indian Olympic Association, saying the 'so-called' office-bearers have no legitimacy. Chopra in joint lead at Thai Golf Championships

Shrugging off the disappointment of missing a PGA Tour card, Indian-origin Swede golfer Daniel Chopra was sharing the lead but the Indians in fray were struggling when thunderstorm stopped play at the Thailand Golf Championships in Chonburi, Thailand.

Golfer's record-breaking swing: 146 yards with 14ft club!
A golfer in Texas blasted a ball 146 yards with the extra long club, smashing the Guinness world record. UEFA to ban third party ownership of players
European soccer's governing body UEFA wants to prohibit the controversial third-party ownership of players, secretary general Gianni Infantino said on Thursday. IOC to probe Korean player's Olympic gesture
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will set up a disciplinary commission to look into the case of South Korean footballer Park Jong-woo, who flashed a political sign at the London Olympics to inflame a diplomatic row with Japan. Indian Boxing Federation provisionally suspended by AIBA
In a massive jolt to boxing in India, the International Boxing Association (AIBA) has suspended the IABF alleging 'possible manipulation' in its recent elections but the body has denied the charge, insisting that the process was 'transparent'.

December 06, 2012

Prasad, Sandeep settle for bronze at Youth World boxing
Lalitha Prasad (49kg) and Sandeep Sharma (75kg) had to settle for a bronze medal after losing in the penultimate round of the AIBA Youth World Boxing Championships in Armenia on Thursday. While Prasad was outdone by Bin LV of China, Sandeep went down to Magomed Madyiev of Russia in the semi-finals. Usha, Gopichand in IOA's new advisory panel
The newly-elected executive council of the Indian Olympic Association constituted a three-member advisory panel, on Thursday, which will guide the office-bearers on problems faced by athletes. It also formed a nine-member Athletes' Commission. IOC commission to probe Korean player's Olympic gesture
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will set up a disciplinary commission to look into the case of South Korean footballer Park Jong-woo, who flashed a political sign at the London Olympics to inflame a diplomatic row with Japan. IOC not ready to move on Armstrong's Olympic medal

Lance Armstrong will hold on to his 2000 Sydney Olympic bronze medal a little longer after the International Olympic Committee said it would wait for the international cycling union to inform him before moving to strip him of it.

Barcelona confirm Messi only has bruised left knee

Barcelona's Lionel Messi has a bruised left knee and is a doubt for the leaders' next match in La Liga this weekend, the club said on Wednesday ending fears that the player had suffered a more serious injury.

'Who is Mourinho?' asks Atletico prez

Atletico Madrid were again put firmly in their place by Real Madrid in the city derby last weekend but they have not lost their sense of humour as the fallout from the game continues to make headlines in Spain.

December 05, 2012

Chautala elected new IOA president
Abhay Singh Chautala took over as the president of the Indian Olympic Association while the tainted Lalit Bhanot became the secretary general after the IOA conducted its controversial elections, on Wednesday, defying the IOC's directive not to go ahead with the polls. West Ham chosen to finalise Olympic Stadium deal

English Premier League soccer club West Ham United have been chosen as the leading bidder to move into the Olympic Stadium but commercial terms must still be negotiated.

3 Indians in semis of Youth World boxing
Lalitha Prasad (49kg), Sandeep Sharma (75kg) and Narender Berwal (+91kg) assured themselves a medal after advancing to the semi-finals of the the AIBA Youth World Championships at Yerevan, Armenia. 'IOA's constitution not aligned with Olympic Charter'
The Indian Government has termed IOA's suspension as "unfortunate" and said the International Olympic Committee's decision to attribute suspension to Government interference in the IOA's election process was "entirely misplaced". IOA go ahead with AGM, election despite IOC suspension
Defying the ban imposed by the International Olympic Committee, the IOA today went ahead with its Annual General Meeting and elections, insisting that it had not done anything wrong. Don't have mandate but will speak to IOC: Sports Minister
A day after India was suspended by the International Olympic Committee, Sports Minister Jitendra Singh said he does not have the mandate or the jurisdiction to interfere in the matter but will still try to engage with the IOC to get the ban reversed.

December 04, 2012

'Bye, bye IOA. Hope to see you soon, clean!'
The sports fraternity expressed outrage over the International Olympic Committee's decision to suspend India for government interference, with some athletes blaming the IOA for the entire fiasco. While some former sportspersons were critical of the way the IOA handled the whole issue, some current athletes bemoaned the fact that their Olympic participation for the country has been jeopardised. IOC ban an opportunity to clean the mess: Randhir
Former IOA secretary general Randhir Singh said that the IOC's decision to ban the Indian Olympic Association gives an "opportunity" to clean the mess, and insisted that the international body is not against the country but against the system. Why the IOC banned the Indian Olympic Association

The ban means an effective end to funding from the IOC to the national Olympic committee (IOA), no Indian officials attending Olympic meetings and Indian athletes banned from competing at the Olympics under their country's flag.

International Olympic Committee suspends IOA
According to Associated Press, the IOC executive board imposed the sanctions on Tuesday after the Indian Olympic Association failed to comply with the world body's directive to hold its elections, scheduled for Wednesday, under the Olympic Charter. Valencia name Valverde as new coach

Valencia have agreed to appoint Ernesto Valverde to replace Mauricio Pellegrino as their new coach until the end of the season, the Spanish club said on Monday.

Ba double leads Newcastle to victory over 10-man Wigan

Demba Ba helped injury-hit Newcastle United end a sequence of four successive English Premier League defeats by grabbing two goals in a 3-0 victory over 10-man Wigan Athletic on Monday.

Hockey India League: Charlesworth appointed coach of Mumbai
Former Australian player and coach Ric Charlesworth was today roped in as coach of the Mumbai franchise for the upcoming Hockey India League starting next year. Arsenal rest six for Olympiakos to avoid fatigue

Arsenal have left six first-team regulars in London ahead of their final Champions League group stage match against Olympiakos Piraeus in a bid to avoid fatigue following the home defeat to Swansea City.

Fourteen Eritrean footballers disappear in Uganda
At least 14 members of the Eritrea soccer squad have disappeared in Uganda while playing in a regional tournament and may eventually claim asylum, Ugandan officials said.

December 03, 2012

IOA officials gear up to meet IOC top brass
Two top Indian Olympic Association officials are preparing to leave for Switzerland for a meeting with International Olympic Committee top brass to plead their case in the wake of the world body's decision to propose IOA's suspension in its Executive Board meeting. NBA: Magic get better of Howard, stun Lakers

The Orlando Magic caught fire in the fourth quarter to stun the Los Angeles Lakers 113-103 and get the better of former player Dwight Howard on Sunday.

McDowell holds off Bradley to win World Challenge

Graeme McDowell continued his love affair with California by winning for the first time in two years when he held off playing partner Keegan Bradley to clinch the World Challenge by three shots on Sunday.

My mother made me think like a champion: Saina

Bright, all smiles and confident, India's ace badminton player Saina Nehwal met a packed house in Delhi at the launch of her first autobiography, Playing to Win.

Bhupathi says 2013 will be his last year on tour

India's doubles tennis ace Mahesh Bhupathi on Sunday said 2013 will be his last year on tour as he has retirement in mind.

Serie A: Napoli and Inter keep pace with leaders Juve
Napoli kept in touch with Serie A leaders Juventus with a 5-1 thumping of bottom club Pescara on Sunday while Inter Milan scraped a 1-0 win over Palermo.

December 02, 2012

FA Cup: Chelsea drawn away to Southampton in third round

Holders Chelsea will face Premier League opposition in the third round of the FA Cup after Sunday's draw gave them a tricky start to their defence away to Southampton.

Jeev finishes 17th at JT Cup in Tokyo
Jeev Milkha Singh carded his best of the week, three-under 67, but still ended 17th at the Golf Nippon Series JT Cup at the Tokyo Yomiuri Golf Club in Tokyo on Sunday. Kenyans dominate Pune International Marathon
Luka Kipkemoi Chelimo of Kenya won the gruelling 42.195 kilometres men's race in the 27th edition of Pune International Marathon which ended at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday. Sandeep enters AIBA Youth World Boxing last 16
Sandeep Sharma advanced to the pre-quarter finals of the 75 kg division after defeating Joongwon Kim of Korea on a mixed day for the Indians in the AIBA Youth World Boxing Championships in Yerevan, Armenia. PGA Tour Qualifying: Atwal plummets to 109th, Chopra 69th

Arjun Atwal suffered a dramatic fall over the last three holes, dropping four shots in that span to plummet to tied 109th after the fourth round of Final Stage of the PGA Tour Qualifying School, in La Quinta, California.

Pornanong wins Indian Open, Aditi finishes in top-10

Thailand's Pornanong Phatlum presented herself an early birthday present by winning the Hero Women's Indian Open for a record third time while 14-year-old amateur Aditi Ashok was the best placed Indian with a tied eighth-place finish, in Gurgaon on Sunday.

December 01, 2012

Dipika Pallikal becomes first Indian to break into top 10

Squash ace Dipika Pallikal on Saturday became the first Indian to break into the top 10 of the world rankings.

India faces Olympic ban with Bhanot set for IOA role
Tainted former Commonwealth Games official Lalit Bhanot was left as the only candidate in a controversial election for the post of secretary-general of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) which is likely to earn the country an Olympic ban. Beckham wants Champions League swansong

David Beckham has targeted one final fling in the European Champions League before hanging up his boots once he leaves Los Angeles after five-and-a-half years.

Champions Trophy hockey: India start campaign with win

India made a bright start to their campaign at the Champions Trophy hockey tournament with a come-from-behind 3-1 win over England in Pool A at the State Hockey Centre in Melbourne on Saturday.

AC Milan fight back to beat 10-man Catania

AC Milan recovered from a goal down to win 3-1 at 10-man Catania thanks to a second-half double from Stephan El Shaarawy and a strike by Kevin-Prince Boateng who was sent off near the end of a lively Serie A clash on Friday.

Mourinho to face disgruntled Real Madrid fans alone
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho will confront the home fans who whistled him at their midweek King's Cup match by walking out alone onto the Bernabeu pitch 40 minutes before Saturday's La Liga match with Atletico Madrid. Beckham helping Galaxy in Kaka bid

David Beckham has been helping LA Galaxy in their bid to sign Brazilian playmaker Kaka from Real Madrid as his replacement, the Major League Soccer club's owner said.

Flintoff survives knock down to win debut fight

Former England cricketer Andrew Flintoff beat American Richard Dawson on points after surviving a knockdown in his first professional fight at the MEN Arena in Manchester on Friday.

November 30, 2012

Gurusaidutt, Srikanth in semis of Macau Open
Indian shuttlers R M V Gurusaidutt and K Srikanth notched contrasting victories to enter the semi-finals of the Macau Open Grand Prix Gold on Friday. Seeded 12th, Gurusaidutt sailed past Yan Kit Chan of Hong Kong, winning 21-11, 21-14 in 34 minutes at the Macau Forum, thereby taking their head-to-head record to two-all. Olympic scandal prompts badminton rule revamp
The Badminton World Federation announced changes to Olympic doubles rules following a match-throwing scandal at the London Games, but said it would take no further action against coaches. IOC controversy will be resolved soon: Chautala
With the sword of suspension by the International Olympic Committee over its head, the Indian Olympic Association officials met Sports Minister Jitendra Singh on Friday in a bid to resolve the election dispute. A nine-member panel, which included president-designate Abhay Singh Chautala met the minister and urged the government to find a solution to the problem as soon as possible. Bhanot elected IOA secretary-general; Chautala president
Lalit Bhanot, who was jailed for 11 months for his alleged role in the Commonwealth Games corruption case, was elected secretary-general of the Indian Olympic Association on Friday. With no opponent in the fray, after Randhir Singh and others withdrew their candidature, Abhay Singh Chautala will take over as president. Flintoff feared mum more than punches

Andrew Flintoff has admitted he was terrified when he took up boxing in case his mother hit the roof.

Celtics' point guard Rondo suspended for two games

Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo was suspended for two games for fighting with Nets forward Kris Humphries in Wednesday's 95-83 Brooklyn victory, the National Basketball Association said.

Brazil coach Scolari in hot water over banking jibe

Luiz Felipe Scolari ran into his first controversy only hours after taking over as Brazil coach on Thursday by saying that players who could not handle pressure should "work for the Banco do Brasil".

Wondolowski named MLS's Most Valuable Player

San Jose Earthquakes striker Chris Wondolowski was voted Major League Soccer's Most Valuable Player for the 2012 season, the league said on Thursday.

Don't quit yet, Beckham urges Donovan

David Beckham will end his Major League Soccer playing career on Saturday but has urged LA Galaxy team mate Landon Donovan not to do the same.

November 29, 2012

India can still avoid suspension: Randhir Singh

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) can still avoid an Olympic suspension by calling off its controversial December 5 election, its secretary general Randhir Singh told Reuters on Thursday.

King's Cup: Villa passes 300 goals as Barca progress

David Villa took his career goals tally to 301 when he netted twice as holders Barcelona eliminated third-tier Alaves 6-1 on aggregate to qualify for the last 16 of the King's Cup on Wednesday.

November 28, 2012

Randhir slams Malhotra, Chautala for IOA mess
In the wake of the International Olympic Committee's threat to ban India from the Olympic movement, IOC member Randhir Singh, who withdrew from the race for the post of Indian Olympic Association president, accused acting president V K Malhotra of creating a mess that would ultimately bring shame to the nation. IOC warns of proposing IOA suspension
The International Olympic Committee made it clear on Wednesday that it will propose suspension of the Indian Olympic Association at its Executive Board Meeting early next month if the upcoming elections are held under the government's Sports Code. Barca's Pique in an intimate moment with Shakira

First Look: FC Barcelona defender Gerrard Pique and his pop star girlfriend Shakira are expecting their first baby.

Pacers take down Lakers with final second basket
Indiana guard George Hill came up with last second heroics usually reserved for Kobe Bryant as the Pacers outgunned the Los Angeles Lakers 79-77 in a scrappy contest in Los Angeles on Tuesday. Pallikal in second round of Hong Kong Open
Dipika Pallikal registered a come from behind victory over local challenger Liu Tsz Ling to enter the second round of the Cathay Pacific Sun Hung Kai Financial Hong Kong Open. Messi's pursuit of Mueller record on hold

Former Germany and Bayern Munich striker Gerd Mueller's record of 85 goals in a calendar year will stand for a little longer after Barcelona decided to rest Lionel Messi for a midweek outing in the King's Cup against lowly Alaves.

Chelsea 'regret' handling of Clattenburg case

Chelsea have expressed regret over their handling of allegations against referee Mark Clattenburg after a Premier League match last month, the club said on Tuesday.

Zico quits as Iraq coach in middle of qualifying campaign
Zico quit as coach of the Iraqi national team on Tuesday after little more than a year in the post, saying the country's soccer association had failed to fulfill the terms of his contract. Lazio ease to win over Udinese amid racist chants

Lazio's Alvaro Gonzalez, Mirolsav Klose and Hernanes secured a 3-0 victory over Udinese in Serie A on Tuesday at the Stadio Olimpico where the home fans sang racist chants aimed at rivals Roma who share the stadium.

Elated Woods back at venue that sparked his 2012 season

Twelve months after ending a two-year victory drought at the tournament he hosts, Tiger Woods is excited about his prospects for 2013 as he prepares to defend his World Challenge title this week.

November 27, 2012

Squash under the IOC microscope in Hong Kong
Frustrated by two failed bids to get squash into the Olympics, world number one Nicol David and her fellow players have embarked on a campaign to raise the sport's global profile in an attempt to win over IOC chiefs in Hong Kong this week. Tainted cyclist wins award for book on doping

Disgraced cyclist Tyler Hamilton said he was 'proud of writing it but not proud of what's in it' after his book The Secret Race won the prestigious William Hill sports book of the year award on Monday.

November 26, 2012

Sarjubala, Pinki enter quarters of boxing nationals
Reigning Youth World and National champion Sarjubala Devi and Asian Championship bronze medallist Pinki Jangra sailed into the quarterfinals of the 13th Senior Women's National Boxing Championship in their respective weight categories in Guwahati on Monday. Mourinho's Real seek refuge in King's Cup
Spain's oft-maligned King's Cup takes on added significance for Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid after a weekend which saw the champions slip 11 points behind the La Liga leaders Barcelona. Tytler, Gehlot withdraw from IOA elections
A day after Randhir Singh withdrew his candidature for the post of Indian Olympic Association president, several of his supporters on Monday pulled out of contests for various positions ahead of the elections to be held on December 5. Infighting making IOA a laughing stock: Tytler
Indian Olympic Association vice-President Jagdish Tytler lambasted the infighting that has marred the build-up to the December 5 IOA elections, saying that constant bickering has made the body a laughing stock for the entire country. Indian Olympians receive momentos from London Mayor
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson personally delivered a memento of London's thrilling Olympic and Paralympic Games to India's six medal winning athletes on Monday.

November 25, 2012

Sarjubala makes strong start at women nationals
Reigning national and youth World Champion Sarjubala Devi powered her way to the second round of the senior women's national boxing championship after inflicting a crushing 29-7 defeat on Neetu on the opening day of the tournament, in Guwahati, on Sunday. McIlroy repels Rose's record charge to win in Dubai

World No. 1 Rory McIlroy picked up $2.33 million worth of desert treasure after repelling a record-breaking charge from Ryder Cup teammate Justin Rose to win the DP World Tour Championship on Sunday.

Randhir withdraws, Chautala to become IOA chief
The controversy-marred Indian Olympic Association elections took a dramatic twist on Sunday with Randhir Singh withdrawing his nomination for the post of President, clearing the decks for Abhay Singh Chautala to take charge of the high-profile post.

November 24, 2012

Bolt named IAAF World Athlete of the Year

Jamaican Usain Bolt beat United States hurdler Aries Merritt and Kenyan runner David Rudisha to clinch the IAAF World Athlete of the Year award for the fourth time.

US boxer Hector 'Macho' Camacho dies

Former US boxing champ Hector 'Macho' Camacho, who was shot in the face this week, died on Saturday after being removed from life support, Rio Piedras Medical Director Ernesto Torres told reporters. He was 50.

Mary Kom will not participate in boxing Nationals this year

Olympic bronze-medallist M C Mary Kom will skip this year's national women's boxing championships as she wants some new names to take centre stage in the domestic arena.

Dubai golf: Jeev dedicates course record to ailing mum

Jeev Milkha Singh dedicated a sparkling eight-under-par 64 to his ailing 76-year-old mother back home in India after equalling the course record in the DP World Tour Championship third round on Saturday.

November 23, 2012

IOC warns IOA of ban if Sport code is followed in polls

In a new twist to controversial elections of the IOA, the International Olympic Committee warned of a possible ban on the national sports body if government regulations are followed in its poll on December 5.

We lose on penalties because I can't take one: Mourinho
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho cannot understand why his sides consistently fail to deliver in penalty shootouts after revealing it took extraordinary circumstances for him to shake off his bad luck in his only final shootout win in 2008. Ten Tottenham fans injured in Rome attack

Ten supporters of English soccer club Tottenham Hotspur were injured, one of them seriously, during an attack in Rome in the early hours of Thursday ahead of a Europa League match against Serie A side Lazio, police said.

November 22, 2012

Govt gives first instalment of Olympics grant to IOA
Out of approved assistance of Rs 1.07 crore, the first instalment of Rs.83.19 lakh, representing 75 per cent of the approved grant, has been released to the IOA. Former world No 1 Wang Lin sends Saina packing
Olympic bronze medallist Saina Nehwal crashed out of the Hong Kong Super Series after losing to former world No 1 Wang Lin of China in the second round on Thursday. The third-seeded Indian failed to match Wang, currently ranked No 61, with her smashes and went down 19-21, 15-21 in 37 minutes. Swimming Australia chief resigns in wake of Olympic flop
An enquiry into Australia's worst Olympic performance for 20 years, where their swimmers failed to win an individual title and ended up with just relay gold, six silver and three bronze medals, is scheduled to get underway next week. Drogba asks FIFA for special loan deal

Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba has asked FIFA for special permission to leave China's Shanghai Shenhua on loan before the January transfer window, Chinese media reported on Thursday.

Guardiola won't decide on future until early 2013

Former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola, linked in the media with the Chelsea job after the sacking of Roberto Di Matteo, will not make any decision on his future until early next year, his agent said.

November 21, 2012

Ghosal, Chinappa crowned Maharashtra champions

Top seeds Saurav Ghosal and Joshana Chinappa lived up to reputation and emerged supreme in the 37th Bombay Gymkhana Maharashtra State Open Senior Squash Championships on Wednesday.

Govt steps in to resolve dispute over Sports Code
The government on Wednesday stepped in to sort out the dispute surrounding implementation of the Sports Code in the upcoming Indian Olympic Association elections by seeking a meeting with the International Olympic Committee. IOA elections rescheduled for December 5
The high-profile elections of the Indian Olympic Association will now be held on December 5, ten days after its earlier scheduled date of November 25 following the resignation of Election Commission chairman S Y Quraishi. Chelsea discard Di Matteo after Juventus defeat

Chelsea have parted company with manager Roberto Di Matteo just six months after the Italian led the London club to a first Champions League title.

NBA: D'Antoni at the helm as Lakers beat Nets
Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni took charge from the sideline for the first time on Tuesday as Los Angeles leaned heavily on their defense to earn a gritty 95-90 win over the Brooklyn Nets. Kashyap, Saina enter second round of Hong Kong Open
Parupalli Kashyap showed nerves of steel to shock world No 10 Jan Jorgensen of Denmark in an edge-of-the-seat men's singles match to advance to the second round at the Hong Kong Super Series on Wednesday. The Indian ace, who reached the quarter-finals at the London Olympics, prevailed 24-22, 20-22, 22-20 in 68 minutes, at the Hong Kong Coliseum in Kowloon.

November 20, 2012

Ghosal, Suchde set up title showdown

Top seed Joshna Chinappa and second seed Urwashi Joshi also registered comfortable wins to enter the women's final, in the 37th Bombay Gymkhana Maharashtra State Open Senior Squash Championship on Tuesday.

FIFA to hear case over South Korea Olympic protest
The case of the South Korean soccer player who inflamed a diplomatic row with Japan by waving a political placard at the London Olympic soccer tournament will be heard again by FIFA's disciplinary committee on Tuesday. NBA: Nuggets put brakes on Grizzlies' sizzling streak
Denver snapped the Memphis Grizzles' eight-game winning streak with a 97-92 victory over the NBA's hottest team on Monday.

November 19, 2012

5 NSF heads write to IOC, says Randhir violated Charter

Top officials of five National Sports Federations on Monday claimed Randhir Singh has violated the Olympic Charter by approaching the government to seek clarification on his candidature for the president's post of the upcoming polls of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

Kunal Kapoor to turn professional racer

Taking his passion for racing to the next level, actor Kunal Kapoor has decided to pursue his hobby as a professional sport.

Shevchenko turns down offer to become Ukraine coach

Former Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko has turned down an offer to manage the national team, he said on Monday.

BFI appoints Scott Flemming as head coach
The Basketball Federation of India (BFI) announced the appointment of Scott Flemming as the head coach of Indian senior men's national basketball team.

November 18, 2012

India finish fifth in World Team Squash
India capped off their impressive run in the WSF Women's World Team Squash Championship with a best-ever fifth place finish, defeating Ireland 2-1 in the classification match at the La Parnasse Arena in Nimes, France.

November 17, 2012

IOA election in jeopardy after Quraishi resigns
The much-anticipated Indian Olympic Association (IOA) election took a dramatic twist on Saturday with the chairman of the election committee S Y Quraishi resigning from the post. Second fatality in two days in Macau GP
The Macau Grand Prix suffered a second fatal accident in two days on Friday when a Hong Kong-based touring car driver died in a crash during qualifying on the street circuit, organisers said. Aussies not giving up on Beckham

Australia soccer chief David Gallop was not surprised David Beckham's management denied he had any interest in playing in the A-League but said that did not mean there was no possibility of it happening.

Woods visits did nothing for Aussie golf, says Thomson

Tiger Woods's taxpayer-funded visits Down Under did nothing to help Australia's ailing golf tour, which is stuck in a losing battle for relevance unless it does more to embrace Asia, according to five-times British Open champion Peter Thomson.

November 16, 2012

Kashyap bows out of China Open
The Indian lost his quarter-final match to local favourite Zhengming Wang in straight games at the US$ 350,000 China Open Super Series Premier badminton event, in Shanghai, on Friday. Saina retains third place in world rankings
London Olympics bronze medallist Saina Nehwal retained third place in the latest world badminton rankings, announced on Friday. Sports Code unacceptable for IOA polls: IOC
The International Olympic Committee has rejected the decision to hold the upcoming elections of Indian Olympic Association under Sports Code of the government and made it clear that the polls will have to be held "exclusively" under the Olympic Charter and the IOA constitution. We're planning to open sports schools: Singh
Sports Minister Jitendra Singh said the Ministry is planning to open sports schools, sports universities and 30 centres of excellence across the country to ensure better facilities for the sportspersons. Neymar's shocking spot kick branded 'worst penalty ever'

Brazil striker Neymar stepped up to take a penalty against Colombia in a friendly game on Wednesday night in the US that could have won the match for them, but the highly-rated forward made a mess of it when he fired his shot way over the bar, way over most of the stands at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium, and towards the seats near the top tier.

Beckham linked with move to Australia

David Beckham could be set to move to the A-League after Football Federation Australia (FFA) said on Friday they had been approached by the former England captain's management.

McIlroy set to miss cut in Hong Kong

World No. 1 and defending champion Rory McIlroy was set to miss the cut at the Hong Kong Open on Friday after suffering a nightmare with his putter.

Evra says Man United would always remain superior to City

Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has claimed they would always stay superior to bitter rivals Manchester City despite Roberto Mancini's men winning the Premier League last season on a dramatic final day.

Tottenham's Dembele out of Arsenal derby

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Mousa Dembele has been ruled out of Saturday's north London derby against Arsenal with a hip injury.

Police driving me to suicide, says Pinki Pramanik
Asian Games gold medal winner Pinki Pramanik, who was charged of rape and cheating after medical reports confirmed that 'she' was actually a 'man', has claimed that the police is driving her to commit suicide. MLS: Henry nominated for MVP award

Former France and Arsenal striker Thierry Henry is one of three players nominated for Major League Soccer's Most Valuable Player award, the league said.

Keep jeering me, Liverpool's Suarez tells opposing fans
Liverpool talisman Luis Suarez is happy for opposition supporters to jeer him as it only serves to motivate him more, the Uruguayan said on Thursday.

November 15, 2012

Kashyap in quarter-finals of China Open
London Olympics quarter-finalist Parupalli Kashyap showed nerves of steel to beat seventh seeded Vietnamese Tien Minh Nguyen 12-21, 22-20, 21-14 to reach the last eight of the China Super Series in Shanghai on Thursday. Hong Kong Open: Randhawa tied 17th

Indian golfer Jyoti Randhawa opened strongly with a two-under 68 to be placed at tied 17th after the first round of UBS Hong Kong Open at the Hong Kong Golf club on Thursday.

Tired McIlroy makes poor start in Hong Kong

Tiredness caught up with Rory McIlroy on Thursday and the world golf number one could shoot only a three-over-par 73 on the opening day of the Hong Kong Open.

Pele undergoing physiotherapy after hip surgery
A Brazilian hospital says Pele is undergoing physiotherapy following surgery on his right hip. Livestrong cancer charity drops Armstrong name from title

The Lance Armstrong Foundation has formally dropped the name of the disgraced cyclist from its title, the organization said on Wednesday, marking the latest move by the cancer charity to distance itself following the biggest doping scandal in the sport's history.

November 14, 2012

Kashyap wins, Sindhu loses at China Open
Young P V Sindhu went down after a gallant fight in the opening round, but London Olympics quarter-finalist Parupalli Kashyap kept Indian hopes afloat with a straight-games win to reach the second round of the China Open, in Shanghai, on Wednesday. Rashid Khan stays ahead, Lohan fires bogey-free 65
Delhi golfer Rashid Khan held on to his lead in round two of the PGTI Players Championship after carding a sedate one-under-71 at the Aamby Valley Golf Course on Wednesday. India in last 8 of women's World team squash
India created history on Wednesday, booking a maiden quarter-final berth at the WSF Women's World Team Squash Championship after an upset 2-1 victory over eighth seeds The Netherlands, at Nimes, France. Bryant says excited about new Lakers coach D'antoni

Stunned though he was that Phil Jackson has not returned as Los Angeles Lakers head coach, All-Star guard Kobe Bryant said on Tuesday he was excited about the prospect of playing under new appointee Mike D'Antoni.

India enter pre-quarters of World Team Squash C'ship
India sent Argentina crashing out of the WSF Women's World Team Squash Championship to set up an intriguing pre-quarter final clash against The Netherlands in Nimes, France. UCI set to open doping hotline

Cycling's governing body is considering opening a hotline for riders wishing to discuss doping-related issues, International Cycling Union (UCI) president Pat McQuaid has said.

Jeev pulls out of Hong Kong Open
Jeev Milkha Singh, who withdrew after the first round of the Singapore Open, has also pulled out of the Hong Kong Open to let his injured right-hand finger heal comepletely ahead of the big events coming up. Police drop probe into complaint against Clattenburg

London's Metropolitan Police have dropped an investigation into a complaint made against referee Mark Clattenburg for alleged inappropriate language towards a Chelsea player last month.

November 13, 2012

World Team Squash: India stun Ireland
India caused the first major upset in the WSF Women's World Team Squash Championship when they beat higher-ranked Ireland in a dramatic tie which went down to the wire in Nimes, France.

November 12, 2012

Shevchenko invited to be Ukraine national coach

Retired Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko has been asked to coach the national team seeking to qualify for the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil, the Ukraine soccer federation said on Monday.

Medical reports confirm Pinki Parmanik is male
A medical report was submitted by the police in a court in Barasat, West Bengal, on Monday, after investigations confirmed Asian Games gold medal winner Pinki Pramanik to be a male.

November 11, 2012

Svitolina bags her maiden WTA title
Eighteen-year-old Elina Svitolina of Ukraine denied veteran Kimiko Date-Krumm a date with history when she overpowered the Japanese 6-2, 6-3 to lift the Indian Open, her maiden WTA title. Manassero clinches Singapore Open after playoff

Italian teenager Matteo Manassero displayed all the nerve and experience of a seasoned veteran to edge out Louis Oosthuizen on the third hole of a playoff and claim a thrilling Singapore Open victory on Sunday.

McIlroy emulates Donald with dual money list win

Rory McIlroy followed in the footsteps of Ryder Cup team mate Luke Donald when he became the second player to win the money list titles in both Europe and the United States on Sunday.

Indian Oil wins Beighton Cup hockey
Favourites Indian Oil retained the Beighton Cup hockey title, outplaying Punjab National Bank (PNB) 5-2 in the title clash in Kolkata on Sunday. Singapore Open: Chowrasia at tied 17th, Kapur slips
SSP Chowrasia carded a disappointing one-under 70 in the final round but was the best-placed Indian at tied 17th in the Barclays Singapore Open golf tournament in Singapore on Sunday. Dhanraj Pillay against foreign coaches

Former captain Dhanraj Pillay is not interested in talking about Indian hockey anymore after India's forgettable London Olympics performance and also questioned the rationale behind appointing foreign coaches.

Klitschko beats Wach on points to retain titles
World heavyweight champion Vladimir Klitschko was made to go the distance against Polish challenger Mariusz Wach but earned a unanimous points decision on Saturday to retain his four title belts.

November 10, 2012

Sharath stuns Patrick in Polish Open
Ace Indian paddler Achanta Sharath Kamal stunned world No 31 Patrick Baum of Germany in a gruelling seven-setter to enter the pre-quarterfinals of the IITF World Tour Polish Open at Poznan. IPL-style badminton league in 2013, $1mn prize money

In the lines of the hugely popular Indian Premier League cricket Twenty20 tournament, the Badminton Association of India on Saturday launched a franchise-based Indian Badminton League (IBL), which will see the top Indian players play along with the best players from around the world next year.

Kapur lies 7th as five Indians make cut; McIlroy survives

Shiv Kapur led a bunch of five Indians into the money rounds even as six others fell by the wayside at the Singapore Open on Saturday.

TN govt allots Rs 22.05 cr towards sports infrastructure
With a view to encourage youngsters to take up sports, the Tamil Nadu government has alloted Rs 25.05 crore to improve basic infrastructure facilities in rural areas of the state. 3 bronze for India's Chanu at Asian Jr Weightlifting
Saikhom Mirabai Chanu clinched three bronze medals for India on the opening day of the 19th Junior Women Asian Weightlifting Championships in Yangon, Myanmar. NBA: LA Lakers fire coach Brown after dismal start
Los Angeles Lakers coach Mike Brown has been fired after a 1-4 start to the season, the 16-time National Basketball Association (NBA) champions said on Friday.

November 09, 2012

Wiggins leaves hospital, coach Sutton in crash

Bradley Wiggins was released from hospital on Thursday following his bike crash as British Cycling announced that Shane Sutton, the team's head coach, had also been knocked off his bike.

Chowrasia, Lahiri improve on rain-hit Day 2 in Singapore

Indian golfers SSP Chowrasia and Anirban Lahiri completed their opening round and improved their positions before rain left them stranded midway through the second round at the Barclay's Singapore Open on Friday.

Rahul wins three gold in Asian Youth lifting
Ragala Venkat Rahul won three gold medals to help India increase their medals tally to seven on the second day of the 14th Asian Youth (boys & girls') Weightlifting Championships at Yangon, Myanmar, on Friday. Competing in the 77 kg category, Rahul secured the yellow metal in snatch, clean and jerk and overall with a total lift of 280 kg. Tvesa scores start-to-finish win at Usha DGC Open
Tvesa Malik completed a fine start-to-finish victory, despite dropping a double bogey and a bogey in the last three holes, at the Usha Delhi Golf Club Ladies Open, at the Delhi Golf Club. It also brought Tvesa her maiden title this season. Malhotra re-elected Archery Association head
Vijay Kumar Malhotra was re-elected as President of the Archery Association of India after comprehensively beating Assam unit vice-president BVP Rao in controversy-marred elections, which took place after three postponements. Stosur hopes to put lean year behind her

Samantha Stosur hopes to banish her home court demons on the way to more Grand Slam glory after failing to add to her major trophies in 2012, the Australian said on Friday.

Algeria replaces India in World Series of Boxing
India's loss has turned out to be Africa's gain in the World Series of Boxing as Algeria Desert Hawks have replaced Mumbai Fighters in the semi-professional league's second season starting later this month. Europa League: Inter, Leverkusen reach last 32

Inter Milan and Bayer Leverkusen cruised into the Europa League knockout stage with emphatic wins on Thursday but holders Atletico Madrid and former winners Liverpool suffered surprise defeats.

Gerrard set to win 100th England cap
Steven Gerrard is set to become the sixth England player to win 100 caps after being named in Roy Hodgson's squad to play Sweden in a friendly in Stockholm next Wednesday.

November 08, 2012

Vietnam's Hanoi to host 2019 Asian Games
The Vietnamese capital, which hosted the 2003 Southeast Asian Games and the 2009 Asian Indoor Games, beat Indonesia's Surabaya for the right to stage the 18th edition of the event after Dubai pulled out at the last minute. Finger injury forces Jeev to pull out of Singapore Open
Former champion, Jeev Milkha Singh pulled out of the Barclays Singapore Open after further injuring his finger during the Pro-Am. BAI, SAI will take a call on Prajakta matter: Gopichand
National coach Pullela Gopichand refused to comment on the controversy over Prajakta Sawant who had accused him of "mental harassment" in her petition to the Bombay High Court which has allowed the shuttler to attend the ongoing training camp at his badminton academy in Hyderabad. Indian sport is moving in right direction: Gopichand

Sports in India has started moving in the right direction and the impact of the six medals the country won at the London Olympics will be huge, said national badminton coach Pullela Gopichand in Mumbai on Thursday.

I-League: Salgaocar confident of victory over Churchill

Salgaocar Sports Club would like to continue their winning streak when they take on upbeat Churchill Brothers Sports Club in the I-League clash at Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Friday.

Wiggins sustains minor injuries in van collision

Tour de France and Olympic time trial champion Bradley Wiggins will spend the night in hospital with minor rib injuries after a collision with a van near his home in Lancashire, northern England on Wednesday.

Coe formally elected BOA chairman
Sebastian Coe, chief organiser for the 2012 London Games, was formally elected as chairman of the British Olympic Association (BOA).

November 07, 2012

Why Randhir Singh is contesting IOA elections

Indian Olympic Association secretary-general Randhir Singh, who is contesting for the post of president, said he reconsidered his earlier decision of not contesting the elections after persuasion from senior administrators and eminent sportspersons for the sake of Indian sport.

Team Sky say anti-doping policy will pay off in long term
Cycling's Team Sky could suffer in the short term from losing staff because of its anti-doping stance but that it is a price worth paying, team head Dave Brailsford said on Tuesday. Sushil to train young wrestlers at Railway Academy

London Games silver medallist Sushil Kumar is hoping to produce more Olympic medal winners at the newly-inaugurated Indian Railway Wrestling Academy.

Former Armstrong teammate admits positive test
South African cyclist David George, a former teammate of Lance Armstrong, has tested positive for the banned drug EPO (Erythropoietin), he said on Tuesday.

November 06, 2012

Banned athletes to appeal NADA decision
The 11 athletes, including Asian Games bronze medallist wrestler Mausam Khatri, who were handed two-year bans by a NADA panel for flunking dope tests, are planning to appeal the decision. CL: Spartak without key strikers for Benfica clash
Spartak Moscow will be without leading strikers Emmanuel Emenike and Welliton for Wednesday's Champions League Group G match at Benfica, the Russian club said on Tuesday. No reason to ban long putters, says Scott

Adam Scott shot down a putter rule change suggestion by Tiger Woods on Tuesday and told golf's governing bodies to focus on more pressing issues as the Australian leapt to the defence of controversial long putters.

CL: Artists Bayern in sparkling form as Lille await

Bayern Munich are brimming with confidence ahead of Wednesday's Champions League Group F clash at home to France's Lille with president Uli Hoeness labelling their current form as "football art".

Asian Kabaddi: India walk out in protest, Pakistan wins
Pakistan clinched the Asian Kabaddi Championship title after arch-rivals India walked out of the field in protest against the referee's decision to penalize their coach. A fan arrested over alleged racist gesture at Chelsea
A man has been arrested over an allegation that a racist gesture was made to a player during last week's Capital One Cup match between Chelsea and Manchester United, London's Metropolitan police said on Monday. Manchester United to honour manager Ferguson

Manchester United will commemorate manager Alex Ferguson's 26th year in charge of the team by unveiling a statue of the Scot this month, the Premier League leaders said in a statement.

November 05, 2012

India's Prarthana goes down fighting in first round
India's Prarthana Thombare came tantalisingly close to registering an upset victory in her debut match on the WTA tour before losing 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 against Chang Liu of China in the opening round of Indian Open Challenger tournament in Pune. Fourteen-yr-old Chinese golfer earns ticket to US Masters

Guan Tianlang is poised to become the youngest golfer to play at the US Masters after the Chinese 14-year-old won the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in Thailand on Sunday.

November 03, 2012

Ask Hockey India about Olympic flopshow: Nobbs

India's hockey coach Michael Nobbs refused to dwell on the team's London Olympics flopshow, saying that all queries on the matter should be directed to Hockey India, not him.

Liverpool will strengthen in January, says Rodgers

Liverpool will have funds to strengthen their squad in January after the last transfer window left it thin on the ground, manager Brendan Rodgers said on Friday.

WADA won't appeal against Armstrong ruling

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has announced it will not appeal against the decision to ban American cyclist Lance Armstrong for life and strip him of his seven Tour de France titles.

Messi's girlfriend gives birth to son Thiago

World Player of the Year Lionel Messi has become a father for the first time following the birth of his son Thiago on Friday.

November 02, 2012

40 Indian athletes in IAAF list of dope offenders
India has nothing to boast of in terms of achievements at world stage in athletics, but the country has topped in the number offenders caught for doping under IAAF rules. Bhullar fires 68 to set up weekend move at HSBC Champions

Gaganjeet Bhullar added to his growing reputation with a four-under par 68 that saw him jump from overnight 46th to tied 27th at the midway stage of the US $7 million WGC-HSBC Champions in Dongguan, China, on Friday. The 24-year-old Bhullar is three-under 141 for 36 holes and a good showing over the weekend will boost his ranking further.

Klinsmann open to discussion over Donovan's future

United States national team coach Juergen Klinsmann says he will meet with all-time leading goalscorer Landon Donovan after the forward said he was unsure about his future in the game.

Tiger blames fatigue for missing WGC event

Tiger Woods said fatigue was the reason he skipped this week's World Golf Championship event in China.

November 01, 2012

McCarthy takes over as Ipswich boss
Former Ireland and Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Mick McCarthy has been named boss of English Championship (second division) side Ipswich Town, the club said on Thursday. IOC to investigate Armstrong's Olympic medal

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will investigate Lance Armstrong's 2000 Olympics bronze medal after the American was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles in the biggest doping scandal to hit the sport.

Bin Hammam loses appeal against latest ban

Former FIFA presidential candidate Mohamed Bin Hammam has lost his appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against his latest ban from football, soccer's governing body said.

Britain seeks clarity on Serbian brawl charges

The British government is investigating the full details of criminal charges laid by Serbian police against two England Under-21 soccer players after this month's Euro 2013 playoff ended in a mass brawl.

Chastened Lakers hope 'time' will be the healer

The Los Angeles Lakers had very little time to lick their wounds after stunningly losing their regular-season opener to the Dallas Mavericks but, almost to a man, they said that time was their most precious commodity.

NYC marathon will proceed as planned: Bloomberg

The New York City Marathon, one of the premier US distance-running events, will take place as planned on Sunday, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said on Wednesday night, as the city struggles to recover from heavy flooding caused by massive storm Sandy.

October 31, 2012

NBA: Weakened Mavericks stun Lakers

The heavily anticipated new era of Los Angeles Lakers basketball began with a whimper as their much vaunted team bristling with All-Stars were beaten 99-91 by an under-strength Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday.

Thorpe talks sexuality, beating depression in new book

Australian swimming great Ian Thorpe has hit out at the innuendo surrounding his sexuality that has followed him for much of his career, and said the most frustrating thing was the implication that he would lie about it.

October 30, 2012

Danish badminton great Gade hangs his racquet

Peter Gade has brought down the curtain on his prolific career happy in the knowledge Danish badminton is in the hands of several promising young compatriots.

Cycling team's director quits after doping revelation
Team Sky sports director Steven de Jongh has quit after three years following his admission that he took a banned substance earlier in his career, the British team said on Monday.

October 29, 2012

McIlroy edges Woods to claim China exhibition victory

Rory McIlroy staked an early lead before holding on to win by a stroke in his "Duel at Jinsha Lake" 18-hole exhibition event against Tiger Woods on Monday.

Ferrer wins Valencia Open for sixth title of year
World No 5 David Ferrer beat unseeded Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov 6-1 3-6 6-4 to win the Valencia Open for the third time on Sunday, claiming his sixth ATP World Tour title this year. Pankaj Advani wins his seventh World billiards crown

Ace Indian cueist Pankaj Advani proved his class once again as he notched up his seventh World Billiards Championship title after comprehensively beating defending champion and seasoned Englishman Mike Russell in the final in Leeds.

October 28, 2012

Chinappa wins Penang Open squash title
India's top squash player Joshna Chinappa claimed the IJM Land Penang Open after defeating top seed and local favourite Siti Munirah Jusoh in straight games in Penang on Sunday. Saina Nehwal loses in French Open final

Olympics Bronze medallist shuttler Saina Nehwal failed to clinch back-to-back title as she suffered a shock straight-game defeat to Japanese Minatsu Mitani in the summit clash of the French Open Super Series in Paris on Sunday.

Everton, Liverpool share spoils in Merseyside derby

Everton battled back from two goals down to draw 2-2 at home to Liverpool in the first Merseyside derby of the season at Goodison Park on Sunday.

I-League: EB look to maintain winning momentum

East Bengal will aim to continue their winning form while appearing in their first home match of the I-League, against Pune FC, at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium, on Monday.

Yates quits cycling, no link with Armstrong say Team Sky
Team Sky sports director Sean Yates is retiring from cycling but there is no link between his decision and the team's zero-tolerance anti-doping charter, the British outfit said on Sunday. Rupesh wins World Billiards point frame title
Rupesh Shah became only the fifth Indian cueist to lift the world title twice after he beat Australia's Matthew Bolton 6-2 in the final of the World Billiards in the point frame format in Leeds. Coe reveals Olympic fears that kept him awake at night

London Olympics organising committee chairman Sebastian Coe had sleepless nights worrying about possible terrorist attacks during this year's Games, according to his autobiography to be published next month.

October 27, 2012

Lippi leads Guangzhou to Chinese Super League title
World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi added the Chinese Super League title to his long list of honours after a late goal by Gao Lin meant Guangzhou Evergrande became the first side to retain the title. I-League: Easy win for Churchill Brothers

Churchill Brothers Sports Club continued with their winning run in the I-League as they coasted to a 3-1 win over Mumbai FC, at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, Goa on Saturday.

I-League: Sporting desperate for their first win
After a great start to their I-League campaign, Shillong Lajong will host Sporting Clube de Goa in a third round match at JN Sports Complex, in Shillong, on Sunday. Chong Wei invites fans to wedding via Facebook

Anyone who wants to attend the wedding of Malaysian badminton player Lee Chong Wei could be one of 10 lucky fans winning invitations by posting on his Facebook page.

Bundesliga: Son continues to shine for Hamburg
Hamburg SV's South Korea forward Son Heung-min scored an early goal to set them on the way to a 2-0 win at lowly Augsburg with his fifth Bundesliga strike of the season on Friday. Steely Saina storms into French Open final

London Olympics bronze medallist Saina Nehwal stamped her authority to storm into the final of the French Super Series outclassing German Juliane Schenk in straight sets in the women's badminton singles in Paris.

October 26, 2012

No Tour de France winner from 1999-2005: UCI

No one will replace Lance Armstrong as winner of the Tour de France from 1999-2005 after the American was stripped of the titles for doping, the International Cycling Union (UCI) said on Friday.

First look: India Grand Prix trophy unveiled

The Indian Grand Prix trophy was unveiled at Buddh International Circuit on Friday.

Three-times Tour winner LeMond urges McQuaid to resign
Three-times Tour de France winner Greg LeMond has called on International Cycling Union (UCI) President Pat McQuaid to quit in the wake of the Lance Armstrong doping scandal.

October 25, 2012

Saina reaches world number 3 after Denmark win

Riding on her maiden Denmark Open title triumph, India's ace shuttler Saina Nehwal gained a position to climb up to third spot in the latest World badminton ranking announced on Thursday.

Saina enters quarter-finals of French Open
London Olympics bronze medallist shuttler, Saina Nehwal notched up a comfortable straight-game victory over Thailand's Sapsiree Taerattanachai at the French Open Super Series in Paris on Thursday and stayed on course for her second successive title after Denmark Open triumph last week. Lakers to rest Bryant ahead of season start

The Los Angeles Lakers have shut down Kobe Bryant for the remainder of the preseason in a bid to get the ailing All Star guard fit for next week's regular season opener, the team said.

English Players' Union backs tougher racism sanctions

The English Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) issued a six-point action plan to help deal with racism on Wednesday following a series of high profile developments in the fallout from the John Terry-Anton Ferdinand case.

Some Champions League groups are a joke: Mourinho

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho described some of the Champions League groups as a "joke" after watching his side lose 2-1 at fellow heavyweights Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday.

Maradona celebrates 52nd b-day in Kannur, enthralls fans

Argentine soccer legend Diego Maradona jived to Latin numbers, and mesmerised hundreds of fans with his football skills in Kerala's Kannur city on Wednesday.

October 24, 2012

Vishnu crashes out; Jeevan in quarters
Davis Cupper Vishnu Vardhan crashed out of the men's singles pre-quarterfinals of the $15,000 CCI-ITF men's Futures Tennis tournament in Mumbai on Wednesday. Saina enters 2nd round of French Open Super Series
Fresh from her maiden Denmark Open title triumph, India ace Saina Nehwal started her French Open Super Series campaign in style, registering a hard-fought win over China's Li Han in women's singles event in Paris. Indian shuttlers in for a bonanza in IBL
Indian shuttlers lower down the ranks, who get pittance as prize money, are in for a bonanza when they take part as members of one of the franchisee outfits at the proposed Indian Badminton League.

October 23, 2012

London Olympics under budget despite high running costs

Recognised as one of the best Olympics ever, London 2012 came with a hefty price tag for the British taxpayer despite government figures on Tuesday showing a 377 million pounds saving on the budget for the sporting spectacle.

Armstrong deletes Tour wins reference in Twitter profile

A day after he was banned from cycling for life and stripped of his seven Tour de France titles, Lance Armstrong took the first step towards accepting the sanctions by deleting reference to his Tour wins on his Twitter biography.

SAG: Ex-LTTE men make SL's shooting probables list
Sri Lanka has included three ex-LTTE marksmen as members of the national rifle shooters' pool for the South Asian Games to be held in New Delhi next year. USADA asserts, banning Armstrong just the start

The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has called for a full and independent investigation into doping in cycling in the wake of the Lance Armstrong scandal.

Armstrong's victims vindicated following USADA reports

The damning facts published this month by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), proving that cyclist Lance Armstrong was the ring leader of the most sophisticated doping scandal in the history of sports, has vindicated those who suffered at the hands of the American.

October 22, 2012

Prasad strikes gold at Finnish boxing tourney

L P Prasad (49 kg) clinched the only gold for India at the 33rd International Tammer Youth Boxing Tournament, beating England's Jack Bateson in the final, in Tampere, Finland. The 17-year-old put up a sterling performance to emerge victorious and bag his first international medal.

Armstrong banned for life, loses Tour de France titles

Lance Armstrong has been stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and banned for life after the International Cycling Union said on Monday it had ratified the United States Anti-Doping Agency's sanctions. The decision was announced at a UCI news conference.

Evans says never discussed doping with Armstrong doctor

Australia's 2011 Tour De France winner Cadel Evans has admitted meeting the Italian doctor at the heart of the Lance Armstrong scandal more than a decade ago but said they never discussed doping.

October 21, 2012

World Billiards: Advani, Sethi continue great form

Seven-time World champion Pankaj Advani, veteran Geet Sethi and Dhruv Sitwala continued their unbeaten run in the Time Format after outplaying their rivals in the World Billiards Championships in Leeds on Sunday.

Indian Open: Thailand's Wiratchant wins; Kapur 4th

Shiv Kapur was the best-placed Indian golfer at fourth after carding a blemish-free five-under 66 but it was Thai veteran Thaworn Wiratchant (66) who walked away with the top honours after clinching a thrilling play-off at the Hero Indian Open in Bangalore on Sunday.

Boxer's assured of silver at Finnish boxing tourney
Indian youth boxers Dheeraj Singh (52kg) and L P Prasad (49kg) were assured of at least silver medals after they entered the finals of the 33rd International Tammer Tournament in Tampere, Finland. AFC U-19: Indian women beat Bangladesh in qualifiers
Indian women's team began their AFC U-19 Championship qualifiers round one campaign on a winning note as they defeated Bangladesh 1-0 in their opening match at Melaka in Malaysia on Sunday. Alankamony clinches her second WISPA title
Asian junior gold medallist Anaka Alankamony claimed her second title and first one abroad in the women's professional squash tour when she stunned top seed Kylie Lindsay of New Zealand in the final of the Ipswich Open in Queensland on Sunday. Pedrosa weathers storm to claim Malaysia victory

Dani Pedrosa put on a wet-weather master class to capture a rain-shortened Malaysian Grand Prix on Sunday and keep the pressure on MotoGP championship leader Jorge Lorenzo after notching a fifth victory in six races.

Armstrong's fate looms as USADA decision out on Monday

The Lance Armstrong doping scandal reaches a decisive day on Monday when cycling's governing body announces whether it has ratified the US Anti-Doping Agency's sanctions but whatever happens the affair is set to run and run.

Arjun Atwal drops to third at McGladrey Classic

After dropping just one bogey in 36 holes, Arjun Atwal gave away no less than three in the third round to slip to tied third position from top at the McGladrey Classic golf tournament in St Simons Island, USA.

Indonesia Open golf: Smriti falters, ends tied eighth

Four dropped shots on the last four holes saw Smriti Mehra drop from tied second to tied eighth at the end of the $200,000 Enjoy Jakarta Ladies Indonesia Open.

Contador says focus on future after Armstrong gate

Cycling should try to put the Lance Armstrong doping case behind it, Spain's double Tour de France winner Alberto Contador, who returned from a two-year doping ban in August, said on Saturday.

October 20, 2012

Stosur beats Ivanovic to meet Wozniacki in final

Top seed Samantha Stosur reached her first final in eight months with a comeback 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 win over fourth-seeded Serbian Ana Ivanovic in the Kremlin Cup semi-finals on Saturday.

World billiards: Pankaj, Geet off to winning start

Seven-time world champion Pankaj Advani and veteran Geet Sethi along with Dhruv Sitwala secured comfortable victories over their respective rivals on the opening day of the World Billiards Championships in Leeds.

EPL: Mata doubles earns Chelsea victory at Spurs

Two goals by Juan Mata helped leaders Chelsea to a 4-2 victory in a captivating London derby at Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday as they maintained their unbeaten start to the Premier League season.

Saina enters Denmark Open semis

Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal set up a semifinal clash against old nemesis and World No. 1 Yihan Wang of China after easing past local hope Tine Baun in straight games at the Denmark Open badminton tournament in Odense, Denmark.

Record lap puts Lorenzo on pole in Malaysia

Jorge Lorenzo's record-shattering late burst put the MotoGP championship leader on pole position for Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit.

Atwal grabs lead at Sea Island

India's Arjun Atwal carded eight birdies and a lone bogey to rocket into a one-shot lead over Davis Love III and Jim Furyk after Friday's second round of the McGladrey Classic at Sea Island in Georgia.

October 19, 2012

Macau Open: Joshna Chinappa in semis, Dipika bows out
India's Joshna Chinappa kept the tri-colour fluttering by progressing into the semi-finals of the women's singles, even as compatriot Dipika Pallikal bowed out of the USD 25,000 Macau Open squash tournament on Friday. Ramsay takes three-shot lead at Hero Indian Open

Richie Ramsay of Scotland birdied four of his closing five holes as he raced into a three-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Hero Indian Open on Friday. The overnight co-leader fired a second successive five-under-par 66 for 10-under-par 132 at the Karnataka Golf Association course, in Bangalore.

Rabobank ends sponsorship of professional cycling

Dutch lender Rabobank said it will end its sponsorship of men's and women's professional cycling teams at the end of this year as the repercussions of the Lance Armstrong doping scandal continued to reverberate around the world.

Hudson says Torres can succeed Osgood

Former Chelsea playmaker Alan Hudson has waited almost 40 years for a new Peter Osgood and now he believes Fernando Torres can finally fill the boots of the 'King of Stamford Bridge'.

Shooter Vijay Kumar named 'Services Best Sportsman'

London Olympics silver medalist shooter Vijay Kumar was honoured with the 'Services Best Sportsman' award for 2012 at the Army Headquarters in New Delhi on Friday.

India's Smriti Mehra takes lead at Indonesia Ladies Open

Indian golfer Smriti Mehra charged to the top of the leaderboard on the opening day of the $200,000 Enjoy Jakarta Ladies Indonesia Open inJakarta after carding a three-under 69.

With tour in sight, cyclist Cavendish leaves Team Sky

Sprint ace Mark Cavendish is leaving Team Sky in order to fulfil his Tour de France ambitions after spending this year's race serving as a domestique for race winner Bradley Wiggins, the British team said on Thursday.

Cycling Australia official quits after doping admission
The vice president of Cycling Australia Stephen Hodge has resigned after admitting to doping during his professional career as the repercussions of the Lance Armstrong scandal continued to reverberate around the world on Friday.

October 18, 2012

Sania-Nuria bow out of Kremlin Cup
Sania Mirza could not end the season on a high as she and her partner Nuria Llagostera Vives were sent packing from the WTA Kremlin Cup by the American pair of Raquel Kops-Jones and Abigail Spears, in Moscow. Morrison, Ramsay share lead at Hero Indian Open
Englishman James Morrison and Richie Ramsay of Scotland got off to spirited starts at the Hero Indian Open to share the opening round lead on five-under-par 66 on Thursday. Saina storms into quarter-finals of Denmark Open

Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal continued her rampaging comeback and notched up a straight games victory over Minatsu Mitani of Japan to advance to the quarter-finals of the Denmark Super Series.

Terry will not appeal against racist abuse ban

Chelsea's John Terry will not appeal against his four-match ban and 220,000-pound fine for racially insulting Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand, the player said in a statement on Thursday.

Call for UCI chief to act on Armstrong affair or quit

International Cycling Union chief Pat McQuaid must immediately make clear the governing body's position on the Lance Armstrong doping affair or resign to prevent the collapse of world cycling, a commercial partner of the sport said on Thursday.

Vijay Kumar signs deal with sports marketing firm Percept

London Olympic Games silver medal-winning pistol shooter Vijay Kumar has been signed up by sports marketing firm, 'Percept', which will manage the Army marksman's brand image and endorsements.

Neymar shrugs off jet lag to score stunning goal

Santos striker Neymar, playing only one day after scoring twice for Brazil against Japan in Poland, shrugged off jet leg to score a stunning into the penalty area, cut inside another defender and fired a low shot into the corner of the goal to put his side 2-0 ahead.

Denmark Open: Sourabh upsets Peter Gade, enters 2nd rd
Rising Indian shuttler Sourabh Varma stunned world number eight and home favourite Peter Gade in straight games to enter the second round of the Denmark Open badminton tournament in Odense, Denmark. Sky team members issued with ultimatum
Members of the British cycling team Sky will be sacked unless they sign a document saying they have never doped, the team said. US lacks quality of defence for World Cup qualifiers

The United States advanced to the final round of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup finals with coach Juergen Klinsmann having discovered several new faces to add to his expanding list of options.

State of the Lance Armstrong Foundation's finances

Lance Armstrong stepped down on Wednesday as chairman of the Austin, Texas-based Livestrong cancer charity he founded in 1997.

October 17, 2012

Saina breezes in second round of Denmark Open
Returning to the court after a two month break, Saina Nehwal made a rampaging start to her campaign at the Denmark Open, reaching the second round with a comfortable straight-game victory over Yeon Ju Bae of Korea in Odense. Indian franchise set for pullout from WSB
Indian boxing is all set to get a massive jolt as the country's franchise in the World Series of Boxing (WSB) is preparing to pull out from the upcoming season due to paucity of funds and administrative hassles. AAI election: Rao braces up to take on Malhotra
With the much-awaited elections to the Archery Association of India (AAI) drawing closer, the national convenor of Clean Sports India B V P Rao, who will be challenging incumbent president V K Malhotra, has raised several issues to ensure that the elections are free and fair. Indian Olympic Association to set poll process rolling
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) will set the ball rolling for its election next month with the apex sports body expected to announce the details of the poll process in its Special General Body Meeting in New Delhi. Armstrong steps down from charity Livestrong

Lance Armstrong has stepped down as chairman of the charity he founded, Livestrong, after US anti-doping officials issued a scathing report detailing his use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Coe set to head British Olympic Association

London Olympics organising chief Sebastian Coe is set to take over as the chairman of the British Olympic Association (BOA) after his only opponent for the job pulled out on Tuesday.

Cyclist sacked after doping admission to USADA

American rider Levi Leipheimer has been sacked by the Quick-Step Cycling Team after admitting he took banned substances as part of the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) investigation into doping in the sport.

Ferrari denies involvement in Armstrong's doping scheme
Italian doctor Michele Ferrari denied on Tuesday accusations from the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) that he masterminded a doping programme for American cyclist Lance Armstrong.

October 16, 2012

Patchy India go down 0-2 to Singapore
India failed to maintain their recent impressive form as they went down 0-2 to Singapore in their international football friendly match in Singapore on Tuesday. IOC ponders Armstrong 2000 Games medal options

Lance Armstrong should come clean with a full doping confession, while the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will look into ways of taking away the former Tour de France champion's 2000 Games medal, IOC vice president Thomas Bach said on Tuesday.

Jaspal Rana appointed junior pistol coach

Multiple Asian Games gold medallist, Jaspal Rana, has been appointed chief coach for junior pistol shooters by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI).

AFC apologises for 'racist' nickname against UAE team
Asian soccer's governing body the AFC has apologised for referring to the United Arab Emirates national side as the 'Sand Monkeys' in an article on their official website. 'Armstrong had motorcyclist deliver EPO in 1999'

Lance Armstrong paid for a motorcyclist to deliver the banned bloodbooster EPO to him during the 1999 Tour de France, former teammate Tyler Hamilton said in a BBC radio documentary broadcast on Monday.

October 15, 2012

Lampard, Bertrand ruled out of Poland WC qualifier

Midfielder Frank Lampard and defender Ryan Bertrand have been ruled out of England's 2014 World Cup qualifier against Poland in Warsaw through injury, the FA said in a statement on Sunday.

October 14, 2012

Hong Kong crowned Asian sevens champions

Hong Kong were crowned Asian sevens champions for the first time in its history after they defeated arch-rivals Japan 28-7 in a pulsating final at the Asian Sevens Series' Mumbai Sevens on Sunday.

Zidane eyes France job as he joins coaching programme

Zinedine Zidane is taking the first steps towards possibly managing the French national team in the future by joining coaching programme at the French Football National Institute (INF).

Chandhok's team JRM Racing grab season's best result
Karun Chandhok's team JRM Racing achieved its best result of the season by finishing second in the privateers' class and fifth overall the Six Hours of Fuji on Sunday. Bhullar wins Macau Open, Kapur fifth

Gaganjeet Bhullar survived an early back nine slump to bring home a solid three-under 68 on the final day and clinch the Venetian Macau Open title, his second title in less than a month, in Macau on Sunday.

Armstrong could take lie test over doping

Lance Armstrong may take a lie detector test to clear his name from doping allegations, his lawyer said on Sunday, even though he did not expect the result would change the public's opinion of the American cyclist.

Biographer exposes Armstrong's 'drug bus' in new book

Disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong had ruled his team with an iron grip, according to his own biographers, who exposes the lies, doping and bullying behind the sport in a new book.

MotoGP: Pedrosa stays in the hunt with Japan win

Honda's Dani Pedrosa kept his slim MotoGP title hopes alive by beating fellow Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo to win the Japanese Grand Prix for the second year in a row on Sunday.

Walcott ruled out of England's trip to Poland

England forward Theo Walcott has been ruled out of their World Cup qualifier in Poland on Tuesday with a chest injury, the FA said.

October 13, 2012

Smeltz gives NZ important World Cup win over Tahiti
Shane Smeltz moved into outright second as New Zealand's highest scorer as the All Whites completed a comfortable 2-0 victory over Tahiti in their Oceania World Cup qualifying clash in Papeete on Friday. Shamim Khan wins BILT Open golf in playoff
Shamim Khan clinched the BILT Open title on Saturday after edging Rashid Khan in an enthralling play-off at the Delhi Golf course. Kalmadi reveals he will not contest IOA elections
Under pressure to quit, tainted Indian Olympic Association President Suresh Kalmadi on Saturday said that he will not seek re-nomination in the IOA's upcoming elections and hinted at retiring from sports administration. Australian White admits to doping within Armstrong team
Australian Matt White has stepped down as Orica-GreenEDGE sports director on Saturday after admitting to doping while riding with Lance Armstrong's US Postal cycling team. No rider should inherit Lance titles: Tour director

The seven Tour de France titles stripped from American cyclist Lance Armstrong should not be awarded to any other rider because the sport at that time was tainted by doping, race director Christian Prudhomme said on Friday.

October 12, 2012

Bhullar stays in lead at Macau Open
After a blistering 63 in the opening round, Gaganjeet Bhullar added a more modest three-under 68 to move to 11-under 131 after the second round of the US $750,000 Venetian Macau Open on Friday. He held a three-shot lead over Thai newcomer Thitiphun Chuayprakong. I-League: Dempo drub Sporting Clube de Goa

Dempo Sports Club scored a comfortable 5-0 victory over Sporting Clube de Goa in the second round match of the I-League at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Friday.

Shanghai Masters: Hesh-Bopanna, Paes-Stepanek in semis
Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna may meet Leander Paes and Radek Stepanek in the summit clash of the Shanghai Masters after reaching the semifinals of the elite ATP tournament on Friday. Milan director plays down talk of Berlusconi exit

Silvio Berlusconi remains committed to his AC Milan soccer team, one of the club's directors said, playing down speculation that the former Italian prime minister was ready to sell up.

Rose edges Westwood to win Turkish jackpot

Justin Rose is $1.5 million richer after defeating fellow Englishman Lee Westwood by one stroke to win the inaugural World Golf Final in Turkey on Friday.

Borini injury adds to Liverpool's striking woes

Liverpool may have to make do with one recognised striker until the January transfer window after learning that Fabio Borini had fractured his foot training with Italy's under 21 side.

Tyson refused New Zealand visa again
Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson has been refused a visa to visit New Zealand as part of a series of motivational speeches for the second time, the country's government said on Friday. Ex-Dutch international Davids joins Barnet

After a glittering career spent at European giants Barcelona, Juventus and AC Milan, former Dutch international Edgar Davids has dropped to the basement of English soccer to join fourth tier side Barnet.

Cycling Australia calls for criminalising doping in sport
Governments should look at criminalising doping in sports and increasing the resources of anti-doping agencies to include investigative functions in the wake of the Lance Armstrong revelations, the president of Cycling Australia has said. Malaysian athletics official banned for dope connection
Malaysian athletics official Karim Ibrahim has been hit with a six-year ban after he was found guilty of being involved in two doping cases, local media reported on Friday. Unfazed Armstrong chalking out plans for 2013

Unrepentant and seemingly unconcerned, Lance Armstrong was going about his business as usual on Thursday as the cycling world was left reeling by the revelations about his alleged role as a doping ringleader.

US soccer club to continue with Livestrong stadium name
US soccer team Sporting Kansas City plan to retain their Livestrong stadium name despite its link to doping-tainted cyclist Lance Armstrong, chief executive Robb Heineman said on Thursday. IOC not yet contemplating action against Armstrong

Lance Armstrong will keep his 2000 Sydney Games bronze medal for now despite being accused of cheating his way to the top in cycling, the International Olympic Committee saying it is still too early to take action.

October 11, 2012

Advani opts for World billiards after clash in dates

Faced with a tough choice between two top tournaments, the dates of which clash, India's ace cueist Pankaj Advani has decided to take part in the World Billiards Championship and skip the International Snooker Championship, both starting later this month.

USADA statement on doping conspiracy

Lance Armstrong and his team ran the most sophisticated doping programme in sport according to the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USDA) which released its report on the case against the US Postal cycling team on Wednesday.

What former teammates said against Armstrong

What former team mates of Lance Armstrong told the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) during their investigation into doping in cycling.

England's Lampard ruled out of San Marino match

England midfielder Frank Lampard has been ruled out the 2014 World Cup qualifier against San Marino with a knee injury, the Football Association said on Thursday.

Former Armstrong teammate admits to doping
Canadian cyclist Michael Barry, a former teammate of Lance Armstrong's, said on Wednesday he was pressured to take performance-enhancing drugs for the U.S. Postal Service Team.

October 10, 2012

Vijender to debut in 81kg category at 2013 World C'ship

The London Olympics disappointment behind him, Indian boxing star Vijender Singh is all set to pack a heavier punch from next year when he goes up a division to light heavyweight (81kg) for the World Championships.

Cyclist Lance Armstrong cheated: USADA report

'Tyson gets Australia visa for speaking event'

Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson has been granted a visa to enter Australia for a series of motivational talks next month, organisers said on Wednesday.

October 09, 2012

Cole free for England after apology to FA boss

Chelsea defender Ashley Cole has apologised to English Football Association chairman David Bernstein for a Twitter insult he aimed at the FA last week and is free to play for England against San Marino on Friday.

Donovan back for US, Altidore axed

Landon Donovan, the US national team's all-time leading goal scorer, was named in the 24-man squad on Monday for the next CONCACAF region World Cup qualifiers after shaking off a knee injury.

McIlroy cool on Woods rivalry ahead of Turkey showdown

World No. 1 Rory McIlroy has played down talk of rivalry between himself and 14-time Major winner Tiger Woods at this week's inaugural eight-man World Golf Final in Turkey.

Bolt eyes 'three-peat' at 2016 Rio Olympics

Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt has set his sights on defending his three titles at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro rather than switching to another event, the six-time gold medallist said.

October 08, 2012

CSI urges IOC to ensure Kalmadi's ouster
Clean Sports India on Monday welcomed International Olympic Committee's direction to the IOA to suspend the tainted trio of Suresh Kalmadi, Lalit Bhanot and V K Verma with immediate effect and asked the IOC to ensure that the national body implements the decision.

October 06, 2012

Bhullar makes cut, but slips to tied 44th
Gaganjeet Bhullar, the lone Indian at the CJ Invitational Hosted by KJ Choi, who had to play four remaining holes from the second round this morning slipped down after 16 holes in the third round as play was suspended due to darkness on Saturday. 'Suspend Kalmadi, Verma, Bhanot from IOA'
In a major blow to the aspirations of Suresh Kalmadi, V K Verma and Lalit Bhanot ahead of the elections, the Ethics Commission of the International Olympic Committee has recomended that the tainted trio be suspended from all their functions within the IOA with immediate effect. Phelps produces stroke of genius at Dunhill pro-am

Olympic great Michael Phelps is known for the excellence of his swimming strokes but will now gain recognition for his putting stroke after sinking a 150-foot effort at the Dunhill Links pro-am.

Dane Agger signs new long-term deal at Liverpool
Denmark defender Daniel Agger has agreed a new long-term contract with Liverpool. Murray's Tokyo loss provides perspective

Andy Murray's shock semi-final defeat to Milos Raonic at the Japan Open on Saturday raised the same questions many thought had been answered by his Olympic gold medal and last month's US Open triumph.

October 05, 2012

I-League: Defending champs Dempo to take on Churchill

Defending champions Dempo will be looking to garner full points when they take on Churchill Brothers in the opening match of the I-League at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa on Saturday.

Jeev lies sixth at the Canon Open in Japan
Indian golfer Jeev Milkha Singh stayed in contention for the title after carding a bogey-free two-under 70 in the second round to lie tied sixth at the Canon Open 2012 on the Japan Tour in Yokohama on Friday. Ennis named European athlete of the year

Olympic heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis has been named the women's European athlete of 2012, European Athletics said in a statement on Thursday.

October 03, 2012

Two Jamaican athletes face discipline for doping
Two Jamaican athletes, including 4x400 metres relay pool member Dominique Blake, are facing disciplinary action after testing positive for doping. Former World No. 1 Ochoa makes comeback in France

Former World No. 1 Lorena Ochoa is coming out of retirement to play in this week's Ladies French Open as a favour to her sponsors.

New Zealand bans former boxing champ Mike Tyson

New Zealand revoked an entry visa for former heavyweight boxing champion and convicted rapist Mike Tyson on Wednesday after a charity going to benefit from his visit dropped its support.

October 02, 2012

Women's boxing to debut at Glasgow Commonwealth Games

Following a hugely popular debut at the London Olympics in August, women's boxing has been included in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the sports organisers said.

October 01, 2012

Indian judokas win 2 silver, 3 bronze in Asian Ch'ship
Indian judokas bagged two silver and three bronze in the Asian Youth and Junior Championships held in Chinese Taipei. Hockey Nats: It's AI vs Karnataka; Haryana vs Punjab
Defending champions Haryana will face Punjab while hosts Karnataka will lock horns with Air India in the semi-finals of the second Hockey India Senior Men's National Championship in Bangalore. Pedrosa seals easy win in Aragon
Honda's Dani Pedrosa cruised to victory at the Aragon Grand Prix ahead of championship leader Jorge Lorenzo of Yamaha on Sunday to trim the gap to his Spanish compatriot to 33 points with four races left. Love stunned by US Ryder Cup collapse

United States Ryder Cup captain Davis Love III was left stunned as Europe stormed back from a 10-6 deficit to steal the golden trophy from under American noses at Medinah Country Club on Sunday.

East Bengal beat Dempo 3-2 to lift Federation Cup

East Bengal came back from behind and scored twice in the extra time to beat Dempo 3-2 for their eighth Federation Cup triumph at the floodlit Kanchenjunga Stadium in Siliguri on Sunday night.

September 30, 2012

Delhi Half Marathon: Kipyego, Wude win
Kenya's Edwin Kipyego survived stiff competition from fellow athletes before claiming the men's title, while Ethiopia's Yimer Wude emerged victorious in the women's elite category as around 32,000 Delhiites braved hot and humid conditions to run at the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon, in New Delhi on Sunday. Ryder Cup: US stretch lead to 10-6 at Medinah

Though Tiger Woods lost for a third time this week, the United States tightened their grip on the 39th Ryder Cup by taking a commanding 10-6 lead over holders Europe at Medinah Country Club on Saturday.

Imperious Juventus sweep poor Roma aside

Juventus scored three goals in the opening 19 minutes to destroy AS Roma 4-1 and move three points clear in Serie A on Saturday.

September 29, 2012

Sr Nat hockey: Karnataka, Jharkhand enter quarters
Hosts Karnataka and Jharkhand entered into the quarter-finals of second Hockey India Senior Men National Championship with emphatic victories in their respective last league matches in Bangalore on Saturday. Hooda announces cash award for wrestlers Geeta, Babita
Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has announced cash award of Rs three lakh each for Geeta Phogat and Babita Phogat for winning bronze medals in the ongoing Women's World Wrestling Championship at Edmonton, Canada. Yuki bows out of China Open qualifiers
Young India Davis Cupper Yuki Bhambri stumbled at the first step of the ATP China Open qualifiers, losing in straight sets to Donald Young, in Beijing. India open campaign with 3-0 win over Wales
Indian eves launched their campaign in the Champions Challenge hockey tournament with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Wales in a Group-A match in Dublin on Saturday. Ryder Cup: US sizzle in sunshine to lead Europe 5-3

The United States, led by Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley, snatched a 5-3 lead over Europe on a gripping first day of the 39th Ryder Cup on Friday.

Hodgson knighted in Finland for services to football
England's globetrotting coach Roy Hodgson has been knighted in Finland for helping the minnows put their name on the football map. Chelsea win at Arsenal to continue strong start
Premier League leaders Chelsea beat London rivals Arsenal 2-1 with goals from Spaniards Fernando Torres and Juan Mata on Saturday to maintain their unbeaten start to the season while handing Arsenal their first defeat. Fed Cup: East Bengal wary against sublime Dempo

A depleted East Bengal defence would brighten the prospects of Dempo who are in sublime form as the top two teams of the last I-League square off in the 34th Federation Cup final at the Kanchenjungha Stadium in Siliguri on Sunday.

Petroleum clinch men's and women's badminton title
Defending champions Petroleum on Saturday extended their record run at the Inter State Badminton Championship, winning the men's and women's title for the 14th time at the Sher-e-Kashmir Indoor Complex in Srinagar on Saturday. Taiwan Masters: Bhullar rises to fifth

Indian golfer Gaganjeet Bhullar turned in the second-best card of the day -- a four-under 68 -- to make a sharp upward move to tied fifth after the third round of the Mercuries Taiwan Masters in on Saturday.

Wrestling: Geeta clinches 2nd bronze at World C'ships

In a historic first for Indian women's wrestling, the country notched up a second medal at the ongoing World Championships after Geeta Kumari (55kg) added another bronze to the one clinched by her sister Babita in Edmonton, Canada.

September 28, 2012

Dipika loses to Duncalf in US squash meet
Dipika Pallikal was beaten by world No 4 Jenny Duncalf of England in straight games in the first round of the Carol Weymuller Open Gold 50 squash tournament at the Heights Casino squash courts in Brooklyn, New York, on Thursday night. The world No 15-ranked Indian lost 9-11, 6-11, 6-11. Babita notches up bronze in World Championships
Babita Kumari (51kg) became only the second Indian woman wrestler to grab a medal at the World Championships when she clinched a bronze at the event in Edmonton, Canada. Ryder Cup: US have slight edge over Europe

After three days of practice in sunny weather, the 39th Ryder Cup finally gets underway on Friday at Medinah Country Club with hosts the United States appearing to hold a wafer-thin advantage over holders Europe.

September 27, 2012

Chess Masters: Anand held by leader Caruana

World Champion Viswanathan Anand could not break the ice for the third day running and drew with Fabiano Caruana of Italy in the third round of fifth Final Chess Masters in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Report on Armstrong ban to be submitted by Oct 15

A much-awaited report on Lance Armstrong's lifetime ban should be sent to cycling's world governing body no later than October 15, a spokesman for the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) said on Wednesday.

September 26, 2012

Weymuller Open: Dipika a win away from making main draw
India's ace woman squash player Dipika Pallikal thrashed Maria Toor Pakay of Pakistan in straight sets to storm into the final round of the qualifiers at the WSA Carol Weymuller Open Gold 50 event in New York. In-form Errani sends Bartoli packing in Tokyo

Italy's Sara Errani ended the French resistance at the Pan Pacific Open, rallying to defeat ninth seed Marion Bartoli 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 to reach the last eight of the WTA premier five event on Wednesday.

Platini determined to introduce Winter World Cup
UEFA president Michel Platini is determined to stage the World Cup during the European winter for the first time at the 2022 tournament in Qatar, the Frenchman told the London Evening Standard. Manchester City, Everton suffer League Cup exits

Premier League champions Manchester City and in-form Everton were both sent packing from the League Cup on Tuesday, their respective managers paying the price for making wholesale changes to their starting line-ups for the third round ties.

Woods accepts responsibility for US Ryder Cup woes

Tiger Woods may be the greatest golfer of his generation but at the Ryder Cup he has been Joe Average and on Tuesday accepted responsibility for the dismal US showing for the past 15 years.

United's Vidic ruled out for two months

Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic will be out of action for two months after undergoing knee surgery, the Premier League club said on Tuesday.

September 25, 2012

Club World Cup: Chelsea face Monterrey or Asian Champs
European champions Chelsea will face either Monterrey of Mexico or the winners of the Asian Champions League in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup following draw for the tournament. FA reject Terry claim of forcing his retirement

The English Football Association (FA) have rejected Chelsea defender John Terry's claims that an investigation into his alleged racial abuse of an opponent during a Premier League match last year had forced him to retire from England duty.

La Liga: Real Madrid labour to 2-0 win at lowly Rayo

Stuttering Spanish champions Real Madrid returned to winning ways in La Liga but were well short of their scintillating best in a laboured 2-0 victory at lowly city rivals Rayo Vallecano on Monday.

September 24, 2012

Ronjan wins silver at ISSF World Cup finals
Leaving behind the London Olympics disappointment, India's ace double trap shooter Ronjan Sodhi won a silver medal at the ISSF World Cup in Slovania. Haryana mountaineer Sauda scales Mount Elbrus
After scaling Mount Everest and Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, Mamta Sauda has added another feather to her cap having successfully climbed Europe's tallest peak Mount Elbrus recently. IOA threaten to move court over age, tenure rules
The Indian Olympic Association has termed the government's directive to adhere to age and tenure guidelines in its upcoming elections as 'illegal' and 'unconstitutional' and said that it could even move the Supreme Court if the case in Delhi High Court goes against it. USADA to send Armstrong file to UCI for ratifying ban

The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) will send Lance Armstrong's file to the cycling world governing body this week to get the American rider's life ban ratified, its chief Travis Tygart told French daily L'Equipe on Monday.

Marseille win to record best start in 50 years

Olympique Marseille became the first Ligue 1 club in more than fifty years to win their first six league games when they beat Evian Thonon Gaillard 1-0 on Sunday.

Serie A: Milan lose again with two players sent off
AC Milan's season slumped to a new low on Sunday as they had two players sent off and lost 2-1 at Udinese while the bizarre postponement of the Cagliari-AS Roma match further damaged Serie A's fading credibility.

September 23, 2012

Abhishek Matoria is elected IBF President
In a change of guard at the Indian Boxing Federation, Rajasthan BJP MLA Abhishek Matoria was elected President of the body on Sunday. Kapur finishes tied 4th at Asia-Pacific Open

Indian golfer Shiv Kapur picked up the biggest cheque of the year after finishing tied fourth with a superb four-under 67 in the final round of the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open in Hyogo, Japan on Sunday.

Deepika clinches silver at archery World Cup

India's top archer Deepika Kumari came tantalisingly close to winning the World Cup final before she went down to Olympic double gold medallist Bo Bae Ki to settle for a silver in the recurve women's individual event at Hibiya Park in Tokyo on Sunday.

September 22, 2012

Gangjee crashes out of Golf Classic in Texas
Rahil Gangjee had a nightmarish second round of six-over 78 and crashed out at the midway stage of the WNB Golf Classic on the Web.com Tour, formerly the Nationwide. Sharmila misses cut despite fine finish
Sharmila Nicollet's valiant effort in the closing stages went in vain as she missed the cut by one shot after the second round of the Tenerife Open de Espana Femenino at Golf Las Americas in Tenerife. Kapur rallies on back to stay in contention in Japan
Shiv Kapur staged a tremendous fight back on the back nine, where he hit an eagle, to card a sub-par round for the third day running and stay in contention for a good finish at the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open, in Hyogo on Saturday. Federation Cup: Salgaocar defeats United Sikkim 3-0

Defending champions Salgaocar notched their second successive win, blanking United Sikkim 3-0 to brighten their semi-final chances in the 34th Federation Cup on Saturday.

September 21, 2012

'Had to go for new Davis Cup team as seniors were ageing'

Non-playing captain Shiv Prakash Misra on the new Davis Cup team, the ban and future of Indian tennis.

Sharmila opens with a steady round of 72 in Tenerife

Sharmila Nicollet turned in a strong finish with two birdies in her last three holes to register an even par 72 in the opening round of the Tenerife Open de Espana Femenino at Golf Las Americas in Tenerife, Spain.

Gangjee in danger of missing cut at WNB Golf Classic
India's Rahil Gangjee witnessed a rough start in the WNB Golf Classic on the Web.com Tour, formerly the Nationwide, as he opened with a three-over 75 that put him way back on the leaderboard. Mexico to bid to stage third World Cup finals in 2026
Mexico will bid to host the 2026 World Cup, the country's soccer chief Justino Compean said on Thursday. Tiger lands first blow in East Lake 'duel' with Rory

Tiger Woods delivered the best possible response to suggestions earlier this week that he is intimidated by Rory McIlroy as he outscored the World No. 1 by three shots in the Tour Championship first round on Thursday.

Europa League: Liverpool win eight-goal match

Liverpool twice squandered the lead, trailed 3-2 and then scored three times in the last 25 minutes to win 5-3 at Young Boys in an enthralling but blunder-prone Europa League tie on Thursday.

September 20, 2012

Indian challenge ends as Sindhu, Jayaram exit Japan Open
The Indian challenge ended at the Japan Super Series following the defeats of shuttlers P V Sindhu and Ajay Jayaram in the women's and men's singles pre-quarter-finals respectively, in Tokyo, on Thursday. Sindhu breaks into world top 20
Rising Indian shuttler P V Sindhu has broken into the world's top 20 in the latest badminton rankings following her giant-killing exploits at last week's China Masters. Jeev, Shiv open strongly at Asia-Pacific Open
Indian golfer Jeev Milkha Singh continued his strong comeback from injury with a fine four-under 67 to be tied 11th after the opening round of the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open in Hyogo, Japan, on Thursday. Also shooting a fine opening round of 67 was Shiv Kapur.

September 19, 2012

Lifter Chandrika wins bronze at Youth Championships
Chandrika Tarafdar on Wednesday became the first Indian to win a medal in Youth World Weightlifting Championships after she bagged two bronze in the girls' 44kg category. Korean athlete accuses coach of abuse
An investigation has been launched after a South Korean athlete with cerebral palsy accused his coach of abusing him at the London Paralympic Games earlier this month. Saina signs up 40-crore deal with Rhiti Sports

India's badminton queen Saina Nehwal has signed up a 40-crore deal with Rhiti Sports Management company, making her the country's highest paid sportsperson outside cricket.

Jayaram, Sindhu reach second round in Japan Open
Ajay Jayaram and P V Sindhu advanced to the second round of the men's and women's singles competition respectively after notching up contrasting victories in the Japan Super Series in Tokyo in New Delhi.

September 18, 2012

Bayern's Robben still doubtful, Ribery fit

Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben is doubtful for their Champions League Group F encounter against Valencia on Wednesday but team mate Franck Ribery is set to play.

Manchester City's Silva signs new five-year deal
World Cup and twice European Championship winner David Silva has signed a new five-year contract with Premier League champions Manchester City, the club said. Ba double earns Newcastle draw at Everton

Newcastle United striker Demba Ba struck in the last minute to salvage a 2-2 draw with Everton in a pulsating Premier League match at Goodison Park on Monday.

Phelps, Felix win top US Olympic athlete awards
Michael Phelps and Allyson Felix were named as the United States Olympic Committee's (USOC) best athletes for 2011-12 on Monday for their gold-medal performances at the London Olympics.

September 17, 2012

QPR's Johnson to miss most of season with knee injury
Queens Park Rangers striker Andy Johnson will miss the majority of the Premier League season after damaging a cruciate ligament in his knee against Chelsea, the club said on Monday. Bhullar wins third Asian Tour title at Taipei

Indian golfer Gaganjeet Bhullar ended a 32-month winless streak to clinch his third Asian Tour title at the weather-hit Yeangder Tournament Players Championship after carding a steady three-under 69 in the final round in Taipei on Monday.

Lajong FC signs on Nigerian Ebi Sukore
Strengthening the team ahead of the I-League, North Eastern football team Shillong Lajong FC has signed another Nigerian footballer Ebi Sukore, who last played for Mumbai FC, club officials said in Shillong on Monday.

September 16, 2012

Mourinho attacks Real players again after defeat

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho again criticised the attitude of a large part of his squad after the champions fell 1-0 at Sevilla, to slip eight points adrift of leaders Barcelona on Saturday.

Martinez survives knockdown, beats Chavez

Argentina's Sergio Martinez survived a torrid final round to defeat Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and claim the WBC middleweight title in Las Vegas on Saturday.

Milan booed off after shock home defeat by Atalanta

AC Milan were booed off the pitch after suffering a shock 1-0 home defeat by Atalanta in Serie A on Saturday following a second-half Luca Cigarini strike that stunned the San Siro.

Bayern edge past Mainz, Dortmund beat Leverkusen

Bayern Munich retained their two-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga with a nervous 3-1 victory against Mainz 05 on Saturday as champions Borussia Dortmund kept up the chase with a 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen.

September 15, 2012

Mampi upsets Anjali in 10m air rifle
Young shooting sensation Mampi Das pulled off a big upset as she beat experienced Anjali Bhagwat to win the gold medal in the 10m air rifle event of the ongoing SEED Gun for Glory Shooting Championship in Pune on Saturday. India raises bar, targets 25 medals in 2020 Olympics
After the country's best-ever haul of six medals at the just-concluded London Olympics, the Government has set the goal much higher and the target for the 2020 Games is 25 medals. Italian Open: Shiv Kapur shoots 69, tied 14th
Indian golfer Shiv Kapur played out yet a steady second round of three-under 69 that kept him in touch with the leaders at the BMW Italian Open in Torino. Fighter Sindhu bows out of China Masters
Rising Indian shuttler P V Sindhu's giant-killing spree came to a halt after she went down fighting to World No. 9 Jiang Yanjiao in the women's singles semifinals of the Li Ning China Masters Super Series badminton tournament in Changzhou on Saturday.

September 14, 2012

Sindhu shocks London Olympics gold medallist Xuerui

Rising Indian shuttler P V Sindhu continued her giant-killing run in the Li Ning China Masters Super Series, shocking London Olympics gold medallist Li Xuerui of China, to storm into the women's singles semi-finals on Friday.

Hatton to return to ring in November
Ricky Hatton will return to the boxing ring in November after the former World welterweight and light-welterweight champion confirmed he was coming out of retirement on Friday. Shiv Kapur 10th in Italian Open
Indian golfer Shiv Kapur struck four birdies in a row to register a five-under 67 and grab the joint 10th spot after the opening round of the BMW Italian Open in Torino. Bhullar second at Yeangder golf as rain stops play
Indian golfers Gaganjeet Bhullar and Anirban Lahiri, who were lying inside top-five after the first round, were unable to start play in the second round due to the inclement weather that halted the proceedings at the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship in Taipei on Friday. Ranchi franchise becomes third team in Hockey League
The joint venture of Patel-Uniexcel Group has taken up the Ranchi franchise in the much-hyped Hockey India League, making it the third of the six teams which will compete in the event starting in January next year. Football: India woman's team advance to SAFF C'ship final
Sasmita Mallick found the net four times as India mauled Afghanistan 11-0 to storm into the Women's South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship in Colombo on Friday. Pacquiao, Marque set for December 8 bout

Filipino southpaw Manny Pacquiao is expected to return to the ring on December 8 for a fourth fight against long-time rival Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico, according to several media reports.

'Beacon of liberty' Ali honoured for civil rights work

Heavyweight boxing legend Muhammad Ali was honoured on Thursday for his humanitarian efforts and civil rights work at an awards ceremony in Philadelphia.

September 13, 2012

Golden double for Loganathan at National athletics
Suriya Loganathan achieved a golden double, winning the 5,000 metres, at the 52nd National Open Athletics Championships in Chennai on Thursday. The Tamil Nadu lass, who had earlier got the better of Asian Games gold medallist Preeja Sreedharan in the 10,000 metres, held off a strong challenge from Railways' O P Jaisha and LIC's Monika Athare to emerge triumphant. 'Good guy' Tyson wants to dance to musicals

Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson, once notorious for his bad boy antics, has a new goal: he'd like to dance and act in musicals.

Sindhu shocks world No 14; Gurusaidutt beats Kashyap
India's rising woman shuttler P V Sindhu rallied to shock eighth seeded Porntip Buranaprasertsuk of Thailand, while RMV Gurusaidutt defeated fancied fellow-Indian Parupalli Kashyap to enter the men's singles quarter-finals in the Li Ning China Masters badminton tournament, in Changzhou, on Thursday.

September 12, 2012

Tendulkar calls up Paralympic silver medallist Girisha

London 2012 Paralympics Games silver-medallist Girisha Hosanagara Nagarajegowda said the batting maestro told him to perform even better in future and win as many medals as possible.

Kashyap, Jayaram in second round of China Masters
London Olympics quarter-finalist P Kashyap eked out a hard-fought victory over Chinese qualifier Huan Gao to enter the second round, on a reasonably good day for the Indian shuttlers, at the Li Ning China Masters badminton tournament in Changzhou, on Wednesday. The eighth-seeded Kashyap, a Commonwealth Games bronze-medallist, staved off a stiff challenge from Gao to prevail 21-13, 14-21, 21-19 in 78 minutes.

September 11, 2012

Praneeth loses in qualification round of China Masters
Indian shuttler Sai Praneeth failed to make it to the main draw of the Li Ning China Masters. He went down fighting to Huan Gao of China in the qualification round of the men's singles at Changzhou on Tuesday. Huan will take on London Olympics quarter-finalist and Commonwealth Games bronze-medallist P Kashyap of India on Wednesday. Secretary-General commends India's medal winner

Paralympic Games is a shining example of courage and determination and athletes who competed in the London 2012 edition Games are an inspiration to the world, Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma has said.

SAFF Championship: India toy with listless Bhutan
Having already booked their place in the semifinals, a relaxed Indian women's team simply toyed with an out of sorts Bhutan, thrashing them 11-0 in their last group engagement of the SAFF Championship on Colombo on Tuesday.

September 10, 2012

Kashyap leads Indian challenge at China Masters
London Olympics quarter-finalist and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Parupalli Kashyap will spearhead a depleted Indian challenge at the Li Ning China Masters, starting in Changzhou on Tuesday. The 25-year-old Kashyap, currently ranked world No 19, is seeded eighth in the tournament and pitted against a yet-to-be-decided qualifier. Villa boost for Spain as favourites begin defence

Favourites Spain start the defence of their world title away to Georgia on Tuesday when coach Vicente del Bosque will have another chance to test the form of record marksman David Villa, recently returned from eight months out with a broken leg.

Contador bounces back to claim Vuelta

A month after completing a two-year ban for doping, Alberto Contador showed that he was still a force to be reckoned with as he won his second Vuelta a Espana title on Sunday.

September 08, 2012

Paralympics: O'Hanlon gives thanks for disability
Evan O'Hanlon cannot turn door handles or pick up coins with his left hand and struggles for stability in his left ankle, yet he can hurtle around the bend of an athletics track. Bhullar finishes second at Worldwide Selangor Masters
Gaganjeet Bhullar made a valiant charge on the final day, but eventually finished second behind Thailand's Thaworn Wiratchant who maintained his overnight lead to capture his 14th Asian tour title at the Worldwide Selangor Masters in Selangor, Malaysia on Saturday. Merritt sets hurdles world record, Bolt, Blake win

Olympic champion Aries Merritt of the United States broke the world record in the 110 metres hurdles while Jamaicans Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake won their sprints in the final Diamond League meet of the season on Friday.

September 07, 2012

Maken issues show cause notice to Paralympic Committee
Cracking the whip on the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) after receiving complaints from the participants at the London Paralympics, Sports Minister Ajay Maken issued a show cause notice to the sports body and sought a reply within 15 days. Button, Hamilton put Twitter gaffe behind them
Lewis Hamilton felt no need to seek out Jenson Button to apologise for his Belgian GP Twitter gaffe on Thursday and said he had learned from the experience, would not be repeating the error and had moved on. Indian Paralympics team felicitated by High Commissioner

The 33-member Indian team which participated in the ongoing Paralympic Games was felicitated by the country's High Commissioner to the UK -- Dr Jaimini Bhagwati -- at the India House in London.

Pistorius gracious after 100m defeat to Peacock

There was more disappointment at the Paralympics for South Africa's Oscar Pistorius after he was left trailing in the wake of Britain's Jonnie Peacock in the men's 100m final on Thursday.

Hingis nominated for Hall of Fame

Swiss former World No. 1 Martina Hingis, a winner of five Grand Slam singles titles, has been nominated for induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

'Competing against Blake every time would be boring'

Olympic 100m and 200m champion Usain Bolt does not mind sharing the limelight with his Jamaican rival Yohan Blake but thinks competing against him all the time would be boring.

Coaches support 'improving' Europa League
Europe's top club coaches gave their support on Thursday to the much-maligned Europa League.

September 06, 2012

NRAI plans to appoint three Indian chief coaches
The NRAI has proposed to appoint specialised chief coaches for pistol, rifle and shotgun disciplines instead of one national coach to help the shooters achieve better results. Mary urges fellow athletes to strive for medal at Rio

M C Mary Mom, who won a bronze medal at the London Olympics, has urged those sportspersons, who could not make a finish at the 2012 Games, to keep striving hard to win a medal at the Rio Games.

Lack of sponsor upsets Kashyap

He might be the first Indian male shuttle to reach the quarter-finals of the Olympic Games, but Parupalli Kashyap is still struggling to get a sponsor after his earlier contract ended about a year back.

Disgraced Korean shuttlers have domestic bans lifted
Four South Korean badminton players sent home in disgrace from the London Olympics for deliberately throwing matches have had their six-month domestic bans lifted by the Korean Olympic Committee. 'Arsenal can't compete with big clubs in transfer window'
Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has admitted they can't compete with big spending clubs like Manchester City and Chelsea in the transfer market.

September 05, 2012

Suspension ends but Bin Hammam investigation goes on
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) are continuing their investigation into sidelined president Mohamed Bin Hammam despite his provisional suspension ending on Tuesday. Brazil below Greece, Croatia and England in FIFA rankings
Brazil stayed outside the top ten of FIFA's highly questioned ranking system on Wednesday, with England, Denmark and Greece all ahead of the five-times world champions. England striker Carroll ruled out for up to six weeks

West Ham's on-loan striker Andy Carroll has been ruled out for up to six weeks with a hamstring injury, delivering a setback to the Premier League new boys as well as the England team.

Messi aims to extend love affair with Argentina fans

Lionel Messi's Argentina put the love of their fans to a new test in a World Cup qualifier against Paraguay on Friday after the thrill of their captain's nine goals in five games.

Former United striker Owen joins Stoke City
Former Manchester United striker Michal Owen has joined Stoke City on a one-year contract, the Premier League club said on Tuesday. Fans criticise Berbatov for snubbing national team

Fulham striker Dimitar Berbatov has been heavily criticised in his homeland after he snubbed the Bulgarian national team for a second time in 28 months.

September 04, 2012

Pistorius to be let off for controversial outburst

Oscar Pistorius will face no disciplinary action over his outburst following defeat in the men's 200 metres final, Paralympic organisers said on Tuesday.

Girisha bags first Paralympic medal for India

Girisha Hosanagara Nagarajegowda gave India its first medal at the Paralympic Games after bagging a silver in the Men's High Jump F42 event in London.

McIlroy wins Deutsche Bank title by one shot

World No. 1 Rory McIlroy clinched his fifth PGA Tour title, and second in three starts, with a one-shot victory over South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen at the Deutsche Bank Championship on Monday.

September 03, 2012

Lance Armstrong: Living strong

Lance Armstrong's brand seems to be growing and expanding despite all the controversy surrounding the American cyclist, writes Desh Gaurav Chopra Sekhri.

September 02, 2012

India are Nehru cup champions
India won the Nehru Cup final at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, in New Delhi on Sunday. Ramsay wins European Masters to claim second tour title
Richie Ramsay of Scotland eased to a four-shot victory in the European Masters to claim his second tour title on Sunday. Paralympic athlete alleges lack of escorts

Controversy broke out in the Indian Paralympic team in London with an athlete alleging lack of escorts to look after them even as the officials sought to make light of it.

Friedel still the number one for Villas-Boas

Brad Friedel will remain Tottenham Hotspur's first-choice goalkeeper despite the arrival of French international Hugo Lloris on transfer deadline day, manager Andre Villas-Boas said on Saturday.

I am injury-free and ready for action, Essien says
New Real Madrid signing Michael Essien is confident he has put a series of serious injuries behind him and is ready to fight for a place in the La Liga side after completing a loan move from Chelsea on Friday. City striker Balotelli needs minor eye surgery

Manchester City and Italy striker Mario Balotelli needs surgery on a minor eye condition, first team coach David Platt said.

Injured Carroll out of England World Cup squad

Striker Andy Carroll withdrew from England's squad for this month's World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine after injuring his hamstring on his West Ham United debut on Saturday.

Geale steals Sturm's thunder to add WBA title
Australia's Daniel Geale added Felix Sturm's WBA middleweight Super title to his IBF crown with a shock split decision win in the German's backyard on Saturday. Barca's Vilanova dispels doubts over Fabregas form

Cesc Fabregas's second season back at Barcelona will be an improvement on his first, coach Tito Vilanova predicted on Saturday following the former Arsenal captain's indifferent start to the 2012-13 campaign.

Pistorius smashes 200m world record in London opener

South Africa's Oscar Pistorius began his London Paralympic campaign in scintillating fashion as he smashed the 200 metres T44 world record in his heat on Saturday.

August 31, 2012

Cyclist to release book on Armstrong's trysts with dope

Less than two weeks after Lance Armstrong was handed a lifetime ban by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), fellow American cyclist Tyler Hamilton will describe their alleged drug cheating together in a book.

August 30, 2012

Maken proposes marks to students for fitness
Unveiling the exposure draft on National Physical Fitness Programme (NPFP), which is at a discussion stage, Sports Minister Ajay Maken said in order to ensure fitness among all school children, a system needs to be put in place that would assess and ascertain a child's physical fitness from class V onwards. Kashyap says Saina inspires him on court

Parupalli Kashyap, who became the first Indian shuttler to reach the quarter-finals of the Olympics Games, has said he draws inspiration from London Games bronze medallist Saina Nehwal. Kashyap, who received the Arjuna Award in a glittering ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi on Wednesday, also said he is aiming to break into the top-15 of world badminton ranking by the end of this year.

August 29, 2012

Barca to lodge 2nd appeal against Vilanova dismissal

Barcelona will lodge a second appeal against the dismissal of coach Tito Vilanova in Sunday's 2-1 win at Osasuna after the Spanish soccer federation (RFEF) rejected an initial effort and suspended the coach for two games on Wednesday.

Preview: Super Cup comes full circle with last match

Chelsea's relationship with the European Super Cup comes full circle on Friday when the winners of the first final at the picturesque Stade Louis II face Atletico Madrid in the last one to be staged there.

Indo-Pak hockey Tests to start from 2013 onwards
The Hockey India is all set to the start the once popular Indo-Pak hockey test series from next year. Wrestler Sushil rues missing gold at London Games

Disappointed at not winning gold for India at the recently concluded London Olympics, wrestler Sushil Kumar said if he had attacked the Japanese opponent first then he could have easily defeated him in the final.

Hockey India curbs coach Nobbs's powers
The Hockey India on Wednesday decided to curtail the power of the chief national coach Michael Nobbs by appointing a high performance manager to whom the Australian will be reporting from the coming season.

August 27, 2012

Speed king Usian Bolt to become action hero?

Usain Bolt, who defended three titles at the 2012 Olympics, is now being lined up to conquer Hollywood.

Sushil Kumar, Yogeshwar Dutt honoured
Olympic heroes, wrestlers Sushil Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt were honoured with cash prizes at a function in Chennai for their medal winning feats at the London Games. US Open: Will FedEx be dispatched?

The US Open begins on Monday. With Nadal out, the big battle this time is between Federer, Djokovic and Murray. A Seshan rates the chances of the tennis giants.

August 26, 2012

Double Olympic champion Farah wins again in Birmingham

With a wicker replica of Farah in his celebratory 'Mobot' pose overlooking the track, the London Games 10,000 and 5,000 metres champion kicked and pulled away from the field on the home straight, sending the stadium wild, to win in eight minutes 27.24 seconds.

Snooker: Advani enters quarter-finals
Pankaj Advani continued his winning streak on the Professional Snooker Circuit, beating England's Mark King 4-3 in the fourth round of qualifiers for the European Tour-2 Paul Hunter Classic.

August 25, 2012

Jeev to miss European Masters with injury

Indian golfer Jeev Milkha Singh has pulled out of the Omega European Masters and the KLM Open, the following week, on account of a bruise on the trigger finger of his right hand.

Advani beats former world No 1 Higgins

India's ace cueist Pankaj Advani stamped his authority on the Professional Snooker Circuit, defeating former world number one John Higgins of Scotland 4-1 on day two of the European Tour-2 Paul Hunter Classic.

Armstrong teammate Landis admits defrauding supporters

Former professional cyclist Floyd Landis, who implicated teammate Lance Armstrong in a doping scheme, agreed to a plea deal in federal court in San Diego on Friday, admitting he defrauded supporters out of nearly $500,000 by claiming that he himself had not doped, prosecutors said.

Former team boss laments Armstrong's no-fight decision

Lance Armstrong's decision not to fight doping charges was disappointing for the rider and for cycling in general, according to his former team manager John Bruyneel, who also faces charges brought by the United States Anti-doping Agency (USADA).

August 24, 2012

Armstrong stripped of Tour de France titles

The build-up to the Lance Armstrong drama has possibly seen its last as the United States anti-doping agency (USADA) has stripped Armstrong of his seven Tour de France titles and issued a lifetime ban from cycling, the BBC reported on Friday.

Yashvir, Fernandez among six coaches for Dronacharya
Eight leading coaches of the country, including London Olympic Games bronze medallist wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt's mentor Yashvir Singh, were officially named for the prestigious Dronacharya award. India @ the London Games: Chat with Viren Rasquinha

Join in discuss with OGQ CEO Viren Rasquinha what went right, and wrong, for India at the just-concluded Games.

Bolt wins 200, Blake sets personal best

Olympic champion Usain Bolt ran 19.58 seconds for victory in the 200 metres at the Lausanne Diamond League meeting on Thursday while Yohan Blake equalled the third fastest time ever to win the 100 in 9.69.

Lance Armstrong gives up fight against USADA charges

Lance Armstrong said on Thursday he would no longer fight doping accusations by the U.S. Anti-Doping agency, a move that appears to put his seven Tour de France titles at risk.

August 23, 2012

Sharath leads PSPB in men's final
Achanta Sharatha Kamal scored a crushing straight game win over CRSB's Eric Fernandez to help PSPB enter the men's final of the All India Inter Institutional Table Tennis Championships, in Kolkata on Thursday. Olympic golden boy Uchimura spooked by 'stalker'

Japan's Olympic gymnastics champion Kohei Uchimura has experienced the darker side of celebrity after complaining of a schoolgirl "stalker", local media reported on Thursday.

Hooda takes a jibe at Vijender at a function

It was a felicitation function meant to honour him but Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda created quite a flutter by taking a jibe at star boxer Vijender Singh's "under-performance" at last month's Olympics in London.

We are going to improve with every game: Koevermans

India's football coach Wim Koevermans was proud of his team's overall performance in the Nehru Cup opener against Syria but said the water-logged turf at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium had a bearing on the match in New Delhi.

Aguero could be back for Manchester City next month

Striker Sergio Aguero could be back for Premier League champions Manchester City in mid September after suffering a knee injury on the opening day of the season against Southampton on Sunday.

Vilanova calm ahead of first 'El Clasico' storm

Barcelona's new coach Tito Vilanova has one of the toughest acts to follow in replacing Pep Guardiola although he is not showing any sign of nerves ahead of his first showdown with Real Madrid.

August 22, 2012

AIFF celebrates Ptalinum Jubilee, honours greats
The AIFF has honoured living members of the 1962 Asian Games gold medal winning squad during its Platinum Jubilee function in New Delhi, which also saw the unveiling of technical director Rob Baan's master plan. Arsenal player arrested for dangerous driving

Arsenal defender Andre Santos was arrested after it was claimed the Brazilian had driven his car at speeds of up to 130mph (209kph) in a bid to escape from police, British media reported on Tuesday.

Olympic bronze is great motivation for me: Saina

Basking in the glory of a bronze medal at the London Olympics, ace shuttler Saina Nehwal says it was very tough for her to win the medal in a sport dominated by the Chinese.

Weightlifting coach Harnam angry at Dronacharya snub
Weightlifting coach Harnam Singh is furious that he has been ignored for this year's Dronacharya Award despite his wards winning gold medals in the Commonwealth Games and said that he was more deserving than those selected for the coveted honour. Gladbach, Basel stunned in Champions League playoffs
Borussia Moenchengladbach's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League for the first time were hit by a 3-1 home defeat by Dynamo Kiev in the first leg of their playoff tie. Kitajima ponders future after London Olympics flop

Japanese swimmer Kosuke Kitajima is in no rush to make a decision on his future after the four-times Olympic champion failed to deliver at the London Games, local media reported on Wednesday.

August 21, 2012

We must play against top teams regularly: Sandeep

Ace drag-flicker Sandeep Singh said that the Indian hockey team should play against top teams in the world regularly and prepare longer with the same set of players to avoid a London Olympics-like debacle in future.

Yashvir, Fernandez among six coaches named for Dronacharya
Six top coaches of the country, including London Olympic Games bronze medallist wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt's mentor Yashvir Singh, were recommended for the prestigious Dronacharya Award. You need to adjust according to the situation: Koevermans
It's a new beginning for Indian football under National Coach Wim Koevermans. As he takes his wards into the Nehru Cup, Koevermans spoke about the technical ability of his boys, the practice sessions, the participating teams and much more. We need to understand what the coach wants: Chhetri
On the eve of India's opener against Syria in the Nehru Cup, Indian National Team coach Wim Koevermans and captain Sunil Chhetri beamed with confidence and shrugged of any kind of pressure that tends to build on defending champions.

August 20, 2012

Garcia snaps PGA Tour drought, qualifies for Ryder Cup
Sergio Garcia snapped a four-year PGA Tour title drought with victory at the rain-delayed Wyndham Championship in North Carolina on Monday that secured the Spaniard a spot on the European Ryder Cup team. Barcelona complete signing of Song from Arsenal
Cameroon midfielder Alex Song has completed his move from Premier League side Arsenal to Barcelona after signing a deal worth 19 million euros, both clubs said on Monday. Chhetri to lead India in Nehru Cup football tournament
Star striker Sunil Chhetri was named captain of the Indian team for the Nehru Cup international football tournament starting at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium from Wednesday. Haryana police to honour London Olympians from state
Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda will honour Olympics bronze medal winner Yogeshwar Dutt and all other athletes who participated in London Games in an awards function to be organised by Haryana Police in Chandigarh on August 23. Sardar, Sandeep to play in Euro Hockey League

India's star hockey player Sardar Singh and drag-flicker Sandeep Singh are set to play in the prestigious Euro Hockey League (EHL) for Dutch side Laren this year, subject to permission from Hockey India and their employer Haryana Police.

My award can raise the profile of cue sport: Aditya

India's No. 1 snooker player Aditya Mehta, who has been chosen for the prestigious Arjuna award, has said that this recognition would help raise the profile of his sport in the country.

Man City's Aguero calms fears over knee injury

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has calmed fears over the extent of the knee injury he sustained in the champions' opening 3-2 Premier League win at home to Southampton on Sunday.

Pedrosa wins Indianapolis MotoGP
Dani Pedrosa claimed his second victory of the season as the Spaniard won the Indianapolis MotoGP in emphatic fashion on Sunday. I did not get any invite from ministry: Shastri
Former India cricket captain Rav Shastri rejected criticism for not attending the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awards committee meeting, saying that he was never informed by the Sports Ministry about it.

August 19, 2012

Sachin Tendulkar gifts BMW car to shuttler Saina
Saina Nehwal received a brand new BMW car for winning a bronze medal at the London Olympics from none other than batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, who said that the world is yet to see the best of the star shuttler. Shooting coach Thomas resigns after 19 years at helm

Long-serving national shooting coach Sunny Thomas has offered his resignation to the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) after 19 years at the helm during which India won four Olympic medals in the sport.

Khel Ratna for Vijay, Yogeshwar; 25 to get Arjuna awards

Olympic medallists Vijay Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt will be jointly conferred the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award -- the country's highest sporting honour -- while an unprecedented 25 sportspersons will be bestowed upon the Arjuna awards this year.

August 18, 2012

Vijay, Yogeshwar to get Khel Ratna
Olympic heroes, shooter Vijay Kumar and wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt were jointly recommended for the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, the country's highest sporting honour.

August 17, 2012

Nehru Stadium to host first two I-League round ties
The Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) has agreed to keep the renovation of the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on hold until after the first two rounds of the I League 2012-13 are played in October. Cadet wrestlers denied chance of participation in Worlds
Days after India won two medals in wrestling at the London Olympics, the country's next batch of promising grapplers were robbed of an opportunity to compete in the World Cadet Championship to be held in Baku, Ajerbaijan as they were denied visa. Good start for Gangjee, placed 10th
Rahil Ganglee shot a flawless three-under 68 and was placed 10th at the end of the first round of the Midwest Classic on Webcom tour, formerly called Nationwide. IOA Committee to decide who should run hockey in India
Under the directive of the International Hockey Federation, the Indian Olympic Association has set up a three-member committee to decide on who should run the game in the country out of the two warring bodies -- Hockey India and Indian Hockey Federation. Call for sports medicine centre for better results
Hailing the performance of Indian sportspersons at the recently-conduclued London Olympics, former Olympians called for the setting up of a Sports Medicine Centre (SMC) as well as appointment of mental trainers to achieve excellence in the next Games. Spurs priced out of Moutinho deal, says Villas-Boas
Tottenham Hotspur have dropped their interest in signing Porto's Joao Moutinho because the Portugal midfielder is too expensive, the Premier League club's new manager Andre Villas-Boas said. Van Persie completes move to Manchester United
Dutch international striker Robin Van Persie completed his move from Arsenal to Manchester United on Friday after signing a four-year deal. Dipika creates history, enters Aus Squash Open semis

Dipika Pallikal became the first Indian to enter the semifinals of a Gold Series event when she recorded a straight sets win over Amanda Sobhy in the Australian Squash Open in Canberra.

August 16, 2012

Jamaica to use Usain Bolt to woo tourists

Jamaica expects the electrifying Olympic wins of the world's fastest sprinter Usain Bolt will enhance its image and help in wooing more foreign tourists to the picturesque Caribbean country.

Olazabal appoints three Ryder Cup vice-captains
European Ryder Cup captain Jose Maria Olazabal has named experienced players Thomas Bjorn, Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley as three of his four vice-captains for next month's title defence against the United States. Titans duel for La Liga and 'world hegemony'

Records promise to tumble again in the 2012-13 La Liga season as world powerhouses Real Madrid and Barcelona resume their duel for supremacy, threatening to cast Spain's other 18 clubs even further adrift.

Another felicitation for Mary, men boxers share dais

Medals eluded them but not the spotlight as the Indian men's boxing team shared the dais with London Olympics bronze-winning woman pugilist M C Mary Kom at a felicitation function organised by sponsors Monnet Group in New Delhi on Thursday.

Wisconsin shooting: Atwal to raise awareness
Saddened by the shooting inside a Gurudwara in the United States a couple of weeks ago, Indian golfer Arjun Atwal is planning to raise awareness about Sikhs by distributing saffron ribbons during next week's Wyndham Championships -- a tournament he won two years ago.

August 15, 2012

'I got a tough draw, otherwise gold was certain'

Olympics bronze medal-winning Indian Wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt feels if not for a tough draw he could have returned home with a gold medal from the just-concluded London Games.

Bolt refuses to run in UK until tax laws changed

Sprint legend Usain Bolt has stated that he will not be returning to race in the UK until the country changes its tax laws.

August 14, 2012

Life time free air tickets to medal winners
Budget airlines SpiceJet announced that it would provide free air tickets for life to all Indian medal winners at the just-concluded London Olympics. Former world heavyweight champion Dokes dies

Former world heavyweight champion Michael Dokes, 54, has died after losing a battle with liver cancer, the World Boxing Association said on its website (www.wbanews.com).

Manchester United is largest sports IPO
Manchester United Ltd, which raised $233.2 million on Thursday night, is the largest initial public offering on record for a sports team or club, according to Thomson Reuters data. Injured Liu Xiang wants to compete again

Former Olympic champion Liu Xiang wants to return to competition after crashing out of the 110 metres hurdles heats at the London Games last week with an Achilles tendon injury, Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported on Tuesday.

London Olympics most watched in US TV history
NBC's TV coverage of the London Olympics was the most-watched television event in US history, attracting some 219.4 million viewers, the network said on Monday.

August 13, 2012

Games security stayed in shadows, kept focus on sport

From ordinary police on the beat to the shadows of Britain's security establishment, the sighs of relief are almost audible.

Manchester City complete Rodwell signing
Manchester City have completed the signing of midfielder Jack Rodwell from Everton on a five-year contract, the Premier League champions said on Sunday. McIlroy cruises to victory at PGA championship

Rory McIlroy underlined his superstar credentials as he repelled an early onslaught by Britain's Ian Poulter before cruising to his second major title by a record eight shots at the PGA Championship on Sunday.

Shot putter Ostapchuk stripped of gold medal for doping
Olympic women's shot put champion Nadzeya Ostapchuk has been stripped of the gold medal she won at the London Games a week ago after testing positive for a banned anabolic steroid. Public, private sectors must encourage future Olympians

T Thomas writes that the governments -- central and states -- should, along with the Private sector, work towards supporting and grooming young sporting talent in an effort to increase medals tally at the 2016 Games in Rio.

August 12, 2012

Tendulkar congratulates Sushil after silver medal-win
India's legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar made a phone call to wrestler Sushil Kumar immediately after he won the silver medal at the London Olympics. 'Congratulations on winning the silver medal. You have made the country proud,' Tendulkar told him over the phone. I am sure Sushil will win gold in the next Olympics: Satpal

Famous Indian wrestler Satpal Singh says Sushil Kumar's silver medal win at the London Olympics is the best day in his life.

'Proud of my husband going a step higher'

Sushil Kumar's wife Savi is delighted that he continued his medal-winning run at the Games and etched his name in history as the greatest Indian Olympian.

Uganda's Kiprotich wins men's marathon

Stephen Kiprotich held off the Kenyan duo of Abel Kirui and Wilson Kipsang to win the men's marathon on Sunday.

Sushil Kumar settles for silver

Star wrestler Sushil Kumar created history on Sunday, scripting his name as India's best-ever individual Olympian by winning a silver medal at the London Olympics. The Indian grappler put up a superb show to reach the final, but was outclassed by Japan's Tatsuhiro Yonemitsu 3-1 in the gold medal bout of the 66kg class.

Ram Singh Yadav finishes 78th in marathon
Ram Singh Yadav, India's lone entrant in men's marathon, failed to replicate the feat through which he qualified for the Olympic Games on the winding streets of London as he finished a distant 78th from 105 starters on Sunday. Cameron appoints Coe as Games legacy ambassador
London 2012 chairman Seb Coe will serve as Prime Minister David Cameron's Olympic legacy ambassador after the Games finish on Sunday, the British government said. Sahaj Grover becomes Grandmaster
Former under-10 world champion Sahaj Grover completed the formalities to become a Grandmaster defeating Jorge Cori of Peru in the ninth round of the World Junior Chess Championship in Athens, Greece. Our hockey is dead, says Claudius

A veteran of four consecutive Olympics, legendary Leslie Claudius, bemoaned the disastrous display of the Indian hockey team in the London Olympics where it touched its nadir and finished last, and said the national game is "dead".

Sushil scripts history, storms into final

India's star grappler Sushil Kumar stormed into the final of men's 66kg freestyle category in the London Olympics, defeating Akzhurek Tanatarov of Kazakhstan on Sunday.

'Dream come true to win an Olympic medal'

Yogeshwar Dutt provided a late boost to India's medal collection at the 30th Olympic Games by claiming a memorable bronze in the men's freestyle 60 kg category, thus becoming the second Indian to achieve the feat in the country's Olympics history.

August 11, 2012

Australia beat Britain to win men's hockey bronze
Australia's beat Britain 3-1 to win the men's hockey bronze on Saturday, their sixth consecutive Olympic medal, having dominated the second half against the hosts. South Korea beats Japan 2-0 to get Olympic bronze

South Korea's football players won Olympic bronze medals Friday, but many admitted they were also celebrating an even greater prize: the chance to skip military service.

IOC investigates South Korean flag incident
The IOC has told South Korean officials to bar a football player from collecting his bronze medal after he displayed a flag with a political message at the third-place match against Japan. Rana finishes 36th in 50km race
India's Basanta Bahadur Rana finished 36th in the men's 50 km race walk of the Olympic Games with a national record timing of 3 hrs 56 minutes and 48 seconds. Italian player goes on hunger strike in fix protest
Soccer player Emanuele Pesoli has chained himself to the gates of the Italian football federation headquarters in Rome and gone on hunger strike in protest at being banned for three years in a match-fixing scandal.

August 10, 2012

Grapplers Amit, Narsingh shown the exit

India's male freestyle wrestlers started their Olympics campaign on a disappointing note, as both young Amit Kumar and Narsingh Pancham Yadav crashed out of their respective categories in contrasting fashion, at the ExCel centre in London, on Friday.

IOC formally strips Tyler Hamilton of Athens gold

Just days before the eight-year deadline expires, the IOC formally stripped American cyclist Tyler Hamilton of his 2004 gold for doping Friday and awarded the medal to a Russian rider who now becomes a three-time Olympic champion.

Indian tennis stars advance in Montreal
Sania Mirza and her American partner Bethanie Mattek-Sands registered a straight-set victory over Julia Goerges of Germany and Czech Republic's Kveta Peschke 7-6(1) 6-3 to enter the second round of the Rogers Cup in Montreal. Hockey team aim to avert bottom finish

Their reputation in tatters, Indian hockey team would look to salvage at least one victory from their disastrous Olympic Games campaign that has pushed them into a playoff to avert the bottom place finish in the 12-team competition.

Manipur to award Rs. 50 lakh to Mary Kom

Manipur government would award Rs 50 lakh to boxer Mary Kom who won a bronze medal in the London Olympics.

Veteran Olympians reunite after 64 years!

Olympians from China and Britain have been reunited in London -- 64 years after they competed against each other at basketball in the 1948 Olympic Games.

Luka's season-best not enough to make 800m final
India's middle-distance runner Tintu Luka produced her season's best timing of 1:59.69secs in the women's 800m semi-finals but it was hardly enough to give her berth in the final of the event at the London Olympics on Friday. India's schedule at the Games - August 10
Two Indian athletes will be in action at the 2012 Olympics on Friday. Check out their schedule. I'm not unhappy with the performance, says wrestler Geeta

India's lone woman wrestler Geeta Phogat's campaign in the Olympic Games came to an end when she was trounced by the formidable Tetyana Lazareva of Ukraine in the women's freestyle 55 kg repechage round at the ExCel stadium in London.

August 09, 2012

Saina regains fourth place in world ranking

Ace shuttler Saina Nehwal, who earned India its first badminton medal at the Olympics winning a bronze at London Games, on Thursday regained her fourth position in women's world rankings released.

Britain's Adams wins women's boxing flyweight gold
Flyweight Nicola Adams of Britain has won the first Olympic gold medal in women's boxing, stunning world champion Ren Cancan of China in a 16-7 victory Thursday. Olympians reunite in London after 64 years

Olympians from China and Britain have been reunited in London -- 64 years after they competed against each other at basketball in the 1948 Olympic Games.

IOC to strip Hamilton of Athens gold: source

The IOC is set to formally strip American cyclist Tyler Hamilton of his gold from the 2004 Athens Games and reassign the medals after his admission of doping, according to an Olympic official familiar with the case.

Jamaica crash out in 4x400m relay
Jamaica's bid for the men's 4x400 metre relay gold was cut short by injury on Thursday when Jermaine Gonzales pulled up in qualifying, while South Africa went through on appeal after their race ended in a collision with Kenya. Grappler Geeta makes exit after losing repechage round

Geeta Phogat bowed out of the London Olympics after being blanked 3-0 by Tetyana Lazareva of Ukraine in the repechage round two bout, in the 55kg freestyle category, at the ExCel Arena on Thursday.

Sushil determined to give his best

The spotlight is on wrestler Sushil Kumar to fetch India a medal in the London Olympics as he now remains the main hope for the country, and the 2008 Beijing Games hero says he is determined to give his best.

Pistorius back in Olympics after relay appeal

Nothing has ever come easy for Oscar Pistorius. And certainly not the first Olympic final for the double amputee runner.

Sandhu to take decision on retirement later
India's boxing coach Gurbux Singh Sandhu is contemplating retirement but will consult the Federation officials before taking a final decision. I want to be part of hockey administration: Dhanraj
Putting the blame squarely on the long-standing power struggle between Hockey India and Indian Hockey Federation for the steep decline of the national game, former captain Dhanraj Pillay expressed his desire to join the administration of the sport. India's lone woman high jumper crashes out
India's Sahana Kumari got knocked out of the women's high jump at the Olympic Games after clearing 1.80m and finishing at joint 15th in the Group B of the qualifying competition on Thursday. Manipuris shower big praise on 'courageous' Mary

She might have had to settle for a bronze medal after losing in the Olympics semi-finals but woman boxer M C Mary Kom (51kg) has won accolades from her fellow Manipuris for her grit and determination.

New Zealand Olympic venue evacuated following BBQ fire
A gas barbecue caught fire and exploded on Wednesday night at New Zealand's Olympic hospitality centre, forcing the evacuation of some 300 people. India's schedule at the Games - August 9
Indian athletes will be in action in various disciplines at the 2012 Olympics on Monday. Check out their schedule. Devendro goes down fighting to Ireland's Barnes

L Devendro Singh put up a gallant fight against Ireland's Paddy Barnes but lost the light-flyweight (49 kg) quarter-final bout 18-23, at the London Olympics, on Wednesday night. With Devendro's defeat, India's campaign in the boxing competition at the Games ended.

August 08, 2012

Spain beat France in ill-tempered basketball clash
Spain broke open a fierce defensive battle in the final minute to beat France 66-59 and reach the semi-finals of the Olympic men's basketball tournament in a bad-tempered contest that threatened to turn into a brawl. China sweep all four Olympic table tennis golds

completed a sweep of all four golds in table tennis at the London Olympics with a 3-0 victory over South Korea in the men's team final on Wednesday.

Eaton leads decathlon after three events

Ashton Eaton is more concerned with getting a medal than breaking his world mark. The American is ahead of the pack after the opening three events of the Olympic decathlon Wednesday, amassing an 105-point lead over World champion Trey Hardee.

Boxer Mary Kom loses in semi-finals, bags bronze
Britain's Nicola Adams won the semifinals bout of the women's flyweight boxing competition on Wednesday. Records shatter, champions fall in weightlifting

The Olympic weightlifting competition ended with the crowning of a new super heavyweight champion and a frightening fall for the old one. Iran's Behdad Salimikordasiabi won the last of 15 gold medals awarded in record-smashing barbell battles in London to remain unbeaten since 2009 in the sport's heaviest weight class.

Wrestlers to provide late sparks to India's campaign
Indian grapplers will join the Olympic action from tomorrow hoping to provide the late sparks to the contingent's campaign which has so far not really lived upto expectation with the flop show of many of the serious medal contenders. Tintu Luka qualifies for 800m semifinals

India's Tintu Luka qualified for the women's 800m semifinals in the Olympic Games after finishing third in one of the heats on Wednesday.

SAI to offer officer's grade jobs to all Olympians
The Sports Ministry has offered all Olympians of the country officer's grade jobs in the Sports Authority of India a couple of days after champion marksman, Subedar Vijay Kumar, threatened to quit the Army for being denied promotion. 'Sport should be made a part of school curriculum'

London Olympic bronze medallist Gagan Narang on Wednesday said that sports should be made a part of school curriculum and asked others states to take a leaf out of Maharashtra and Haryana's books as far as promoting sport was concerned.

London medallists Kumar, Narang to cash awards from NRAI

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has announced cash awards of Rs 20 lakh to London Olympics silver medallist Vijay Kumar and Rs 15 lakh to bronze winner Gagan Narang for bringing laurels to the country in the mega event.

India's schedule at the Games - August 8
Indian athletes will be in action in various disciplines at the 2012 Olympics on Monday. Check out their schedule. Vikas Gowda finishes eighth in discus throw
India's Vikas Gowda finished eighth in the men's discus throw at the London Olympics after a below-par effort on Tuesday night. The United States-based athlete hurled the 2kg disc to a distance of 64.79m in his first attempt, well below his personal best of 66.28m which he recorded in the run-up to the Games. Mexico beats Japan to reach Olympic football final

Oribe Peralta scored with a swerving long-range strike and then set up another goal with a backheel to help Mexico to a 3-1 victory over Japan on Tuesday and secure a spot in the final of the men's Olympic football competition.

China beat Japan for women's team TT gold
China moved one step away from a second successive clean sweep of Olympic table tennis golds when their women marched to a 3-0 victory over a young Japanese team at the London Games on Tuesday. Hoy sets British record with 6th Olympic gold

Chris Hoy set a British record with his sixth Olympic gold medal Tuesday, defending his keirin title to finish off a dominating track cycling program for the home nation.

Italian Olympian Schwazer admits to using EPO
Italian race walker Alex Schwazer says he obtained the performance-enhancing drug EPO on his own and used it because he felt pressure to win a second straight 50-kilometer walk gold medal at the Olympics. Steiner hit by barbell in failed lift

Defending Olympic weightlifting champion Matthias Steiner of Germany was hit in the neck by the barbell Tuesday in the men's super heavyweight competition.

August 07, 2012

We haven't appealed to CAS: Indian contingent
The Indian contingent said it had not lodged a formal protest with the Court of Arbitration for Sports over boxer Vikas Krishan's ouster from the Olympics 69kg bout though it had an earlier stated that it had a sent an appeal letter to the world sports' top tribunal. Indian archers need psychologist: Talukdar
International archer Jayanta Talukdar on Tuesday rued the dismal performance of the country's archery team in the ongoing London Olympics and said it urgently needed a psychologist and a physio-therapist to enhance its confidence level and mental science. Bolt does it easy in 200m heat

Usain Bolt began his bid to complete an unprecedented Olympic sprint double-double when the Jamaican breezed through his opening 200 metres heat with the minimum of fuss on Tuesday.

Triple jumper Renjith exits after fouling all attempts

Renjith Maheshwary crashed out of the men's triple jump competition at the London Olympics after fouling all three attempts in the qualification round on Tuesday.

Seven Cameroon athletes go missing
Seven Cameroon athletes have disappeared while in Britain for the London Olympics, the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education said on Monday evening. Nehru Cup: India aims high, Chhetri among probables
Star striker Sunil Chhetri has been named aomng the Indian probables for the forthcoming Nehru Cup which will kick off at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium from August 22 in New Delhi. Basketball: Durant leads fired-up US over Argentina

The US men's basketball team pulled away in the second half of a bad-tempered game against Argentina and claimed a 126-97 victory on Monday to claim a top seeding in the Olympic tournament's quarter-finals.

Fans give super Saina grand reception on return

Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal returned to a rousing reception on Tuesday after winning a historic bronze medal at the Olympic Games in London.

Grenada declares holiday for 1st Olympic medal

The island of Grenada has erupted in celebration over the small Caribbean nation's first-ever Olympic medal.

11 slain Israelis remembered at Munich memorial

11 slain Israelis remembered at Munich memorial, 'Shame on you IOC, because you have forgotten 11 members of the Olympic family,' she said in a voice laden with passion.

'Our shooters are capable of beating the world's best'

In an exclusive interview with Harish Kotian in London, Thomas discusses what Indian shooters' success means to him and why he is quitting despite his wards consistently winning medals at the international stage.

Beijing bronze medallist Vijender bites the dust

India's star pugilist Vijender Singh bowed out of the London Games on Monday night after losing 13-17 to Uzbekistan's Abbos Atoev in the quarter-finals of the middleweight category, at the Excel Arena.

India's schedule at the Games - August 7
Indian athletes will be in action in various disciplines at the 2012 Olympics on Monday. Check out their schedule.

August 06, 2012

Algerian runner Makhloufi thrown out for not trying

Algerian middle-distance runner Taoufik Makhloufi has been excluded from the London Olympics for not trying in an 800-metre heat.

Olympics over for shooters Narang, Rajput, Manavjit
Indian shooters ended their Olympic campaign on a dismal note as medal contender Gagan Narang and Sanjeev Rajput crashed out of men's 50m rifle 3 positions event in the qualifying stage, while Manavjit Singh Sandhu also failed enter the final in the men's trap on Monday. AAI supremo Mukherjee to resign?
The Archery Association of India (AAI) secretary general Paresh Nath Mukherjee is planning to resign from his position taking moral responsibility of disastrous performance of archers at the London Olympics. US judoka tests positive for marijuana, expelled
American judo fighter Nick Delpopolo was expelled from the Olympics on Monday after testing positive for marijuana he said he ate accidentally before arriving in London. Delpopolo is the first of the 10,500 Games' athletes to fail an in-competition doping test. Vikas Gowda makes the cut for discus throw final

India's Vikas Gowda became only the seventh Indian to qualify for the finals of a track and field event at the Olympic Games when he hurled the disc to 65.20 metres for automatic qualification.

India's schedule at the Games - August 6
Indian athletes will be in action in various disciplines at the 2012 Olympics on Monday. Check out their schedule. Bolt wins Olympic 100m in 9.63s, Blake second

Usain Bolt of Jamaica won his second straight Olympic gold medal in the men's 100 metres on Sunday, crossing the line in an Olympic record 9.63 seconds. Bolt joined Carl Lewis as only the second man to go back-to-back in track's biggest race.

August 05, 2012

Britain's Ben Ainslie is most successful Olympic sailor

Britain's Ben Ainslie became the most successful Olympic sailor on Sunday, winning gold in the single-handed Finn class to claim a record-breaking fifth consecutive medal.

Lin outwits Lee again to win badminton gold

China's Lin Dan overhauled Lee Chong Wei in the final of the Olympic men's badminton singles on Sunday to become the first man to defend the title and break Malaysian hearts once again. Lee charged out of the blocks to raise Malaysian hopes of a first ever Olympic gold medal but Lin dug deep for a 15-21, 21-10, 21-19 victory in a 79-minute classic, denying his long-time rival in their second successive Games final.

Manavjit misfires, placed 25th in trap qualifiers
Indian shooter Manavjit Singh Sandhu fared dismally and finished 25th out of 34 competitors on Day 1 of the qualification round of the men's trap event at the Olympic Games and has extremely slim chances of making it to Monday's finals. At the end of three rounds, Manavjit -- in his third Olympics -- totalled 70 points out of a possible 75, with rounds of 24, 24 and 22, at the Royal Artillery Barracks. Indian hockey team's misery at the Games continues

India crashed to their fourth successive defeat in the men's Olympic hockey competition, thrashed 4-1 by South Korea on Sunday. India is the only team among 12 competing at these Games without a point from five matches.

Poonia satisfied with seventh-place finish

Discus thrower Krishna Poonia is satisfied with her seventh place finish at the London Games and aims to do better in the next Olympics in Brazil.

Archers have no excuses to offer, says coach Limba Ram
Struggling to explain the much-hyped archers' flop-show at the Olympic Games, coaches Limba Ram and Ravi Shankar today said they have no excuses to offer for the below-par performance. India approach CAS after Vikas Krishnan appeal rejected
India took a strong exception to their protest being rejected to overturn the controversial ouster of 69kg boxing medal hope Vikas Krishan from the Olympics by approaching the Court of Arbritration of Sports on Saturday. Boxer Manoj says judges 'cheated' after loss

India's Manoj Kumar bowed out of the Olympic Games in controversial manner after he went down to Great Britain's George Stalker in men's light welterweight (64) kg category.

Poonia 7th in discus throw, Perkovic wins gold

India's Krishna Poonia finished seventh in the women's discus throw at the London Olympics after a below-par performance on Saturday. The Commonwealth Games gold medallist's best effort was a clearance of 63.62 metres, well below her personal best of 64.76m, also a national record.

Phelps collects 18th gold medal in final race

Michael Phelps won the 18th gold of a mind-boggling career in the 4x100 metre medley relay on Saturday, retires with twice as many golds as any other Olympian.

India's schedule at the Games - August 5
Indian athletes will be in action in various disciplines at the 2012 Olympics on Sunday. Check out their schedule.

August 04, 2012

Irfan finishes creditable 10th in 20km walk
India's K T Irfan finished a creditable 10th in the men's 20km walk, setting a new national record in the process, at the London Olympics, on Saturday. He clocked 1:20.21s in a field of 56 walkers, bettering the old national record of 1:20.35s, which stood in the name of Gurmeet Singh. India's protest on Vikas ouster rejected

India's bid to overturn the controversial ouster of 69kg boxing medal hope Vikas Krishan from the Olympics went in vain when the world governing body for the game rejected their appeal.

Devendro beats Beijing Games silver medalist to enter QF

Laishram Devendro Singh proved too good for 2008 Beijing Games silver medallist Serdamba Purevdorj of Mongolia to storm into the quarter-finals of the men's light-fly (49kg) category at the London Olympics' boxing competition on Saturday. The pocket-sized dynamo from Manipur won 16-11 and put himself a win away from a bronze medal.

Team bars Kim Collins from Olympic 100m heats

Former 100-metre World champion Kim Collins was disciplined by the St. Kitts and Nevis team and dropped from the event at the London Olympics on Saturday. St. Kitts and Nevis team spokesman Lester Hanley told The Associated Press that Collins would not run in his heat after breaking team discipline rules by leaving the athletes' village.

Saina Nehwal wins bronze after Wang retires hurt
Saina Nehwal of India has won the Olympic bronze medal after Wang Xin of China retired with a left knee injury in the second game of their playoff on Saturday. Sudha finishes 13th in 3000m steeplechase heats

India's Sudha Singh crashed out of the London Olympics after failing to qualify for the final of the women's 3000m steeplechase. She finished a lowly 13th among 15 runners in the first heat on Saturday.

Shooter Shagun exits after finishing 20 among 22
Shooter Shagun Chowdhary's campaign at the London Olympics ended on a disappointing note as she failed to qualify for the final of the women's trap event after finishing 20th, on Saturday. Italian shooter Rossi sets record in trap qualifying
Italy's Jessica Rossi has set world and Olympic records in qualifying for the women's trap shooting competition at the London Games, making all 75 of her shots over three rounds. IOC announces 2 more Olympic doping cases
The IOC says a Russian cyclist and Colombian track and field athlete have failed Olympic drug tests. Rowers Sandeep, Manjeet finish second last
India's campaign in the rowing event of the London Olympics came to a dismal end with the duo of Sandeep Kumar and Manjeet Singh finishing second last in the Men's Double sculls event at the Eton Dorney Rowing centre on Saturday. India to appeal against boxer Vikas's overturned decision

India will appeal against the International Boxing Association's (AIBA) decision to overturn a result that cost welterweight boxer Vikas Krishan a quarter-final spot at the London Olympics, chef de mission P K M Raja said on Saturday.

India to decide over boxer Vikas's ouster after meeting

Stunned by Vikas Krishan's ouster from the Olympic Games following a reversal of decision by the International Boxing Association, Indian Chef-de-Mission P K Muralidharan Raja has said the country's contingent will not take AIBA's decision lying down even though it has "limited options" in the matter.

Boxer Vikas Krishan crashes out after AIBA overturns win
The 20-year-old had won 13-11 over Errol Spence in a thrilling contest last night but following an appeal by his rival's team management, the AIBA awarded the bout 15-13 to the American. India's schedule at the Games - August 4
Indian athletes will be in action in various disciplines at the 2012 Olympics on Friday. Check out their schedule. Vikas Krishan moves into quarterfinals

India's top boxer Vikas Krishnan moved into the quarterfinals of the men's welter weight (69 kg) category of the Olympic Games by prevailing over Errol Spence of USA at the Excel Arena late on Friday night.

Dibaba defends Olympic 10,000 title in London

Tirunesh Dibaba of Ethiopia pulled away with 600 meters to go and won the 10,000 meters at the London Games on Friday to defend her Olympic title.

Moroccan runner tests positive for doping
Moroccan 1,500 meters runner Amine Laalou has not run in his heat at the London Olympics, and was reported to have tested positive for doping. Poonia qualifies for discus throw final

Krishna Poonia qualified for the women's discus throw final at the London Olympics with an impressive effort in the qualification round on Friday, Day 1 of the track and field events.

Murray sets up final against Federer

The 30-year-old Swiss, who added a 17th Grand Slam title to his collection last month on the same Centre Court, survived a record-breaking scrap to win 3-6, 7-6, 19-17 in the longest men's three-set match played in the professional era.

August 03, 2012

Lee to face nemesis Lin for men's badminton gold

Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei set up a chance for redemption and a re-match with Beijing Games nemesis Lin Dan at the London Olympics badminton tournament on Friday. Top seed Lee crushed third-seeded Chinese Chen Long 20-13, 20-14 while reigning champion Lin, who thrashed Lee for the gold medal in an emotional victory at his home Games, beat South Korea's Lee Hyun-il 21-12, 21-10 in the second semi-final.

Chetri says Indian team not learning from mistakes
Indian hockey captain Bharat Chetri says the team is not learning from its mistakes and it is becoming a serious problem after three straight defeats in the Olympic Games. Rower Swarn 16th in single sculls
Indian rower Swarn Singh Virk ended his London Olympics campaign in 16th place after finishing fourth in a minor placings race in the men's single sculls event. Ullalmath last in 1500m freestyle
The 20-year-old from Bangalore, who qualified for the Olympics under FINA's strange "universality" clause while four of the country's more fancied swimmers failed to make it to the Games, ended up at the rear in the seven-man heat number one, and his effort of 16:31.14 secs was the worst timing among the 31 swimmers who participated in the events' four heats. Congratulate Vijay Kumar on his Olympic silver

Indian shooter Vijay Kumar won the silver medal in the 25m Rapid Fire pistol event at the London Olympics on Friday.

Shooter Karmakar misses 50m rifle prone bronze narrowly

Joydeep Karmakar narrowly missed out on a bronze medal in the 50m rifle prone event after setting an Olympic record in the qualifying stage at the London Olympics

Om Prakash, Mayookha disappoint

India's athletics campaign began on a disappointing note, with shot putter Om Prakash Karhana and triple jumper Mayookha Johny failing to advance to the final round after finishing 19th and 22nd, respectively in the qualifiers at the London Olympics on Friday.

Om Prakash out of shot put final at Games

India's athletics campaign at the Olympic Games got off to a poor start with Om Prakash Singh failing to make the shot put final, finishing a disappointing 19th in the qualification round with a below-par performance on Friday.

Opening ceremony march past crasher regrets her action

Madhura Nagendra, the woman who gatecrashed into the Indian Olympic contingent's march past at the opening ceremony of the London Olympics, today regretted the incident, saying 'it was an error of judgement' on her part.

Chinese media blame IOC, BWF for badminton scam
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Badminton World Federation must shoulder some responsibility for the match-throwing scandal at the 2012 Games, Chinese state media said on Friday. Vijender scores narrow win to enter quarter-finals

The 26-year-old Vijender, bronze medallist at the Beijing Olympics, scraped past Terrell Gausha of the US with a 16-15 verdict.

August 02, 2012

India's schedule at the Games - August 3
Indian athletes will be in action in various disciplines at the 2012 Olympics on Friday. Check out their time schedule Lee Chong Wei too strong for Kashyap

Parupalli Kashyap played his heart out before going down fighting to world No 2 Lee Chong Wei in a gruelling quarter-final of the men's singles badminton event at the London Olympics on Thursday.

Boxing body expels referee from London Olympics
An Olympic boxing referee from Turkmenistan has been expelled from the London Games over his handling of a bout in which the result was overturned on appeal. Boxing's governing body, known as AIBA, says referee Ishanguly Meretnyyazov 'is on his way back home'. Jai Bhagwan no match for Kazakh boxer

India's fortunes continued to tumbled at the London Olympics as boxer Jai Bhagwan went down to Gani Zhailauov of Kazakhstan in the men's lightweight 60-kg event at the ExCel South Arena 2, on Thursday. Zhailauov, bronze medallist at the World Championships last year, proved too superior for the Indian boxer, registering a convincing 16-8 victory.

Olympics: Australian rower detained by police
Australia's disappointing London Games took another bad turn on Thursday when team officials revealed a rower had been detained by police for allegedly causing damage to a storefront in an alcohol-related incident. Sodhi fails to make double trap final

India's medal hope in shooting Ronjan Sodhi failed to qualify for the finals of the men's double trap event at the Olympics on Thursday. The former world No 1 from Ferozepur fired 134 out of 150 to finish a shocking 11th out of 24 competitors In the qualifying rounds and crashed out of the competition.

Disqualified Chinese player Yu quits badminton

Disgraced Chinese Yu Yang has decided to quit badminton while national officials have told their Olympic team leaders and disgraced players to make a public apology for throwing matches at the London Games.

IOC asks federations to probe badminton officials
The IOC is asking the Chinese, South Korean and Indonesian national Olympic committees to investigate the coaches of the badminton players who were disqualified for trying to lose matches. Chinese tell badminton players to apologise
Chinese officials have told their Olympic badminton team leader and disgraced players to make a public apology following the deliberate throwing of matches at the London Games, the Xinhua news agency said on Thursday. 'Hungary' Gyurta takes gold in record time

Hungary's Daniel Gyurta was third-time lucky on Wednesday as he powered to gold in the 200 metres breaststroke, breaking a world record and denying host-nation Britain their first male swimming gold in almost a quarter of a century.

India's schedule at the Games - August 2
Indian athletes will be in action in various disciplines at the 2012 Olympics on Thursday. Check out their time schedule. Saina demolishes Jie Yao to enter quarter-finals

Indian ace Saina Nehwal romped into the quarter-finals of the women's singles after notching a comfortable straight-game victory over Dutch Jie Yao in the London Olympics. The world No 5 Indian tired out the Dutch girl by engaging her in rallies and executing her strokes with perfection to emerge victorious 21-14, 21-16 in 40 minutes at the Wembley Arena.

August 01, 2012

Gopichand accuses Japanese pair of 'wanting to lose'

India coach Pullella Gopichand on Wednesday accused Japanese badminton pair Mizuki Fujii and Reika Kakiiwa of "wanting to lose" their group match after his women's doubles team Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa failed to qualify for the knockout stage in Group B amid allegations of match-throwing, at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Rower Swarn 2nd in minor placings race
Already out of medal contention, Indian rower Swarn Singh Virk finished second in a minor placings race in single sculls while Sandeep Kumar and Manjeet Singh fought to save themselves from ending bottom of the heap in lightweight double sculls in London Olympics on Wednesday. India's badminton protest rejected for lack of evidence

India's appeal against the result of a Group B match between Japan and Chinese Taipei in the Olympics women's doubles badminton competition, which they alleged was not played in the right spirit and resulted in the elimination of the Indian pair, was turned down on Wednesday. Badminton Association Of India president Akhilesh Das Gupta said the formal protest was rejected because of lack of evidence.

Phelps probably not greatest Olympian: Coe
American swimmer Michael Phelps is 'probably not' the greatest Olympic champion of all time, despite winning a record total of 19 medals, London 2012 Games chief Sebastian Coe said on Wednesday. Shooters Rahi, Annu out of 25m pistol event
India's women shooters continue to disappoint as Rahi Sarnobat and Annu Raj Singh failed to qualify for the final round of the women's 25m pistol event after finishing 19th and 30th in the qualification at the London Olympics, on Wednesday. Eight women's badminton players disqualified
Eight women badminton players were disqualified by the sport's federation from the London Games competition, the federation said on Wednesday, after they tried to lose matches in a bid to secure a more favourable draw. 'Paddlers should not have gone for march past'

Indian paddlers were overawed by the enormity of the Olympics, says national coach Bhawani Mukherji, who feels that both Ankita Das and Soumyajit Ghosh should have focussed on their matches rather than wasting crucial time participating in the opening ceremony.

Phelps, Lochte through to 200m IM semis

Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte both safely qualified for the semi-finals of the men's 200 metres individual medley at the London Olympics on Wednesday.

IOC expels Uzbek gymnast after positive B sample
The IOC says a female gymnast from Uzbekistan has been formally expelled from the London Olympics after her backup 'B' sample also came back positive for doping. Deepika's exit ends India's archery campaign at Games

Indian archers' dismal show came to an end at the London Olympics as World No 1 and medal hope Deepika Kumari bowed out of women's individual event after suffering an upset defeat against Amy Oliver of Great Britain in the opening round on Wednesday.

Chinese public, media scuffs at western media

Chinese public and media rallied behind young Chinese swimming sensation Ye Shiwen, accusing the western media of trying to belittle her performances at the London Olympics with unsubstantiated allegation of doping.

Kashyap creates history, reaches quarters

Shuttler Parupalli Kashyap on Wednesday became the first Indian man in history to reach the quarter-finals of the Olympic Games after securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Sri Lanka's Niluka Karunaratne at the Wembley Arena in London.

Eight baddy players charged for throwing matches at Games

The World Badminton Federation charged eight female players with misconduct on Wednesday after four Olympic doubles teams had attempted to 'throw' matches to secure a more favourable draw later in the tournament.

Boxer Manoj Kumar storms into last 16

Indian pugilist Manoj Kumar made it to the last 16 in the men's Light-welter (64kg) division at the London Games, beating Serdar Hudayberdiyev (Turkmenistan) late on Tuesday night. The Haryana boxer won 13-7. He will meet world No 1 and third seed Tom Stalker of Great Britain next.

Phelps sets record with 19th career Olympic medal

Michael Phelps swam into history with his 19th Olympic medal, and this one was a more appropriate color.

India's schedule at the Games - August 1
Indian athletes will be in action in various disciplines at the 2012 Olympics on Wednesday. Check out their time schedule. Jwala-Ashwini fail to enter quarter-finals despite win
Indian women's doubles pair of Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa notched up a comfortable straight-game victory over Lei Yao and Shinta Mulia Sari of Singapore in their last group B match but still failed to enter the quarter-finals of the London Olympics.

July 31, 2012

Deepika India's last hope in archery

Indian challenge in the individual archery recurve section is almost over with all archers save Deepika Kumari have crashed out of their respective events.

Devendro scores quick win in opening round

Devendro Singh got off to a smashing start at the London Games, thrashing Bayron Figueroa Molina of Honduras in his opening bout in the men's light-flyweight 49-kg. The referee was forced to stop the contest in round one.

Indian rowers out of medal reckoning
Indian rowers fell out of the reckoning for a medal in the Olympics with Swarn Singh Virk finishing fourth in the quarter-final round of the single sculls competition. Gagan really deserves the medal: Rasquinha

Gagan Narang's bronze at the London Olympics on Monday was India's third in shooting and eighth individual medal overall from the quadrennial extravaganza.

Lifter Ravi Kumar disappoints
India's weightlifting campaign at the London Olympics ended on Tuesday after Katulu Ravi Kumar's below-par performance in the men's 69kg category at the ExCel Arena. Ravi Kumar, who had just recovered in time for the event after a bout of fever, lifted a below par 303kg -- 136kg in snatch and 167kg in clean and jerk -- to finish sixth in the 10-lifter Group B competition. Judoka Garima knocked out of Olympics in under 90 seconds

Indian judoka Garima Chaudhary's Olympic debut lasted merely 81 seconds as she was knocked out by Japanese Yoshie Ueno in the first elimination round of the 63kg category, at the London Games on Tuesday.

Barca will not rush Villa back from injury: Puyol
Barcelona striker David Villa is recovering well from a broken leg but the club will not rush him back into action before he is ready, captain Carles Puyol said. 'Disappointed' Bindra returns home empty-handed

Four years ago, he was the darling of the nation after winning the gold medal in the 10 meters Air Rifle event at the Beijing Games, but on Monday he was a forgotten man after failing to qualifying for the final.

Archers Swuro, Talukdar make their way out of Olympics

Indian archers continued to be off target at the Olympics as Jayanta Talukdar and Chekrovolu Swuro crashed out in the opening round of the men's and women's individual events, respectively at the Lord's Cricket Ground in London on Tuesday.

IOC hints that China's Ye is clean

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) hinted on Tuesday that gold medallist swimmer Ye Shiwen of China had not tested positive for any drugs as the doping controversy triggered by her sensational performances refused to abate.

India eye win over NZ to keep hopes alive in hockey

Their Olympic campaign off to a losing start, erstwhile champions India would be desperate to return to winning ways against an unpredictable New Zealand in their second Group B match of the men's hockey competition on Wednesday.

Sharapova is top paid female athlete

French Open champion Maria Sharapova held her perch atop the list of the world's highest paid women in professional sports for an eighth consecutive year, according to an annual survey released by Forbes on Monday.

Lin Dan reveals he is not driven by Gold medal anymore

Desperation to prove himself in front of his fans drove Lin Dan to his Olympic badminton gold medal at Beijing, but in London the Chinese just hopes to act as a statesman for the game he loves.

UK man held over Twitter jibe against diver
Police say a man has been arrested in connection with Twitter postings directed at British Olympic diver Tom Daley. Kashyap qualifies for knock-out stage in men's singles

Parupalli Kashyap scored a dominating straight games win over Vietnam's Tien Minh Nguyen to progress to the pre-quarter-finals of the men's singles event of the badminton competition at the London Olympics on Tuesday.

Royal Zara helps put Britain in medal contention

Zara Phillips has pulled her royal weight, helping put Britain in medal contention heading into Tuesday's show jumping final of the three-discipline Olympic equestrian eventing competition.

India's protest over boxer Sangwan's loss turned down

India's protest against the controversial opening-round loss of boxer Sumit Sangwan (81kg) on Monday at the London Olympic Games has been rejected by the jury that reviewed his bout against Brazilian Yamaguchi Falcao Florentino.

Saudi woman judoka allowed to compete in hijab at Games

One of Saudi Arabia's two first female Olympians will take part in the judo competition after agreement was reached on an acceptable design for an Islamic headscarf, or hijab, officials said on Monday.

India's schedule at the Games - July 31
Indian athletes will be in action in various disciplines at the 2012 Olympics on Tuesday. Check out their time schedule. Saina cruises, Jwala-Ashwini stun world No 10 pair Tan

India's ace shuttler Saina Nehwal cruised into the knock-out stage of the women's singles competition at the London Olympics after notching a comfortable victory over Belgium's Lianne Tan in a group stage match on Monday. Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa stunned world No 10 Yu Chin Chien and Wen Hsing Cheng of Chinese Taipei 25-23, 16-21, 21-18.

July 30, 2012

Unlucky Sangwan loses after brave fight

Indian pugilist Sumit Sangwan was a bit unlucky to crash out of the London Olympics after a heart-wrenching opening-round loss to Yamaguchi Falcao Florentino of Brazil, in the men's light heavyweight category on Monday.

Swiss Olympic team expels player for racist tweet

Switzerland footballer Michel Morganella has been expelled from the London Olympics for posting a racist message on Twitter.

Tendulkar leads the congratulations for Narang

Sachin Tendulkar congratulated ace shooter Gagan Narang for winning a bronze medal in the men's 10m Air Rifle event and opening India's account in the London Olympic Games.

'Lady luck did not smile on Abhinav today'

Beijing Games gold medallist Abhinav Bindra may have crashed out of the 10m air rifle event at the London Olympics after poor display in the qualifying rounds, but his father, Dr A S Bindra, is not dejected. He said his son fought like a brave sportsman.

Gagan must concentrate on next two events, says father

B S Narang, Gagan's father, says the family expected gold from his son, but the bronze he won is also very good. 'It will certainly boost his morale for the remaining two events.'

The US TT team at the Olympics has an Indian connection

The excitement was palpable at the India Community Centre's (ICC) recent 4th annual fundraiser after three of its table tennis players -- Ariel Hsing, Lily Zhang and Timothy Wang -- were chosen to represent the United States at the London 2012 Olympics. The Indian Community Centre in California has coached all three players representing the US in table tennis at the Games.

Archer Bombayla bows out in pre-quarters

The disappointing show by Indian archers continued as Laishram Bombayla Devi bowed out in the pre-quarterfinals of the women's individual recurve event losing 2-6 to Mexico's Roman Aida at the Lord's at the London Olympics on Monday.

Gagan Narang wins 10m Air Rifle bronze, Bindra fails

Gagan Narang brings glory to India as he wins the first medal for the country at the London Olympics. Narang won the bronze medal in the 10 metres Air Rifle in London on Monday.

Phelps 5th-fastest in 200m butterfly qualifier

Michael Phelps opened defense of his Olympic title in the 200-meter butterfly with the fifth-fastest qualifying time in the preliminaries on Monday.

Swimmer Alshammar to skip 100m freestyle with injury
Swedish swimmer Therese Alshammar has decided to skip the 100-meter freestyle at the Olympics because of a pinched nerve in her neck, although she may still swim the 50. Spain faces FIFA action after Olympic elimination

Spain faces FIFA disciplinary action after a bad-tempered elimination from the London Olympics football tournament.

Bindra crashes out, Narang keeps India's hopes alive

Beijing Games gold medallist Abhinav Bindra crashed out of the 10m Air Rifle event at the London Olympics with a dismal display in the qualifying rounds, but compatriot Gagan Narang kept alive India's hopes by advancing to the medal round in London on Monday.

London 2012 Olympic flame relocated

The Olympic cauldron has been extinguished and the flame transferred to a lantern as it is relocated to a different part of the Olympic Stadium, Locog has confirmed.

US basketball team unhappy with refs after win over France

The shrill of whistles came fast and furious. For a stretch in the first half, it seemed the US Olympic men's basketball team was having more trouble with the referees than with France.

Invisible flame is burning issue of London Games

The Olympic flame is nowhere to be seen. The enduring image of the Summer and Winter Games, lit Friday night at the climax of the opening ceremony, is out of sight from the throngs of fans who hoped to catch an inspiring glimpse or take the photo of a lifetime.

Michelle Obama lifted by US wrestler

US First Lady Michelle Obama was carried by her nation's Olympic wrestler Elena Pirozhkova during a meet and greet with Team USA Olympic athletes competing in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.

London police lose security keys of Wembley stadium
London police lost a set of keys at an Olympic venue last week -- but security was not compromised by the incident, officials said on Sunday. Chinese swimmer hits out at nation's training regimes

Chinese swimmer Lu Ying, fresh from winning a silver medal in the women's 100 metre butterfly, spoke out after the race against the Chinese training system, in a rare display of criticism from one of the country's athletes.

Brazilian boxer accuses judges of biasness towards Brits

Brazilian lightweight Robson Conceicao claimed he was the victim of biased judging after he lost in the first round to Britain's Josh Taylor on Sunday.

Two more athletes caught for doping at Games
Two athletes saw their Olympic hopes cut short on Sunday after being suspended from the London 2012 Games for using banned performance-enhancing drugs, taking the tally of doping offenders after two days of competition to three. US athletes use Twitter to protest ad rules
A group of US athletes protested on Twitter on Sunday over curbs on appearing in commercials during the Olympics in what looked like a concerted challenge to rules designed to protect Games sponsors. Phelps makes splash with 17th medal on day of records

Swimmer Michael Phelps won his 17th Olympic medal to take him closer to the all-time mark, but his US freestyle relay team were upstaged by France as records fell in the pool on Sunday's second day of competition at the London Games.

India's schedule at the Games - July 30
Indian athletes will be in action in various disciplines at the 2012 Olympics on Monday. Check out their time schedule.

July 29, 2012

Radwanska out, Murray wins under roof

Number two seed Agnieszka Radwanska made a shock first round exit from the women's singles on Sunday while fellow Wimbledon runner-up Britain's Andy Murray made light work of his match against Stanislas Wawrinka to advance to the second round.

Superb Neymar steers Brazil through to last eight
Gold medal favourites Brazil became the first team to qualify for the quarter-finals as they came from behind to beat Belarus 3-1 at Old Trafford, thanks to an inspired performance from Neymar, who scored and set up the two other goals. Somdev exits after rain interrupts tennis event
Rain played havoc with the tennis schedule at the Olympic Games, prompting the organisersto postpone many matches, including the men's doubles fixtures involving Indian players Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi. Record-breaking American Rhode wins skeet gold

Shooter Kimberley Rhode etched her name into the annals of great American Olympians on Sunday when she easily won the women's skeet gold medal to become the first U.S. competitor to win individual medals in five consecutive Games.

India's TT campaign ends as Soumyajit loses

Soumyajit Ghosh's Olympic campaign in the table tennis event came to an end after the youngster fought valiantly before going down to Bong Hyok Kim of North Korea in the men's singles second round at ExCel.

Saina kicks-off Olympics campaign on rousing note

India's ace shuttler Saina Nehwal got off to a rousing start at the Olympics. She had things her way against Switzerland's Sabrina Jaquet in the women's singles group stage match in London on Sunday. The world No 5 needed just 22 minutes to get past the 65-ranked Swiss, winning 21-9, 21-4, at the Wembley arena.

Boxers Vijender, Bhagwan storm into pre-quarter-finals

Indian boxing's pin-up boy Vijender Singh and Jai Bhagwan set the ring ablaze with dominating performances on their way to the pre-quarter-finals at the Olympics Games. Beijing Games bronze medallist Vijender Singh (75kg) out-punched Kazakhstan's Danabek Sukhanov 14-10 in the middleweight category late Saturday night, before Bhagwan outclassed Andrique Allisop of Seychelles 18-8 in the lightweight (60kg) at the ExCel arena on Sunday afternoon.

Jwala-Diju suffer second straight defeat

India's mixed doubles pair of Jwala Gutta and V Diju are virtually out of the reckoning at the London Olympics. They suffered yet another straight-games defeat in their second group match in the badminton competition at the Wembley arena on Sunday.

Judo result overturned after angry crowd erupts

A cacophony of boos from the crowd helped force a reviewing jury to take the unprecedented step of overturning the decision of a referee and his two judges in the Olympic judo on Sunday.

IOC suspends Uzbek gymnast Galiulina for doping
A female gymnast from Uzbekistan was provisionally suspended from the London Olympics on Sunday after failing a drug test, the second doping case of the games. Heena Sidhu, Annu Raj bow out of Olympics
Indian shooters continued to misfire at the Olympic Games as Heena Sidhu and Annu Raj Singh bowed out of the women's 10m air pistol event after failing to qualify for the finals in London on Sunday. Vardhan replaces Kohlschreiber in men's singles draw
A lucky Vishnu Vardhan joined Somdev Devvarman in the men's singles event of the tennis competition at the Olympics Games as he replaced injured Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany in the draw on Sunday. India parade crasher at Games opening a cast member: Coe

A woman who gatecrashed India's parade at the Olympic opening ceremony was a member of the cast from the extravaganza but should not have been with the athletes, London 2012 chief Sebastian Coe said on Sunday.

Swaran rows into quarters, lightweight doubles team out
Indian rower Swaran Singh Virk held off a late challenge from his South Korean rival to win the single sculls repechage round and book a berth in the quarter-finals at the London Olympics on Sunday. Heartbroken Radcliffe out of Games

World marathon record holder Paula Radcliffe finally accepted defeat in her battle to be fit to race at the London Olympics, withdrawing from the Games on Sunday because of injury.

Indian women's archery team crashes out of Games
The Indian women's archery team was off target in crunch situations as it lost to Denmark by a point in a see-saw pre-quarterfinal battle at the Lord's Cricket Ground in London on Sunday. Games organisers to investigate empty seats
Olympic organizers are investigating how rows of seats at some venues were left empty on the first full day of competition at the London Games. Lotche overshadows Phelps in pool duel

American swimmer Ryan Lochte made the biggest splash of the London Games so far by obliterating his compatriot Michael Phelps, the greatest swimmer in Olympic history, in the first of their eagerly awaited duels.

Korean swimmer Park wins appeal but loses title

Park Tae-hwan surrendered his Olympic 400 metres freestyle title after a roller-coaster first day in the Olympic pool that started with a shock disqualification and ended with reinstatement and a silver medal.

Vijender off to a winning start at London Olympics
India's star pugilist Vijender Singh got off to a winning start at the London Olympics, scoring a convincing victory over Danabek Suzhanov of Kazakhstan, in the men's middleweight 75-kg category, on Saturday. The Beijing Olympics bronze medallist scored a 14-10 win in his first bout at the ExCel to advance to the Round of 16. Australia win 400 freestyle relay in Olympic record
Australia won gold in the women's 400-metre freestyle relay, setting an Olympic record of 3 minutes, 33.15 seconds on Saturday night. The Netherlands won silver in 3:33.79 while the US slipped to the bronze in 3:34.24. Italy wins first gold ever in team archery
Italy has won the gold medal in men's team archery at the London Olympics, the first ever for the country. The United States took silver and South Korea won the bronze medal in Saturday's competition at Lord's Cricket Ground. Lochte wins 400 IM in a blowout; Phelps 4th

Ryan Lochte turned his much-anticipated duel with Michael Phelps into a blowout, pulling away to win the 400-meter individual medley by more than 3 seconds Saturday night. And even more stunning: Phelps didn't even win a medal.

India's schedule at the Games - July 29
Indian athletes will be in action in various disciplines at the 2012 Olympics on Saturday. Check out their time schedule.

July 28, 2012

China's Wang eases to victory in 48kg lift

China's Wang Mingjuan extended a 10-year unbeaten international record to win gold in the first women's weightlifting event of the London Games, giving the Chinese team a perfect start in their defence of four Olympic titles.

Brazil's Sarah Menezes takes 48kg judo gold
Brazil's Sarah Menezes took gold in the women's 48kg category on Saturday, defeating reigning Olympic champion Romania's Alina Dumitru. Kazakh cyclist Vinokourov wins men's road race

Kazakhstan's Alexandre Vinokourov sprinted to victory in the men's cycling road race on Saturday, crushing British hopes of gold on the first full day of competition at the London Olympic Games.

South Korea's Jin wins 10m pistol gold

Shooter Jin Jong-oh survived a mid-final wobble to claim victory in the men's 10 metre air pistol on Saturday to give South Korea their first gold medal of the London Olympics. Jin finished with a score of 688.2 after his 10 shots in the eight-man final with Italy's Luca Tesconi winning silver with 685.8 and Serbia's Andrija Zlatic taking bronze on 685.2.

Shiv Thapa's Olympic debut over in 1st round
Teenage boxing sensation Shiva Thapa's Olympic debut ended in disappointment. He was spanked by Mexico's Oscar Valdez Fierro in a bantamweight opening round bout at the London Games on Saturday. The 18-year-old Thapa, who was considered a medal hope, was out-punched 9-14 in the much-anticipated bout, as India began their boxing campaign on a losing note at the Excel arena. Vijay Kumar fails to qualify in 10m Air Pistol
Shooter Vijay Kumar had a stuttering start to his Olympic campaign, failing to qualify for the men's 10m Air Pistol final after finishing a lowly 31st, on Saturday. Vijay tallied 570 after a sequence of 94, 95, 94, 97, 97, 93 at the Royal Artillery Barracks, where 44 shooters competed for the top eight places. South Korea files protest over Park's disqualification

South Korea has filed a protest over defending champion Park Tae-hwan's disqualification in the 400-meter freestyle event on the opening day of the Olympic swimming competition.

Soumyajit progresses in TT, Ankita loses
Young Soumyajit Ghosh's maiden appearance at the Olympics was a memorable one as he advanced to the second round of the table tennis event after Ankita Das bowed out on Saturday. Rower Virk 4th in sculls heats, fight in repechage
India's Swarn Singh Virk finished fourth in the heats of the single sculls event of rowing competition at the London Olympics on Saturday. India annoyed over mystery woman at march past

The presence of an unidentified lady beside flagbearer Sushil Kumar in the Indian contingent during the opening ceremony of the Olympics has prompted the country's miffed officials to take up the issue with the Games organisers.

Kiwi men's pair set world best time at Olympics
Eric Murray and Hamish Bond of New Zealand smashed the world best time in the men's pair by nearly six seconds at the Olympic rowing regatta on Saturday. Berdych ousted at Olympics
Sixth-seeded Tomas Berdych lost in straight sets to Steve Darcis of Belgium on Saturday in the first round of Olympic play at Wimbledon. Britain stuns China in men's gymnastics qualifying
Britain's men's gymnastics team kicked off the London Olympics in a big way Saturday, upsetting defending Olympic and World champion China to take the early lead in qualifying. Shock disqualification for former swimming champ Park

World and Olympic 400 metres freestyle champion Park Tae-hwan of South Korea was disqualified on Saturday in the first big shock of the swimming competition at the London Games.

Albanian weightlifter banned from Olympics
The International Olympic Committee has formally excluded Albanian weightlifter Hysen Pulaku from the London Olympics after he failed a doping test. Chinese shooter Yi Siling wins first gold at London Games

Top-ranked Yi Siling of China captured the first gold medal of the London Olympics in the women's 10-meter air rifle at Royal Artillery Barracks on Saturday.

Kashyap wins, Jwala-Diju lose opening match
Indian shuttler Parupalli Kashyap started his Olympic campaign in style, getting the better of Belgium's Yuhan Tan in straight games in a Group D match in London on Saturday. The 25-year-old Hyderabadi took just 38 minutes to see off Tan 21-14, 21-12 at the Wembley Arena. Lochte impresses, Phelps slowest in 400 IM qualifier

Michael Phelps barely qualified in the 400-meter individual medley on the opening day of Olympic swimming, squeaking into the final by seven-hundredths of a second on Saturday.

Irish athlete questioned over betting claims
Ireland's Olympic Council is investigating an allegation that one of its competitors at the London Games previously bet on an opponent to win an event in which they were both competing, a spokesman said on Saturday. Men's archery team knocked out of Olympics

The Indian men's archery team was knocked out of the Olympic Games after losing to Japan in a tense pre-quarterfinal shoot-off at the Lord's Cricket Ground, on Saturday.

Disappointing start for Jwala-Diju in Olympic opener
India's badminton campaign at the London Olympics was off to a disappointing start as the mixed doubles pair of Jwala Gutta and V Diju went down in straight games to Indonesia's Tontowi Ahmad and Liliyana Natsir in their opening group match in London on Saturday. Saina commences Olympic challenge with medal in sight

One of India's brightest medal prospects at the Olympics, in-form badminton star Saina Nehwal will start her campaign on Sunday when she takes on unheralded Swiss Sabrina Jaquet in her opening group match at the Wembley Arena in London.

Young British athletes light Olympic cauldron

Solving the last remaining riddle of the opening ceremony, seven teenagers were given the honour of lighting the Olympic cauldron in the symbolic start to the 2012 London Games.

Queen plays surreal cameo with 007 at opening ceremony

The Queen arrived at the opening ceremony of the Olympics in spectacular style on Friday, greeted by a huge roar from the crowd as she appeared in the stadium to help officially open the London Games.

Embassy denies Sudan runner applied for UK asylum
The Sudanese Embassy on Friday denied that one of its Olympic runners had applied for asylum in the U.K, contradicting previous reports. Jwala unfazed by late change in schedule

Indian badminton doubles ace Jwala Gutta was in for a surprise as last minute changes were made to her playing schedule at the London Olympics on Friday.

July 27, 2012

Israeli minister to protest at opening ceremony
Israel's sports minister will stage a protest during Friday's opening ceremony for the London Olympics to decry the IOC's decision not to hold a moment of silence in honor of the Israeli athletes killed at the 1972 Munich Games. Turkish, Albanian weightlifters fail doping tests
The Olympic weightlifting competition has been hit by three new doping cases on the eve of the games after two Turks and an Albanian tested positive for banned substances. Indian boxers get tricky draw at Olympics
Star Indian boxer Vijender Singh (75kg) was handed out a tricky draw on at the London Olympics Friday. He begins his quest to better his Beijing Games bronze medal-winning feat against Danabek Suzhanov of Kazakhstan in the men's boxing competition, which gets underway on Saturday. Live Chat: Harish Kotian at Olympics opening ceremony

Live chat with Harish Kotian at Olympics opening ceremony.

Deepika disappoints in ranking round at Olympics

Indian women archers started their campaign on a disappointing note as they came up with a ninth place finish at the women's archery team competition in the ranking round held at the Lord's Cricket Ground in London on Friday.

Oops! British minister's blooper with Olympic bell

The British minister in charge of the London Olympics said on Friday he could not promise a tournament without glitches -- and then promptly broke an Olympic bell which flew off its handle and hit his publicist.

Public not allowed to view Olympics archery qualifying
Spectators were angry and confused after being turned away from Olympic archery qualifying Friday in the first major spectator glitch in the Olympic host city. CBI biased against me, claims Bhanot
Opposing framing of charges against him in a Commonwealth Games-related graft case, former Organising Committee secretary general Lalit Bhanot claimed in a Delhi court that the CBI was "biased" against him. Who will light the Olympic flame tonight? Bannister or...

With the finish line fast approaching, Roger Bannister has broken away from the pack and is now the bookmakers' clear front runner to light the Olympic cauldron later Friday.

S Korea's blind archer sets world record, Indians flop

South Korea set the first world records of the London Olympics, both in the men's archery competition, with legally blind Im Dong-hyun breaking the 72-arrow mark with 699 points.

I don't know who will light Olympic flame: IOC chief

Not even IOC President Jacques Rogge knows who will light the cauldron at the opening ceremony of the London Olympics. Rogge says 'I'd love to know" but 'this is one of the best kept secrets.'

India offers government jobs for London medallists
The sports ministry has promised coaching jobs on the government's payroll to all athletes who return with an Olympic medal from London. I believe Olympic ceremony is a success already: Boyle

Danny Boyle, who is directing the Olympic games opening ceremony, is celebrating in advance because he is convinced that the build-up for Friday's big event has helped unite the world during a time of economic turmoil.

India's schedule at the Games on July 27
The schedule of Indian athletes at the London Olympics 2012 on Friday, July 27, 2012. Indian hand in London Olympics
There is an Indian hand in the successful bid and holding of the London Olympics beginning on Friday. 'I hope India will have more women participating'
Having been introduced to shooting at an early age of two, it was no surprise that Shagun Chowdhary was destined for bigger things in the sport. "No worries" as Usain Bolt blocks out bad starts

A laid back Usain Bolt has decided the best way to improve his not-so-perfect start is not to worry about it, the Jamaican world record holder said on Thursday.

'Malleswari's medal and an SRK movie ensured the change'

Karnam Malleswari's medal at Sydney and the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Chak De! India changed the attitude of the people towards women taking up sports as a career, believes badminton ace Aparna Popat.

July 26, 2012

Bhupathi-Bopanna meet Mirnyi-Bury in Olympics opener
The seventh-seeded Indian duo of Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna, whose insistence to play together sparked off a selection storm in the build-up to the Olympics, open their campaign in the Olympic men's doubles against Max Mirnyi and Alexander Bury of Belarus. The event will be held at Wimbledon from July 28. Seasoned pro Leander Paes and his unfancied partner Vishnu Vardhan take on Julien jean Rojer and Robin Haase of the Netherlands. World indoor champ Chondrokoukis out of Olympics

A Greek athlete has failed a doping test, according to an IAAF official, and the father and coach of world indoor high jump champion Dimitris Chondrokoukis says his son has tested positive and withdrawn from the Olympics.

Olympic athlete claims asylum in Britain
Hours ahead of the Olympics, an African athlete has claimed political asylum in Britain. The man, believed to be a middle distance runner in his mid 20s from Africa, was held by the UK Borders Agency on Tuesday night after walking into a police station in Leeds and asking for asylum, The Daily Mail reported. Flag furore "simple human mistake": Rogge
A diplomatic incident when the North Korea Olympic women's football team walked off the field after the South Korea flag had been displayed was a "simple human mistake", International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Jacques Rogge said on Thursday. Capello appointed Russia soccer coach
Fabio Capello signed a contract with the Russian Football Union (RFU) to become Russia's new coach on Thursday. Olympian Yadav likely to be made Dy SP
Commonwealth games gold medalist wrestler Narsing Yadav is likely to be made the deputy superintendent of police (Dy SP) by Maharashtra government in recognition of his achievement. Captain Chetri promises free-flowing hockey from India
India captain Bharat Chetri promises to play free flowing hockey when the eight-time champions step on to the blue turf at the Riverbank arena, in London, against The Netherlands in their opening match of the London Olympics on July 30. First Look: Big B carries Olympic flame in London

Amid cheers from hundreds of fans, Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan carried the Olympic torch at Southwark in London on Thursday, a day before the opening ceremony of the sporting spectacle.

Haryana to give Rs 2.5 crore for Olympics gold
Chief Minister of Haryana Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Thursday announced a cash award of Rs 2.5 crore for the state athletes who will manage to bag the coveted gold medal in any discipline at the London Games. Athletes urged to tweet carefully
Athletes racing to share their views with fans at the London Olympics may think twice before hitting send following the first expulsion of an athlete for a racist Twitter remark. Bhopal victims hold Special Olympics to protest Dow
Survivors of the deadly 1984 Bhopal gas leak are holding a 'Special Olympics' with children suffering birth defects from the tragedy. Chelsea sign Brazilian midfielder Oscar
Chelsea have signed Brazil midfielder Oscar, the English Premier League club said. Woman fencer Zagunis named US flag-bearer

Two-time Olympic champion fencer Mariel Zagunis was selected on Wednesday as the flag-bearer to lead the 529-member US team at Friday's opening ceremony of the London Games.

Cristiane is top scorer as flag faux-pas marks Day 1

Gold-medal favorites United States, Japan and Brazil won their matches on the first day of women's football on Wednesday, but all the talk was about an embarrassing mistake by organizers who displayed the South Korean flag instead of the North Korean one before a game in Glasgow.

Nine athletes handed bans for doping ahead of Games

Nine track and field athletes have been handed lengthy bans for doping violations in a crackdown on the use of prohibited substances in the lead up to the London Olympics, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) said on Wednesday.

Greek athlete withdrawn for racist tweet

Greek triple jumper Paraskevi Papachristou was withdrawn from the London Olympics on Wednesday after causing an uproar at home for a tweet slammed as racist, the Greek Olympics team said.

July 25, 2012

'Olympics passport scam report to defame Pakistan'
The federal cabinet of Pakistan has decided to take legal action against The Sun for a fabricated report on the Pakistan passport issuing authority, while the National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) officials say it is a ploy to defame the authority that recently beat some British international firms in the bidding process at the international level. Never planned to attend Games opening: Kalmadi
The Delhi high court on Wednesday barred Suresh Kalmadi from attending the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games on July 27. However, the sacked Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman claimed he had only sought permission to attend the IAAF Council meeting in London. Kalmadi restrained from attending Games opening
Sacked Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi was on Wednesday restrained by the Delhi high court from attending the London Olympics' opening ceremony. The court said his participation in the Games' opening can cause 'embarassment' to the nation. London dope control team told to test Indian athletes
In order to avoid a repeat of the Monika Devi doping scandal-like incident before the Olympics, the National Anti-Doping Agency has tested the urine samples of all Indian athletes except a few who were based abroad for training, its Director General said on Wednesday. 'Secret device' to control London ceremony teams march
The 205 teams marching at the London Olympics opening ceremony will be controlled with a "secret device" to ensure they do not delay the parade, the International Olympic Committee said. Testers nab more than 100 athletes: WADA
More than 100 athletes were caught doping and sanctioned in the months leading up to the London Olympics in a drive to eliminate cheats before they reach the Games, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said. Coe prepared to run for president of IAAF
London Olympics organising committee chairman Seb Coe has said for the first time that he would like to become president of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) when he steps down from his present job. Beckham to play part in opening ceremony
Former England soccer captain David Beckham will play a cameo role in Friday's Olympic opening ceremony after he was left out of Britain's team for the Games.

July 24, 2012

Government deploys 1,200 more troops to beef up security

The government will deploy the 1,200 troops who were put on stand-by last week to help secure the London Olympics, a minister said on Tuesday as security arrangements were tweaked to make up for a private firm's failure to recruit enough guards.

Dola hopes archers can overcome wind conditions
Dola Banerjee could not make it to her third straight Olympics but the experienced archer has no doubt that the squad picked for the upcoming London Games is the best to represent India and one that can win the country its first-ever medal in the sport at the mega event. Order on plea against Kalmadi's Olympics visit reserved
The Delhi high court reserved its order on a plea to restrain sacked Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi from going to London to attend the 2012 Olympics to Wednesday. Olympic committee has over $500 in reserves: IOC

The IOC's financial situation remains solid despite the global economic crisis, with reserves of $558 million and continuing increases in television and sponsorship revenues.

Sports Ministry grants Rs 1.1 lakh to elite athletes
The Sports Ministry released financial assistance of Rs 1018.90 lakh on Monday from its National Sports Development Fund for imparting customised training to elite athletes, who are medal prospects in the London Olympics and other major international events. Indians loving life at Lord's

For most young boys growing up in cricket-crazy India, walking out on the hallowed turf at Lord's is the stuff dreams are made of. Archer Tarundeep Rai is no different.

Asiad medallist Santhi working in brick kiln

Santhi Soundarajan, an Indian athlete whose career in sports ended after a failed gender test, is working as a daily wager at a brick kiln in Tamil Nadu, The Times of India reported on Tuesday.

Iran will compete against Israelis at the Olympics
Iranian athletes will compete against Israelis at the London Olympics, according to the country's chef de mission. Taxi driver dives off Tower Bridge in Olympic protest
A man dived off London's historic Tower Bridge into the River Thames on Monday during a protest by taxi drivers over their exclusion from part of a special Olympic Games road network in the capital.

July 23, 2012

Pak officials suspended after Olympic visa scam
Pakistan today suspended eight officials of the National Database and Registration Authority after a British newspaper reported it had uncovered a visa scam that could allow potential terrorists to sneak into Britain with the country's Olympic team. Not surprised to get Olympic wild card: Somdev

Somdev Devvarman asserted that the shoulder injury which kept him away from competitive tennis for eight months, will not have any impact on how he plays his game when he competes at the London Olympics.

IOC commemorates 1972 Munich Olympics victims
International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge paid tribute to the 11 Israeli team members who were killed at the 1972 Munich Games at a ceremony at the Athletes Village in London on Monday. Wrestling: Prayer's profile

Amit is the youngest and one of the first of five wrestlers to book a berth to the London Olympics.

Weightlifting: Player's profile

The Odisha weightlifter is currently World No. 15 following his total lift of 311 kgs at the Asian Championships in April. The bodybuilder-turned-weightlifter came into the limelight in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi where he bagged three gold. The London Games will serve as a great learning platform for this first timer.

Table Tennis: Player's profile
Soumyajit Ghosh edged out stalwarts like Sharath Kamal and Anthony Amalraj to book a berth to the London Games. Swimming: Player profile

This swimmer from Karnataka was granted an Olympic berth when FINA sprung a surprise by choosing him in the men's 1,500m freestyle under the 'Universality' quota.

Rowing: Player's profile

Swarn Singh Virk secured his spot in the London Olympics by winning his event at the FISA Olympic Continental Qualification Regatta for Asia in Chung Ju in Korea.

Judo: Player profile
Garima is the only Indian judoka to qualify for the London Olympics. Boxing: Player's profile

The youngster from Manipur notched the highest score of the World championship when he over powered his Mexican opponent Velazquez Joselito in the pre-quarter-finals and went on to book a berth to London.

Saina begins Olympic medal quest against Swiss Sabrina

Saina Nehwal will commence her quest for an Olympic medal against unheralded Sabrina Jaquet of Switzerland on July 28. The Indian ace is clubbed in Group E along with Sabrina and Lianne Tan of Belgium.

Badminton: Player's profile

Currently ranked world No. 5. Born in Hisar, Haryana, but grew up in Hyderabad. Playing badminton since she was eight.

Ahtletics: Player's profile

The US-based discus thrower is one of the best medal prospects; he is the first Indian to win a Diamond League medal. Having participated in Beijing four years back, Gowda has experience of the big stage and has trained exceptionally hard.

Archery: Player's profile

With the team finals scheduled on July 28 (men) and 29 (women), ahead of the individuals on August 2 (women) and Aug 3 (men), the archers will look to open the tally for India.

India has no chance of Olympic athletics medal: Anju

India's ace long jumper Anju Bobby George says none of the athletes have come close to an Olympic medal-winning performance this year.

Injured Kluft out of London Games
Former Olympic heptathlon champion Carolina Kluft will miss the London Games after suffering a hamstring injury on Sunday, her coach said. Will our shuttlers declare gold on return from London?
The Badminton Association of India too would hope Saina has gold to declare when she lands at Delhi airport after the Olympics. For that would establish the BAI as a soothsayer of sorts, writes TS Sudhir Pak officials, politicos involved in Olympics visa scam
A major visa scam has been unearthed by a leading UK based tabloid, involving a ring of corrupt Pakistani officials and politicians, which could give potential terrorists the chance to enter Britain with Pakistan's Olympic team. Els says he was inspired by cricketing compatriots

British Open champion Ernie Els said he was inspired by watching South Africa's cricketers turn the screw on England in the first Test before going out to win his fourth major title on Sunday.

Els wins British Open after late Scott collapse

South African Ernie Els won the British Open by one stroke from Adam Scott on Sunday after the Australian suffered an extraordinary late collapse on an incident-packed final day.

July 22, 2012

Wiggins becomes Britain's first Tour de France winner

Bradley Wiggins became the first Briton to win the Tour de France when he claimed the 99th edition of the greatest cycling race on Sunday.

Bolt to star in update to ancient Greek Olympic ode

London Mayor Boris Johnson will read out an Olympic Ode in ancient Greek composed by an Oxford academic to celebrate the athletes and personalities of the London 2012 Games as part of opening ceremonies.

Indian national flag hoisted at Olympic Village
The Indian national flag was hoisted at the Olympic Games Village, in London, on Sunday, in a fun-filled musical ceremony presided by the Village Mayor, in attendance of 35 athletes and delegates. Pakistan female athlete runs for dead friend
Pakistan runner Rabia Ishaq will be motivated by the memory of a dead friend and colleague when she appears as one of her nation's two female athletes at the London Olympics. I will be back for the Open, says Jeev

Jeev Milkha Singh finished his campaign at the 141st Open Championships rather tamely with a three-over 73 that ended with a double bogey on the 18th in Lytham, England, on Sunday.

Ranking has no meaning in the ring: Vikas Krishnan

He is one of India's best bets for an Olympic medal in boxing, but World No 6 Vikas Krishan does not quite like the spotlight on him as he feels it is better to be 'unknown' to lead a normal life.

IOC rules out public commemoration of 1972 Munich killings
The IOC has ruled out marking the 40th anniversary of the Munich massacre at the London Olympics opening ceremony but will visit the airfield where some Israeli team members were killed, it said on Saturday. Mayookha confident of bettering personal best at Olympics

Realistic about her chances in the Olympics, Indian triple-jumper Mayookha said she is targetting a top-six finish in London by improving her personal best effort.

Olympics delegation: Top SAI officials miffed
Miffed at the Government's decision to keep them away from the Olympics, the Sports Authority of India has again requested the Sports Ministry to include the names of SAI officials in the Indian contingent for the London Games. Battle of the sexes over Australian flag bearer role
The choice of Australian flag bearer at Friday's Olympic opening ceremony has turned into a battle of the sexes with the only woman to represent the country at five Games jokingly threatening a sit-down protest if a man again gets the role. South Sudanese runner to race under Olympic flag
A marathon runner born in what is now South Sudan will be allowed to run under the Olympic flag in London, the International Olympic Committee said on Saturday. Manchester United's Smalling out for 10 weeks
Manchester United's England defender Chris Smalling could be sidelined for up to 10 weeks after foot surgery, manager Alex Ferguson said on Saturday. Swimmer Ullalmath realistic of chances at Olympics

Aware that only a miracle will hand him a medal at the Olympics, India's lone participant in swimming, Gagan Ullalmath sees his London Games exposure as a platform to do well in the 2014 Asian Games.

Wiggins seals Tour de France with time trial win

Bradley Wiggins was 120 km away from becoming the first Briton to win the Tour de France after he outclassed the rest of the bunch in the penultimate stage, a 53.5-km time trial to Chartres on Saturday.

Cox stripped of Athens 400m relay gold

American Crystal Cox, who won 4x400m relay gold at the Athens Olympics, was stripped of her medal on Saturday, the International Olympic Committee said.

July 21, 2012

British Open: Hole-in-one icing on the cake for Lahiri

Anirban Lahiri's dream debut run at the 141st Open championships continued unabated as the 25-year-old authored the first ace of the event and then brought home an even par round to stay at par for 54 holes in Royal Lytham (England) on Saturday.

Pankaj Advani out of UK Snooker meet
India's Pankaj Advani crashed out of the UK Players Tour Championship after suffering a 4-0 defeat to England's Michael in Gloucester on Saturday. Archer Deepika certain to win Olympic medal, says mother

The mother of Commonwealth Games gold medal winning archer Deepika Kumari is very confident that her daughter would return home with a medal, of whatever hue, from the London Olympic Games commencing next week.

Anirban Lahiri sinks hole in one in third round
Anirban Lahiri continued his dream debut with a stunning hole-in-one on the ninth hole in the third round of 141st Open Championships at the Royal Lytham and St Annes in England on Saturday. Open should bring back phone ban: Player
Golfing great Gary Player says British Open organisers should ditch their policy of allowing mobile phones on site, which is irritating players and marshals. World C'ships more competitive than Olympics: Mary Kom

It might be the biggest sporting show on earth but women's boxing legend M C Mary Kom feels the Olympics would not be as competitive as the World Championship -- an event in which the Indian has won five gold medals.

Snedeker, Scott to play in shadow of Woods

Brandt Snedeker and Adam Scott continue to bid for a first major win with the shadow of former World No. 1 Tiger Woods looming large ahead of them in the British Open third round on Saturday.

July 20, 2012

Luck plays a major factor in archery, says team manager
Indian archery team manager Paresh Mukherjee has said that though the hype surrounding his team is justified after the archers' recent performances, previous records would be of no value on the day of the competition. Promotions await medal-winning Indian sportspersons
In a morale-booster for sportspersons, players working in central government will get up to three out of turn promotions during their service career for winning medals at various international events including Olympics. 'Mary Kom has technique to win her medals'

Former world champion woman boxer Aruna Mishra said five-time world champion M C Mary Kom, who qualified for the London Olympics, has a fair chance of winning a medal for the country.

Aussie basketball to review travel discrimination
Australia's basketball governing body will review its travel policy after being criticised for flying their men's team to the London Olympics in business class but putting their women's team in economy class. Australia's Hackett denies sleeping pill cost him gold

Retired Australian swimming great Grant Hackett has refuted his former coach's claim that a strong sleeping pill now banned by Australia's Olympic Committee cost him a third consecutive 1,500 metres freestyle gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Games.

British beach volleyball pair face bikini banter

Will you promise you will wear bikinis even if it rains? That was the first question to Britain's women Olympic beach volleyball players at a pre-Games news conference on Thursday, giving a flavour of how the sport is perceived.

UK's G4S defends management fee for venue security

Security firm G4S on Thursday defended a multimillion pound management fee for protecting Britain's Olympic venues after politicians urged it to waive the payment following its failure to provide enough guards.

Gowda, Poonia get personal coaches for Olympics

In the wake of the pressing demands from Indian athletes to include their personal coaches in the Olympic contingent, the Athletics Federation of India has chosen four coaches for the London Games, giving preference to those who has medal chances.

July 19, 2012

Strike threats loom over London Games
Strikes by train drivers and passport officials threaten major disruptions to the London Olympics, prompting the government to warn unions on Thursday that they risked public anger if the industrial action went ahead. Need a bit of luck on the day: Sodhi

He will be more than happy if a little bit of luck goes in his favour, but medal hopeful Ronjan Sodhi made it clear that Indian shooters will have no excuse to offer as far as weather and range conditions are concerned during the Olympic Games.

Wrestler Dahiya not looking beyond London Olympics
Still in disbelief over his qualification to the London Games, youngest member of the Indian wrestling contingent, Amit Kumar Dahiya says he is treating this as his first and last Olympics. Sport Ministry approves 142 member Olympic contingent
The Sports Ministry approved a list of 142-member Indian contingent, submitted by the Indian Olympics Association (IOA), for participation in the 30th Olympics at London on Thursday. Bolt rallies round for Jamaican eventer

Usain Bolt raced to the rescue to help fellow-Jamaican Samantha Albert on the long and tortuous road to the London Olympics. The triple Olympic sprint champion donated and signed three of his designer running shirts.

Britain may call in more troops to police Games

Britain may have to call up yet more soldiers to police the Olympic Games, the government said on Wednesday, after a failed private sector recruitment drive left an embarrassing hole in security and dashed London's dreams of a spotless showcase.

Australian badminton players get food poisoning
Three Australian badminton players were confined to bed on Wednesday after suffering food poisoning while preparing for the London Olympics at their training base in the central English city of Derby.

July 18, 2012

HC seeks Kalmadi's reply to plea on his London visit
The Delhi high court on Wednesday sought a reply from sacked Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi on a plea to stop him from going to London for the 2012 Olympics, and asked him not to advance his slated July 26 departure for it. Schleck denies wrongdoing, requests B sample test
Luxembourg rider Frank Schleck has denied any wrongdoing after he was withdrawn from the Tour de France on Tuesday when he returned a positive test for the diuretic Xipamide following Saturday's Stage 13. Impressive Blake lays down marker for Bolt

World 100 metres champion Yohan Blake showed he was in good heart to challenge compatriot Usain Bolt for Olympic sprint dominance in London by clocking 9.85 seconds to win at a meeting in Lucerne on Tuesday.

Indian athletes lose doping case, get two-year ban

Indian athletics' biggest doping scandal involving six top women runners, including three Asian and Commonwealth Games gold medallists, ended with the Switzerland-based Court of Arbitration for Sports handing them an enhanced ban of two years.

Frank Schleck out of race after failed dope test

The Tour de France was rocked on Tuesday when Luxembourg's Frank Schleck, third overall in last year's race, was pulled out of the 2012 edition after failing a dope test for a diuretic.

July 17, 2012

Games organisers withdraw 500,000 football tickets
Half a million tickets for Olympic football matches have been withdrawn and stadium capacities reduced due to a lack of take-up, Games organisers said on Tuesday. 'We can't stop Kalmadi from attending London Olympics'
Suresh Kalmadi might be facing intense pressure from various quarters to cancel his London Olympics trip, but the International Athletics Federation said that it is not going to stop him from attending the IAAF Council meeting in the British capital. Flag-bearer Sushil not thinking of medals at Olympics

Doing an encore in London is not something that Sushil Kumar wants to lose his sleep over, but the Beijing Olympics bronze medallist has promised to put in the hard yards to ensure a podium finish in the upcoming Olympics.

Gowda determined to shine in London despite money crunch

Ace discuss thrower Vikas Gowda says he is neither "distracted" by the scarcity of funds nor intimidated by the higher rankings of his rivals as the recent good results at the international stage have given him the confidence of delivering at the London Olympics.

Olympic flame to visit London palaces and castles

The Olympic torch will share the same security as the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London on its first night in the capital on Friday before embarking on a week-long journey that will take in religious, political and royal landmarks.

First look: Indian archers, lifters at the Games Village

Beijing Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra was the first Indian shooter to enter the London Olympic Games Village along with the 10-member archery squad and a four-member weightlifting squad.

Manchester United lead Forbes' most valuable team list

English soccer club Manchester United retained their title as the world's most valuable sports team, according to an annual top 50 list released by Forbes on Monday that was dominated by National Football League (NFL) franchises.

July 16, 2012

IOC happy with security despite G4S glitch

Safety levels for the London Olympics have not been compromised by a major security contractor's failure to find enough staff, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Monday, less than two weeks before the Games begin.

Confident Deepika not afraid of Olympic 'ghost'

All of 18, she is World No 1 and India's biggest hope for an Olympic medal but Deepika Kumari is far from intimidated by the burden of expectations as she feels the London Games are not some kind of a 'ghost' to be scared of.

Triple jumper Maheshwary aims for top-six finish at Games

His build-up to the Olympics was far from ideal but triple jumper Renjith Maheshwary says that he has left behind the frustrations and is now focussing on at least qualifying for the final round in the London Games if not a podium finish.

Political infighting threatens Pakistan hopes at Olympics
A dispute between the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) and the state-operated Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) could threaten the country's participation in London 2012, the head of the POA said on Sunday. India's Jeev Milkha Singh wins Scottish Open in playoff

Jeev Milkha Singh won the Scottish Open after a playoff with Italy's Francesco Molinari on Sunday while Britain's Marc Warren blew a three-shot lead with four holes to play.

July 15, 2012

Tour de France: Sanchez wins puncture marred 14th stage

Luis Leon Sanchez broke away on his own to clinch the fourth Tour de France victory of his career in the 191.5-km 14th stage on Sunday.

ONGC announces Rs 25 lakh for Olympic gold medallists
The ONGC announced a cash bonanza for players who will win medals at the London Olympics with gold medal winners to get Rs 25 lakh while silver and bronze medallist will get Rs 15 and Rs 10 lakh respectively. Briton Khan knocked out in fourth round by Garcia

American Danny Garcia knocked out Britain's Amir Khan in the fourth round to add the WBA light-welterweight crown to his WBC super-lightweight title in Las Vegas on Saturday.

Haye defeats Chisora in British heavyweight grudge match

Former world heavyweight champion David Haye knocked fellow Briton Dereck Chisora to the canvas twice in the fifth round to win their grudge match in pouring rain at Upton Park in east London on Saturday.

Coach allays injury doubts over China's Liu

Liu Xiang's pullout from the final of the 110 metres hurdles at the London Grand Prix on Friday was just a precautionary measure and the back problem that forced the withdrawal does not pose any threat to his Olympic campaign, his coach said.

Lorenzo cruises to Italian MotoGP win
Yamaha's Jorge Lorenzo easily won the Italian MotoGP on Sunday, stretching his advantage at the top of the riders' championship with an assured performance. 'No games security threat despite guards fiasco'

London's Olympic Games is not threatened by a major security contractor's failure to find enough staff, ministers and the head of the city's organising committee said on Sunday, seeking to quell a political storm ahead of athletes' arrival.

Sushil to be India's flag-bearer at Olympics

Ending days of speculation, the Indian Olympic Association on Sunday announced that wrestler Sushil Kumar, a bronze medallist at the Beijing Games, will be the flag bearer of the Indian contingent at the upcoming London Olympics.

India's lone judoka Garima confident of good show
Going by statistics, it will be very difficult for India's lone judoka Garima Chaudhary to even end up with a top-five finish leave alone a medal at the London Olympics. Tension between MEA, Sports Ministry over Chinese visa denial
Chinese visa denial to an Arunachal Pradesh youth delegate has created a friction between the Ministry of External Affairs and the Sports Ministry. 'Doping menace more rampant among junior athletes'
Doping is more rampant among junior athletes than top ranked ones and the National Anti-Doping Agency should "tighten the screws" to curb the menace, Athletics Federation of India president Adille J Sumariwalla said on Sunday. India go down 1-3 to Great Britain in Tri-Nation hockey
India squandered an early lead before going down 1-3 to Great Britain in the inaugural match of the Tri-Nation invitational tournament, their final warm-up event ahead of the Olympic Games in Santander, Spain.

July 14, 2012

Won't react to corrupt person's allegation: Maken

Sports Minister Ajay Maken has declined to comment on Suresh Kalmadi's accusation of carrying out a vilification campaign against him, saying that he would not like to respond to a person who has been chargesheeted by the CBI.

High jumper Vlasic ruled out of Olympics

Former high jump world champion Blanka Vlasic will not compete in the London Olympics due to injury problems, the Croatian said on her website on Saturday.

Kalmadi not a member of IOA delegation: IOA
Indian Olympic Association sought to steer clear of the controversy over tainted Suresh Kalmadi attending the London Olympic Games, saying that he was not a member of IOA delegation. Miffed Kalmadi demands Maken's resignation

Faced with mounting pressure to drop his Olympic trip to London, a defiant Suresh Kalmadi has hit back at Ajay Maken, accusing the Sports Minister of carrying out a vilification campaign against him and called for his resignation.

London Diamond athletics: Gay sprints to 100m victory

Tyson Gay got a taste of the tough conditions the world's best sprinters may face at the Olympics next month while winning the 100 metres in 10.03 seconds at the London Diamond League meeting on Friday.

'Indian paddlers not among favourites in Olympics'
India's foreign table tennis coach Leszek Kucharski feels Olympic-bound paddlers Soumyajit Ghosh and Ankita Das can spring a few surprises but they are not among the favourites to win a medal in the London Games. G4S security boss sorry for Games guards fiasco

The head of private security firm G4S said on Saturday his firm only realised just over a week ago it would not be able to supply enough venue guards for this month's London Olympics, as he publicly apologised for the embarrassing failure.

Athletics coach supports Kalmadi's trip to Olympics

Suresh Kalmadi's planned trip to the London Olympics might have triggered a furore but national athletics coach Bahadur Singh feels the tainted administrator's presence would 'encourage' the athletes.

July 13, 2012

'Don't facilitate Kalmadi's visit to London'
In a bid to prevent Suresh Kalmadi from attending the London Olympics, the Sports Ministry shot off a letter to IOA, requesting the sports body not to facilitate the tainted administrator's visit to UK on "ethical grounds". Tour de France: Composed Millar claims fourth win
Briton David Millar showed composure to claim his fourth Tour de France stage win when he prevailed in the 12th stage, a 226-km ride from St Jean de Maurienne on Friday. Mariano appointed Churchill Brothers' head coach
Mariano Dias has signed for Churchill Brothers as head coach for the upcoming season in place of Carlos Pareira. Champions League flop proves costly for Manchester Utd
Manchester United's early exit from the Champions League last season cost the English club almost 17 million euros in payments from UEFA compared with the previous year, figures released on Friday showed. CSI upset with court's decision to let Kalmadi visit London
Clean Sports India (CSI), a movement for corruption-free sports in the country, on Friday, expressed disappointment at Delhi court's decision to allow sacked CWG Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi, accused in a Games-related graft case, to go to the London Olympics. Maken says Kalmadi should not go to Olympics
Sports Minister Ajay Maken on Friday said though sacked CWG Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi, accused in a Games-related graft case, has been allowed by a Delhi Court to go to London for the upcoming Olympic Games, he should voluntarily desist from going to the mega event. Court allows Kalmadi to visit London for Olympics
Sacked Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi, accused in a Games-related graft case, was on Friday allowed by a Delhi court to go to London for the 2012 Olympics. Olympics put British spy agencies under pressure
Preparations for the London Olympics have put Britain's intelligence agencies under significant pressure, as the country stages its largest ever peacetime security operation, British lawmakers said on Thursday.

July 12, 2012

'No question of Olympic security being compromised'

Britain's interior minister had to answer questions in parliament on Thursday after admitting that she was putting extra troops on standby for Olympic security, just two weeks before the London Games begin, because a private contractor might not meet its commitments.

Kalmadi moves court to attend London Olympics

Sacked CWG Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi, accused in a games-related graft case, sought a Delhi court's permission to attend the 2012 Olympics in London.

Cash bonanza awaits medal-winning boxers at Olympics

A cash bonanza awaits Indian boxers if they notch up medals at the London Olympics.

Paddler Ghosh readying himself for Olympic challenge
Soumyajit Ghosh's qualification for the London Olympics has taken everyone by surprise. But the Siliguri paddler knows that it will not be a stroll in the park when it comes down to facing European and Chinese giants in London. British boxer Amir Khan reinstated as WBA champion
Britain's Amir Khan has had his WBA super-lightweight title reinstated ahead of his fight against WBC champion Danny Garcia in Las Vegas, the governing body said on Wednesday. Eusebio discharged from hospital after stroke in Poland

Former Portugal and Benfica great Eusebio, who suffered a stroke during his stay in Poland to watch Euro 2012, was discharged from a Lisbon hospital on Wednesday, the hospital said.

Dow link tarnishes Games' reputation: London Assembly

London politicians called on Olympic officials to rethink their sponsorship contract with Dow Chemical on Wednesday, saying the company's links to the 1984 Bhopal disaster damaged the reputation of this month's Games.

July 11, 2012

Maheshwary cleared for Olympics
Triple jumper Renjith Maheshwary has been cleared for Olympics after he passed a fitness trial at his training base in Italy, Athletics Federation of India said. Tour de France: Voeckler wins 10th stage, Wiggins in lead
France's Thomas Voeckler won the 194.5km 10th stage of the Tour de France between Macon and Bellegarde sur Valserine on Wednesday. Para-athlete Sachdeva banned for doping
Para athlete Hitesh Sachdeva has been banned from competing in the London Paralympics after being caught for doping. Indian challenge ends in World Junior Squash C'ships
Indian challenge in the World Junior Squash Championships came to an end as Mahesh Mangaonkar and Anaka Alankamony lost their respective quarter-final matches to Egyptian rivals in the men's and women's competition at Doha. Pinki alleges police atrocities on her in custody
Asian Games gold medallist Pinki Pramanik, who walked out of jail on Wednesday after spending 26 days in custody on charges of rape, alleged that the police tied her hands and legs and forcibly conducted the gender determination test on her. London Games would be most dope tested in history: WADA
The London Olympics is all set to go down in history as the most dope tested Games with more than 6,000 samples expected to be analysed, the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) has said. Australia send smallest team since 1992 to London
Australia is sending its smallest team to a Summer Olympics since the 1992 Games, with 410 athletes set to compete in London with the goal of a top five finish on the medals table. Armstrong refiles lawsuit against anti-doping agency
Lawyers for retired cycling champ Lance Armstrong on Tuesday refiled a lawsuit in a bid to stop the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) from proceeding with a case charging him with using drugs during the years he won the Tour de France. I have been framed, says athlete Pinki
Asian Games gold medalist Pinki Pramanik walked out of jail after 26 days on Wednesday and said she was falsely implicated in the rape case. She was arrested after a woman charged that the athlete was male and had raped her. Al Wasl sack Diego Maradona

Former Argentina World Cup-winning captain Diego Maradona has been sacked as coach of United Arab Emirates club Al Wasl.

Women outnumber men on London-bound US team
The United States will send 530 athletes to the London Olympics as part of a massive team that will feature, for the first time, more women competitors than men, officials announced on Tuesday. Kuwaiti family buys Nottingham Forest
A Kuwaiti family has bought twice European Cup winners Nottingham Forest, the English Championship (second division) club said on Tuesday. Mourinho's Super Cup ban for eye poke lifted

A two-match ban given to Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho for poking Barcelona assistant Tito Vilanova in the eye has been lifted as part of a general amnesty, the Spanish soccer federation (RFEF) said on Tuesday.

July 10, 2012

IOC chief backs Games food and drinks sponsors

McDonald's, whose four restaurants in London's Olympic Park include its biggest in the world, extended its 36-year backing of the Games in January by signing up as sponsor for another eight years.

'Pinki is innocent and a victim of conspiracy'
Hailing the court's decision to grant bail to Asian Games gold medallist Pinki Pramanik, the Bengal sports fraternity on Tuesday demanded punishment for those who are guilty of mistreating the athlete. NBA star Raja Bell to visit India

The NBA, which opened its first office in Mumbai in October last year, has hosted more than 450 basketball development events in India since 2008 as part of the league's effort to grow basketball.

Pinki gets bail after 25 days in custody
Asian Games gold medalist Pinki Pramanik, arrested after a woman charged that the athlete was a male and had raped her, was on Tuesday granted bail by a court in North 24 Parganas district after spending 25 days in judicial custody. Martin quits Tour de France to concentrate on Olympics
World time trial champion Tony Martin has quit the Tour de France in order to let a broken bone in his wrist heal in time for the London Olympics. China picks young gun over Wang in badminton team
China has omitted Asian Games singles champion Wang Shixian from their Olympic badminton team and picked 21-year-old talent Li Xuerui as the third and final entrant in the women's singles at the London Games. Poonia and Gowda, torch bearers of scandal-hit athletes

Hit hard by one of the biggest doping scandals in the run-up to the Olympic Games, India's athletics team, including a couple of medal hopefuls, would hope to seek solace and redeem their reputation with some strong performances in London.

Armstrong suit against anti-doping agency hits roadblock

A federal judge swiftly dismissed a lawsuit on Monday that retired cycling champ Lance Armstrong had filed in a bid to stop the US Anti-Doping Agency from proceeding with a case charging him with using drugs during the years he won the Tour de France.

Man City manager Mancini agrees new five-year deal

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has agreed a new five-year contract with the Premier League champions, the club announced.

John Terry appears in court on racial abuse charge

Former England soccer captain John Terry appeared in court on Monday charged with racially abusing Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand during a Premier League match in October.

July 09, 2012

South Korean Park Ji-sung joins QPR
South Korean midfielder Park Ji-sung has joined Queens Park Rangers from Premier League rivals Manchester United on a two-year contract, the west London club said on Monday. India edge out South Africa 6-5 in the third test

The Indian hockey team defeated South Africa 6-5 in a thrilling third test at the capital city of Cantabria in Spain.

Report of chromosome pattern test of Pinki ready
The chromosome pattern test report (Karyotyping) of Asian Games gold medalist Pinki Pramanik to determine her gender was on Monday received and would be sent to a court at Barasat in North 24-Parganas district on Tuesday. Germany field smallest Olympic team since reunification
Germany will field their smallest Olympic team since the country's reunification in 1990 at this month's London Games after nominating 391 athletes, the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) said on Monday. Mixed day for India at World Jr. squash
Newly-crowned Asian Junior champion Anaka Alankamony registered an easy second round victory at the World Junior men and women individual Squash Championships in Doha. Youngest rider wins eighth stage of Tour de France

Thibaut Pinot, the youngest rider in the Tour de France, presented the French with their first stage victory in this year's edition after winning the hilly 157.5 kms Belfort-Porrentruy eighth stage.

Deschamps named France coach
Didier Deschamps has been appointed France coach, the French football federation said in a statement on Sunday. Nigeria snatch final London basketball berth
Nigeria will make their Olympic basketball debut in London after beating the Dominican Republic 88-73 in the decisive qualifier on Sunday. Wrestler Amit hopes surprise factor favours him in London
He might lack the experience of competing at the highest level, but Amit Kumar, the youngest member of the Indian wrestling contingent, believes that this can work in his favour at the London Olympics. Sinimole misses Olympic berth again
India's middle distance runner Sinimole Paulose's last ditch effort to qualify for the London Olympics failed to meet expectations after she finished second in the women's 1500m at the Savo Games in Lapinlahti, Finland.

July 08, 2012

Deschamps set to be named France coach
Didier Deschamps is on the verge of being appointed France coach, a source on the executive board of the French football federation said on Sunday. Pedrosa wins German MotoGP after Stoner crashes
Dani Pedrosa won the German MotoGP in dramatic circumstances on Sunday after his Honda team mate Casey Stoner, who started in pole position crashed out of the race on the last lap of the Sachsenring. Olympics can learn from Formula One: Rogge
IOC President Jacques Rogge visited a rainswept Silverstone on Sunday and suggested the Olympics could learn a lot from Formula One. Klitschko stops Thompson in round six

Vladimir Klitschko retained his world heavyweight titles when he knocked down challenger Tony Thompson in the sixth round of a one-sided contest on Saturday.

Giggs to captain Britain's Olympic football team

Ryan Giggs will captain Britain's football team at the London Olympics, head coach Stuart Pearce said on Sunday.

LeBron, Kobe return to US team for London Games

Five members of the gold medal winning line-up at the 2008 Beijing Games were included in the 12-man US Olympic basketball team announced by USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo on Saturday.

Atwal slips to 71st in US PGA
India's Arjun Atwal may have survived the cut, but he dropped further down to tied 71st position at the end of the third round of Greenbrier Classic golf tournament in White Sulphur Springs, USA. Misfiring India lose second hockey Test against Spain

A misfiring India squandered chances and conceded a late goal to go down 1-2 to hosts Spain in the second hockey Test in Santander.

Tour de France: Nibali emerges as clear third man

All the talk before the Tour de France was about the battle between favourite Bradley Wiggins and defending champion Cadel Evans, with neutrals hoping for a 'third man' to appear from the pack and make the race more interesting.

Preeja, Kavita fail to qualify for Olympics
Asian Games medallists Preeja Sreedharan's and Kavita Raut's Olympic dreams came crashing down after they failed to make the cut for London in the 10,000m at the FIDAL Piedmont Track Meeting at Santhia, Italy. Allmendinger suspended after failed drug test
Stock car driver AJ Allmendinger has been temporarily suspended after failing a drug test, NASCAR officials said on Saturday.

July 07, 2012

Shuttler Sindhu wins Asia Under-19 Championship
Rising India shuttler P V Sindhu clinched the Asia Youth Under-19 Championship title with a thrilling three-game victory over Japan's Okuhara Nozomi at Gimcheon, Korea on Saturday. Sujjan scores first title win outside India
Sujjan Singh completed a start-to-finish victory with an even-par 72 at the Taman Dayu Championship and immediately dedicated his win to his new-born daughter on Saturday. India gets Oly berth in swimming
India has been granted an Olympic berth in swimming with the world body FINA springing a surprise by choosing Karnataka swimmer Gagan AP Ulalmath in the men's 1,500m freestyle. Atwal makes cut, Tiger and Mickelson miss out

Indian golfer Arjun Atwal sank a tense 13-foot putt for a birdie on the 18th hole to squeeze inside the cutline but the two big names of the event Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson missed the cut at the Greenbrier Classic in White Sulphur Springs, USA.

Nigeria stun Greece to move closer to London Games
Double European champions Greece made a shock exit from the Olympic basketball qualifiers on Friday following a narrow 80-79 defeat against Nigeria. Sudha fails in Olympics 'A' standard attempt
Asian Games gold-medallist Sudha Singh ran a below par 9:53.94s to finish fifth in women's 3,000m steeplechase in the Bottrop Gala International Meet in Germany. AFC bans Ishfaq for four matches
The disciplinary committee of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has imposed a four match ban on Salgaocar Sports Club midfielder Ishfaq Ahmed. Van Gaal gets second stint as Netherlands coach
Netherlands have re-appointed Louis van Gaal as coach in place of Bert van Marwijk who stepped down after the team lost all three group matches at Euro 2012 last month, the FA said on Friday. India badly needs a hockey medal in London: Ignace

With no major triumph to show in the last 32 years, erstwhile hockey powerhouse India badly needs a medal in the London Olympics to revive the national sport's interest in the cricket-crazy nation, feels veteran mid-fielder Ignace Tirkey.

Gay beats Gatlin, Bekele's hopes dashed

Tyson Gay beat fellow American Justin Gatlin in the 100 metres while Kenenisa Bekele's Olympic hopes were diluted at the Paris Diamond League meeting on Friday as five world season's best were set on the Stade de France track.

Woods, Mickelson to miss cut; Simpson leads

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson were set to miss the cut as US Open champion Webb Simpson moved one stroke clear in Friday's second round of the weather-delayed Greenbrier Classic at White Sulphur Springs in West Virginia.

Indian rowers face tough task in London Olympics
Set for their fourth Olympics in a row, the Indian rowers face a tough test but would look to show that they do not just make up the numbers in the London Games beginning July 27.

July 06, 2012

Tour de France: Sagan beats Greipel for third stage victory

Tour de France debutant Peter Sagan took his third win of this year's race with a sprint finish in a crash-ridden sixth stage in Metz on Friday.

FIFA lift ban on Islamic headscarves

The move came after a campaign in favour of the hijab from FIFA vice-president and executive committee member Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein of Jordan.

Unprecedented demand for accreditations leaves IOA in a fix
Indian Olympic Association has been left in a fix due to unprecedented demand for accreditations and tickets for London Olympics from various quarters, including ministers from various states and sports ministry officials. Koevermans names 37 probables for Nehru Cup

National coach Wim Koevermans has named 37 players for the preparatory camp for the Nehru Cup football tournament, which kicks off on August 23.

Greipel wins second Tour stage in a row

Andre Greipel silenced the doubters with his second back-to-back bunch sprint victory in the fifth stage of the Tour de France cycling race on Thursday.

Runners Sinimole, Joseph fail to qualify for Olympics
Indian middle distance runners Sinimole Paulose and Sajeesh Joseph's Olympic dreams came crashing down as both of them failed to make the cut for London at the Folksam Sollentuna Grand Prix in Stockholm, Sweden.

July 05, 2012

Greipel takes Tour stage as Cavendish crashes
German Andre Greipel won the fourth stage of the Tour de France on Wednesday after world champion Mark Cavendish crashed close to the finish and was unable to contest the final sprint.

July 04, 2012

Human Rights panel wants probe into 'inhuman torture' on Pinki
The West Bengal Human Rights Commission has directed the home, health and police departments to inquire into the alleged 'inhuman torture' on Asiad gold medalist Pinki Pramanik in police and jail custody and submit a report within two weeks. Kashyap hopeful of good show at Olympics

Placed 22nd in the world rankings P Kashyap is aware of the tough challenge that awaits him in the upcoming Olympics, but the ace Indian shuttler still feels he has a good chance of finishing on the podium in London, courtesy his recent good showings on international stage.

July 03, 2012

Britain select two former drug offenders in Olympic team

Sprinter Dwain Chambers and shot putter Carl Myerscough, who have served doping bans after testing positive for anabolic steroids, were named on Tuesday in the British athletics team for the London Olympics.

Andre Villas-Boas named Tottenham Hotspur manager

Andre Villas-Boas has signed a three-year contract as manager of Tottenham Hotspur, the Premier League club said on Tuesday.

Aditya made to toil in World 6-Red Championship
India's Aditya Mehta had to toil hard for his second win against Thailand's Thanawat Thirapongpaiboon in the SangSom World 6-Red snooker championship in Bangkok. China panics over meat-free diet for athletes

Chinese coaches and officials are panicking that meat-free diets imposed on Olympic athletes outside their training camps are hampering their performances in the lead-up to the London Games.

Hoy to be first Australian at seven Summer Games

Andrew Hoy is set to become the first Australian to compete at seven Summer Olympics after being named in the equestrian eventing team for the London Games on Tuesday.

Tower of London guards Olympic treasure

The Tower of London, used by British monarchs for over 600 years to hoard crowns and jewels, took delivery of its newest treasure on Monday when 4,700 gold, silver and bronze Olympic medals were handed over for safe-keeping.

US trials 'weird' for retired Johnson

So close and yet so far removed, four-time Olympic medalist Shawn Johnson found last week's US trials in San Jose a 'weird' experience after watching her former team mates from the sidelines.

Torres narrowly misses out on London Games

Dara Torres announced her retirement from swimming after she came up agonisingly short in her bid to make the United States team for the London Olympics on the last day of the trials on Monday.

July 02, 2012

Cavendish wins Tour de France second stage
Briton Mark Cavendish snatched his 21st Tour de France stage win when he prevailed in a bunch sprint at the end of a 207.5-kilometres ride. Sammer replaces Nerlinger as Bayern sports boss
Bayern Munich have appointed former Germany international Matthias Sammer as their sports director after parting ways with Christian Nerlinger following two seasons without a trophy, the Bavarians said on Monday. Hamilton set to shine with Olympic torch run

Next Monday will be a day to remember for Lewis Hamilton, regardless of who wins his home British Grand Prix the day before.

Kalou and Bosingwa leave Chelsea

Salomon Kalou and Jose Bosingwa, who featured in Chelsea's Champions League final win over Bayern Munich in May, have left the London club.

Sagan wins first stage in first Tour de France

While the yellow jersey positions hardly moved, Briton Bradley Wiggins being content with staying out of trouble to retain his second place - seven seconds behind.

Woods moves up on winners list with AT&T victory

Tiger Woods overtook Jack Nicklaus in second place on the all-time PGA Tour winners list when he captured the AT&T National tournament at the Congressional Country Club on Sunday.

Blake outruns Bolt in 200m Olympic trials

Yohan Blake set himself up as the man to beat in London with a stunning 200 meters victory, beating world record holder Usain Bolt for a second time in three days to bring the Jamaican Olympic trials to an explosive conclusion on Sunday.

July 01, 2012

Indian boxers get acclimatisation lessons in Ireland

He was not quite sure if training abroad before Olympics would help much but after spending a fortnight preparing in Ireland, London-bound Vijender Singh said the experience has done a world of good to the Indian boxers ahead of the mega-event this month.

India beat France 4-0, pocket Test series 2-0

India overcame a defensive France 4-0 to make a clean sweep in the two-match friendly Test series here ahead of next month's London Olympics.

Kanoute latest big name to head for China

China's growing popularity as the preferred destination for ageing former English Premier League players shows no sign of slowing with striker Frederic Kanoute completing a move to Beijing Guoan, the Chinese Super League side said.

Stoner wins to pull level with Lorenzo
Australian Casey Stoner ran away with the Dutch GP on Saturday to go level with Yamaha's Jorge Lorenzo at the top of the MotoGP championship after the Spaniard was taken out at the first corner.

June 30, 2012

U.S. Anti-Doping Agency to charge Armstrong

The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency's review board have unanimously recommended charging seven-times Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong with using performance-enhancing drugs during his record-breaking career, USADA said on Friday.

Yohan Blake shocks Usain Bolt to claim 100m title

Yohan Blake delivered a shock that will be felt all the way to London by exploding past world record holder Usain Bolt to claim a stunning 100 metres victory at the Jamaican Olympic trials on Friday.

June 29, 2012

Balotelli brace sends Italy into final

Italy extended their remarkable stranglehold on Germany when two superb first-half goals by Mario Balotelli gave them a 2-1 win in an excellent Euro 2012 semi-final on Thursday and a place in Sunday's final against Spain.

India show character to hold UAE

Down by an early Jamal Ibrahim goal, as early as the 9th minute, India came back strongly to hold UAE 1-1 in the Under-22 AFC Championship at the Royal Oman Police Stadium in Muscat. After a barrage of attacks on the rival citadel, Romeo Fernandes restored parity in the 88th minute.

June 28, 2012

Rameez Raja launches attack on Mohsin Khan
Former Pakistan Test captain Rameez Raja has backed the decision to remove Mohsin Khan as the chief coach of the national team and made some scathing remarks about him on his twitter page. Tottenham closer to new manager as Redknapp staff depart
Tottenham Hotspur's assistant coaches Joe Jordan and Kevin Bond have officially left the club, Spurs announced on Thursday, signalling that the Premier League side are edging closer to appointing a new manager. Jeev takes early lead at Irish Open
Indian golfer Jeev Milkha Singh turned in a stunning seven-under 65 to grab the lead after the opening round in the star-studded Irish Open in Portrush, Northern Ireland, on Thursday. Phelps turns tables on Lochte to win 200m freestyle

Michael Phelps turned the tables on his great rival Ryan Lochte to win the 200 metres freestyle final at the US Olympic trials on Wednesday and remain on course for another massive haul at the London Games.

Spain beat Portugal on penalties, reach final

Cesc Fabregas struck the winning spot kick as holders Spain beat Portugal 4-2 on penalties after their Euro 2012 semi-final ended goalless after extra time on Wednesday.

June 27, 2012

Judo player accuses coach of raping her
A national level judo player was repeatedly raped allegedly by her coach, who is absconding after the registration of a case. ICC calls for global life ban on Kaneria
The ICC Board unanimously acknowledged the lifetime ban on Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria by the England and Wales Cricket Board for his role in the English spot-fixing scandal and urged member nations to enforce the verdict to the fullest. Indian paddlers to train in China ahead of Olympics
With just a month left for the London Games, Olympic-bound Indian paddlers Soumyajit Ghosh and Ankita Das will leave for Zhengding, China on Sunday for a 16-day long training camp. London moves into final month of Olympics preparations

London moved into the final month of preparations for its Olympic Games on Wednesday with a new landmark to greet visitors, and a warning that some others would not be welcome.

Bolt will have it tough at the Olympics: Greene

Jamaican triple Olympic champion Usain Bolt will not emulate his world record performances of 2008 and 2009 at the London Games, former holder Maurice Greene predicted on Tuesday.

June 26, 2012

Russia eyeing third place in London medals table
Russia are aiming to repeat their third place finish in the medals table at Beijing in 2008 when the squad competes at next month's London Olympics, Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said on Tuesday. IOA gives advance payment to London bound athletes
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has paid advance installment of Rs one lakh to the hockey players who left for European tour on their way to the London Games. US swimmer Lochte beats Phelps to qualify for Olympics

Ryan Lochte reaffirmed his status as the world's best all round swimmer when he beat Michael Phelps at the US Olympic swimming trials on Monday to book his spot on the American team for London.

June 25, 2012

Asian Games gold medallist Abraham beaten in 400m hurdles
Asian Games gold medallist Joseph Abraham's hopes of qualifying for London Olympics were virtually dashed as he finished second in the men's 400m hurdles on the third day of the National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships in Hyderabad on Monday. Saudi says will enter women for London Olympics

Saudi Arabia will allow its women athletes to compete in the Olympic Games for the first time ever in London this summer, the Islamic kingdom's London embassy said.

Archery WC: India lose to US, settle for silver
Having secured the Olympic berth in the men's team event, India narrowly lost to hosts US under gusty wind conditions in Ogden (USA) to settle for a silver medal and conclude their campaign in the Archery World Cup Stage III. Mystery over Pinki's gender continues
The mystery over the gender of Asian Games gold medallist Pinki Pramanik continued as the karyotyping test to determine the chromosome pattern could not be held at the state's referral SSKM Hospital. An 11-member medical team on Monday conducted various tests on the long-distance runner at the SSKM hospital but the most crucial one to determine the gender still could not be held. Gatlin secures London return ahead of Gay

Eight years after winning Olympic gold and two years after concluding a doping ban, Justin Gatlin secured his return to the Games by running an eye-catching 9.80 seconds to win the 100 metres at the US Olympic trials on Sunday.

June 24, 2012

US trials: Eaton sets decathlon World record

Ashton Eaton set a glittering decathlon world record at the US Olympic trials on Saturday, riding the cheers of a thrilled home crowd to upstage a stellar cast of athletes.

Largest Olympic contingent will bring more medals: SAI
SAI Director General, Desh Deepak Verma exuded confidence that Indian athletes will win more medals in this edition of Olympics as the country is fielding the largest contingent at the London Games.

June 23, 2012

India's U-17 football World Cup bid on track: AIFF
India's preparations for a formal bid to stage the prestigious 2017 Under 17 Football World Cup is in the final stages with only the security clearance left from the hosting states, AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das said on Saturday. India breeze past Lebanon in AFC Under-22

India opened their campaign by defeating Lebanon 5-2 in the opening match of the AFC U-22 Championship at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, Muscat on Saturday.

Football legend Chuni slams AITA for buckling
Indian football legend Chuni Goswami slammed the AITA for not acting firm against Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna in the Olympics doubles team selection row and said some action should be taken against them. Germany's Loew fuming over mole in the camp

Germany coach Joachim Loew is out to unearth a mole in the camp who has been tipping off German media about his starting lineups at Euro 2012, the players said on Saturday.

June 22, 2012

Shed personal egos and bring medal: Krishna to players
External Affairs Minister S M Krishna on Friday appealed to the bickering Indian tennis players to shed "individual egos" and instead play to bring laurels for the country in London Olympics. Indian eves leave for Jr Asia Cup
Ritu Rani-led Indian junior women's hockey team today left for Bangkok to participate in the sixth Junior Women Asia Cup to be held from June 27 to July 7. Syria's Olympic chief refused London visa
The head of Syria's National Olympic Committee, General Mowaffak Joumaa, has been refused a visa to travel to attend next month's Games in London, the BBC said on Friday. Jwala-Diju crash out of Singapore Open
Olympic-bound shuttlers Jwala Gutta and V Diju on Friday crashed out of the Singapore Open Super Series -- their last tournament before London Olympics -- after going down fighting to second seeds Hung Ling Chen and Wen Hsing Cheng of Chinese Taipei in a thrilling three-game quarterfinal match. Athletes rue lack of food standards at Olympic camp

Few days after the Sports Authority of India transferred two of its officials for serving rotten fruits to the Olympic-bound wrestling team, the campers complained that poor standards of food still persisted at the SAI centre in Sonepat.

India has best chance to win Olympics archery medal: AAI
With India set to compete in all four archery events of next month's London Olympics after the men's team made the cut, the country has the best chance to win a medal and script history, Archery Association Secretary General Paresh Nath Mukherjee said on Friday. Sprinter Gay ready to overcome pain-filled year

Tyson Gay is sleeping well these days, and that is a good sign. The pain of a year in which America's best sprinter did not make it to the track until a couple months ago because of hip surgery is slowly subsiding and Gay can turn his attention to making the US team for the London Olympics in the 100 meters.

Germany have lucky charm Merkel for Greece match

The presence of German chancellor Angela Merkel at her country's Euro 2012 quarter-final against Greece in Gdansk on Friday could upset the underdogs in more ways than one.

Indian Men's Archery team secure Olympic berth
Indian men's archery team comprising Tarundeep Rai, Jayanta Talukdar and Rahul Banerjee secured Olympic berth beating Australians in the qualifiers at Ogden, US, on Friday. NBA: Miami beat Oklahoma City to clinch title

The Miami Heat demolished the Oklahoma City Thunder 121-106 on Thursday to win the National Basketball Association championship 4-1, sweeping the last four games of the series.

Smoking helps me think, says Greece coach Santos

Greece coach Fernando Santos will devise his tactical masterplan to upset Germany in the quarter-finals of Euro 2012 in a cloud of smoke after stating on Thursday that he thinks clearer when puffing away on a cigarette.

Defence was our only option, says Czech coach

Czech Republic's Michal Bilek banked on a defensive strategy to keep Portugal at bay on Thursday but they ran out of steam and it was a matter of time before their Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired opponents capitalised.

Portugal just need to believe to reach final: Ronaldo

Portugal have an even chance of reaching the Euro 2012 final after a dominant second-half performance against the Czech Republic on Thursday eased them into the last four, forward Cristiano Ronaldo said.

June 21, 2012

Singapore Open: Jwala-Diju in last eight
The Olympics-bound Indian mixed doubles pair of Jwala Gutta and V Diju defeated the Malaysian duo of Aik Quan Tan and Pei Jing Lai in straight games to reach the quarter-finals of the Singapore Super Series on Thursday. The sixth seeded pair won 21-15, 21-15 in a little less that 30 minutes.

June 20, 2012

Kashyap suffers first round defeat at Singapore Open
Olympics-bound Parupalli Kashyap lost in the first round, as Indian shuttlers endured a mixed opening day at the Singapore Open, on Wednesday. Kashyap, who shocked top seed Chen Long of China in straight games to make the last eight of the Indonesia Super Series before losing in the semis, was beaten 12-21, 18-21 by second seed Hyun Il Lee of Korea in 37 minutes. Heat beat Thunder to move one win from NBA title
The Miami Heat beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 104-98 on Tuesday to take a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals and move within one victory of claiming the National Basketball Association title.

June 19, 2012

Pinki Pramanik's gender test inconclusive
The gender of Asian Games gold medalist Pinki Pramanik could not be established at the Barasat General Hospital, as it does not have the facility. The case may be referred to the better equipped SSKM Hospital in Kolkata.

June 18, 2012

Indian paddlers sweep SAG Junior TT Championship
Indian junior paddlers on Monday made a sweep of the team titles in all the four categories of boys and girls, in the ongoing 12th SAF Junior Table Tennis Championships held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex indoor stadium in Shillong. Bendtner banned, fined 100,000 euros for pants stunt

Denmark strikerBendtner has been banned for one match and fined 100,000 euros for revealing the logo of a betting company on his underpants while celebrating a goal at Euro 2012, UEFA said on Monday.

Manchester City kick off season at home to Southampton
English Premier League champions Manchester City will kick off their title defence at home to promoted Southampton on August 18 before facing Liverpool at Anfield the following weekend. No sex determination test on Pinki Pramanik so far
A sex determination test on Asian Games gold medalist Pinki Pramanik, who is in judicial custody accused of rape and of being a 'male', could not take place on Monday with the police insisting it take place in jail, while a government medical team was formed during the day. Simpson triumphs by one shot at US Open

American Webb Simpson clinched his first major title with a nerve-jangling one-shot victory at the 112th US Open after overhauling overnight leaders Jim Furyk and Graeme McDowell.

NBA: Heat beat Thunder to take 2-1 Finals lead
The Miami Heat held off Oklahoma City Thunder after a scintillating fourth-quarter battle to claim a 91-85 Game Three victory and seize a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven National Basketball Association Finals on Sunday. Chandhok first Indian to complete Le Mans race

Karun Chandhok celebrated an Indian first on Sunday after finishing the Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race in sixth place with his JRM team mates David Brabham and Peter Dumbreck.

June 17, 2012

Drogba promises 'interesting' move but mum on China

Outgoing Chelsea striker Didier Drogba promised an imminent announcement of his "interesting" move to a new club but would not confirm heading for the big-spending Chinese team Shanghai Shenhua.

Railways suspends Pinki Pramanik from service
Asian Games gold medallist Pinki Pramanik, who was arrested on the charge of 'raping' her live-in-partner and accused of being a 'male' has been suspended by the Eastern Railway from service. Tiger toils at Olympic, slips five off the pace

Very little went right for Tiger Woods during Saturday's third round at the US Open as he fell out of a tie for the lead to end a frustrating day at the Olympic Club five strokes off the pace.

Saina wins Indonesia Open Super Series title

Two-time champion Saina Nehwal staged a grand recovery to beat fourth seeded Xuerui Li of China in the final to win the Indonesia Open Super Series badminton tournament in Jakarta on Sunday. The World No. 5 Indian shuttler, who won the title back-to-back in 2009 and 2010, prevailed 13-21, 22-20, 21-19 in 70 minutes to claim her second title in two weeks, having won the Thailand Open Grand Prix last week.

June 16, 2012

Indonesia Open: Saina enters final
Two-time champion Saina Nehwal demolished Ji Hyun Sung of Korea in straight games to storm into the final of the Indonesia Open Super Series badminton tournament for the fourth consecutive year in Jakarta on Saturday. British co-driver killed in Sicily
British co-driver Gareth Roberts was killed in Sicily on Saturday when his car crashed during a round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) series, organisers said. Early finish to McIlroy's US Open title defence

The Northern Irish world number two became the first defending champion to miss a US Open cut since Argentina's Angel Cabrera at Torrey Pines in 2008.

Kashyap falters in semi-finals of Indonesia Open
Olympic-bound Indian shuttler P Kashyap failed to cross the semifinal hurdle of Indonesia Super Series Premier after suffering a straight-game defeat against World No. 9 Simon Santoso in the men's singles competition in Jakarta on Saturday. Armstrong's former manager denies accusations
Lance Armstrong's former team manager, Johan Bruyneel, has denied doping accusations made against him by the US Anti-Doping Agency. Patient Tiger Woods back at the top in a major

The former world number one has not won a major in four years but the omens are good this time. Of the nine previous times Woods has led a major at the halfway state, he has gone on to win eight.

June 15, 2012

Sadangi wins 10m Air Rifle gold in Germany

The Delhi girl, who currently trains at the Lakshya-backed Guns for Glory academy in Pune, shot a score of 398 in the preliminary round and then kept the momentum to grab pole position.

Italy complains to UEFA over booing of anthem
Italy wrote to UEFA on Friday expressing 'great regret' that their national anthem was booed by groups of Spanish and Croatian fans during their Euro 2012 Group C matches. 14-day jail remand for Pinki
Former Asian Games gold medallist quarter-miler Pinki Pramanik, who was arrested on rape charges after being accused of being a male, was remanded to 14 days judicial custody. AITA to send one men's doubles team to Olympics
Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna are likely to face the axe for insisting on playing as a team, as the All India Tennis Association selection committee, it seems, has decided to send just one combination for the men's doubles at the Olympics, with Leander Paes being the first choice. Olympic-bound Saina, Kashyap in Indonesian Open semis

Two-time champion Saina Nehwal recorded her third win over World No 4, Shixian Wang of China in a gruelling three-game match to make the semi-finals, while P Kashyap also continued his rampaging run to enter the last four stage of the Indonesian Super Series in Jakarta on Friday.

'London a tough terrorist target'

Any potential attacker planning to threaten the Olympic Games that begin next month will find London a "hard target" to penetrate, a former British security minister has said.

Tottenham Hotspur sack Redknapp

Harry Redknapp was seemingly on the verge of scaling the highest peak in English soccer but, just six weeks later, he has been brought down to earth with a bump after being jettisoned as manager of Tottenham Hotspur.

Euro 2012 chat: Discuss Thursday night's action

Barcelona devotee, Ronaldo fan and Rediff.com's Assistant Editor (Sports) Norma Godinho will discuss Thursday night's Italy v Croatia, Spain v Ireland Euro 2012 match at 1400 IST on Friday. With soccer fever at its peak, Godinho look back on the previous evening's matches with you, our readers on Rediff ZaraBol.

NBA: Heat hang on to beat the Thunder and tie series
LeBron James and Dwyane Wade proved they were not yet ready to pass the torch to the next generation by leading the Miami Heat to a 100-96 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Two of the NBA Finals on Thursday. Woods makes solid start to US Open

The fist pumps were back and there was even a hint of a smile as Tiger Woods looked like he was enjoying himself at a major championship for the first time in a long while.

June 14, 2012

AFI to wait for Pramanik's medical report
Athletics Federation of India has said that it won't do anything now and wait for the medical report and police investigation on the allegation by a Kolkata woman that 2006 Asian Games gold medallist Pinki Pramanik was a 'male' before taking any action. India's Olympic boxers to train in Ireland

With the Ireland weather similar to London, this is basically seen as a trip to help the young squad get acclimatized to the conditions likely to be encountered at the Olympic Games.

Is the Olympic bug finally biting India?

Despite their growing success at the Olympics in the last two editions, Indian athletes are not getting enough support from the corporate world, says Grishma Shah.

Athlete Pramanik accused of being male, held for rape
The 2006 Asian Games gold medalist Pinki Pramanik was arrested on charges of 'rape' and allegations that she was actually a 'male'. US Doping officials start action against Armstrong

Five of Armstrong's associates, three doctors and two team officials, were also told that procedures had begun against them in what could be one of the biggest doping cases in sports.

London Olympic torch relay to visit Buckingham Palace

175 torchbearers would take the flame from Camden in north London to Westminster via Downing Street and Buckingham Palace.

Indonesia Open: Kashyap shocks top seed, joins Saina in QF

Two-time champion Saina Nehwal scored a hard-fought victory, but it was Parupalli Kashyap who created a flutter by stunning top seed Chen Long of China in straight games to make the last eight in the Indonesia Super Series in Jakarta on Thursday.

US cyclist Armstrong faces new doping charges
The US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has brought formal doping charges against US cyclist Lance Armstrong and he has been immediately banned from competition in triathlons as a result, the Washington Post reported on Wednesday.

June 13, 2012

Saina reaches second round in Indonesia Open
On a high after clinching the Thailand Open title last week, Indian ace Saina Nehwal started her campaign at the Indonesia Open Super Series Premier with a thrilling three-game victory over Japan's Sayaka Sato in the women's singles competition in Jakarta. Bhanot attends IOA General Body Meeting
Former secretary-general of the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee Lalit Bhanot attended an Indian Olympic Association meeting, for the first time since being released on bail in January. Can't have coach of every athlete for Olympics: AFI
Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has said that it was not possible for all the Olympic-bound athletes to choose their coach as the available quota did not permit such a move. Snooker: Mehta, Advani enter 2nd round
While Aditya Mehta, ranked 80th in the world, outclassed Lee Spick 5-2, Pankaj Advani spanked Justin Astley 5-1. Captain Kuba saves day for Poland

A spectacular strike by captain Jakub Blaszczykowski allowed Poland to fight back to draw 1-1 against Group A favourites Russia on Tuesday in a game marred by violent clashes between rival fans outside the stadium.

June 12, 2012

Queen's grand-daughter to compete in London

Zara Phillips, grand-daughter of Queen Elizabeth, will follow in her parents' footsteps in competing as an Olympic athlete after being chosen for Britain's equestrian eventing team at the London Games.

Saina set for tougher test in Indonesia Super Series

Saina Nehwal made a rampaging start to her London Olympics build-up by winning the Thailand Open last week and the Indian ace will now look to test her game against the Chinese when she starts her campaign in the Indonesia Super Series Premier in Jakarta on Wednesday.

World Cup Qualifiers: South Korea stroll to win
Midfielder Kim Bo-kyung scored twice as South Korea strolled to a 3-0 victory over Lebanon in Goyang on Tuesday to make it two wins from two in the fourth round of World Cup qualifiers. World Cup Qualifiers: Penalty earns Australia 1-1 draw
Luke Wilkshire scored a controversial second-half penalty to help Australia earn a 1-1 draw in a dramatic World Cup qualifier against Japan on Tuesday. French federation chief plays down Nasri incident

French federation president Noel Le Graet on Tuesday played down an incident involving midfielder Samir Nasri after France drew 1-1 with England in their Euro 2012 Group D opening game.

Cuban boxing great Teofilo Stevenson dead
Cuban heavyweight boxing great Teofilo Stevenson, who won three Olympic gold medals but turned down a chance to fight Muhammad Ali for $5 million, has died of a heart attack at the age of 60, Cuban state media reported on Monday.

June 11, 2012

Paes's Olympic berth assured, Sania unsure

Tennis ace Leander Paes on Monday assured himself of a berth in the London Olympics by retaining his position in the top-10 in the latest ATP doubles rankings, but Sania Mirza's fate continued to hang in balance.

Can bolting bovine replace Germany's oracle octopus?

Could a runaway celebrity cow replace the late Paul the 'oracle' octopus as the next animal with the ability to foretell the fortunes of Germany's national soccer team?

Pato confirms that he will stay with AC Milan
AC Milan 's Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato, who is recovering from a thigh injury, has confirmed he will remain at the club next season. Indian boys win U-15 badminton title in Jakarta

Indian boys Chirag Shetty and Vaibhav Bhisne won the doubles under-15 title at the Yonex Sunrise badminton tournament in Jakarta, Indonesia, defeating the favoured host pairing of Dheva Anrimusthi and Rizky Adam 21-13, 23-21.

Social media ban imposed on gun-slinging swimmers
Australian swimmers Nick D'Arcy and Kenrick Monk will not be able to use social media during the London Games after angering the country's Olympic Committee (AOC) by posting photos of themselves with guns on their accounts last week. Polish FA hits back at Spain pitch complaints

Polish FA chief Grzegorz Lato has played down Spain's complaints about the pitch after Sunday's 1-1 draw with Italy at Euro 2012, denying the grass was too long and saying the Italians refused to let it be watered.

Uruguay beat Peru after controversial opening goal
The win lifted Copa America holders Uruguay into second place in the South American group, a point behind leaders Chile and one ahead of Argentina, while Ecuador's win in Quito saw them climb to fourth.

June 10, 2012

Sailesh qualifies second at Rockingham
Indian driver Sailesh Bolisetti has qualified second on the grid after the third round of the British GT Championship being held in Rockingham, United Kingdom. Fourteen fans held after fighting in Poznan
Fourteen soccer fans were detained in the western Polish city of Poznan on Saturday night after police broke up a fight in the main square on the eve of the Euro 2012 Group C game between Ireland and Croatia. Bolt unhurt after minor car accident: Report
Jamaica's 100 metres World record holder and Olympic champion Usain Bolt was involved in a minor car accident near his home early on Sunday but escaped without injury, the Gleaner newspaper reported. Russia urge fans to behave
The Russian soccer federation and the national team on Sunday urged their fans in Poland to behave after some supporters threw fireworks and displayed illicit banners during Russia's opening Euro 2012 match. Rudisha runs blistering 800 in New York
Yohan Blake and fellow Jamaican Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce won the 100 metre sprints, while Kenya's David Rudisha scored a sensational victory in the 800 metres at Saturday's Diamond League meet. NBA: Heat scorch Celtics to reach finals

The Miami Heat secured a berth in the National Basketball Association (NBA) finals for a second consecutive year with a series-clinching 101-88 win over the Boston Celtics on Saturday.

Stunned Pacquiao eyes Bradley revenge

Boxers usually look devastated in defeat but Manny Pacquiao smiled and turned his mind to quick, brutal revenge after being stunned by a controversial split decision loss to Timothy Bradley in their WBO welterweight showdown on Saturday.

June 09, 2012

Commonwealth Weightifting: India return with 45 medals
Indian weightlifters bagged a gold and two bronze medals, on the last day of the Commonwealth Championships, to end their campaign on a high with 45 medals, including 29 gold, at Apia, Samoa on Saturday. Tintu Luka finishes 3rd in Italy meet
Tintu Luka came up with a below par performance but that was enough for her to finish third in women's 800m race in the Primo Nebiolo Memorial Meeting at Turin, Italy. Thailand Open: Saina cruises into final

Saina Nehwal continued to gain in confidence ahead of Olympics as the top-seeded Indian entered the Thailand Open Grand Prix Gold final after outlasting local favourite Porntip Buranaprasertsuk with a straight-game win in Bangkok on Saturday.

June 08, 2012

Germany sorry for steel helmet faux pas
Germany assistant coach Hansi Flick apologised on Friday for saying his players would need steel helmets for protection when Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo takes free kicks in their Euro 2012 Group B match on Saturday. Ruthless Nadal downs Ferrer to hurtle into final

A red-hot Rafael Nadal scorched his friend David Ferrer 6-2, 6-2, 6-1 in an all-Spanish duel to reach a record seventh French Open final.

Super Saina sails into semi-finals of Thailand Open

Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal remained on course for her second title of the season as she reached the semi-finals of the Thailand Open Grand Prix Gold with a straight-games victory over Sapsiree Taerattanachai in Bangkok on Friday.

NBA: James red-hot as Heat tie series in Boston
A red-hot night from LeBron James fired the Miami Heat to a crushing 98-79 victory over the Boston Celtics on Thursday, sending the NBA Eastern Conference Final series to a decisive seventh game. Bolt overcomes Powell challenge to win 100m in Oslo

Jamaica's world record holder Usain Bolt was made to work for victory in the 100 metres at the Diamond League meeting in Oslo on Thursday.

June 07, 2012

India's gold rush continues at C'wealth lifting
Indian weightlifters continued their gold rush in the Commonwealth Championships, adding 10 more medals to their 16-medal haul on the second day of the competition in Apia, Samoa, on Thursday. After the second day, India's medal tally swelled to 31, including 21 gold. Saina in quarter-finals of Thailand Open
Saina Nehwal registered a 21-17, 21-13 victory over China's Li Han to advance to the quarter-finals of Thailand Grand Prix Gold in Bangkok on Thursday. Liu Xiang's technique makes him master of hurdling

Like a fine craftsman, China's Liu Xiang has become the world's master hurdler because of his skill, not natural speed, former world record holder Renaldo Nehemiah says.

NBA: Thunder strike down Spurs, advance to finals

The Oklahoma City Thunder booked their place in the National Basketball Association finals on the back of a furious second-half comeback led by Kevin Durant to take a series-clinching 107-99 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.

Underdog Bradley gets shot at fame with Pacquiao bout
American Timothy Bradley has laboured outside of the boxing spotlight for much of his career, but on Saturday he has a shot at fame and fortune when he steps in the ring to battle Filipino southpaw Manny Pacquiao. Chat with Olympic boxer MC Mary Kom

Boxing ace MC Mary Kom will lead India's medal hopes at the 2012 Olympics in London.

Chat with Olympic shooter Vijay Kumar

The 26-year-old is the country's leading pistol shooter, having won medals at every major event he's participated in, and a medal contender at the London Olympics.

June 06, 2012

Saina survives first round scare at Thailand Open
Top seed Saina Nehwal survived a scare from little-known local player Nichaon Jindapon before prevailing in three games, in the opening round of the Thailand Open Grand Prix Gold in Bangkok on Wednesday. The world No 5 Indian won 21-13, 16-21, 21-15 in 59 minutes, at the Cu Sport Complex. India wins 11 gold on Day 1 of C'wealth Weightlifting
India made an impressive start at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships, bagging 15 medals, including 11 gold, on the opening day at Apia, Samoa, on Wednesday. Top Indian paddlers to play in Sweden, Brazil
Olympic-bound paddlers, Soumyajit Ghosh and Ankita Das, will spearhead Indian challenge in men's and women's competitions respectively at the Swedish Open to be held at Helsingborg between June 7 and 12 and the Brazil Open at Santos from June 13 to 17. Tottenham's Kranjcar to join Dynamo Kiev
Niko Kranjcar is set to leave Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur and join Ukrainian giants Dynamo Kiev after Euro 2012, the Croatia midfielder has said. UAE mindful of Ramadan challenges
United Arab Emirates' soccer playmaker Omar Abdulrahman is unfazed about facing Britain at the Olympics -- but the All Whites' task of upsetting the hosts will be made harder by the tournament coinciding with Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting. NBA: Celtics cool off Heat to move one win from finals

The Boston Celtics drew on their famous grit and determination to move within one victory of the NBA Finals on Tuesday with an upset 94-90 road win over the Miami Heat to take a 3-2 series lead.

Cueist Mehta starts season with a win in Wuxi Classic
Indian cueist Aditya Mehta registered his first win of the season, notching up a 5-3 victory over Sam Baird of England in the opening round of the Wuxi Classic Qualifiers that kicked off at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield. Ames and Durant qualify for US Open
Canadian Stephen Ames and American Joe Durant were among nine players who booked their places at next week's US Open in a weather-delayed sectional qualifier in Memphis, Tennessee, on Tuesday.

June 05, 2012

Manchester United agree terms for Dortmund's Kagawa

Manchester United have agreed terms with Borussia Dortmund for the transfer of midfielder Shinji Kagawa, the English Premier League club said on Tuesday, with the Japan international needing to pass a medical and obtain a work permit to complete the deal.

Tyson Gay in New York return

United States sprinter Tyson Gay will put aside the pain of a nagging hip injury and run his first race in nearly a year at this weekend's Adidas Grand Prix in New York as he scrambles to be fit for Olympic trials, he said.

Ryder Cup captain Davis Love III qualifies for US Open
US Ryder Cup captain Davis Love III will tee off at his 23rd US Open at Olympic Club this month after making the grade at a qualifier in Columbus on Monday. NBA: Thunder roll over Spurs to be on brink of series win
The Oklahoma City Thunder moved one win away from the NBA championship finals after a 108-103 road victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Monday gave them a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.

June 04, 2012

Bhupathi-Mirza in semis of French Open
Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupathi inched towards their second Grand Slam title together as they progressed to the mixed doubles semi-finals of the French Open after shocking second seeds Kveta Peschke and Mike Bryan. Poonia gets silver in Portland discus event
Olympic-bound Indian discus thrower Krishna Poonia marginally improved her performance with an effort of 62.34m but that was enough to win her a silver medal at the Post Pre Elite Womens' event at Portland, USA. Kuyt set to leave Liverpool for Fenerbahce
Dutch international Dirk Kuyt has agreed a move from Liverpool to Turkish side Fenerbahce, the English Premier League club said on Sunday. Celta back in La Liga after five-year absence
Celta Vigo were promoted back to Spain's top flight after five years in the second division after a 0-0 draw at home to Cordoba on Sunday secured them second place behind division winners and Galician neighbours Deportivo Coruna. Nigeria, S Africa leave it late in World Cup games
Nigeria and South Africa both left it late on Sunday to salvage points at the start of their bids to qualify for the World Cup on a day that emphasised the increasing vagaries of the qualifying competition on the African continent. Mexico end Brazil's 10-match unbeaten run with 2-0 win
First half goals by Giovani dos Santos and Javier Hernandez gave Mexico a 2-0 win over Brazil in a friendly in Dallas on Sunday. Iniesta inspires Spain to 1-0 win against China

Andres Iniesta showed why he could be the key to Spain's chances at Euro 2012 when he came off the bench to inspire the world and European champions to a 1-0 win at home to China in their final warm-up game on Sunday.

England without Cahill for Euros
Gary Cahill was ruled out of Euro 2012 on Sunday after a scan showed he had broken his jaw in two places in the final warm-up match against Belgium.

June 02, 2012

WADA propose Olympic ban in revised draft code
The World Anti-Doping Agency WADA has issued a revised draft code inserting a proposed Olympic ban for serious doping offenders from January 2015. Junior wrestlers allege sexual harassment
The Sports Authority of India has suspended a wrestling coach after four girls, training under him, levelled sexual harassment charges against him. Poonia fourth at Diamond League Meet
Olympic-bound Indian discus thrower Krishna Poonia came up with a below-par effort of 62.11m to miss out on a medal and settle for the fourth spot in the Perfontaine Classic Diamond League Meet at Eugene in Oregon, United States. Boxer Mayweather enters jail for domestic violence term

Boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. was booked into a Las Vegas jail on Friday to serve a 90-day sentence for domestic violence against an ex-girlfriend, a term that was previously postponed so the welterweight fighter could compete in a bout.

June 01, 2012

Bolt sets year's fastest time for 100m in Rome

Olympic champion Usain Bolt clocked a season's best of 9.76 seconds to win the 100 metres at the Rome Golden Gala Diamond League meeting on Thursday.

May 31, 2012

Draft National Youth Policy 2012 unveiled
The exposure draft of the National Youth Policy, 2012, was unveiled by Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Ajay Maken on Thuursday. The Draft NYP 2012, said Maken, is a first of its kind as it recognises youth not as a homogenous group, but has numerous differentials based on habitat, environment, socio-economic status of their families and their own life styles. Sports Ministry asks CIC to bring BCCI under RTI
The Sports Ministry is pinning its hope on the Central Information Commission to bring the Board of Control for Crickt in India under the purview of the Right To Information Act. Sports Minister Ajay Maken said he has appealed to the CIC to bring the BCCI under RTI for varied reasons. GM signs on as Manchester United's auto sponsor
The world's largest automaker is jilting America's Super Bowl for the global variety of football. OAI advices Shah Rukh to disassociate from IPL
The Olympians Association of India (OAI) has advised bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan to disassociate himself from the IPL and rather promote a sport that brings glory to the nation. Rodgers offered Liverpool manager's job: Swansea

Liverpool are poised to entrust Brendan Rodgers with moulding the former European champions into Premier League title challengers after Swansea City said their highly-regarded coach had been offered the job as Kenny Dalglish's successor.

PHF fines rebel players for WSH participation
Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has imposed a hefty fine of Rs 10 lakh each on senior hockey players Rehan Butt and Shakeel Abbasi for playing in the unsanctioned World Series Hockey in India. Brazil outclass United States 4-1 in friendly

United States coach Juergen Klinsmann said America's players needed to toughen up and get "nastier" if they wanted to compete against the world's best.

Hero's welcome for Drogba as African qualifiers begin

Didier Drogba can expect a hero's welcome when he returns to the continent for the start of the group phase of Africa's World Cup preliminaries at the weekend, a fortnight after his Champions League triumph.

NBA: Heat edge Celtics in overtime as Rondo sizzles for Boston
The Miami Heat withstood a virtuoso performance from Rajon Rondo, who tallied a career-high 44 points with 10 assists and eight rebounds, to eke out a 115-111 overtime victory over the Boston Celtics and claim a 2-0 Eastern Conference finals lead.

May 30, 2012

Ranieri joins Monaco on two-year deal

Former Chelsea, Juventus and Inter Milan manager Claudio Ranieri has been appointed as Monaco coach as the club from the wealthy principality look to regain their top flight status, the Ligue 2 side said on Wednesday.

Tourists will flock to London for Olympics

London will be packed during the summer Olympics as the number of overseas visitors rises and Britons postpone holiday plans to stay home for the games, a study said on Wednesday.

May 29, 2012

Troubled boxing champion Tapia dies at age 45

Five-time world boxing champion Johnny Tapia was found dead in his Albuquerque, New Mexico, home at the age of 45.

May 28, 2012

Euro: Jagielka to replace injured Barry in England's squad
Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry was ruled out of the European Championship on Monday with England manager Roy Hodgson calling up Everton's Phil Jagielka as his replacement. Santosh Trophy: Services beat TN to bag title
Services squashed a late surge from Tamil Nadu to lift the 66th Santosh Trophy at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Monday. Euro: Ukraine to use rockets to disperse rain clouds
Ukraine is planning to fire rockets to break up rain clouds if bad weather threatens to upset soccer matches during next month's Euro 2012 tournament, a government official said on Monday. Euro: Torres determined to repay del Bosque's faith

Fernando Torres is determined to repay the faith shown in him by Spain coach Vicente del Bosque after a spectacular loss of form put him in serious danger of being left out of the world and European champions' squad for Euro 2012.

Chelsea to miss out on Battersea stadium

Champions League winner Chelsea Football Club will almost certainly fail in its bid to move its stadium to London landmark Battersea Power Station, a source close to the sale process said.

Teams prepare for Euros Julie Andrews-style

The Austrian Alps have long been a magnet for hikers, adventure sports fanatics and 'Sound of Music' nostalgists.

Brazilian C'ship: Corinthians lose, Ronaldinho jeered
Holders Corinthians slumped to their second consecutive 1-0 defeat in the Brazilian championship, where the highlight of the weekend's matches was a spectacular bicycle kick by Vasco da Gama's Alecsandro. NBA: Spurs school young Thunder in fourth to take 1-0 lead
The San Antonio Spurs gave Oklahoma City a lesson in championship poise with a 101-98 victory on Sunday that stretched their remarkable win streak to 19 games and gave them the early advantage in the Western Conference Finals. Gebrselassie fails in Olympic 10,000 bid

Former 10,000 metres world record holder Haile Gebrselassie failed to qualify for the London Olympics after finishing seventh at the Fanny Blankers-Koen Games in Hengelo, Netherlands on Sunday.

May 27, 2012

Euro 2012: No place for Soldado in Spain's squad
Striker Roberto Soldado was left out of Spain's squad for Euro 2012 on Sunday, despite scoring a hat-trick in a friendly in March. NBA: Celtics beat Philadelphia to reach Eastern Conference final
The Boston Celtics held off the Philadelphia 76ers 85-75 in their decisive Game Seven on Saturday to advance to the NBA'S Eastern Conference finals against the Miami Heat. Spain's Fabregas ruled out up to 10 days
Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas is set to miss a big chunk of Spain's preparations for Euro 2012 after being ruled out for seven to 10 days with a hamstring strain, the Spanish club said on Saturday.

May 26, 2012

Indian GP: Yogeshwar opts out, Sushil non-committal
The inaugural Hari Ram Indian Grand Prix wrestling tournament suffered another setback on Saturday with Olympic-bound grappler Yogeshwar Dutt (60kg) pulling out of the event due to a back injury.

May 25, 2012

Lathika, Udayan score upset wins to make finals

Unseeded players, Lathika Prem Kumar of Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan's Udayan Bhakar, caused the biggest upsets in the girls' under-12 and boys' under-16 singles respectively, in the semi-finals of the Cricket Club of India (CCI) 6th Ramesh Desai Memorial All India Ranking National Tennis Championship 2012, played , at the (CCI) courts, Mumbai on Friday.

Hidayat in a huff before London Games

Athens Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat has criticised badminton's ruling body in the run-up to this year's London Games after Indonesia crashed out of the Thomas Cup.

Blatter calls for alternative to penalty shoot-out
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has called on Germany's World Cup winner Franz Beckenbauer and his panel of soccer experts to try to come up with an alternative to penalty shootouts to settle drawn matches. Preparatory events for Olympic bound paddlers, judokas approved
The Multi Disciplinary Steering Committee of the sports ministry has approved the preparatory tournaments for London-bound paddlers and judokas ahead of the upcoming Olympic Games. NBA: Wade takes charge as Heat reach East final
Dwyane Wade turned on the style as the Miami Heat clinched a place in the NBA Eastern Conference finals with a 105-93 win over the Indiana Pacers in Game Six on Thursday.

May 24, 2012

Qualifer Paramveer shocks fourth seed Gagan

Qualifier Paramveer Bajwa from Chandigarh sent Rajasthan's fourth seed Gagan Sharma crashing out in the boys' singles quarter-finals round of the Cricket Club of India (CCI) 6th Ramesh Desai Memorial National Tennis Championship 2012, at the (CCI) courts, Mumbai on Thursday.

Amit pulls out, Sushil unlikely for Indian GP Wrestling
Olympic-bound grappler Amit Kumar has been forced to pull out of the Hari Ram Indian GP Wrestling after being diagnosed with chicken pox while Beijing Games bronze medallist Sushil Kumar still remains a doubtful starter for the inaugural edition of the event, commencing on Friday. Many Brazil WCup projects still to take flight

With little more than two years until the kickoff of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, nearly 41 percent of the infrastructure projects planned by the government haven't left the drawing board, according to an official report released on Wednesday.

NYPD chief applauds London Games security
New York's police chief said on Wednesday he was impressed with security planning for this summer's London Olympics, rejecting suggestions that US officials were concerned about arrangements for the games which start next month. Doha, Baku out of running for 2020 Games

The chase to host the 2020 Summer Games was reduced to a three horse race between Istanbul, Madrid and Tokyo after Doha and the Azerbaijan capital Baku were dropped from the running by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Wednesday.

May 23, 2012

Ukraine official sacked for selling Olympic tickets
The Ukraine National Olympic Committee launched an investigation on Tuesday and suspended a top official accused of offering to sell thousands of dollars worth of tickets for the London Olympics on the black market.

May 22, 2012

Bolt wants to complete 100m in 9.7s at Ostrava

Olympic champion Usain Bolt hopes to clock 9.7 seconds in the 100 metres at the Golden Spike meeting in the Czech Republic on Friday as he continues his preparations for the London Games.

Govt yet to give approval for U-17 football WC bid
The All India Football Federation will have to wait a little longer to make an official presentation to the FIFA to host the 2017 U017 World Cup as the government is yet to give its final approval to the bid. AIFF to appoint Koevermans as new football coach
Former Dutch international Wim Koevermans is all set to take over as the chief coach of the Indian football team for a two-year term, ending a more than a year's search for a full-fledged occupant for the top job. Drogba to visit India for Pepsi T20 Football

Ivory Coast and Chelsea striker Didier Drogba will visit India next month for the grand finale of Pepsi T20 Football event.

May 20, 2012

Thunder silence Lakers to take 3-1 series lead
A late three-pointer by Kevin Durant capped a dramatic fightback by the Oklahoma City Thunder as they pushed the Los Angeles Lakers to the brink of playoff elimination with a 103-100 win in Game Four on Saturday.

May 19, 2012

Sudha breaks national record but misses Olympic mark

2010 Asian Games gold medallist Sudha Singh bettered her national record in 3000m steeplechase en route to her 11th place finish at the Samsung Diamond League in Shanghai.

Flame for London Games arrives in Britain
The flame for the London Olympics burned brightly on British soil on Friday after David Beckham stepped off a special flight from the Games birthplace of Greece to light a cauldron with a golden torch.

May 18, 2012

I'll surely come back with an Olympics medal: Mary Kom

Following her qualification for the Olympics, India's ace boxer MC Mary Kom tells Rediff.com's Laxmi Negi she is confident of clinching a medal at the London Games.

Kavita misses Olympic berth but wins World C'ships medal
Kavita Chahal (+81kg) emerged the lone Indian woman boxer to clinch a medal at the World Championships after settling for a bronze in the semi-finals against Kazakhstan's Yuldus Mamatkulova in Qinhuangdao, China, on Friday. The Indian went down 9-15 and bowed out of the event, but was the only one from the 10-member team to fetch a medal. Mary Kom qualifies for London Games

India's ace woman boxer M C Mary Kom's qualified for the London Olympics after World No. 2 Nicola Adams got the better of Russia's AIBA World champion Yelena Savelyeva 11-6 in the semi-finals of the World Championships in Qinhuangdao, China, on Friday.

Manchester City to make more top signings: Mancini

Newly-crowned Premier League champions Manchester City will strengthen their squad in the close season as the club target European glory next year, manager Roberto Mancini said on Thursday.

MotoGP: Stoner to retire at end of season

Twice MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner said on Thursday he had lost his love for the sport and would retire at the end of the 2012 season.

AC Milan sign midfielders Montolivo, Traore
AC Milan have strengthened their midfield with the signing of Italy's Riccardo Montolivo and Mali's Bakaye Traore who were both free agents, the Serie A runners-up said on Thursday.

May 17, 2012

No pressure to select Beckham: Coe

David Beckham will have to earn his place in Britain's Olympic soccer squad on skill and merit like any other player and can expect no special favours, London 2012 organisers said on Thursday.

Maradona could be next coach of UAE

Diego Maradona could return to international soccer as the Argentine is being considered for the vacant United Arab Emirates head coaching job.

Barca's Alves out for up to eight weeks
Barcelona defender Dani Alves will be out of action for up to two months after having surgery on a fractured right collarbone sustained during training on Wednesday. Livepool sack Dalglish as manager

Kenny Dalglish's second stint in charge of Liverpool was ended by the club's American owners on Wednesday as the Anfield great paid the price for his side's worst Premier League finish for almost 20 years.

May 16, 2012

Mary Kom loses, Olympic berth hangs in balance

India's ace woman boxer M C Mary Kom's Olympic ticket will be decided by fate now after she lost in the quarter-finals to world No 2 Nicola Adams in the World Championships in Qinhuangdao, China, on Wednesday.

Beckham to bring Olympic flame to Britain

David Beckham will help bring the Olympic flame to Britain on Friday after he takes part in a formal handover ceremony in Athens, London 2012 organisers said.

Blackout curtains will let London athletes sleep in
If the sun shines on the London Olympics athletes will not have to worry about being woken up early by its rays thanks to blackout curtains installed in every apartment in the Games village. Australian women's boxer Elmir banned for doping
Australian boxer Bianca Elmir's hopes of competing at the London Olympics are in jeopardy after she was slapped with a provisional ban for failing a doping test at national championships in February. Obama teases Beckham over his underwear ads

US President Barack Obama poked fun at one of sport's biggest stars at the White House on Tuesday, remarking that British soccer player David Beckham had a knack for combining athletic prowess with commercial appeal.

Ferdinand to be left out of England squad

Defender Rio Ferdinand will be omitted from England's Euro 2012 squad which is due to be announced by new national team manager Roy Hodgson said, according to British media.

May 15, 2012

Mary Kom closer to Olympics berth after another win

Ace Indian woman boxer M C Mary Kom (51kg) continued to make strides towards booking an Olympic berth by entering the World Championships' quarter-finals even as L Sarita Devi's fate hangs in balance after she lost a close last-16 bout in Qinhuangdao, China, on Tuesday.

Four positive dope tests at Senior National athletics
The doping menace in Indian athletics continues. Four athletes were caught using banned substances during the Federation Cup Senior National Championships in Patiala last month. The 'A' samples of the four were found to have contained stanozolol, methandienone anabolic steroid and methylhexaneamine stimulant.

May 14, 2012

Phelps hopes he has not left training push too late

Michael Phelps said he hoped he had not left his push for the London Olympics too late as he tries to improve his times and form with the US Olympic trials coming next month.

India win four gold in Asian GP athletics
National record holder Renjith Maheswary won the men's triple jump as India bagged 12 medals, including four gold, in the third and final leg of the Asian Grand Prix Athletics in Chonburi, Thailand, on Monday. Maheswary's effort of 16.46 metres was, however, below his second leg gold medal-winning effort of 16.61 metres, at Kanchanapuri. Swapnali sixth in Asian Cup sub-juniors' triathlon
Mumbai girl Swapnali Yadav braved stiff competition to finish sixth in the sub-juniors' (13-15) age-group at the Asian Cup International Triathlon, held in Subic Bay, the Philippines, on May 6. Australian triathlete hospitalised with chest pains

Australian Olympic-bound triathlete Brad Kahlefeldt has been isolated in a San Diego hospital with symptoms that could be tuberculosis, his national federation said on Monday.

Olympic Triple jump champion Olsson retires
Swedish Olympic triple jump champion Christian Olsson said on Monday he was retiring after injury put an end to his plans for a comeback at the London Games later this year. Serie A: Del Piero on target as Juve finish unbeaten

Alessandro Del Piero, almost certainly playing his last home game for Juventus at the age of 37, celebrated with a goal as the Serie A champions beat Atalanta 3-1 on Sunday to finish their campaign unbeaten.

May 13, 2012

Om Prakash shatters shot put national record
Om Prakash Karhana on Sunday shattered Shakti Singh's 12-year-old national record in shot put on his way to achieving London Olympics qualification 'A' standard in a meet at Szombathely, Hungary. Madrid Open: Serena humbles Azarenka to win title

A fired-up Serena Williams sent out a warning to the young pretenders of women's tennis when she powered to a crushing 6-1, 6-3 victory over World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka to win the Madrid Open on Sunday.

Vidic on course for United return in August: Ferguson
Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic should be fit to make his long-awaited return from injury in time for the new season in August, manager Alex Ferguson said on Sunday. La Liga: Keita grabs late equaliser for 10-man Barca at Betis

Seydou Keita scored a stoppage-time equaliser as 10-man Barcelona drew 2-2 at Real Betis to wrap up Pep Guardiola's last La Liga campaign as coach of the club on Saturday.

NBA: Lebron James named MVP winner

Miami Heat forward LeBron James was named on Saturday as the National Basketball Association's Most Valuable Player for the 2011-12 season.

NBA: Lakers oust Nuggets, Celtics hold off 76ers

The Los Angeles Lakers finally put away the Denver Nuggets while the Boston Celtics got their series with the Philadelphia 76ers off to a nervous but successful start on Saturday.

Boxing World C'ships: Mary Kom makes winning start

Star Indian woman boxer M C Mary Kom made a resounding start to her title defence and the quest for an Olympic berth by advancing to the pre-quarterfinals of the seventh World Women's Championships in Qinhuangdao, China on Sunday.

May 12, 2012

Sharath, Amalraj fail to make it to London Olympics

Star Indian paddler Achanta Sharath Kamal and national champion Anthony Amalraj failed to book a berth for the upcoming London Games after crashing out of the World Olympic Qualification Table Tennis Tournament in Doha, Qatar.

Boxing WC: Sarita wins, inches closer to Oly berth

Asian champion L Sarita Devi (60kg) on Saturday took her first step towards the London Games qualification after she posted an easy win over Azerbaijan's Ayzanat Hajiyeva in the opening round of the Women's World Championships-cum-Olympic Qualifiers in Qinhuangdao, China.

May 11, 2012

Gowda finishes 6th in Diamond League
National record holder Vikas Gowda finished a creditable sixth in men's discus throw in the first leg of the Samsung Diamond League series in Doha on Friday. Inzaghi, Gattuso quit AC Milan
Filippo Inzaghi and Gennaro Gattuso both announced their departures from AC Milan on Friday, following in the footsteps of Alessandro Nesta, who revealed that he was leaving the Serie A club on Thursday. Indian paddlers confident of Olympic qualification
With three of the four Indian paddlers already through to the next stage of the final World Olympic Qualification Tournament in Doha, national coach Bhawini Muhherji says his wards are "motivated enough" to make it to the Olympics. Luis Enrique quits as Roma coach
Luis Enrique has quit as manager of AS Roma, putting an end to a troubled reign in charge of the Serie A side, the club's general director confirmed on Friday. Not possible to trust IOA: Maken
Sticking to the decision of deferring the South Asian Games to the second half of 2014, Sports Minister Ajay Maken on Friday said that the IOA could be handed over the responsibility of organising the SAG only if it removes its tainted chief Suresh Kalmadi. Boxing World C'Ship: Mary Kom seeded 7th

India's five-time World Champion M C Mary Kom got the seventh seeding and a first-round bye in the draw for the World Women's Boxing Championships in Qinhuangdao, China -- the first and only qualifying event for the sport ahead of its historic Olympic debut in London.

May 10, 2012

Amalraj, Kamal score in Olympic TT qualifier
While national champion Anthony Amalraj defeated world number 49 Emmanuel Lebesson of France, Sharath Kamal got the better of Slovakian Jan Zibrat 4-2, in Doha on Thursday. No nostalgia for Rogge in Olympia last stand

There will be no trips down memory lane, nor pangs of nostalgia for Jacques Rogge after his last Games torch-lighting ceremony in ancient Olympia on Thursday, the International Olympic Committee president said.

London Olympics torch lit in Ancient Olympia

The London 2012 Olympics torch was lit by the sun's rays in ancient Olympia on Thursday, kicking off a relay that will culminate with the lighting of the Olympic stadium's cauldron during the Games opening ceremony on July 27.

Blake fails to break season's 100m record set by Bolt

Jamaican world champion Yohan Blake missed the fastest 100 metres of the year by the blink of an eye on Wednesday, his 9.84 seconds a mere 0.02 behind world record holder and training partner Usain Bolt's mark.

May 09, 2012

Judoka Garima qualifies for Olympics on Asian quota
Garima Choudhary clinched a continental quota place and emerged the only Indian judoka to qualify for the upcoming London Olympics. She made the cut in the 63kg category on the basis of the latest rankings released by the International Judo Federation (IJF).

May 08, 2012

Ronnie O'Sullivan wins fourth World snooker title
Ronnie O'Sullivan beat fellow-Briton Ali Carter 18-11 to win the World snooker championship for the fourth time on Monday. Olympic medal will set me free, says Mary Kom

India's five-time world champion M C Mary Kom said a podium finish in London would give her the freedom to leave the ring on a high.

May 07, 2012

NBA: Lakers go 3-1 up on Nuggets, 76ers, Knicks win
Ramon Sessions and Steve Blake landed clutch three-pointers in the final minute to give the Los Angeles Lakers a nail-biting 92-88 road victory over the Denver Nuggets and a 3-1 lead in their first-round playoff series. Poonia sets national record, wins silver in Hawaii

Commonwealth Games gold medallist and Olympics-bound woman discus thrower Krishna Poonia created a new national record en route to her silver medal winning performance at the Altius Track Crew Throwdown meet in Maui Island, Hawaii on Monday.

Rickie Fowler wins first PGA title in playoff

Rickie Fowler delivered on his vast potential by claiming his first PGA Tour win at the Wells Fargo championship with a birdie on the first hole of a playoff against Briton Rory McIlroy and fellow American DA Points at Quail Hollow on Sunday.

Security breach embarrasses London Games organisers

A newspaper embarrassed the organisers of the 2012 Olympic Games on Sunday by disclosing it had smuggled a fake bomb past two security checkpoints into the London complex housing the sporting festival's main stadiums.

May 06, 2012

Archers win silver in World Cup
The Indian men's recurve team of Jayanta Talukdar, Tarundeep Rai and Rahul Banerjee settled for a silver after going down to their opponents from Great Britain in the Archery World Cup Stage II in Antalya. Deven�dro wins silve�r at Presi�dent'�s Cup

Olympics-bound Indian boxer L Devendro Singh continued his fine form at the International Republic of Kazakhstan President's Cup by entering the finals with a thrilling win in the last-four stage in Almaty.

Indian women lift Asian Squash title
Indian women squash team on Sunday created history by winning its maiden Asian title by defeating top seed Hong Kong 2-0 in the final in Kuwait. Bolt clocks year's fastest 100 metres
After two false starts, the Jamaican world record holder clocked a dazzling 9.82 seconds in his first individual race of the year, exploding from the blocks to take control at 40 metres.

May 05, 2012

Deepika Kumari wins first World Cup title
India's Olympic prospect Deepika Kumari won her first World Cup individual recurve gold medal on Saturday at Antalya, Turkey. NBA: Celtics edge the Hawks, Nuggets tame Lakers
The Boston Celtics, lifted by the return of guard Rajon Rondo from suspension, scraped past the Atlanta Hawks 90-84 in overtime on Friday to take a 2-1 lead in their Eastern Conference quarter-final series. Poonia records season best to claim silver at US event

Indian discus thrower Krishna Poonia came up with her season's best effort of 63.67 meters to notch up a silver medal at the Altius Track Crew Throwdown Meet in Maui Island, US.

May 04, 2012

Deepika, men's recurve team in World Cup final
On a good day for India, promising archer Deepika Kumari and the men's recurve team sailed into the finals of the Archery World Cup Stage 2 at Antalya in Turkey, on Friday. India teams in semi-finals of Asian squash
India's men's and women's teams put up a dominant show to sail into the semi-finals of the Asian Team Squash Championships in Kuwait. While the women's team registered a 2-0 victory over higher-ranked Malaysia to top the pool, the men's team blanked Japan 3-0. Vikas loses, Kanwar assured of bronze in Kazakhstan

Olympics-bound boxer Vikas Krishan made a surprise exit from the third International Republic of Kazakhstan President's Cup, losing to local player Kojabekov Bakhitjan in the quarter-finals of the welterweight division in Almaty on Friday.

Archery WC: Deepika Kumari enters individual final
Promising Indian archer Deepika Kumari has made the final of the women's recurve individual event of the World Cup Stage 2 at Antalya. She will face Korea's Lee Sung Jin in the summit clash on Saturday.

May 03, 2012

Devendro, Manpreet in semis; Thapa, Manoj lose

India experienced mixed fortunes on the second day of the third International 'Republic of Kazakhstan President's Cup' in Almaty, on Thursday. Asian Games silver medallist Manpreet Singh (91kg) and L Devendro Singh (49kg) advanced to the semi-finals of the tournament with resounding victories, but Youth Olympics silver medallist Shiva Thapa (56kg) and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Manoj Kumar (64kg) suffered defeats in the quarter-finals.

Lifters Ravi Kumar, Soniya Chanu for Olympics
Commonwealth Games gold medallist Katulu Ravi Kumar and N Soniya Chanu will represent India in the weightlifting competition at the London Olympics. Wrestler Geetika off to Finland for Olympic qualifier

Besides emerging victorious in the selection trials against Alka Tomar, Geetika Jakhar also won a court battle against the Wrestling Federation of India to obtain her right to compete in the Olympic qualifier.

Jwala, Diju among 5 Indians for Olympics badminton

Parupalli Kashyap's participation in the men's singles and Jwala Gutta's entry in the women's and mixed doubles at the London Olympics badminton event were confirmed after the world rankings were issued on Thursday.

Asian Team squash: Indian men in last eight
The Indian men's team, led by National champion Saurav Ghosal, put up a dominating show to sail into the quarter-finals of the 16th Asian Team Squash Championships in Kuwait. It blanked Jordan 3-0 in the pre-quarter-finals, at the Salem Al-Sabah International squash complex on Wednesday night, to top Pool 'A'. NBA: Grizzlies keep Clippers at bay
Memphis suffered no ill effects of their stunning Game One capitulation to complete a measured 105-98 triumph over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday to tie up their first-round Western Conference series at 1-1. Visa woes for wrestler Geetika before Oly qualifier

Despite winning the case in the Delhi High Court against the Wrestling Federation of India, Geetika Jakhar's Olympic dream is still hanging by a thread as she is yet to get her visa for Helsinki, Finland, where the last qualifying event for London Games is starting on Thursday.

Norwegian swim champ Dale Oen's autopsy inconclusive

An autopsy of world champion Norwegian swimmer Alexander Dale Oen, who collapsed and died in Arizona this week at the age of 26, has found no conclusive cause of death, a newspaper in the state reported late on Wednesday.

May 02, 2012

Shiva, Vikas off to winning starts in Kazakh boxing

Olympic-bound Indian boxers Shiva Thapa and Vikas Krishan started their build-up for the mega-event on a winning note. Both entered the second round of the third International Republic of Kazakhstan President's Cup in Almaty.

Seven-times World snooker champion Hendry retires
Seven-times World snooker champion Stephen Hendry announced his retirement on Tuesday after bowing out of the World Championships in the quarter-finals. Hendry, thrashed 13-2 by fellow-Scot Stephen Maguire, had shown flashes of his best form during the tournament, thrashing reigning champion John Higgins in the last 16, but was a shadow of his former self as he slipped out in emphatic fashion.

May 01, 2012

NBA: Thunder roll to 2-0 lead over Mavericks
Oklahoma City Thunder dealt Dallas another heartbreaking loss in the NBA playoffs on Monday to take a 2-0 lead over last season's champions in a series that is threatening to boil over. Norwegian world champion Dale Oen dead at 26

Norwegian swimming world champion Alexander Dale Oen has died of a cardiac arrest at the age of 26.

Indian shooters annoyed over London hotel mix-up
India's Olympic shooters are annoyed about being forced to leave their London hotel a day early after a booking mix-up at the shooting World Cup, a test event for the Olympic Games. CAS overturns British life ban for drug offenders
Sprinter Dwain Chambers and cyclist David Millar were cleared to compete in this year's London Olympics after the British Olympic Association's (BOA) lifetime Games ban on drug offenders was overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Monday.

April 30, 2012

NRAI blames private agency for London hotel drama
The NRAI will send a protest letter to various sports bodies after Indian shooters, competing in the ISSF Shooting World Cup in London, were forced to spend a night at the hotel lobby due to the organising committee's irresponsible behaviour. Missiles put on London rooftop to guard Olympics

Britain's military has told residents of an upscale apartment development near the Olympic Park in east London it is installing a missile battery on top of a tower within their housing complex to defend the 2012 Games this summer.

Missiles put on London rooftop to guard Olympics

Swapnali to participate in Asian triathlon
Young long distance swimmer Swapnali Yadav will take part in the Asian Cup International Triathlon to be held at Subic Bay, Philippines on May 5 and 6. The 13-year-old Mumbai school girl has been selected to participate in the sub-juniors event featuring 300m swimming, 10km cycling and 3km running by the Indian Triathlon Federation. Dwain Chambers lifetime ban lifted

Sprinter Dwain Chambers and cyclist David Miller will be cleared to compete in this year's London Olympics when the Court of Arbitration (CAS) over-rules a British Olympic life ban on drug offenders, a source with knowledge of the ruling told Reuters on Sunday.

Two quota places for Indian lifters at Olympics
Indian weightlifters earned two quota places for the London Olympics -- one each in the men's and women's sections from the Senior Asian Championships, which concluded at Pyeongtaek, South Korea, on Monday. Porto clinch league title as Benfica draw
Porto clinched their 26th Portuguese Premier League title after fierce rivals Benfica slipped to a 2-2 draw at Rio Ave on Sunday, extending their decade-long domination of Portuguese football. NBA: Streaking Spurs, Lakers romp in playoff openers

Kobe Bryant had a game-high 31 points for the Los Angeles Lakers while the San Antonio Spurs relied on a potent offense as each team earned playoff-opening wins in their respective Western Conference quarter-final series.

Roy Hodgson is top contender for England manager

Roy Hodgson became the leading contender to take charge of England at Euro 2012 when the English FA said they had spoken to the West Bromwich Albion manager about succeeding Fabio Capello.

La Liga: Barcelona rout Rayo to keep Real waiting

Barcelona kept Real Madrid's La Liga title celebrations on hold for a few days at least with a crushing 7-0 victory at Rayo Vallecano on Sunday after Real had cruised to a 3-0 home win over Sevilla.

Serie A: Juve stay top, AC Milan keep in touch

Antonio Cassano's goal in his first start for six months helped AC Milan to a 4-1 win at Siena on Sunday and kept his team within three points of Serie A leaders Juventus who thumped lowly Novara 4-0.

April 29, 2012

Podium finish for Mahindra's Kumar at Italian race

Mahindra Racing's young rider Indian Sarath Kumar created history after finishing third and getting his first ever podium finish at the CIV-Italian Championship in Monza on Sunday.

Shon Wan Ho, Li Xuerui clinch India Open titles
Olympic-bound shuttler Shon Wan Ho of Korea showcased a stunning display of true grit to shock defending champion Lee Chong Wei in the summit clash and clinch his maiden Super Series title, at the India Open badminton tournament in New Delhi on Sunday. Three Indian rowers book London Olympics berths
Indian rowers Swarn Singh Virk along with Manjeet Singh and Sandeep Kumar booked their berths in the upcoming London Olympics after winning their individual events in the Asian Olympic Qualifiers at Chung Ju, Korea. NBA: Rose injury gives Bulls major concern

Chicago and Miami opened the National Basketball Association post-season with comfortable wins on Saturday but the Bulls paid a steep price for their victory when Derrick Rose was ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Aditya wins Asian Snooker Championship
Aditya Mehta stunned fancied compatriot Pankaj Advani to become only the third Indian ever to clinch the Asian Snooker Championships in Doha.

April 28, 2012

EPL: Wigan rocks Newcastle's hopes

Wigan Athletic dented Newcastle United's dreams of a Champions League place next season and boosted their own Premier League survival hopes after a stunning 4-0 win at the DW Stadium on Saturday.

Indian campaign ends as Kashyap loses in semi-final
India's P Kashyap's gritty performance before losing to world No 17 Shon Wan Ho of Korea in a three-game thriller to draw curtains on Indian campaign at the Yonex Sunrise India Open Super Series, in New Delhi, on Saturday. I-League: Pailan Arrows register second win
Pailan Arrows floored HAL Bangalore 2-1 to ensure second successive victory in an I-League encounter at the Bangalore Football Stadium on Saturday. Southampton promoted to Premier League
Southampton returned to the Premier League after a seven year absence when they beat Coventry City 4-0 on Saturday to clinch second place in the Championship (second division) and take the remaining automatic promotion spot. Monika finishes sixth in Asian Ch'ship
The 2010 CWG bronze medallist Monika Devi was the best placed Indian so far at the ongoing Senior Asian Weightlifting Championships with a sixth place finish but an Olympic quota remains elusive for the country. NBA: Win or bust for James and Heat as playoffs begin

The Miami Heat and LeBron James begin an all-or-nothing campaign for an NBA title while defending champion Dallas Mavericks and Kirk Nowitzki face a tough start to the opening weekend of the playoffs.

Disgraced cyclist Landis subject of fraud investigation

Bicyclist Floyd Landis, stripped of his 2006 Tour de France win after testing positive for testosterone, is the subject of a federal investigation into a $450,000 ( 276,582) defence fund he created and later abandoned, a legal source said on Friday.

April 27, 2012

Kashyap qualifies for Olympics after Chen Jin walkover
In a dramatic turn of events, Indian shuttler P Kashyap edged past Ajay Jayaram to qualify for the London Olympics after Chen Jin of China gave him a walkover in the quarter-finals of the Indian Open Super Series because of a wrist injury, in New Delhi on Friday. London Paralympics: 12 Indian athletes qualify
As many as 12 Indian athletes have qualified for the 2012 London Paralympics as the country finished an impressive second at the first Malaysian Para Athletics Championships, which concluded on Friday. India Open: Sindhu goes down fighting against World No. 7
Rising shuttler P V Sindhu showed indomitable spirit before going down fighting against World No. 7 Yanjiao Jiang of China in the women's singles quarter-final of the India Open Super Series, in New Delhi on Friday. Wrestler Sushil seals London berth

Former World champion and Beijing Olympics bronze medalist wrestler, Sushil Kumar finally managed to seal his London Olympics berth after winning the 66kg freestyle title at the World Qualifying Tournament in Taiyuan, China on Friday.

Five facts about new Barca coach Vilanova

Five facts about Tito Vilanova, who will take over as Barcelona coach from Pep Guardiola at the end of the season.

India need to play top teams consistently: Nobbs

India need to play top-ranked teams on a consistent basis if they wish to return among the top league of world hockey, feels chief coach Michael Nobbs.

IOA welcomes Tendulkar's nomination to Rajya Sabha
Indian Olympic Association welcomed the government's nomination of Sachin Tendulkar for a Rajya Sabha seat, saying the IOA is happy that its long-standing demand to include sportspersons in the Upper House has been accepted. Guardiola quits Barcelona, Vilanova takes over

Barcelona's most successful manager Pep Guardiola will walk away from the Catalans at the end of the season and will be replaced by his assistant Tito Vilanova, the club announced on Friday.

India Open Super Series: Saina crashes out

Saina Nehwal suffered a stunning straight-game defeat in the second round but P Kashyap and P V Sindhu advanced to the quarterfinals of the India Open Super Series in New Delhi on Thursday.

April 26, 2012

Barcelona's Xavi out for 15 days
Barcelona playmaker Xavi will be out of action for around 15 days with a damaged left calf muscle, the Spanish champions said on Thursday. India Open: Kashyap keeps Olympic dream alive
Locked in a battle of qualification for the London Olympics, compatriots P Kashyap and Ajay Jayaram witnessed contrasting results with the former scripting a resounding win and the latter suffering a close defeat in the India Open Super Series Badminton in New Delhi on Thursday. Asian weightlifting: Medal hope Ravi finish 3rd
India's chances of grabbing a London Olympics berth in weightlifting suffered a blow as their main medal hope Katulu Ravi Kumar finished sixth in men's 69kg category on the third day of Senior Asian weightlifting championships at Pyeongtaek, South Korea, on Thursday. FA Cup: Liverpool's Adam to miss final
Liverpool's Charlie Adam will miss the FA Cup final against Chelsea on May 5 after having his season cut short by a knee injury, manager Kenny Dalglish said on Thursday.

April 25, 2012

HC directs Centre to hold elections to all sport bodies
The Delhi high court on Wednesday directed the Centre to hold elections that are overdue in all sports federations. India Open: Saina, Jayaram, Kashyap, Neha sail into 2nd round
Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal notched up a comfortable straight-game victory over Hong Kong's Pui Yin Yip to start her India Open Super Series campaign on a positive note, in New Delhi, on Wednesday. Kenya omit World record holder Makau from London team
World marathon record holder Patrick Makau was left out of the Kenyan men's team named on Wednesday for the London Olympics after he failed to finish last Sunday's London marathon. I-League: Pailan Arrows rout Chirag Kerala

Pailan Arrows defeated Chirag United Kerala 3-0 to register their first win in the I-League.

NBA: Jazz into playoffs
The Utah Jazz grabbed the final spot in the Western Conference playoffs with a 100-88 home victory over Phoenix, dashing the Suns' own post-season hopes on Tuesday.

April 24, 2012

Soniya bags bronze in Asian Weightlifting
N Soniya Chanu bagged a bronze in women's 48kg category to open India's medal account on the opening day of Senior Asian Weightlifting Championships at Pyeongtaek, South Korea.

April 23, 2012

Asian snooker: Aditya Mehta scores third win
India's Aditya Mehta registered his third victory with a 4-0 thrashing of Karam Fatima of Syria, in the 28th Asian Snooker Championships in Doha, Qatar, on Monday. London 2012 doping lab gets WADA approval
The doping laboratory that will process more than 6,000 samples at this year's London Olympics has been given the seal of approval by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Van Persie named PFA player of year

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie was named the English Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) player of the year on Sunday after scoring 27 league goals to revive his club's season.

NBA: Spurs set for top seed, blow to world peace in LA win
The San Antonio Spurs moved to within one victory of securing the Western Conference top seed for the playoffs on Sunday as the NBA's leading contenders continued to jostle for position in the final week of the regular season.

April 22, 2012

High jumper Thomas steals show in Fed Cup Athletics
Kerala's Jithin Thomas stole the limelight with a personal best effort of 2.20m en route to his gold medal in the men's high jump on the second day of the Federation Cup Senior National Athletics Championships in Patiala on Sunday. Ministry raps WFI over wrestler Geetika's complaint
Taking a serious note of Geetika Jakhar's complaint, the Sports Ministry has sought an explanation from the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for calling a retrial even after she won the recently-concluded trials for next month's Olympic Qualifiers in Helsinki, Finland. NBA: Rose returns, Bulls move closer to East title
Derrick Rose returned to the lineup to help Chicago Bulls beat the Dallas Mavericks 93-83 on Saturday and increase their lead over the Miami Heat in the race for the Eastern Conference's top seed. Paddler Ankita youngest Indian to qualify for Olympics
Bengal paddlers Soumyajit Ghosh and Ankita Das booked their London Olympics berths on the concluding day of the Asian Olympic Qualification Table Tennis Tournament in Hong Kong, but it was a real heartbreak for top paddler Achanta Sharath Kamal. Kipsang wins London marathon
Kenyan Wilson Kipsang, the second-fastest man ever, won the men's London marathon on Sunday in an unofficial of two hours four minutes 44 seconds. Branden Grace wins China Open, joins elite club
South African Branden Grace lifted the China Open on Sunday with a closing three-under-par 69 and became only the second European Tour player to win three titles in the season after coming through the qualifying school.

April 21, 2012

Dubai Open chess: Gupta, Negi in joint lead
Grandmaster and defending champion Abhijeet Gupta showcased his positional acumen to outwit Grandmaster Amin Bassem of Egypt in the sixth round of 14th Dubai International Open chess tournament in Dubai. Maheshwary qualifies for London Olympics

The 26-year-old had a leap of 16.85m in his fifth and penultimate attempt which was the exact distance for 'B' qualification standard for London Olympics.

World Cup: Lackluster performance from Bindra, Narang
It didn't quite turn out to be a good day for Abhinav Bindra and Gangan Narang as the two Indian marksmen missed the final after scoring an identical 596 in the Shooting World Cup in London on Saturday. Indian women hold New Zealand 3-3 in hockey
India held New Zealand 3-3 in their last preliminary match of the second-leg Women Four Nation Hockey Tournament in Pakuranga, Auckland on Saturday. Sharath Kamal loses in Asian table tennis qualifiers
Indian ace Achanta Sharath Kamal will have to wait for another match to book a ticket for the London Olympics as he succumbed 0-4 to Chinese world number one Ma Long in the Asian table tennis qualifiers in Hong Kong. Semenya qualifies for London Olympics

Former world 800 metres champion Caster Semenya qualified for the London Olympics on Friday when she eased to victory in one minute 59.58 seconds at a Yellow Pages Series meeting.

April 20, 2012

101-year-old Fauja to end career at London Marathon

Fauja Singh has completed eight marathons since he took up the sport at the age of 89.

NBA: Bulls feel the Heat in Miami

The Miami Heat defeated the Chicago Bulls 83-72 in an ill-tempered and physical encounter between the top two teams in the Eastern Conference on Thursday.

Barca v Real: The El Clasico in numbers

Following is a factbox detailing key numbers around Spain's El Clasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona. The arch rivals meet at Barca's Nou Camp stadium in La Liga on Saturday in a match that could decide the destination of the title. Real have a four-point lead with five games left.

Falcao double gives Atletico semi-final edge
Atletico Madrid have one foot in the final of the Europa League after a Radamel Falcao double fired the 2010 winners to a 4-2 semi-final first leg win at home to La Liga rivals Valencia on Thursday. Raul to leave Schalke 04 at end of season
Schalke 04 forward Raul is to leave at the end of the season when his contract expires, the Bundesliga club said on Thursday.

April 19, 2012

Asian badminton: Saina crashes out as India draw a blank

Ace shuttler and world number five Saina Nehwal on Thursday crashed out in the second round of the Asia Badminton Championship at Qingdao, China as India wrapped up their campaign on a disappointing note in the tournament.

Thought of quitting when Olympic dream ended: Suranjoy

His Olympic dreams shattered, one of Indian boxing's most successful names -- M Suranjoy Singh (52kg) -- thought of quitting the sport after losing in the Asian Qualifiers' second round last month but decided to keep going after hearing the national anthem at a medal ceremony.

Drogba gives Chelsea 1-0 win over Barcelona
Didier Drogba scored late in the first half and Chelsea kept free-scoring Lionel Messi in check to secure a 1-0 win over holders Barcelona in their Champions League semi-final first leg on Wednesday. OGQ signs up Keshavan for Winter Olympics 2014

Shiva Keshavan is India's only known and accomplished face at the Winter Olympic Games, and has been so for 14 years now, when he first qualified for the Nagano Olympic Games in 1998 at the age of 16.

Saina cruises, Jwala-Ponnappa lose

Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal crossed the first hurdle with a straight-game victory but India overall had a bitter-sweet day at the Asia Badminton Championship.

April 18, 2012

FIFA bans Indonesia coach for bribe remark
Former Indonesia caretaker coach Aji Santoso has been banned for four games for suggestions of bribery to match officials in a humiliating 10-0 World Cup qualifying defeat by Bahrain in February, local media reported on Wednesday. Bengal shooter wants Ganguly to cheer him in Olympics
Olympics-bound Bengal shooter Joydeep Karmakar hopes that former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly comes to London to cheer him and his fellow shooters during the mega-event. NBA: Spurs give Lakers taste of their own medicine
San Antonio made amends for last week's stinging home loss to Los Angeles by trouncing the Lakers 112-91 on their home court on Tuesday. Reading secure promotion to Premier League
Reading capped a remarkable run of form by securing promotion back to the Premier League on Tuesday after a 1-0 victory at home to Nottingham Forest guaranteed a top-two finish in the Championship (second division). Turkey submits bid to host Euro 2020
Turkey submitted its bid to host the 2020 European Championship, less than a month after Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan began the race to stage one of soccer's biggest tournaments. Bayern's first goal offside, says Mourinho

Jose Mourinho refused to comment on the performance of English referee Howard Webb in his side's 2-1 Champions League semi-final first leg defeat by Bayern Munich on Tuesday, except to say that the Bavarians' first goal was offside.

CL: Late Gomez strike gives Bayern win over Real

Striker Mario Gomez pounced from close range in the final minute to give Bayern Munich a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday.

April 17, 2012

Bhutia's United Sikkim earn I-League ticket
United Sikkim Football Club (USFC) played a 1-1 draw against Kolkata's Mohammedan Sporting in Gangtok to qualify for next edition's I-League. Asian badminton: Jayaram scores, Kashyap loses
India's Ajay Jayaram kept his nose ahead of compatriot P Kashyap for the London Olympics qualification as he notched a straight-game victory in the first round of Asia Badminton Championships in Qingdao, China, on Tuesday. Jayaram was the only bright spot on a gloomy day for India as the rest of the country's shuttlers failed to cross the first hurdle at the Qingdao Sports Centre Conson stadium. NBA: Clippers silence Thunder to end playoff drought
The streaking Los Angeles Clippers knocked Oklahoma City out of first place in the West with a forceful 92-77 victory on Monday that earned the hosts a first playoff berth in six years.

April 16, 2012

Indian shuttlers hoping to garner points from ABC

With just two tournaments left for Olympic qualification, Indian contenders for the London Games are looking to rake up ranking points at the Asian Badminton Championships, beginning in Qingdao, China, on Tuesday.

NBA: James, Wade lift Heat past Knicks
LeBron James and Dwyane Wade combined for 57 points to help the Miami Heat overcome the New York Knicks 93-85 on Sunday and clinch the Southeast Division in a possible preview for the NBA playoffs.

April 15, 2012

Italian player's death sparks probes into ambulance delay

The death of Italian second division soccer player Piermario Morosini during a game on Saturday has triggered investigations into a delay in the ambulance's arrival and calls for more medical equipment at sporting events.

Malaysian Open: Jeev, Jyoti finish tied 11th
Jeev Milkha Singh was unable to continue the momentum of a brilliant start with four birdies, while Jyoti Randhawa dropped five shots over two successive holes on the back nine to finish tied 11th in the Maybank Malaysian Open, in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday. La Liga: Valencia stumble to 4-0 defeat at Espanyol
Third-placed Valencia missed a chance to open a five-point lead over chasing Malaga when the Europa League semi-finalists crashed to a 4-0 reverse at Espanyol in La Liga on Sunday. Gebrselassie beats Radcliffe in Vienna head-to-head

Ethiopian Haile Gebrselassie beat Britain's Paula Radcliffe in their half marathon head-to-head in Vienna on Sunday.

I-League: Dempo drub Sporting Clube 4-1

Ranti Martins scored all of his team's goals as Dempo Sports Club floored Sporting Clube de Goa 4-1 and ensured they have more than just a hand on the I-League trophy in the 25th round I-League encounter at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa on Sunday.

'National team needs time to get used to world level'

Indian football icon Bhaichung Bhutia said the national team should be given enough time in order to make an impact on the international arena.

Four-Nation Tournament: India lose 0-1 to Australia
India put up a fighting performance but could not avert a defeat, going down 0-1 to Australia in the last round-robin league match of the first phase of a four-nation women's hockey tournament in Auckland on Sunday. Force India misses points at Chinese GP
Sahara Force India missed out on points for the first time this season with Paul di Resta finishing 12th and Nico Hulkenberg ending 15th at the Chinese Grand Prix, in Shanghai, on Sunday. Poor start by Olympic hopefuls in archery
It was a none-too-impressive beginning to the Olympic calendar year for Indian archers as they finished with a solitary silver medal in the World Cup Stage I, which concluded in Shanghai on Sunday. Bolt, Blake put on show of speed in Jamaica

Jamaican triple Olympic champion Usain Bolt opened his 2012 season with a sizzling anchor leg as his Racers Track Club logged a World leading time of 37.82 seconds in a 4x100 metres relay, in Kingston on Saturday.

La Liga: Ronaldo, Messi set scoring record of 41

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi took their remarkable scoring achievements to new heights when they jointly set a record for La Liga goals in a season of 41 on Saturday.

April 14, 2012

Livorno's Morosini dies, Italian games postponed

Livorno's Piermario Morosini has died after collapsing on the pitch with a cardiac arrest during an Italian second division game at Pescara on Saturday, prompting the soccer federation to postpone this weekend's professional games.

FA Cup: Carroll heads Liverpool into final

Liverpool striker Andy Carroll headed an 87th minute winner to secure a 2-1 victory over Merseyside rivals Everton in an error-strewn FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

I-League: Salgaocar hold Mohun Bagan 1-1

Salgaocar Sports Club staged a second half recovery to hold Mohun Bagan 1-1 in the 25th round I-league clash at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, Goa, on Saturday.

Pregnant Malaysian shooter keen to deliver in London

The 29-year-old from Perak, situated 200 kilometres north of Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur, is due to give birth to her first child on September 2, less than a month after the Games end.

EPL: Manchester City thrash Norwich

Carlos Tevez fired a hat-trick and fellow Argentine Sergio Aguero scored twice as Manchester City thrashed Norwich City 6-1 to move within two points of Premier League leaders Manchester United on Saturday.

Pistorius Olympic quest suffers setback

Oscar Pistorius' bid to be the first amputee competing on the track at the Olympic Games suffered a setback when he came seventh in the 400 metres final at the South African championship on Saturday.

Women archers win bronze in World Cup
The Indian women's recurve team of Deepika Kumari, Laishram Bombayla Devi and Chekrovolu Swuro settled for a silver medal after being tamed by Korea in the Archery World Cup Stage I in Shanghai on Sunday. Radcliffe to race against Gebrselassie in Vienna

Britain's Paula Radcliffe will be given a head start of seven minutes and 52 seconds when she takes on Ethiopian Haile Gebrselassie in a unique half marathon chase race in Vienna.

NBA: Bobcats crash and burn against Heat
The Miami Heat were without starters Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem but still feasted on the league's worst team, handing the Charlotte Bobcats a 15th consecutive loss in a 105-82 home romp on Friday. Wanted gold to hear national anthem: Shiva

Just being in the final was enough to fetch him an Olympic berth at the Asian Qualifiers but teen Indian boxer Shiva Thapa (56kg) on Saturday said his target was never just the London ticket as he was desperate to hear the national anthem during the medal ceremony -- played only for the gold-medallists.

April 13, 2012

Archery World Cup: Women recurve team in final
India's women recurve team, comprising Deepika Kumari, Laishram Bombayla Devi and Chekrovolu Swuro set up a gold medal clash against the Korean heavyweights at the Archery World Cup Stage I in Shanghai on Friday. Randhawa stays in the hunt at Malaysian Open
It was a tough day for Indians, but Jyoti Randhawa kept his head up with an even par 72 to stay just three shots off the lead after a weather-hit second round at the Maybank Malaysian Open. Randhawa, six-under for 36 holes, was three shots adrift of South Africans Hennie Otto (64) and Jbe Kruger (65), who jointly lead the field. Terry and Cole fit for Chelsea against Spurs

Skipper John Terry and left back Ashley Cole are both available for Chelsea's FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley this weekend after recovering from injuries, stand-in manager Roberto Di Matteo said on Friday.

Juve fined 30,000 euros for racist chanting
Serie A leaders Juventus have been fined 30,000 euros and warned about the future conduct of their fans after they made racist chants during Wednesday's 2-1 win at home to Lazio. FA Cup: Banned Ivanovic to miss Chelsea's semis
Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic will miss Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley after being handed a three-match ban by the Football Association (FA). La Liga: Villarreal rise to safer waters with Malaga win
Hernan Perez grabbed a dramatic added-time winner to earn Villarreal a 2-1 comeback win over Malaga that boosted their chances of avoiding relegation from La Liga on Thursday. NBA: Rose withers but Bulls top Heat

A misfiring Derrick Rose forced the Chicago Bulls to rely on their bench but they still managed a 96-86 overtime win over the Miami Heat on Thursday to stay in the driving seat in the race for the Eastern Conference title.

Scholes to return for United as Ferguson eyes riposte

Paul Scholes will start for Manchester United at home to Aston Villa on Sunday as Alex Ferguson looks for the midfielder's experience to help settle the Premier League leaders after a shock midweek loss at lowly Wigan Athletic.

Bahrain tense as F1 chiefs say race to go ahead
The Bahrain Grand Prix will go ahead next weekend despite concerns over security but the race organisers' decision has split opinion in the Gulf state, which has been shaken by a year of anti-government protests.

April 12, 2012

Jeev one off leader Schwartzel at Malaysian Open
It was an excellent day for India's seasoned professionals. Three of them ended the first day inside top-10 in the star-studded US $2.5 million Malaysian Open, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour. While Jeev Milkha Singh (65) was one off the leader, Charl Schwartzel of South Africa, Jyoti Randhawa found his touch with a 66 to be tied third and Gaurav Ghei (68), a three-time winner on Asian Tour, was tied ninth. Shiva, Sumit bag gold at Asian Olympic qualifier

Teen boxers Shiva Thapa and Sumit Sangwan struck gold on Thursday, rounding off a brilliant performance by India at the Asian Olympic Qualifiers in Astana, Kazakhstan. The country bagged three berths to the London Games from the tournament to make it an unprecedented seven-strong contingent for the quadrennial extravaganza.

Saina to meet Yin in Indian Open opener

Indian badminton ace Saina Nehwal opens her campaign in the India Open World Super Series tournament against Asian Games bronze medallist Yip Pui Yin of Hong Kong. The event, which begins in Delhi on April 24, will double up as the final qualifying meet for the London Olympics.

NBA: Paul silences Thunder, Bynum leads Lakers
Chris Paul scored 24 of his game-high 31 points in a dominant second half display to carry the Los Angeles Clippers to a last-ditch 100-98 road victory over the West-leading Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday.

April 11, 2012

Smriti Mehra is women's pro golfer of the year

Smriti Mehra, India's most successful golfer on the domestic Hero Women's Professional Golf Tour, was adjudged Hero Player of the Year, at the Hero-WGAI Awards function for the just concluded 2011-12 season. One of the doyens of women's professional golf in India, and part of the team that helped stabilize the women's pro tour, she took part in each of the 15 events and went on to win seven of them.

Teen sensations Shiva, Sumit make Olympic cut

India will have an unprecedented seven boxers in the Olympic Games after teen sensations Shiva Thapa (56kg) and Sumit Sangwan (81kg) earned their London tickets by advancing to the finals in the Asian Olympic Qualifiers in Astana, Kazakhstan.

NBA: Surging Celtics upset Heat again
The Boston Celtics stepped up their run to the playoffs on Tuesday by upsetting Miami 115-107 for their second victory over the Heat in 10 days.

April 10, 2012

I-League: Mohun Bagan drub Shillong Lajong

McDowell Mohun Bagan routed Shillong Lajong 6-1 during the I-League encounter at the Yuba Bharati Krinangan, in Kolkata, on Tuesday.

Britain assure full security for Indian contingent

British High Commissioner in India, James Bevan called on IOA acting president V K Malhotra and assured full security for the Indian contingent which will take part in the London Olympics.

April 09, 2012

World Snooker: Aditya wins first round match
Mumbai based snooker champion Aditya Mehta has won his first round match at the Betfred.com World Professional Snooker Championships at Sheffield against Andrew Pagget of Wales. Shiva enters semis of Asian Olympic Qualifiers

Indian boxer Shiva Thapa stunned former Olympic silver-medallist Worapoj Petchkoom 16-10 to enter the semi-finals of the Asian Olympic Qualifiers in Astana (Kazakhstan) and is now just one win away from booking a berth for the London Games.

Raja appointed Dy Chef-de-Mission for Olympic
Indian Boxing Federation's Secretary General Brig P K Muralidharan Raja will be the deputy Chef-de-Mission of the country's contingent in this year's London Olympics after being nominated for the job by IOA. NBA: Spurs, Thunder stay close in battle for top spot
The San Antonio Spurs stayed mere percentage points in front of Oklahoma City for the Western Conference lead after both teams won Sunday to intensify their battle in the final month of the NBA season. Tearful Watson wins Augusta Masters in playoff

Bubba Watson conjured a miraculous par from pine straw to become only the third left-hander to win the Masters with an emotional playoff victory over Louis Oosthuizen at Augusta National on Sunday.

April 08, 2012

Asian billiards: Advani bags title

Six-time World champion Pankaj Advani on Sunday defeated Thawat Sujaritthurakarn of Thailand to emerge victorious at the 11th ONGC Asian Billiard championship.

Asia Cup TT: Saha beats world no 38 Li Hu
Subajit Saha caused yet another upset by beating world number 38 Li Hu of Singapore 4-1 to finish ninth in the second stage of the Asia Cup Table Tennis Championships in Guangzhou. EPL: Controversial penalty sets United on victory way

Manchester United opened up an eight point lead at the top of the Premier League -- at least until second-placed Manchester City playing at Arsenal later -- when they beat 10-man Queens Park Rangers 2-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Davis Cup: India win inconsequential reverse singles
India salvaged some pride by winning the two inconsequential reverse singles to reduce their margin of defeat against Uzbekistan to 2-3 in the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group I second round tie in Namangan (Uzbekistan) on Sunday. Juve seize top spot after Milan suffer defeat
Juventus bounded to the top of Serie A by securing a battling 2-0 victory at Palermo after former striker Amauri condemned AC Milan to a 2-1 defeat at home to Fiorentina on Saturday. NBA: Howard's big night helps Magic end five-game skid
Orlando's Dwight Howard was back to his dominating best on Saturday with 20 points and 22 rebounds as the Magic ended a five-game losing streak with an 88-82 victory over Eastern Conference rivals Philadelphia. Messi first since Mueller to net 60 goals

Barcelona's Lionel Messi reached another milestone in his amazing career on Saturday when he became the first player to score 60 goals in a season in European top-flight soccer in almost 40 years.

La Liga: Barca on Real's heels after thumping Zaragoza

Barcelona trimmed the gap to leaders Real Madrid to three points when Lionel Messi struck twice in a 4-1 comeback win at relegation-threatened 10-man Real Zaragoza in La Liga on Saturday.

Asian Qualifiers: Vijender qualifies for London Oly

Vijender Singh (75kg) became the first Indian boxer to qualify for the Olympic Games for a third successive time after reaching the semifinals of the Asian Olympic Qualifiers in Astana, Kazakhstan on Sunday.

April 07, 2012

EPL: Chelsea seal controversial win, Spurs held

Chelsea grabbed a late 2-1 win over an unlucky Wigan Athletic on Saturday to boost their push for third in the Premier League after Tottenham Hotspur could only draw while Liverpool also had to settle for a point as their winless run dragged on.

Asian Billiards: Advani outwits Praput in close game
Pankaj Advani managed to outwit Praput Chaithanasukan of Thailand in a classic contest between the two former world champions in the second semifinal of the 11th ONGC Asian Billiards Championship in Goa, on Saturday. Milan and Roma suffer shock defeats
AC Milan risked surrendering top spot in Serie A on Saturday after a late goal by substitute Amauri condemned the champions to a 2-1 home defeat by lowly Fiorentina. EPL: Spurs held to goalless draw at Sunderland
Tottenham Hotspur suffered a potential blip in their pursuit of third spot in the Premier League after a dire 0-0 draw at Sunderland on Saturday. Celtic claim Scottish title in style
Celtic hammered Kilmarnock 6-0 away to clinch the Scottish league title on Saturday and end the three-year reign of Glasgow rivals Rangers, who were deducted 10 points in February for entering financial administration. Davis Cup: India relegated after Paes-Bopanna lose
India were relegated to Asia Ocenia Group II in Davis Cup after the seasoned doubles pair of Leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna lost the doubles rubber, giving Uzbekistan an unassailable 3-0 lead in the Group I tie, in Namangan (Uzbekistan), on Saturday. Shiva in quarters, Suranjoy bows out

Teen sensation Shiva Thapa (56kg) inched closer to Olympic qualification but the London dream ended for Commonwealth Games gold-medallist Suranjoy Singh (52kg) who lost in the second round of the Asian Olympic Boxing Qualifiers in Astana, Kazakhstan on Saturday.

NBA: Spurs go top with 10th consecutive win
The San Antonio Spurs blew past the New Orleans Hornets 128-103 to claim the Western Conference lead with their 10th consecutive victory on Friday. Advani, Joshi in semis of Asian billiards
Former champion Pankaj Advani and Devender Joshi entered the semi-finals in the 11th Asian Billiards Championship in Miramar, Goa, on Friday.

April 06, 2012

Asian Billiards: Praput overcomes Alok
It turned out to be 'a very good Friday' for the cueists from Thailand at the Clube Tennis De Gaspar Dias Miramar, Goa, on the fifth day of 11th ONGC Asian Billiards Championship on Friday. I-League: HAL hold Mohun Bagan

Bottom-placed HAL, Bangalore dished out a spirited display to hold local giants Mohun Bagan to a goal-less stalemate in their 23rd round return-leg I-League match at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Friday.

Oosthuizen leads Masters, Woods four back

Former British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen grabbed an early one-shot lead on a day of high drama and tumultuous swings of fortune in the opening round of the Masters on Thursday.

Europa League: Spanish trio and Sporting reach semis
Athletic Bilbao and Atletico Madrid overcame German opposition to reach the Europa League semi-finals on Thursday while fellow Spaniards Valencia joined them by demolishing AZ Alkmaar. Poonia to take part in Diamond League events

In a major boost to her preparations for the London Olympics, Commonwealth Games gold medallist discus thrower Krishna Poonia has been invited to take part in two Diamond League events -- IAAF's highest level competition -- in United States in June.

City's Balotelli escapes unhurt from car crash

Manchester City's Mario Balotelli escaped unhurt from a car accident in Manchester on Thursday with the striker having received the backing of his manager Roberto Mancini.

Obama, Romney agree: Admit women to Augusta Golf Club

President Barack Obama believes women should be allowed to join the all-male Augusta National Golf Club, the White House said on Thursday, adding pressure on the exclusive 80-year-old organization to drop its restrictive policy.

Asian Oly Qualifiers: Vijender, Manpreet enter quarters

Olympic bronze-medallist Vijender Singh stood just one win away from securing a berth in the London Games after clinching his pre-quarterfinal bout, along with Manpreet Singh, on a second successive triumphant day for India at the Asian Boxing Qualifiers in Astana, Kazakhstan on Friday.

April 05, 2012

Asian Oly qualifiers: Positive start for Indian pugilists

It was a perfect start to the proceedings for India at the Asian Olympic Boxing Qualifiers with the experienced M Suranjoy Singh (52kg) and young gun Sumit Sangwan (81kg) notching up contrasting wins in their opening bouts in Astana, Kazakhstan on Thursday.

ISSF approves Heena's participation in Olympics

The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) on Thursday agreed to NRAI's request for exchange of quota, paving the way for participation of Heena Sidhu in the women's Air Pistol event at the London Olympics.

I-League: Pailan go down to Prayag
Pailan Arrows stays 'luckless.' Despite dominating for most part of the match and hitting the cross-piece twice, they went down to Prayag United 2-1 in a crucial I-League match at the Salt Lake Stadium, in Kolkata, on Thursday. Terry played on with two cracked ribs

Chelsea captain John Terry revealed he played with two cracked ribs and could hardly breathe during his team's Champions League 2-1 triumph over Benfica on Wednesday.

Aguero battling to face Arsenal after 'stupid' injury

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero is battling to be fit for this weekend's Premier League clash at Arsenal after suffering a 'stupid' foot injury last week, the club website said on Wednesday.

NBA: Lakers win battle of LA, Spurs close on Thunder
The Lakers kept their noses ahead of the Clippers in the Pacific Division race with a tense 113-108 victory in the battle between the well-matched Los Angeles teams on Wednesday.

April 04, 2012

NBA: James leads Heat into playoffs, Spurs crush Thunder

LeBron James delivered a season-high 41 points in the absence of injured sidekick Dwyane Wade as the Miami Heat clinched a playoff berth with their 99-93 victory over the visiting Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday.

Asian Snooker: India's Lalit goes down to Hunain of Pak
Promising 16-year-old cueist from Pakistan Hunain displayed good skills along with a fine temperament to outwit India's Lalit Dahiya by 4 frames to 3 on day two of the 13th ONGC Asian Under-21 Snooker Championship in Goa. Rory can rule for years, says Tiger

If there is to be a series of head-to-head battles between Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods in the years ahead it does not sound like there will be much in the way of trash talk to stimulate the hype.

CL: Messi breaks records, Ibrahimovic rages

Barcelona's Lionel Messi set a Champions League scoring record when he took his tally to 14 in the competition so far this season as the holders knocked out AC Milan to reach the semi-finals on Tuesday.

April 03, 2012

Six fail dope tests at Police Athletics
Six athletes failed dope tests during the 60th All India Police Championships, which was held from March 12 to 15, at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in Delhi, the National Anti Doping Agency said. Six out of the 55 samples collected from the athletes tested positive for prohibited substances notified by the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA). NBA: Clippers maul Mavs as Thunder, Bulls lose
Randy Foye landed a career-high eight three-pointers as the Los Angeles Clippers scored a commanding 94-75 rout of the NBA champion Dallas Mavericks on Monday in a potential first-round playoff clash. Asian Billiards: Alok, Devendra off to good start
Defending champion Alok Kumar managed to defeat his opponent Sri Lanka's A Jayarathne in a match which could have gone either way in the ongoing 11th ONGC Asian Billiards Championship, 2012.

April 02, 2012

Ajit Pal Chef-de-Mission for London Games
Three-time Olympian and former captain of the Indian hockey team Ajitpal Singh will be India's Chef-de-Mission for the London Olympics. His appointment brings an end to wrangling for the post within the Indian Olympic Association.

April 01, 2012

WSH: Sher-e-Punjab thrash Lions to enter final

In a great atmosphere for hockey amidst packed stands and a festive crowd, the formidable Sher-e-Punjab ripped apart Karnataka Lions for a thumping 4-1 victory in the first semifinal of the Bridgestone World Series Hockey at the KSHA Stadium, Bangalore, on Sunday.

Roma close in on Lazio with 5-2 win over Novara
AS Roma moved to within four points of third-placed Lazio and a Champions League qualifying round berth after an exciting 5-2 home win against relegation-threatened Novara on Sunday. EPL: Cisse scores twice as Newcastle beat Liverpool

Papiss Cisse scored both goals as Newcastle United continued their surprise push for a top-four finish in the Premier League on Sunday with a 2-0 victory over Liverpool, who had keeper Pepe Reina sent off late on.

Singh wins Panasonic Open to end 12-year title wait
Local favourite Digvijay Singh closed with a flawless six-under-par 66 to end an agonizing 12-year wait for his maiden Asian Tour title at the Panasonic Open India in New Delhi on Sunday. I-League: Dempo hold spirited Bagan's challenge

Mohun Bagan squandered their lead in the last 13 minutes to settle for a 2-2 draw against leaders Dempo, something that shattered their I-League hopes after the 22nd round fixture at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Sunday.

Wrestler Geeta makes Olympics cut

India's Geeta created history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to have qualified for the Olympics after reaching the final of the Asian qualifying event in Astana, Kazakhstan on Sunday.

March 31, 2012

Olympics: London ready to welcome the world

London is fully prepared to welcome the world at this year's summer Olympics, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced on Friday following the 10th and final visit of its inspection commission.

March 30, 2012

Release players for Olympics, says FIFA
Soccer's governing body FIFA has ordered clubs to release Under-23 players called up by their national teams for the Olympic Games soccer tournament. Olympics organisers willing to meet Bhopal activists

Under tremendous pressure from India to drop Dow Chemicals as London Olympics sponsors, the Games' organising committee chief Sebastian Coe said they are ready to meet the activists protesting against the company because of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy.

Bangladesh ace Siddikur leads Panasonic Open India

Mohammad Siddikur of Bangladesh birdied the last hole for a five-under-par 67 to pull clear from the chasing pack at the halfway stage of the Panasonic Open India on Friday.

Wrestlers Yogeshwar, Amit make it to Olympics; Sushil fails
Amit Kumar (55kg) and Yogeshwar Dutt (60kg) are the first Indian wrestlers to book berths at the London Olympics after clinching gold and silver medals respectively in the Asian qualifying tournament, in Astana, Kazakhstan. However, the fancied Sushil Kumar (66kg) failed to make the cut.

March 29, 2012

Lahiri battles windy conditions to surge ahead

Anirban Lahiri overcame swirling winds for an opening round three-under-par 69 to ignite his title defence at the Panasonic Open India on Thursday. Prom Meesawat of Thailand was among eight players tied in second place on 70 with Asian Tour rookie James Byrne of Scotland, Australians Adam Groom and Scott Barr and Indians Shankar Das, Ashok Kumar, Sanjay Kumar and Digvijay Singh at the US$300,000 event.

India hasn't asked athletes to boycott Games: Maken

Clarifying that the government has not asked athletes to boycott the London Olympics over the Dow Chemicals sponsorship, Sports Minister Ajay Maken said that the matter has been pursued at a diplomatic level with the host nation.

March 28, 2012

Miami Masters: Wozniacki sinks Serena, Sharapova tops Na

Caroline Wozniacki enjoyed her first victory over Serena Williams, winning 6-4, 6-4 at the Sony Ericsson Open on Tuesday to set up a semi-final clash with Maria Sharapova.

March 26, 2012

Tiger Woods ends PGA Tour title drought

Tiger Woods ended his two and a half year drought on the PGA Tour when he won the Arnold Palmer Invitational by five strokes on Sunday, sending a warning signal to his rivals ahead of next month's Masters.

March 25, 2012

Bhupathi-Bopanna makes a winning start, Sania-Elena loses
Indian pair of Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna made it to the second round of the Miami Masters after getting the better of Austria's Jurgen Melzer and Briton Jamie Murray in Miami. Mary Kom, L Sarita Devi win gold as India finish second

Five-time world champion MC Mary Kom and L Sarita Devi clinched gold medals in the 6th Asian Boxing Championships in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, helping India finish a creditable second in the overall standings.

Shiva settles for silver at Czech Grand Prix

A warning in the closing few seconds cost Shiva Thapa (56kg) dearly as the promising Indian boxer settled for a silver medal after going down narrowly in the final of the 43rd men's and women's Grand Prix in Usti and Labem, Czech Republic.

Discus thrower Seema Antil qualifies for Olympics
Seema Antil has become the second female Indian discus thrower to make the cut for this year's London Olympics by achieving the 'A' qualification mark at the University of California (Irvine) Open Championships in the United States. Narang wins silver medal in Kuwait Shooting Grand Prix
India's ace marksman Gagan Narang has clinched the silver medal in the men's 50m rifle three position event of the HH The Amir of Kuwait International Shooting Grand Prix.

March 24, 2012

Semenya fails to get Olympic qualifying time
Former world 800 metres champion Caster Semenya failed to reach the Olympic qualifying time when she clocked two minutes 3.60 seconds in her return to action after injury on Saturday. WSH: Bhopal Badshahs hold Chandigarh Comets
Bhopal Badshahs made a remarkable comeback to hold second-placed Chandigarh Comets 4-4 in an 11th round match of the World Series Hockey in Bhopal. Paes-Stepanek pair makes winning start to Miami Masters
Leander Paes and Radek Stepanek laboured their way to the pre-quarterfinals of the Miami Masters after downing Marcos Baghdatis and Sam Querrey. Shiva sails into finals, Vikas settles for bronze

Shiva Thapa (56kg) was the lone Indian boxer to make the final after Olympic-bound Vikas Krishan (69kg) settled for a bronze medal following his loss in the semi-final of the 43rd men's and women's Grand Prix in Usti nad Labem, Czech Republic.

March 23, 2012

Boxing: Vikas, Shiva punch their way into Czech GP semis
Olympics-bound Vikas Krishan (69kg) and Shiva Thapa (56kg) assured India of at least two bronze medals at the 43rd men's and women's Boxing Grand Prix after reaching the semi-finals of the event in Usti nad Labem, Czech Republic. NBA: Celtics halt Bucks' run, tighten grip on playoff place
Boston halted the Milwaukee Bucks' six-game winning streak on Thursday with a 100-91 road win that tightened the Celtics' grip on an Eastern Conference playoff spot.

March 22, 2012

Marykom leads India's charge into semis

It was a dream day for India at the sixth Asian Women's Boxing Championships, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, as three of the four pugilists on view won their quarter-final bouts. With five boxers having qualified for the semi-finals earlier, the Indian team is assured of a record eight medals from the event.

Kumble's Tenvic to aid TTFI's coaches' training
Former India captain Anil Kumble's company Tenvic will be creating a module for the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) that will produce quality coaches in years to come. The company will be creating content for a three-tier 'Certified Trainers' Course' in which aspiring coaches will get state-of-the-art training to become table tennis coaches.

March 21, 2012

Tainted athletes training at SAI is serious: Maken
Taking note of banned athletes like Ashwini Akkunji and Sini Jose training at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre at Sonepat, Sports Minister Ajay Maken on Wednesday admitted that this is a serious issue and they are probing the matter. Pinky, Sarita enter Asian Boxing semis
Pinki Jangra, Sonia Lather and Sarita Devi scored dominating victories to reach the semi-finals of their respective categories at the sixth Asian Women Boxing Championships in Ulaanbaatar. 'Not yet thought of pulling out of London Olympics'
Sports Minister Ajay Maken on Wednesday said the government has not yet thought of pulling the Indian athletes out of London Olympics due to row over Dow Chemicals' sponsorship. Quit IOA post or be ready for ouster: HC to Kalmadi
Delhi High Court has asked Suresh Kalmadi, who has refused to resign from the Presidentship of Indian Olympic Association, as to why he should not be suspended from his post along with Lalit Bhanot and V K Verma for their alleged corrupt activities during Commonwealth Games in 2010. NBA: Heat scorch Suns with late hot streak
A stunning fourth-quarter run of 17 unanswered points powered the Miami Heat to a 99-95 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. I loved guns since I was a child: Heena Sidhu

Olympics-bound pistol shooter Heena Sidhu reveals why she took up the sport after giving up dental studies in Patiala and her different approach to training.

March 20, 2012

'Govt working towards resolving IHF-HI dispute'
The government is working with the Indian Olympic Association, Indian Hockey Federation and Hockey India to facilitate a settlement that is acceptable to both the warring factions -- IHF and Hockey India, Sports Minister Ajay Maken informed the Lok Sabha. WSH: Chandigarh Comets edge out Delhi Wizards 3-2
Chandigarh Comets held their nerve to defeat Delhi Wizards 3-2 in a World Series Hockey match, in Chandigarh, on Tuesday. ADAP comes to tainted athletes rescue
The Anti Doping Appeal Panel (ADAP) has upheld the one-year sanction imposed on India's top quarter-milers with a rider that paves the way for them to take part in the Olympic trials. NADA issues list to Olympic bound athletes
The National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) on Tuesday issued a list of dos and don'ts to athletes, who are going to represent India in the upcoming London Olympics, strictly warning them against the usage of performance enhancing drugs. Sharath, Ghatak to lead India in TT Olympic qualifiers
Ace paddlers Achanta Sharath Kamal and Poulumi Ghatak will lead a six-member Indian team in the Olympic Qualification Tournament to be held in Hong Kong from April 19 to 22. Asian boxing C'ships: Mary Kom gives India perfect start

Five-time World Champion Mary Kom gave India a perfect start by defeating Thailand's Indoor Asian Games gold medallist Laopeam Peamwilai on point 6:4 in 51 kgs category at the 6th Asian Women Boxing Championships in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Olympics: Organisers, bookies to fight illegal betting

Betting industry representatives will meet organisers of the London Olympics on Tuesday to discuss ways to prevent illegal gambling which some officials regard as a bigger threat to the integrity of the Games than doping.

NBA: Bulls overpower Magic 85-59
The Chicago Bulls continue to thrive in the absence of league MVP Derrick Rose and cemented their place at the top of the Eastern Conference with a suffocating 85-59 road win over the Orlando Magic on Monday. 100-year-old will help carry London flame

Olympic organisers have unveiled the white and gold kit to be worn by torchbearers as they carry the flame on its 8,000-mile journey around Britain plus the name of a 99-year-old who will take part.

Sidhu says Govt yet to fund her Olympics training

Olympics-bound pistol shooter Heena Sidhu had appealed to the government to sanction funds to enable her train in earnest for the 2012 London Games Olympics.

March 19, 2012

Archery World Cup: Tarundeep, Rahul to represent India
Archers Tarundeep Rai of Services and Rahul Banerjee of Railways have been named in the Indian men's recurve team for the first three World Cups. Chandigarh Comets win a thriller against Pune Strykers

Chandigarh Comets Strykers spanked Pune Strykers in a great comeback to win 4-3 in their Bridgestone World Series Hockey match in Chandigarh on Monday.

AIFF's constitution to be amended
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is set to amend its constitution in order to adopt the new regulations which have come from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Berbatov set to leave Manchester United at end of season

Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov is poised to leave Manchester United at the end of the season despite the English champions taking up an extra year's option on his contract, his agent said.

IOC confident Saudi women will compete in London

Saudi Arabia looks set to send women athletes to an Olympics for the first time later this year.

Ex-coach tears apart 'ill-mannered' Tiger Woods in book

Tiger Woods's ex-coach Hank Haney has painted a less than flattering image of one of the most successful golfers of all time in an explosive tell-all book, depicting Woods's as ill-mannered, cheap and a lover of pornography and potty-humour.

NBA: Wade to rescue as Heat repel Magic
Dwyane Wade dazzled in the fourth quarter to lift the Miami Heat to a 91-81 home victory over the Orlando Magic in an Eastern Conference showdown on Sunday.

March 18, 2012

FA Cup: Torres scores twice as Chelsea reach semis

Fernando Torres scored his first goal since October and added a late second to help Chelsea ease to a 5-2 win over second tier Leicester City in a one-sided FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday.

EPL: United blank Wolves to move four points clear

Manchester United ruthlessly ripped apart 10-man Wolverhampton Wanderers to stroll to a 5-0 victory on Sunday and move four points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Superb Saina retains Swiss Open crown

Saina Nehwal won her first title of the season when she retained the Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold trophy with a straight-game victory over China's Shixian Wang in the summit clash at Basel, Switzerland.

Bulls wake from slumber to trample 76ers
The Chicago Bulls recovered from a sluggish start to race past the Philadelphia 76ers for an 89-80 victory at the United Center on Saturday. Thorpe's London dream over; Rice, Magnussen shine

Ian Thorpe's rushed comeback bid for a third Olympic Games ended in ignominy on Sunday as he crashed out of the morning heats of the 100 metres freestyle at the Australian trials in Adelaide.

March 17, 2012

Olys: Thorpe fails to qualify in 200m freestyle event

Ian Thorpe's failed bid to qualify for the Olympic 200 metres freestyle showed the swimmer had not allowed sufficient time to prepare, Australia's head coach Leigh Nugent said on Saturday.

March 16, 2012

Thorpe advances to 200m freestyle semi-finals

Five-times Olympic champion Ian Thorpe kept his London ambitions firing when he reached the semi-finals of the 200 metres freestyle at the Australian trials on Friday with a solid swim that thrilled head coach Leigh Nugent.

Rice wins title in 400m medley despite shoulder pain

Triple Olympic champion Stephanie Rice was dealing with a painful shoulder on Friday and had it strapped following her 400 meters individual medley win at the Australian Olympic trials in Adelaide.

March 15, 2012

Sourabh, Kashyap lose in Swiss Open
Indian challenge ended in the men's singles competition with Ajay Jayaram, P Kashyap and Sourabh Verma losing their second round matches at the Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold in Basel. Israel will have no mascot for London Olympics
Israel's Olympic squad will travel to the London Games without a team mascot this year, a national Olympic committee official said, after twice being forced to ditch ideas it had come up with. NBA: Knicks win big in coach Woodson's debut

Mike Woodson did not have long to wait for his first win as new coach of the New York Knicks as his team trampled the Portland Trail Blazers 121-79 at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday to end a six-game losing streak.

No talk of Indian boycott of London Olympics: IOC
A boycott of the London Games because of Dow Chemical's sponsorship has not been mentioned by the Indian Olympic Association, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said. Qatar mull over allowing alcohol in World Cup stadiums
Qatar is still considering whether to allow alcohol in stadiums when it hosts the 2022 World Cup, though a senior official said he did not see a need for it.

March 14, 2012

Saina enters second round of Swiss Open
India ace shuttler Saina Nehwal started her title defense on a positive note, thrashing Japan's Sayaka Sato in straight-games in the first round of the Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold at Basel, Switzerland. Kalmadi escaped IOC action by suspending himself
A scam-tainted Suresh Kalmadi escaped the International Olympic Committee's wrath by deciding to 'suspend' himself as IOA President, according to a top IOA official. Randhawa set for 200th Asian Tour appearance

Seasoned Indian golfer Jyoti Randhawa will celebrate a milestone 200th Asian Tour appearance when he joins 25 other Tour champions at the Panasonic Open India in New Delhi from March 29.

Under-pressure Thorpe defends the cost of his comeback

Already under enormous pressure to break into Australia's Olympic swimming team as the headline act of this week's national trials, Ian Thorpe was forced to wade into controversy on Wednesday over preferential payments made to marquee swimmers.

Michelle Obama to lead US delegation to London Oly

US First Lady Michelle Obama would lead the US delegation to the opening ceremony of the Olympics in London this year, the White House announced.

NBA: Kobe, Bynum carry Lakers past Grizzlies

Kobe Bryant's partnership with Andrew Bynum continued to blossom on Tuesday as the Lakers duo carried Los Angeles to a thrilling 116-111 double overtime victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.

March 13, 2012

NRAI justifies Sidhu's selection over Rathore

'We will do not deny merit... merit has to be the sole criteria in a measurable sport. Heena has been consistent and yesterday she shot 385 (at practice) which, in our opinion, is an Olympic final score,' NRAI president Raninder Singh told reporters in Delhi.

NBA: Rampant Bulls overpower fading Knicks
The heady days of 'Linsanity' are fading further from New York fans' memories after the Knicks slumped to their sixth straight defeat with a 104-99 loss to the NBA-best Chicago Bulls on Monday. Tiger Woods has 'mild' achilles strain

Tiger Woods received some welcome news on the injury front when he was diagnosed with nothing more than a mild strain of his left Achilles tendon and the former World No. 1 hopes to return to practice later in the week.

UK's Cameron defends Dow sponsorship of Games

British Prime Minister David Cameron has defended Dow Chemical's sponsorship of the Olympic Games in the face of Indian anger over the company's link to a deadly gas leak in Bhopal in 1984.

March 12, 2012

Baljinder wins Olympic quota; Gurmeet wins silver
Punjab athlete Baljinder Singh has earned a berth for the London Olympics after finishing fifth in the Asian 20 Km Race Walking championships with a timing of 1:22:12. Sania-Elena enter Indian Wells quarter-finals
Sania Mirza and Elena Vesnina recovered from a second-set lapse against Timea Bacsinszky and Alberta Brianti to advance to the doubles quarter-finals of the Indian Wells WTA Premier event. NBA: Kobe's late jumper helps Lakers beat Celtics

Kobe Bryant displayed his customary late-game heroics and newfound trust in his team-mates to help the Los Angeles Lakers beat the visiting Boston Celtics 97-94 on Sunday.

Serie A: Luckless Juve lose more ground on Milan
Juventus hit the woodwork three times and had a goal controversially disallowed as they were held 0-0 at Genoa on Sunday, their sixth draw in seven Serie A games leaving them further behind leaders AC Milan. Injured Woods withdraws from WGC

Tiger Woods withdrew from the WGC-Cadillac Championship on Sunday with an Achilles tendon injury, raising doubts about his fitness for next month's Masters at Augusta National.

Indian Wells: Azarenka advances, Kvitova bundled out

Top seed Victoria Azarenka charged ominously into the fourth round of the Indian Wells WTA tournament on Sunday while third-seeded Petra Kvitova made an unexpected early exit.

All England: Lin Dan wins title after Chong Wei retires

Lin Dan of China won his fifth All England title on Sunday when world number one Lee Chong Wei had to retire with a shoulder injury that had emerged over the last 24 hours.

Indian Wells: Nadal, Federer ease through

Twice champion Rafa Nadal and triple winner Roger Federer barely raised a sweat as they each cruised into the third round of the Indian Wells ATP tournament with imperious victories on Sunday.

Senior players did not force Villas-Boas out: Terry

Chelsea's senior players should not be blamed for Andre Villas-Boas losing his job as the club's manager, skipper John Terry has said.

March 11, 2012

Irish jockey Hughes loses appeal against ban in India
Irish jockey Richard Hughes has lost his appeal against a lengthy ban given to him while riding in India, putting his participation in doubt for the start of the British flat racing season. India bow out of AFC Challenge
India's hopes of winning the AFC Challenge Cup football tournament went up in smoke after they suffered a 0-2 defeat to Philippines Kathmandu. Top seed Wang stunned in All England final
Women's world number one Wang Yihan suffered a stunning loss on Sunday in the final of the All England badminton championships, beaten 21-13, 21-19 by seventh-seeded Chinese compatriot Li Xuerui. NBA star Smith fined for naked woman Tweet pic

New York Knicks guard JR Smith was fined $25,000 by the National Basketball Association for posting 'inappropriate pictures' on his Twitter account, the league announced on Saturday.

World indoor C'ships: Gold for Gatlin

Justin Gatlin won his first title since returning from a four-year doping ban with victory in the 60 metres at the world indoor championships on Saturday as the red-hot Americans grabbed four gold medals and a world record in Istanbul.

Coach Sandhu realistic about boxers' chances in London
India's long-serving boxing coach Gurbux Singh Sandhu is realistic about his wards chances at this year's London Olympics and said he would happy if the pugilists of the country could repeat the feat of 2008 Beijing Games.

March 10, 2012

WSH: Karnataka Lions drub Chennai Cheetahs 5-3
Pakistani drag flicker Syed Imran Warsi, the tournaments highest goal scorer, missed chances galore as Chennai Cheetahs suffered a crushing 3-5 defeat against Karnataka Lions in a World Series Hockey match, in Chennai, on Saturday. I-League: Clubs form IPFCA to safeguard interest
In an unified effort, twelve I-League club owners and representatives have decided to launch the Indian Professional Football Clubs Association (IPFCA). Napoli win 6-3, Inter finally grab victory
Marek Hamsik gave hosts Napoli an early lead 10 minutes into the game before Paolo Cannavaro and a Davide Astori own goal made it 3-0 as they galloped towards a fifth straight league win. AFC Challenge Cup: India coach confident of improved show

Indian football Coach Savio Medeira is hoping that his boys will not repeat the past mistakes when they take on Philippines in the AFC Challenge Cup, in Kathmandu on Sunday.

Dobrynska breaks pentathlon World record

Ukraine's Nataliya Dobrynska set a pentathlon World record of 5,013 points to win the gold medal at the World indoor championships on Friday.

Indian Wells: Jankovic exits, Azarenka battles through

Former champion Jelena Jankovic became the first seed to tumble out of the Indian Wells WTA tournament, losing 6-4, 6-3 to American wild card Jamie Hampton in the second round on Friday.

After bankers, UK players face 'fat cat' jibe

Financial problems facing British soccer clubs are putting increased scrutiny on the enormous sums paid to top players.

March 09, 2012

There can't be world football without India: Blatter

Acknowledging that "sleeping giant" India is slowly waking up to its potential in football, FIFA president Sepp Blatter said that there is scope for other sports in the country besides cricket.

WSH: Chennai Cheetahs' hold Pune Strykers
Chennai Cheetahs dished out a better brand of hockey but Pune Strykers still maintained their undefeated run as their match ended in a pulsating 3-3 draw in the World Series Hockey tournament in Chennai on Friday. Li Xuerui sends Saina packing from All-England

India's leading shuttler Saina Nehwal crashed out of the All-England badminton championships, losing to China's Li Xuerui in the quarter-finals in Birmingham on Friday.

British armed forces to act as Games flag bearers

British servicemen and women will carry the national flags at the team welcome and medals ceremonies at this year's Olympic Games, the London 2012 organising committee said.

March 07, 2012

Saina, Jwala-Ashwini enter second round of All England
Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal survived a scare from lower-ranked Sapsiree Taerattanachai of Thailand before reaching the second round of the All England Championship in Birmingham. IOC will not drop Dow Chemicals as Games sponsor
Reaffirming its stand, the International Olympic Committee Wednesday rejected calls from the Indian Government to drop Dow Chemicals as sponsor of the London Games because of its links to the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy. McIlroy rejects talk of Tiger rivalry

New world number one Rory McIlroy does not see Tiger Woods as a rival and said his toughest opponent is simply the golf course he faces each week.

March 06, 2012

WSH: Mumbai Marines edge out Chennai Cheetahs
Mumbai Marines notched up a 4-2 victory over hosts Chennai Cheetahs to put their campaign back on track in the Bridgestone World Series Hockey tournament in Chennai on Tuesday. AFC Cup: Unlucky East Bengal go down to Al Orouba
Yemeni side Al Orouba rode on a dubious penalty decision to walk away with a lucky 1-0 win over East Bengal in their Group B AFC Cup opener at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Tuesday. Davis Cup: Bhupathi opts out; Yuki, Sanam get nod

Top doubles player Mahesh Bhupathi has opted out of India's Davis Cup tie against Uzbekistan next month to allow tour partner Rohan Bopanna pair with Leander Paes, the All India Tennis Association (AITA) announced on Tuesday.

AFC Challenge Cup: Chhetri warns against complacency

Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri on Tuesday warned his players against complacency if they have to defend the AFC Challenge Cup which begins in Kathmandu on March 8.

Chelsea fans cannot wait to see Di Matteo's lineup

Chelsea fans, fed up and disillusioned with a series of bewildering decisions by the sacked Andre Villas-Boas, cannot wait to find out the team his successor Roberto Di Matteo picks for his first game in charge.

March 05, 2012

WSH: Bhopal Badshahs trump Karnataka Lions

A brilliant brace by young Karan Laxman Baskaran paved way for a 3-1 victory for Bhopal Badshahs as they defeated hosts Karnataka Lions in their first home match at the KSHA turf in Bengaluru on Monday night.

Dow row: IOA tells govt to spell out its stand
The Indian Oympic Association came down heavily on the Government for adopting double standards on Dow Chemicals' sponsorship of the London Games and said the Sport Ministry's plans of selective boycott of the London Olympics will have "serious repercussions". FACTBOX - World number one golfer Rory McIlroy

FACTBOX - World number one golfer Rory McIlroy.

McIlroy is golf's new World No 1

Britain's Rory McIlroy held off a last-day charge from Tiger Woods to win the Honda Classic on Sunday and take over as golf's New World No 1.

March 04, 2012

India win women's Kabaddi World Cup
India clinched the first women's Kabaddi World Cup championship title, defeating Iran 25-19 in the final played at the Patlipura Sports Complex in Patna, on Sunday.

March 03, 2012

Pearson sounds Olympic warning with Melbourne win

Australia's Sally Pearson laid down a marker ahead of the London Olympics by winning the 100m hurdles at the Melbourne Track Classic in a scorching 12.49 seconds in drizzly rain on Saturday.

CSI condemns IOA for not acting against Kalmadi
Clean Sports India (CSI) on Saturday condemned the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for shying away from taking any action against its tainted president Suresh Kalmadi despite repeated threats from the world body to act on its own on the matter. FIFA in scathing attack on Brazil's 2014 plans
FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke made a scathing attack on Brazil's preparations for the 2014 World Cup, saying "not a lot is moving" and organisers needed "a kick up the backside". I would die rather than see another WC blunder: Blatter

FIFA President Sepp Blatter has said he "would die" if he saw another World Cup blunder such as Frank Lampard's disallowed goal for England against Germany in South Africa in 2010.

I will never quit Chelsea, says Villas-Boas

Managing Chelsea is one of the toughest tasks in soccer but the under-fire Andre Villas-Boas has no intention of quitting, he said ahead of Saturday's Premier League game at West Bromwich Albion.

March 02, 2012

WSB: Mumbai Fighters upset Baku Fires
The underdogs Mumbai Fighters rallied back to cause a huge upset as they handed over the unbeaten Baku Fires their first defeat of the season to gain an upper-hand in the first leg of the World Series Boxing quarter-final match in Mumbai on Friday night. WSH: Delhi Wizards off to winning start
Delhi Wizards made a winning start to their World Series Hockey campaign, defeating Karnataka Lions 3-2 in their first match of the cash-rich tournament in New Delhi on Friday. I fully support World Series Hockey: Maken
Even as the ongoing World Series Hockey struggles to make its presence felt in the absence of star Indian players, the Government of India today fully backed the lucrative league, with Sports Minister Ajay Maken even taking a dig at Hockey India for trying to scuttle the event. Kiprop misfires in year's first 1,500m in Melbourne

World and Olympic champion Asbel Kiprop plans to work on his speed after placing fifth at the Melbourne Track Classic in his first 1,500 metres of the year on Friday.

Anirban Lahiri earns British Open ticket

India's Anirban Lahiri sealed his first appearance at a major tournament by shooting a final-round, five-under-par 67 in Asian International qualifying on Friday to book his ticket to this year's British Open.

Rooney returns to lead United attack against Spurs

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has recovered from a throat infection in time to spearhead the Premier League champions' attack for the trip to Tottenham Hotspur, manager Alex Ferguson said on Friday.

IOA decides not to act against Kalmadi
The Indian Olympic Association shied away from acting against the tainted Suresh Kalmadi despite the world body threatening to act on its own, saying there is no need for action against its president since he has decided keep away from sports administration. Thorpe's goggles fell off, says coach

Five-time Olympic champion Ian Thorpe's latest setback in his bid to swim at this year's London Games was not as terrible as it first appeared, his coach said on Friday.

NBA: Durant inspires late Thunder rally past Magic

Kevin Durant led the league-leading Thunder to a seventh consecutive victory as Oklahoma City used an explosive fourth-quarter charge to rally for a 105-102 road victory over the Orlando Magic on Thursday.

Mike Rodgers banned nine months for doping
U.S. sprinter Mike Rodgers has accepted a nine-month ban for a failed drug test but will still be able to compete in the London Olympics if he qualifies, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) said on Thursday. Paraplegic Deepa Malik sets her eyes on London Paralympics
Confined to wheelchair due to paralysis, Deepa Malik, who found a place in the Limca Book of Records for the third time recently for becoming the first paraplegic woman to reach world's highest motorable road, has set her eyes on a medal in the upcoming London Paralympics.

March 01, 2012

NADA lists supplements with prohibited stimulant MHA
The names of the supplements and ingredient as per the label and name of the manufacturer include Jack 3D (1, 3-dimethyylamylamine), Hemo Rage Black (Methylhexaneamine), Neurocore (Geranium extract), Launch (Geranium Oil Extract), CO2 (1, 3-dimethyylamylamine). Mary Kom to assess game in 51 kg at Asian C'ships

Five-time World champion M C Mary Kom will spearhead a 10-member Indian challenge in the Asian Confederation Women's Boxing Championships in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, from March 16 to 26.

IOA vows support to all London bound sportspersons
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has assured every possible assistance to all the sportspersons, who will represent the country in the forthcoming London Olympics.

February 29, 2012

Arvind Bhat loses in second round of German Open
Indian shuttler Arvind Bhat went down fighting against Hyun Il Lee of Singapore 19-21, 21-19, 15-21 in the second round of the men's singles event in the German Open Grand Prix Gold in Mulheim an der Ruhr. Bhat, Pawar in second round of German Open
Former National champion Bhat entered the second round after Scott Evans retired midway at 21-9, while Pawar defeated Eetu Heino of Finland 21-12, 21-16. US to host national yoga championship

The USA Yoga 2012 New York Regional and National Yoga Asana Championship is expected to see participation of competitors from over 30 states who will be judged on the balance and perfection of their yoga poses.

Briton Chisora given indefinite ban by WBC

British heavyweight Dereck Chisora was banned indefinitely by the World Boxing Council (WBC) on Tuesday for what the organisation called "one of the worst behaviours ever by a professional."

February 28, 2012

Six boxers for Olympics qualifier at Kazakhstan
Olympic bronze medallist Vijender Singh (75 kg) and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Paramjeet Samota (+91 kg) are among the Indian elite men boxers selected for the Asian Continental Olympics Boxing Qualification tournament to be held at Astana, Kazakhstan from April 5-12.

February 27, 2012

India go down to Ajerbaijan
A new match, a new look team; the fate nevertheless stayed the same. India went down to Azerbaijan 0-3 in the second international friendly played at the Rugby 7s Stadium in Dubai. Sania slides to 129 in singles ranking
The poor singles run further dented Sania Mirza's ranking as the Indian slipped to 129, a loss of 16 places, in the latest WTA list issued on Monday. FIH nod for WSH only if Hockey India, IHF unite
Just two days are left for its start but the World Series Hockey continues to remain in a limbo as the FIH on Monday said it cannot give sanction to the lucrative league until the two warring factions -- Hockey India and Indian Hockey Federation -- reach an agreement. Amul to sponsor India's Olympics contingent
Amul, the dairy cooperative managed by the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd, will sponsor the Indian contingent for the London Olympics. The Indian Olympic Association entered into an agreement with the country's largest food brand in this regard in Delhi on Monday. It was signed by IOA secretary-general Randhir Singh and R S Sodhi, Managing Director, GCMMF. 'IOA may decide on London participation under protest'
The IOA on Monday indicated that India may take part in the London Olympics under protest after the International Olympic Committee rejected its demand to scrap the controversial Dow Chemicals as one of the sponsors of the mega-event. Indian govt writes to IOC over Dow sponsorship row
After repeated letters of protest by the IOA failed to move the International Olympic Committee, the Indian government has now stepped in by asking the international body to drop Dow Chemicals as sponsor of this year's London Games for the company's link to the Bhopal Gas tragedy. NBA: Durant leads West to All-Star victory

Kevin Durant stole the spotlight from LeBron James to help orchestrate a stirring 152-149 All-Star Game victory for the Western Conference on Sunday that shifted from exhibition to grudge match in the closing stages.

Hackett warns against writing off Thorpe's Olympic bid

Grant Hackett believes it would be 'mad' to write off five-times Olympic champion Ian Thorpe's bid to swim at the London Games even if his times are a cause for concern with the Australian trials just a few weeks away.

February 26, 2012

Oly hockey qualifier: Ken leads Canada to bronze medal
Canada edged past Poland 4-3 in a pulsating encounter to secure the bronze medal in the men's hockey Olympic Qualification tournament in New Delhi on Sunday. EPL: Giggs salvages United win as Arsenal thump Spurs

Ryan Giggs enjoyed a dream 900th appearance by scoring a late winner in Manchester United's 2-1 win at Norwich City while Arsenal came from behind to thump Tottenham Hotspur 5-2 in the Premier League on Sunday.

Relationship with Villas-Boas not been ideal: Lampard

Frank Lampard said his relationship with Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has "not been ideal" during the young Portuguese coach's first season in charge at Stamford Bridge.

Serie A: Unbeaten Juve ride luck to grab draw in Milan
Unbeaten Juventus snatched a late goal to draw 1-1 at AC Milan in Serie A's top of the table clash on Saturday after the hosts had a goal disallowed when officials failed to spot the ball had crossed the line. Drogba becomes Chelsea's fourth highest scorer

Didier Drogba became Chelsea's fourth highest all-time scorer when he bagged the second goal in their 3-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League on Saturday.

Kipyego triumphs in Tokyo, Gebrselassie flops
Kenya's Michael Kipyego tore up the script to win the Tokyo Marathon with former World record holder Haile Gebrselassie left floundering in fourth on Sunday.

February 25, 2012

Marseille Open: Del Potro downs Tsonga to reach final
Argentine Juan Martin del Potro edged past local favourite and top seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-4, 6-7, 6-3 to reach the final of the Marseille Open on Saturday. Olympic hockey qualifier: Indian women's dream over

Indian women team's hopes of qualifying for the London Olympics went up in smoke after suffering a crushing 1-3 defeat against top-ranked South Africa in the finals of hockey qualifiers, on New Delhi on Saturday.

Climax, Mahesh made hasty retirements: Bhutia

Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia on Saturday said his ex-colleagues Climax Lawrence and Mahesh Gawli took hasty decisions to retire from international football as he felt that the duo could have served the country for some more years.

Resta satisfied with car's pace during Barcelona testing

Sahara Force India completed its second week of Formula One pre-season testing with lead driver Paul Di Resta exuding confidence in car's pace, specially in long runs.

Liverpool can kickstart season at Wembley: Dalglish

Victory for Liverpool in Sunday's League Cup final against second tier Cardiff City could help turn a difficult season into a success story, manager Kenny Dalglish said on Friday.

February 24, 2012

Asian TT: Indian men, women in quarterfinals
Indian women paddlers stunned fancied Thailand 3-0, while their male counterparts edged past Iran 3-2 to enter the Asian Table Tennis Championship quarterfinals in Macau. Tiger exits Match Play as Mahan and Johnson cruise

Tiger Woods tumbled out of the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship on Thursday after fellow Americans Hunter Mahan and Dustin Johnson had eased into the third round with commanding victories.

Bolt to miss second meeting in Jamaica

Jamaican triple Olympic champion Usain Bolt will miss his second consecutive scheduled meeting of the season on Saturday so he can concentrate on training, his agent said.

NBA: Lin feels the heat in Miami

Jeremy Lin and the New York Knicks were swept aside 102-88 by the Miami Heat on Thursday as the National Basketball Association's latest sensation was given a reality check in Miami's eighth straight win.

February 23, 2012

WADA warns dopers to avoid London Olympics

London organisers expect more than 6,250 samples will be analysed throughout the London Games and Paralympic Games, up to 400 each day, which is more than at any other Games.

Japan's sumo belly flops to $50 million debt

Japan's ancient sport of sumo rang up debts of almost $50 million in 2011 after a match-fixing scandal which triggered a television black-out and a government warning.

February 22, 2012

Olympic hockey qualifier: SA beat Indian eves 5-2
Indian eves suffered their first defeat in the tournament when they went down fighting to top-ranked South Africa 2-5 in their fourth encounter of the women's qualifiers for the London Olympics, at the Dhyan Chand Stadium, in New Delhi on Wednesday. Army accuses NRAI of biased selection

The Army on Wednesday charged the National Rifle Association of India of having a "biased selection policy" after one of its officer Lt Col Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore was excluded from the 2012 London Olympics shooting squad.

PLS deferred but well on course: IFA
The troubled Premier League Soccer (PLS) is on course but it has been deferred, the Indian Football Association said in Kolkata on Tuesday.

February 21, 2012

IOA Executive Board to discuss Kalmadi issue on March 2

The meeting has been called to discuss letters received from the IOC which had threatened to act on its own if the national sports apex body does not furnish what action it is going to take against Suresh Kalmadi.

I-League: 12 clubs refuse to sign AFC licensing guidelines
Twelve out of the 14 I-League clubs on Tuesday refused to sign AFC club licensing guidelines unless the All India Football Federation makes I-League a "separate entity". China takes first gold of Olympic diving test event

LOCOG chief executive Paul Deighton welcomed the crowd, who applauded each dive with enthusiasm, to what he said is a truly extraordinary building in the heart of the Olympic Park in east London.

Dow Chemical's Olympic PR push dogged by Bhopal
Dow Chemical Co hoped an Olympic sponsorship would boost its global cache, but the company's link to a gas leak tragedy 28 years ago threatens to curb some of the benefits from the $100 million advertising deal. NBA: Rose returns to power Bulls past Hawks
Derrick Rose made an immediate impact on his return to the Chicago Bulls lineup on Monday as last season's Most Valuable Player scored a game-high 23 points in a 90-79 victory over the visiting Atlanta Hawks.

February 20, 2012

NBA: Lin leads Knicks to upset Mavericks

The New York Knicks, led again by point guard Jeremy Lin, rained down three-pointers to gain the upper hand and beat NBA champion Dallas Mavericks 104-97 on Sunday before a raucous crowd at Madison Square Garden.

February 19, 2012

Fed Cup boxing: Nengneihat wins; Haryana bag top honours
Young Manipur pugilist S Nengneihat Kom (48kg) capped of a brilliant performance as she went on to beat Haryana's Neetu in the summit clash of the light fly-weight division in the 8th Federation Cup Women's Boxing Tournament in Guwahati on Sunday. Olympic hockey qualifier: Clinical India maul Italy 8-1

India continued their goal-scoring spree and predictably walloped minnows Italy 8-1 in a one-sided match of the men's hockey Olympic Qualification tournament, in New Delhi, on Sunday.

London Games: Skirts optional for women boxers

Women boxers will have the choice of wearing skirts or shorts in the ring at this year's London Olympics, the sport's world governing body said on Sunday.

Chisora arrested after post-fight brawl

Boxer Dereck Chisora was arrested on Sunday after an ugly brawl with fellow British heavyweight David Haye following a WBC title clash in Munich on Saturday.

Avantha Masters: Kruger wins; no Indian in top-20

None of the Indian could get inside the top-20 bracket even as South African Jbe Kruger overcame the late jitters to lift the Avantha Masters title, his first win on both Asian and European Tours, in New Delhi on Sunday.

Olympic hockey qualifier: Indian eves thrash Canada 4-1
Indian eves dished out a dominating performance to notch up a convincing 4-1 victory over Canada in their second match of the London Olympic qualifiers at the Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday. FA Cup: Stoke beat Crawley as referee takes centre stage
Last year's FA Cup runners-up Stoke City had a man harshly sent off but then scored a controversial penalty as they reached the quarter-finals with a 2-0 win at fourth tier Crawley Town on Sunday. Oly hockey qualifier: Poland stun Canada, France rout Singapore
Poland created the first upset in the men's competition of the hockey Olympic Qualification tournament by defeating higher-ranked Canada 3-2 while France registered their second successive win in the tournament, spanking a lowly Singapore 9-0 in New Delhi on Sunday. Shooting: Rathore misses out; Heena, Karmakar in Indian squad

Athens Olympics silver medalist Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore failed to find a place while rising talents Heena Sidhu and Joydeep Karmakar got the nod in the 11-member Indian shooting team, announced on Sunday for the London Olympics.

Chauhan, Jignas power India to top Asian Archery
Men's compound trio of Rajat Chauhan, Ritul Chatterjee and Chittibomma Jignas ensured India another gold medal after the fancied recurve archers flopped in the first Asian Grand Prix that concluded in Bangkok. Saina, our best bet for Olympic medal: Natekar

Ace shuttler Saina Nehwal is India's best bet to win a medal in badminton at the London Olympics but will have to work hard to overcome the domination by Chinese players, feels former great Nandu Natekar.

La Liga: Real Madrid 13 points clear after crushing Santander

A Cristiano Ronaldo header set Real Madrid on their way to a 4-0 win at home to 10-man Racing Santander on Saturday that stretched their advantage over second-placed Barcelona at the top of La Liga to 13 points.

Haye and Chisora clash in post-fight brawl

British heavyweight boxers David Haye and Dereck Chisora were involved in an ugly brawl following a WBC title clash in Munich on Saturday that left Haye's manager Adam Booth with nasty facial cuts.

NBA: Struggling Nets halt streak, upset Bulls

The New Jersey Nets snapped an eight-game losing streak with a surprisingly easy 97-85 road win over the Central Division-leading Chicago Bulls at the United Center on Saturday.

Whiteford disqualified from Avantha Masters

Scottish golfer Peter Whiteford, who was overnight tied second at the tri-sanctioned Avantha Masters in New Delhi, was on Sunday disqualified from the final round for moving the ball during the third round.

February 18, 2012

India bag gold on first day of Asian Grand Prix archery
Powered by a stupendous performance in the compound section, India claimed one gold, three silver and one bronze in the individual section of the Asian Grand Prix archery in Bangkok on Saturday. Venky's Mumbai Fighters lose 1-4 against Astana Arlans
It was not an outing to remember for the Venky's Mumbai Fighters as they lost 1-4 to Astana Arlans in their last group A match of the World Series Boxing Season 2011-12 in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

February 17, 2012

Asian Grand Prix: Indian archers storm into semis
In a memorable day for Indians, seven of them made the semi-finals in different categories of the first Asian Grand Prix archery in Bangkok on Friday. Thieves loot Greek museum at Olympic birthplace

Armed thieves looted a museum on Friday in Greece's Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games, stealing bronze and pottery artefacts weeks after the country's National Gallery was also burgled.

Manchester City complain to UEFA over racist abuse
Manchester City have lodged a complaint with European soccer's governing body UEFA about what they said was racist abuse directed towards striker Mario Balotelli during a Europa League match against Porto. Olympic hockey qualifier: Indian eves chase history
The Indian women's team will look to break a 32-year-old jinx as they mount a challenge for a berth in the London Olympic Games taking on a lowly Ukraine in their opening match of the qualifier at the Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi on Saturday. NBA: Raging Bulls charge past Celtics with late surge

The Chicago Bulls defended strongly before going on to stun the Boston Celtics with a late offensive burst to pave an 89-80 victory at the United Center on Thursday.

Heady day for Holmes with best score since surgery

JB Holmes, competing in only his fourth PGA Tour event since having brain surgery, gave himself a major boost by charging into contention at the Northern Trust Open in Thursday.

India bow out of Thomas Cup badminton
India bowed out of the Thomas Cup badminton championships after suffering a 0-3 thrashing by Malaysia in the quarterfinals in Macau.

February 16, 2012

Dow not responsible for Bhopal gas tragedy: IOC
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has appreciated Indian Olympic Association's (IOA) concern for the victims of 1984 Bhopal Tragedy but maintained that Dow Chemicals had no ownership stakes in Union Carbide till 2000. Jeremy Lin passes Knicks to victory over Kings

Jeremy Lin showed off another dimension on his magical NBA ride in leading the New York Knicks to a 100-85 rout of the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday for the team' seventh win in a row.

February 15, 2012

Uber Cup: India women blanked 0-5
Despite the presence of world number four Saina Nehwal, India's women shuttlers were blanked 0-5 by China in the Uber Cup (Asia Zone), while the men's team went down 2-3 after a valiant fight against Indonesia in the Thomas Cup in Macau. SAI reaches out to London Olympics hopefuls

The 'Olympic Hopeful' scheme has been approved by the Sports Ministry and includes some of the top names including Beijing Games gold-medallist Abhinav Bindra, bronze-medallists Vijender Singh and Sushil Kumar.

African champions Zambia shoot up rankings
Zambia have shot up 28 places in the FIFA rankings, breaking into the top 50 for the first time in eleven years after winning the African Nations Cup on Sunday.

February 14, 2012

India rout Macau in Thomas Cup
Ajay Jayaram led India to a 5-0 whitewash of hosts Macau in the Thomas Cup, but it was a losing start for the Indian women's team, which lost 2-3 to Malaysia, in the Uber Cup Asia Zone tournament on Tuesday. Yuki reaches career-high ranking

Rising Indian tennis player Yuki Bhambri has broken the 300 barrier by reaching his career-high ranking of 297 in the ATP Rankings.

'Ghosal could change the dynamics of Indian squash'

James Willstrop, the world No. 2 squash player, believes that Indian squash is "buzzing" after two good performances in recent weeks.

Indian Army eyes non-stop hang gliding word record

In a bid to set a world record, an artillery team of the Indian Army will undertake an adventurous hang gliding expedition to cover a distance of 350 kms non-stop from Bikaner to Sanderao in Rajasthan.

Asian GP to test archers: Archery coach
National archery coach Limba Ram feels that the Asian Grand Prix beginning Tuesday in Bangkok will provide an ideal platform to test the Indian archers ahead of the all important Olympic qualifiers. NBA: LeBron helps Miami turn heat on Bucks

LeBron James helped Miami finally find a way past the Milwaukee Bucks, scoring 35 points in the Heat's 114-96 victory on Monday.

February 13, 2012

Tevez set to join training with Manchester City

Carlos Tevez is due back in England on Tuesday and could be playing for Manchester City in the "next two to three weeks" following a thawing in relations between the Argentina striker and the club, an advisor to his representative said on Monday.

Liverpool owner and sponsor raised Suarez concerns

Liverpool's US owners and their shirt sponsor intervened over the weekend to help defuse a race row that was damaging one of the most successful English soccer clubs.

Saurav Ghosal wins Windy City Open Squash
Saurav Ghosal added another feather to his cap, winning the Windy City Open Squash 2012 in Chicago on Monday. The six-time Indian national champion got the better of Pakistan No 2 Yasir Butt 11- 8, 15-13, 10-12, 11-5. 'Healthy competition between us is good for the team'
There is competition between them when it comes to donning the national jersey, but off the field Indian hockey goalkeepers Bharat Chetri and PR Sreejesh take pride in each other's success. Expect two more boxers to qualify for Olympics: Sandhu
India's long-serving boxing coach Gurbax Singh Sandhu expects two more of his wards to make the cut for London Olympics from the Asian qualifying event in April after four of them booked their berths in last year's World Championships. Mickelson outplays Woods to win Pebble Beach title

Phil Mickelson totally upstaged playing partner Tiger Woods while charging past overnight leader Charlie Wi to win the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am in spectacular fashion by two shots on Sunday.

February 12, 2012

EPL: West Brom ravage Wolves 5-1 in derby

Peter Odemwingie scored a hat-trick as West Bromwich Albion triumphed 5-1 at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday to move further away from danger and leave their beleaguered local rivals inside the Premier League drop zone.

Dubai Desert Classic: Cabrera-Bello wins, Jeev ends 37th
Jeev Milkha Singh signed off the Dubai Desert Classic with a tame 73 and dropped to tied 37th even as Spaniard Rafael Cabrera-Bello held his nerve to beat Lee Westwood (70) and Stephen Gallacher (64) on Sunday. Suarez apologises for not shaking Evra's hand

Liverpool forward Luis Suarez apologised on Sunday for not shaking Patrice Evra's hand before his side's 2-1 defeat at Manchester United.

I-League: Dempo SC blank 10-man Pailan Arrows

Dempo SC consolidated their place at the top of the I-League table beating Pailan Arrows 2-0 at the Yuba Bharati Krinangan in Kolkata, on Sunday.

Gerrard would be perfect England captain: Rooney

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has put aside club rivalry by stating that Liverpool's Steven Gerrard would be the best man to lead England at Euro 2012.

Serie A: Milan rally to beat Udinese and go top
AC Milan produced a storming comeback with goals by Maxi Lopez and Stephan El Shaarawy to win 2-1 at title rivals Udinese on Saturday and move top of Serie A as their strikers made light of Zlatan Ibrahimovic's absence. La Liga: Barcelona freeze and title slips away in Pamplona
Barcelona's fading hopes of capturing a fourth consecutive La Liga crown suffered a major setback when they lost 3-2 at Osasuna on Saturday to leave Real Madrid seven points clear at the top with a game in hand. Redknapp's roller-coaster week ends on a high

One of the most remarkable weeks in the life of Harry Redknapp ended on a high when his entertaining Tottenham Hotspur side crushed Newcastle United 5-0 in the Premier League on Saturday.

African Nations Cup: Mali beat Ghana to finish third
Mali finished third at the African Nations Cup after two goals from Cheick Tidiane Diabate delivered a 2-0 win over 10-man Ghana on Saturday.

February 11, 2012

Sahara announces monetary support for archers
Their relationship with the Indian cricket board (BCCI) may be in troubled waters but Sahara India Pariwar has announced its support to Indian archers, on Saturday, by offering them a total cash incentive of close to Rs 3 million. Contador's team risks World Tour exclusion

Alberto Contador's Saxo Bank-Sungard team could be thrown out of cycling's World Tour after the Spaniard was given a two-year doping ban by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the International Cycling Union (UCI) said on Friday.

Mumbai Fighters gain WSB QF berth after walkover
Mumbai Fighters gained a quarter-final berth in the World Series Boxing (WSB) after getting a walkover from Los Angeles Matadors in their last Group A league fight. Lin outshines Kobe to lift Knicks to 4th win in a row
'Linsanity' reigned at Madison Square Garden for another night on Friday as point guard Jeremy Lin outdueled Kobe Bryant to lead the New York Knicks to a fourth straight win with a 92-85 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

February 10, 2012

Tour winner Ullrich found guilty of doping by CAS

Retired former Tour de France winner Jan Ullrich has been found guilty of doping in relation to a blood-doping scandal that engulfed his sport six years ago and has been banned for two years.

NBA: Lakers cool red-hot Celtics in overtime

Pau Gasol came up big for the Los Angeles Lakers as they beat the red-hot Boston Celtics 88-87 in overtime for a rare road win on Thursday.

Nadal slams French 'campaign' to discredit Spain

Rafa Nadal has hit out at what he called a "general campaign" in France to discredit Spanish athletes by implying their success is due to the use of illegal drugs.

Khan - Peterson rematch set for May 19

Amir Khan will fight Lamont Peterson on May 19 in Las Vegas after the Briton was granted his wish for a rematch after his controversial loss to the American last December, his promoter said on Thursday.

African Nations Cup: Under-rated Zambia reach final
Zambia, a team currently without a national stadium, have emerged from the shadows at the African Nations Cup to grab an unexpected place in Sunday's final against the Ivory Coast. NBA: 'Linsanity' has the New York Knicks riding high

Jeremy Lin's sudden rise from obscure reserve to the toast of Broadway could not have come at a better time for the New York Knicks.

Rice would have ditched season but for Olympics

Triple Olympic champion Stephanie Rice would have ditched this season out of sheer frustration at her shoulder injury were it not for the London Games, the Australian said after her first race of the year on Friday.

Lee, Johnson, Wi set Pebble Beach pace

New Zealander Danny Lee recorded two eagles in near-perfect scoring conditions to soar into a tie for the first-round lead at the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am on Thursday as Tiger Woods made an encouraging start.

Pearce takes charge as England mull over successor

Stuart Pearce will take temporary charge of England for this month's friendly against the Netherlands while the search for Fabio Capello's permanent successor as boss gets underway ahead of June's European Championship.

February 09, 2012

Jeev shoots flawless 67 on perfect day at Dubai Classic
Jeev Milkha Singh making his 14th appearance at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic shot a superb bogey-free five-under 67 that put him inside the top-10 on the opening day of the last event on Middle East Swing of the European Tour. FA Cup: Sunderland's Sessegnon sinks Middlesbrough

Stephane Sessegnon struck deep into extra-time as Sunderland booked their place in the FA Cup fifth round with a 2-1 replay win over second-tier rivals Middlesbrough on Wednesday.

African Nations Cup: Ivory Coast to meet Zambia in final
Top-ranked Ivory Coast lived up to their billing by reaching the African Nations Cup final as the tournament delivered yet another surprise on Wednesday when Zambia also reached Sunday's deciding match. NBA: Parker scores 37 as Spurs top 76ers
San Antonio's Tony Parker scored 37 points to continue his hot scoring stretch and lead the Spurs to a 100-90 road win over the Atlantic Division-leading Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday for their sixth successive victory. Kings Cup: Fabregas sizzles as Barcelona reach final

Barcelona set up a King's Cup final against Athletic Bilbao when Cesc Fabregas scored one goal and created another for Xavi in a 2-0 win over 10-man Valencia in their semi-final second leg on Wednesday.

Capello quits as England manager

Italian Fabio Capello's turbulent reign as England manager ended on Wednesday when he resigned after meeting FA chairman David Bernstein and general secretary Alex Horne at Wembley stadium.

February 08, 2012

Miami heat up in fourth quarter to beat Cavs
The Miami Heat inched closer to top spot in the Eastern Conference with a 107-91 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday. WADA wants two-year ban on Ashwini & Co.

NADA Director General Rahul Bhatnagar said that the WADA had filed an appeal against the reduced penalty and the matter would come up before the NADA Appellate panel on February 15.

We are committed to our Olympic partnership: Dow
Chemicals giant Dow say they are fully committed to providing the decorative wrap for London's Olympic stadium despite continuing criticism of its involvement because of its link to the 1984 Bhopal gas disaster.

February 07, 2012

Olympics: Londoners looking to make money out of homes

An estimated one-in-three Londoners are considering packing their bags and moving in with family and friends or heading abroad when 11 million sports fans, media and corporate clients descend on the capital for the world's biggest sporting extravaganza.

We are fine-tuning on every little detail: Nobbs

With just 11 days left for the London Olympic qualifiers, Indian hockey coach Michael Nobbs is busy fine-tuning the minute aspects, which according to him should help the players avoid the mistakes that cost the team dearly in the recent past.

African Nations Cup: Keita leads Mali to semis

Seydou Keita has emerged as the undisputed leader of an exciting young Mali side six months after returning from a 20-month hiatus from the international game.

Anfield cat becomes internet hit

A cat that invaded the famous Anfield turf for three minutes during Liverpool's 0-0 Premier League draw with Tottenham Hotspur on Monday has become an internet celebrity.

Sahara sponsorship: Cricket's loss is hockey's gain

They have snapped ties with cricket but the Sahara Group has renewed its association with Indian hockey signing a five-year sponsorship deal with Hockey India.

NBA: Lakers coach suspended, to miss 76ers game
The Los Angeles Lakers will be without head coach Mike Brown on Monday for a key game against the Philadelphia 76ers after he was suspended and fined by the National Basketball Association. EPL: Liverpool held by resolute Spurs, fall to 7th

Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez returned after a nine-match absence but failed to inspire Liverpool to victory in a cagey 0-0 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Monday.

February 06, 2012

I-League: Salgaocar scrape past Prayag United

Salgaocar Sports Club overcame stiff second half resistance from Prayag United SC, to score a solitary goal victory in the 19th round I League match, at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, Goa on Monday.

Malaysia ban 18 players for match-fixing
A match-fixing scandal in Malaysia led to 18 players being banned by the country's football association has been blasted as a "disgrace" by the country's sports minister. Contador banned for two years over doping, set to lose Tour title

Spain's Alberto Contador has been given a two-year ban by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for failing a dope test during the 2010 Tour de France, the International Cycling Union (UCI) said on Monday.

African Nations Cup: Home hopes end but Ghana still alive
Home hopes crumbled for Gabon in the lottery of a penalty shootout at the African Nations Cup on Sunday but Ghana's hopeful search to end a long drought at the finals continued. Kings Cup: Barca dig deep with final in sight
Injury-hit Barcelona will not be complaining if another 'lucky' black cat helps Lionel Messi find the net at the Nou Camp on Wednesday when they bid for a third King's Cup final appearance in four years. NBA: LeBron rescues Heat from Toronto Raptors
LeBron James put his fourth-quarter uncertainties behind him with critical late plays that helped the Miami Heat survive a late scare from Toronto in a nervous 95-89 home win over the Raptors on Sunday.

February 05, 2012

Qatar Master: Chowrasia impressive on last day as Lawrie wins tit
SSP Chowrasia fired four birdies on the back nine as he recovered from an early triple bogey to finish tied 47th after carding two-under 70 in the final round of the Qatar Masters, in Doha, on Sunday. Dipika wins but India lose title match to Egypt

Dipika Pallikal saved seven match before edging past Nour El Sherbini in a thriller but India lost 1-2 the summit clash to Egypt to end ruuners-up in the Chennai Open World Junior Cup Team championship in Chennai on Sunday.

Paes bestowed with 'Legend of Sport' award

Indian tennis star Leander Paes, who recently completed his career Grand Slam, was on Sunday chosen for 'Legend of Sport' award by NDTV, which announced the Spirit of Sport awards in New Delhi.

I-League: Pune FC halt Dempo title surge

Dempo Sports Club lost a potentially title deciding 19th round I-League clash after Pune FC stole their thunder 1-0 at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, Goa, on Sunday.

La Liga: Barca see off Sociedad to keep pace with Real

Barcelona stayed hard on the heels of La Liga leaders Real Madrid when Lionel Messi's brilliance lifted a side containing several youngsters from the club's B team to a 2-1 win at home to Real Sociedad on Saturday.

African Nations Cup: Ivory Coast, Zambia ease into semi-finals
Ivory Coast and Zambia ruthlessly crushed African Nations Cup underdogs Equatorial Guinea and Sudan 3-0 respectively on Saturday to end the dreams of opponents who had upset the odds to reach the last eight. Boxing will get bigger after London Olympics: Vijender

Star Indian pugilist Vijender Singh expects boxing to get bigger in the country after the London Olympics as he feels men in the ring will deliver more than one medal in the quadrennial extravaganza this July.

Ferdinand angry and frustrated by abuse towards his brother

Rio Ferdinand said it had been frustrating watching his younger brother, Anton suffer the abuse of "small-minded people" because of the John Terry racism case and that he too was disillusioned by the racism issues blighting English soccer.

NBA: Parker helps Spurs steal Oklahoma's Thunder

Tony Parker scored a season-high 42 points to propel the San Antonio Spurs past the league-leading Oklahoma City Thunder 107-96 on Saturday night.

Owen Hargreaves's career at the crossroads again

Former England international midfielder Owen Hargreaves's career is back in the balance after Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini said a gamble on his fitness had backfired.

February 04, 2012

India reach final of World Junior squash
Indian squash player Ramit Tandon thrashed higher-ranked Geoffrey Demont of France in a crucial tie to help India reach the final of the Chennai Open World Junior Cup in Chennai on Saturday. National Snooker: Mehta downs Chawla to retain crown
Aditya Mehta won his second national snooker title in a period of six months by outplaying Kamal Chawla 6-2 in the best-of-eleven frame final in the 78th Manisha National Championships at the PYC Hindy Gymkhana, on Saturday. I-League: Mohun Bagan hold East Bengal

Kingfisher East Bengal and McDowells Mohun Bagan played out a 1-1 draw in the 19th round I-League clash played at the Yuba Bharati Krinangan, in Kolkata on Saturday.

US prosecutors drop probe of Lance Armstrong team

Federal prosecutors on Friday dropped an investigation centred on whether seven-time Tour De France champion Lance Armstrong and his teammates cheated the sponsor of their bike racing team with a secret doping program.

Sushil, Amit bag gold in wrestling for India

India's Amit Kumar and Sushil Kumar won a gold medal each in the Dave Schultz Memorial International Wrestling Tournament in the United States.

EPL: Torres desperate to repay Chelsea fans for loyalty

Fernando Torres is desperate to repay the Chelsea fans for their unstinting show of support during the worst spell of his career, the Spain striker said on Friday.

London 2012: Bomb-proof bins installed before Games

A London-based business has reinvented the rubbish bin, making its new recycling containers bomb-proof and sticking LCD screens on the side to tell Londoners about market moves and breaking news.

February 03, 2012

Shortage of black cabs during Olympics feared

Flagging down a black cab on London's streets may prove a little harder during this year's Olympics after taxi drivers had a request to raise fares by 22 percent turned down on Thursday.

NBA: Rose blooms late to charge Bulls to victory
Derrick Rose took over scoring duties late in the game to ensure the surging Chicago Bulls held off the New York Knicks to record a 105-102 victory at Madison Square Garden on Thursday. World Series Boxing winners to qualify for Olympics
Thanks to their decent showings in recent years, Boxing Federation of India (BFI) president Abhay Singh Chautala has pinned his hopes on the pugilists to bring laurels to the country in the upcoming London Olympics.

February 02, 2012

All-foreign team for Mumbai Fighters in last home bout
After a series of poor results that have hurt their quarter-inal qualifying hopes, Venky's Mumbai Fighters have decided to field an all-foreign team of pugilists in their last home group tie against cellar outfit Bangkok Elephants in the World Series Boxing clash on Friday. Olympic Preparation: Around 3.57 crore spent on boxers
The Sport Ministry has spent an amount of Rs 3.57 crore on the training and foreign exposure of Indian boxers under 'Operation Excellence' for London Olympics 2012. Pallikal moves up to 14 in World squash rankings
Riding on her yet another appearance in the finals of a WISPA tournament, India's young woman squash sensation Dipika Pallikal has moved up to a career-high 14th place in the world rankings. Muhammad Ali trainer Dundee dies at 90

Celebrated boxing trainer Angelo Dundee, Muhammad Ali's cornerman in his greatest fights, died on Wednesday at the age of 90.

February 01, 2012

I-League: Sporting Clube edge out Pune FC in a thriller

Sporting Clube de Goa rallied splendidly from two goals down to snatch an improbable 4-2 win against Pune FC in the 18th round I-League clash at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, Goa on Wednesday.

London 2012: Flame to land at Culdrose military base

The flame for this year's London Olympics, scheduled to arrive in Britain on May 18, will land at a military base in Cornwall before starting the torch relay that will end with the Games' opening ceremony on July 27, documents revealed on Wednesday.

AFC Challenge Cup: Steven gets the boot
Winger Steven Dias got the axe as India, on Wednesday announced 30 probables for the preparatory camp for next month's AFC Challenge Cup football tournament in Kathmandu. Para-athletes ask government to boycott London Games
Amid growing chorus against Dow Chemicals's association with the upcoming London Olympics, a group of para-athletes urged the government to boycott the event unless the contentious company was dropped as a sponsor. NBA: Kobe gets breather as Lakers blast Bobcats
Kobe Bryant's fast start allowed him to clock off early as the Los Angeles Lakers made easy work of the Charlotte Bobcats in a 106-73 home blowout on Tuesday.

January 31, 2012

Olympic hockey qualifier: Asunta to lead women's squad
Hockey India announced a 18-member women's squad for the London Olympic qualifiers, to be held at the Major Dhyan Chand National stadium, New Delhi from February 18. African Nations Cup: Sudan through by slimmest of margins
Sudan advanced into the African Nations Cup quarter-finals after a 2-1 win over Burkina Faso on Monday handed them second place in Group B by the slimmest of margins. NBA: Griffin and Clippers dunk Thunder in home triumph
Blake Griffin delivered the dunk of the season on a rim-rattling slam over Kendrick Perkins to highlight the Los Angeles Clippers' 112-100 victory over the NBA-leading Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday.

January 30, 2012

WSH: Eleven more players sign up
Current Canada captain Ken Pereira is among 11 players to sign up for the $ 2 million World Series Hockey that will be held from February 29 to April 2 in eight Indian cities. National TT champ Amalraj fined for wild celebration
A wild, top-of-the-table celebration is set to cost the new table tennis champion A Amalraj a quarter of his winner's purse, the national federation has said in a statement.

January 29, 2012

FA Cup: Middlesbrough hold Sunderland
Premier league Sunderland were held to a 1-1 draw by north-east rivals Middlesbrough in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday. Chitra wins women's snooker title
Former World women's billiards champion M Chitra finally won her maiden national title after years of toil, defeating Neena Praveen of Tamil Nadu 3-1 in the final of the snooker event at Manisha-National Billiards and Snooker championship in Pune on Sunday. Kieffer edges out Gangjee in play-off at Kensville
Max Kieffer of Germany made his first-ever visit to India memorable by edging out Rahil Gangjee in the first play-off hole to win the Gujarat Kensville Challenge in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Aus Open: Djokovic grinds down Nadal to win title

A fatigued Novak Djokovic stared down a ferocious challenge from Rafa Nadal to defend his Australian Open title early on Monday in the longest grand slam final ever played.

Sharan controversially elected WFI president
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh claimed that he has been elected as the president of the Wrestling Federation of India amidst controversy surrounding the electoral college of national body. I-League: Salgaocar hold Dempo 0-0

Dempo Sports Club and Salgaocar SC did everything except score in goalless but entertaining Goa derby in the 17th round I-League encounter at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Sunday.

Jeev finishes 24th, Rock wins HSBC Golf Championships
India's senior golfer Jeev Milkha Singh had a good weekend with rounds of five-under 67 and one-under 71 to finish tied 24th at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championships in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

January 28, 2012

'Paes is a born doubles player'

India's tennis fraternity lauded Paes for winning a Grand Slam title at the age of 38, describing him as a "born doubles player".

Woods shares lead with Britain's Rock

A host of pinpoint golf shots and a deadly touch with the putter helped Tiger Woods to move within sight of his first victory in a full-field event for more than two years at the Abu Dhabi Championship on Saturday.

I-League: 10-man Sporting Clube hold Prayag United

A 10-man Sporting Clube de Goa held home favourite Prayag United SC 2-2 in a 17th round encounter of the I-League at the Salt Lake Stadium, in Kolkata, on Saturday.

FA Cup: Kuyt gives Liverpool win over Manchester United

Substitute Dirk Kuyt struck two minutes from time to give hosts Liverpool a 2-1 FA Cup fourth-round win over Manchester United on Saturday with visiting captain Patrice Evra being booed throughout and making a mistake for the goal.

African Nations Cup: Gabon win thriller to reach quarters
A stunning last-gasp freekick from substitute Bruno Zita Mbanangoye sent co-hosts Gabon into the African Nations Cup quarter-finals after a dramatic 3-2 win over Morocco on Friday. Dempo SC launches website, merchandise
Dempo Sports Club on Saturday announced a slew of initiatives aimed at further professionalising its operations and becoming a football powerhouse. Jeev, Chowrasia make cut in Abu Dhabi
Struggling Indian golfer SSP Chowrasia (72) sank a birdie on his closing hole of the second round to make the midway cut at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championships.

January 27, 2012

National billiards: Advani retains crown
World Champion Pankaj Advani retained the national billiards title with a flawless show in the final, blanking Bhalchandra Bhaskar 5-0 at the PYC Hindu Gymkhana in Mumbai on Thursday. FA Cup: Ferguson wants derby to be just about football

The calls for calm towards frenzied fans before Manchester United travel to Liverpool were at odds with manager Alex Ferguson's desire on Friday to simply talk about "a game of football".

African Nations Cup: Caution pays off for Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast's safety first approach paid off as they reached the African Nations Cup quarter-finals on Thursday but similar tactics backfired for Angola in a 2-2 draw with Sudan, who had not scored at the tournament for the previous 36 years. 'If Kalmadi doesn't resign he should be kicked out'
Congress leader and IOA vice-president Jagdish Tytler on Friday demanded that his party colleague Suresh Kalmadi be removed as president of the organisation if he does not resign on his own. Kings Cup: Valencia's Piatti helps secure semis spot with Barca
Valencia's Pablo Piatti scored twice to set up a meeting with Barcelona in the King's Cup semi-finals after helping his side to a 7-1 aggregate win at city rivals Levante on Thursday.

January 26, 2012

National Archery: Bombalya creates three records
London Olympics medal prospect L Bombalya Devi of Railway Sport Promotion Board (RSPB) created three new national records while archer Tarundeep Rai set a new record in the ongoing 32nd Sahara Senior National Archery Championship at JRD Tata Sports complex in Jamshedpur on Thursday. London Games watchdog member quits over Dow deal
A member of the body that oversees the sustainability of the London Olympics has resigned in protest at a sponsorship deal with Dow Chemical because of the American company's ties to the 1984 Bhopal gas disaster that killed thousands in Madhya Pradesh. NBA: Lakers get last word in LA clash

The battle for Los Angeles gained another feisty chapter as the Lakers scrapped to a 96-91 win over the Clippers on Wednesday to reassume inner-city bragging rights.

African Nations Cup: Equatorial Guinea reach last eight
Equatorial Guinea produced arguably the biggest ever upset in African Nations Cup finals on Wednesday by beating Senegal 2-1 to book a quarter-final place and send one of the favourites tumbling out. Kings Cup: Barcelona knock out Real Madrid

Barcelona dealt Real Madrid another body blow when they survived a stirring fightback from their arch rivals to draw 2-2 in an action-packed King's Cup quarter-final second leg on Wednesday and send the holders out 4-3 on aggregate.

January 25, 2012

Jhulan, Zafar Iqbal to be conferred Padma Shri

The Indian women's cricket team captain Jhulan Goswami, former men's hockey team captain Zafar Iqbal and archer Limba Ram are among the sportspersons chosen for the prestigious Padma Shri award.

January 24, 2012

Jharkhand mountaineer eyes five world summits
The first woman mountaineer from Jharkhand Premlata Agarwal, who conquered Mount Everest last May, is now aiming to scale the remaining five summits across the world. I have rarely been fitter than now, says Woods

Tiger Woods has declared he is the fittest he has been in around a decade ahead of his first tournament of the year.

'Unfortunate that some IOA members want Kalmadi back'
Union sports minister Ajay Maken, despite not wanting to be 'too intrusive', says he is uncomfortable with the idea of Suresh Kalmadi returning as president of Indian Olympic Association. Sania-Elena enter Australian Open semis
Sania Mirza and Elena Vesnina showed nerves of steel under pressure as they shocked second seeds Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond to breeze into the women's doubles semi-final of the Australian Open in Melbourne. Olympic Qualifier: Injured Gurbaj out of 32 probables
Injured midfielder Gurbaj Singh was on Monday left out of India's 32-member probables announced for the hockey Olympic Qualification tournament to be held in New Delhi from February 18 to 26.

January 23, 2012

I-League: Sporting Clube drub Mumbai FC

Sporting Clube de Goa completed a hat-trick of wins to log their best run in the I-League. A 5-0 win over Mumbai FC in the 16th round at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda meant Sporting Clube calmed their nerves as they moved to the 8th spot with 23 points in their kitty.

WSH: Chandigarh Comets to take on Bhopal Badshahs in Opener
Chandigarh Comets would clash with Bhopal Badshahs at the former's venue to kick start the inaugural $ 2 million prize money World Series Hockey championships on February 29. Rotocross for two and four-wheelers in Mumbai

Here's a chance for motorsports enthusiasts to parade their driving skills. On Sunday, January 29, the Rotary Club of Deonar, in association with Sportscraft, will stage a Rotary Rotocross for two and four-wheelers at the Somaiya grounds in Sion East, Near Chunabhatti Rly Station, Sion, Mumbai.

African Nations Cup: Drogba gets Ivorians off the mark

Didier Drogba's talismanic qualities helped Ivory Coast make a winning, if not impressive, start to the African Nations Cup finals as he scored the only goal against a stubborn Sudan. With Angola, who beat Burkina Faso 2-1 in Sunday's other match in Malabo.

Malhotra knew of suspension of Kalmadi: R K Anand
The fierce wrangling in the IOA took a new turn on Monday with its senior functionary R K Anand claiming that the Ethics Commission's 'suspension' of Suresh Kalmadi was known to the apex body's top brass but was deliberately kept under wraps, a claim which was rejected by the rival faction. Serie A: Milan, Udinese keep up pressure on Juve
AC Milan took their time but eventually eased past bottom side Novara 3-0 to stay on the tail of Serie A leaders Juventus on Sunday as Udinese and Inter Milan also won. NBA: Pacers trip up cold-shooting Lakers

The Indiana Pacers took advantage of an ice-cold Los Angeles Lakers side with a 98-96 victory on Sunday, inflicting a third successive loss the home team.

January 22, 2012

Serie A: Juve go four points clear, Totti breaks record

Second-half goals from Stephan Lichtsteiner and Emanuele Giaccherini sent Juventus four points clear in Serie A after they defeated Atalanta 2-0 in Bergamo on Saturday to finish the first half of the season unbeaten.

Four IOA office bearers rubbish showcause to Kalmadi
Four office bearers of the IOA rubbished reports that the sacked Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi was showcaused by its now disbanded Ethics Commission's and sought for an inquiry by the acting president into the matter. FIA bans reactive ride height systems
Formula One's governing body has moved to ban, before the start of pre-season testing, controversial new reactive suspension systems that several teams were working on. La-Liga: Tiger Falcao feasts on Real Sociedad

Colombia striker Radamel Falcao scored a hat-trick and helped Atletico Madrid to their first away win of the season, in a 4-0 victory at Real Sociedad in La Liga on Saturday.

NBA: Bosh guides home-loving Heat past 76ers
Chris Bosh sparked the Miami Heat to a third home win in a row on Saturday, draining 30 points in a 113-92 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. I-League: Prayag United stun Mohun Bagan

A spectacular pile-driver from former international Deepak Mondal gave Prayag United the necessary lead to help it upset the Kolkata giant Mohun Bagan 2-1, in a 16th round I-League match, played at the Salt Lake Stadium, in Kolkata on Sunday.

Disbanded IOA Ethics Committee had showcaused Kalmadi
The bitter turf war in the IOA seems to be taking one dramatic turn after another with the latest twist being the release of a showcause notice that was sent to sacked Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi by the body's disbanded Ethics Commission. Paes-Stepanek in Aus Open quarters, Hesh-Bopanna ousted

Leander Paes inched closer to his first-ever Australian Open title by making it to the doubles quarter-finals along with Radek Stepanek but it was all over for his compatriots Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna.

Ministry releases over Rs 3 crore for Oly preparation
The Sports Ministry said it has released over Rs three crore of a Rs 7.95 crore financial assistance meant for the 45 medal prospects for this year's London Olympics. IOC seeks report over Kalmadi's status
The International Olympic Committee has written to the Indian Olympic Association, seeking a report on sacked Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi's 'current and exact situation before the courts of justice'.

January 21, 2012

Chowrasia shoots one-under; moves up to 19th
India's lone representative at the Volvo Golf Champions, SSP Chowrasia, managed to hold on with a highly creditable one-under 72 in conditions that were at their worst at the Fancourt in South Africa. Mystery man Ameen threatens to sue Amir Khan for libel
British boxer Amir Khan and his camp have been threatened with a lawsuit by 'mystery man' Mustafa Ameen unless they apologise for what the IBF volunteer has called 'libellous statements'. Shooters Imran, Manavjit book Olympic spots

Ace marksman Manavjit Singh Sandhu and Imran Hassan Khan grabbed an Olympic quota each on the final day of the Asian Shooting Championships in Doha, on Saturday, ending India's long wait for a London Games berth in the competition.

Bhasin earns Asian Tour card
Rahil Gangjee shot a sensational nine-under 63 and zoomed from the brink at 36th place to tied second at the end of the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage in Hua Hin, Thailand on Saturday.

January 20, 2012

Ethiopia bans Olympic champ Bekele and 34 others
Ethiopia has indefinitely banned 35 athletes - including Olympic men's 5,000 and 10,000 metres champion Kenenisa Bekele -- from competition in a row over training, the technical director of the Ethiopian Athletics Federation said on Friday. Kalmadi to stay away from IOA, tells Malhotra to continue
Former Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi has asked senior vice-president V K Malhotra to continue discharging his duty as acting president of the IOA, saying he would not represent the body for some time. CII, Olympic Gold Quest deal to support young talent

Olympic Gold Quest, an initiative to support talented Indian sportspersons in their quest for Olympic medals, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Confederation of Indian Industry, on Friday, to promote sports at the grassroots level through the involvement of corporates.

Vijay Kumar strikes gold at Asian shooting

Vijay Kumar earned India's a fifth gold medal at the Asian Shooting Championships when he finished on top in the Standard Pistol event in Doha on Friday. However, there was no Olympic Quota place for the country from the event, as it does not feature in the quadrennial extravaganza.

January 19, 2012

Hockey Test series: India go down to South Africa
A scrappy India wasted chances galore as South Africa dished out a spirited performance to beat the hosts 3-1 in the third hockey Test in New Delhi on Thursday and keep alive their hopes in the five-match series. Bhupathi blasts AITA's policy decision

Taking potshots at the All India Tennis Association, senior pro Mahesh Bhupathi, on Thursday, said he is not sure of pairing with Sania Mirza in the mixed doubles event of the London Olympics because of the national body's "funny politics".

Hockey: India eves complete series whitewash over Azerbaijan
Indian women's hockey team completed a clean sweep in their four-Test series against Azerbaijan after notching up a 2-0 victory in the fourth and final match in New Delhi on Thursday. Indian Paralympic athletes book London berth
Indian para athletes clinched five medals, including one gold, at the second Kuwait International Open Athletics Championship and so far booked four Paralympic quota places. I-League: Sporting Clube shock Mohun Bagan

Sporting Clube de Goa took the winds out of McDowell Mohun Bagan's sails with a fascinating 2-1 win in a 15th round I-League encounter at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, Goa on Thursday.

Former CWG OC chairman Kalmadi granted bail

The Delhi High Court accepted the plea of former Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (OC) chairman Suresh Kalmadi and granted him bail on health grounds.

London faces 'perfect traffic storm' during Olympics

Organisers want London to be known as the "public transport Games" and have identified transport as one of their big challenges, along with security.

January 18, 2012

Sports ministry rewards Abhinav Bindra for Doha show
Ace marksman Abhinav Bindra was handed a cash award of Rs 4.33 lakh by sports minister Ajay Maken, for his splendid performance at the Asian Shooting Championship in Doha. 3rd hockey Test: Fit-again Walmiki set to play against SA

Promising striker Yuvraj Walmiki is all set to return to India's playing eleven in the third hockey Test against South Africa in New Delhi, on Thursday, after remaining in the sidelines for nearly one-and-a-half month due to a hip injury.

Hockey Test series: India thrash Azerbaijan 3-0
Indian eves on Wednesday registered a 3-0 victory over a hapless Azerbaijan in the third match to keep their slate clean in the four-Test hockey series at the Major Dhyan Chand National stadium, in New Delhi, on Wednesday. Roberto Silva stars in Churchill's win over Lajong
Roberto Silva's brace of goals helped Churchill Brothers beat hosts Shillong Lajong 2-0 in a 15th round I-League encounter at the J N Sports Complex, in Shillong, on Wednesday. Deepika, Jayanata may go to S Korea for training
Tata Steel plans to send woman archer Deepika Kumari and Jayanta Talukdar, the lone recurve archer qualified for the mega event, to South Korea for training ahead of the Olympics. Khan withdraws IBF appeal, seeks rematch

Amir Khan has dropped his appeal with the International Boxing Federation as the Briton seeks an immediate rematch to avenge his controversial defeat to Lamont Peterson in Washington last month, his US promoters said on Tuesday.

London Olympic organisers to pay full price for unwanted tickets

London Olympic organisers will buy back unwanted tickets for this year's Games directly at face value but fans wanting to get their hands on them will have to wait until April.

January 17, 2012

I-League: East Bengal drub Pailan Arrows

Pailan Arrows proved out to be no match for resurgent Kingfisher East Bengal, as the hosts defeated Arrows by 4-1 in the 15th round I-League clash, played at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, on Tuesday.

Platini will be a good FIFA president: Blatter

Michel Platini will be a good president for FIFA, incumbent Sepp Blatter said on Tuesday.

Henry apologises for swearing at Arsenal fan

Thierry Henry has apologised for swearing at an Arsenal fan following his side's 3-2 Premier League defeat at Swansea City on Sunday.

January 16, 2012

Indian women win two gold at Asian shooting
The women's Air Pistol team of Annu Raj Singh, Shweta Chaudhry and Heena Sidhu finished ahead of the formidable Chinese by just a point to win the gold, while veteran Raj Kumari bagged India's second gold of the day, winning the 50m women's prone by a comfortable margin the Asian Championships. I-League: Shillong Lajong signs Renedy Singh
North East's only Football Club in the prestigious I-League, the Shillong Lajong FC, on Monday, signed national mid-fielder Renedy Singh ahead of their first home encounter against Churchill on Wednesday. Australian Open: Federer back to his best

Roger Federer showed no sign of back trouble as he cruised into the second round of the Australian Open on Monday with a 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 victory over qualifier Alexander Kudryavtsev.

Sania loses in singles first round at Aus Open
India's challenge in the singles event of the season's first Grand Slam was over in just an hour and 28 minutes, as Sania Mirza went down to Bulgaria's Tsvetana Pironkova in straight sets, in the first round of the Australian Open, in Melbourne, on Monday. Back after recovering from a knee injury, Sania showed glimpses of a fightback against Pironkova, but it was not enough. The world No. 105 Indian was beaten 4-6, 2-6. Maradona has kidney stones removed

Diego Maradona has undergone surgery to have kidney stones removed, the Dubai hospital where he is being treated said on Monday.

American Wagner wins Sony Open by two shots

American Johnson Wagner, ice-cool until the very last hole, won his third PGA Tour title by two shots after shaking off a tightly bunched pack of pursuers at the Sony Open in Hawaii.

January 15, 2012

Superstars XI football match deferred
Kolkata's dream date with Pele and other former World Cup stars on January 23 was put off because of 'unavoidable circumstances', the organisers said on Sunday. I-League: Odafe 'trick floors Churchill, Bagan move to 2nd place
Odafe Okolie scored a hat-trick as Mohun Bagan came from behind to beat Churcbill Brothers 3-2 and move to the second place after 14 rounds of the I-League football tournament in Margao on Sunday. Asian C'ships: India's pistol shooters disappoint
India's 10m air pistol shooters put up a disastrous show at the Asian Shooting Championships in Doha to leave the team management fuming on Sunday. Ram Singh Yadav qualifies for London Games

After missing the bus for the Beijing Olympics by three seconds, long distance runner Ram Singh Yadav achieved the qualifying mark set for this year's London Games by dipping more than a minute under the B standard in the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon.

Moiben, Abeyo win Mumbai marathon, Yadav qualifies for London

African domination continued at the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon as Kenya's Laban Moiben and Ethiopian Netsanet Abeyo bagged the top honours in men's and women's categories in the ninth edition in Mumbai.

January 14, 2012

African rivalry set to dominate Mumbai Marathon
African athletes are expected to continue their dominance with runners from Kenya and Ethiopia likely to battle it out for top honours from among 2475 participants at the 9th Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon on Sunday. Saina falters in semis of Malaysia Open
Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal failed to sustain her impressive touch as she suffered a straight-game defeat at the hands of world No 1 Yihan Wang of China in the semi-final of the Malaysian Open Super Series, in Kuala Lumpur. London Olympics dreams over for Rathore, Anjali
The final bid for top Indian shooters Rajyavrdhan Singh Rathore and Anjali Bhagwat to qualify for London Olympics ended in disappointment as they failed to make it to the final round in their respective events in the Asian Shooting Championships.

January 13, 2012

Saina scores over Tine to enter Malaysian Open semis
Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal entered her first semi-final of the new season, scoring a hard-fought victory over Tine Baun of Denmark at the Malaysian Super Series in Kuala Lumpur, on Friday. The world No 4 Indian had to toil before prevailing over two-time All England champion Tine 21-13, 21-23, 21-13 in a women singles quarter-final that lasted a little less than an hour. Abhinav Bindra wins gold at Asian shooting

Ace shooter Abhinav Bindra won the gold medal in the men's 10-metre Air Rifle event at the 12th Asian Shooting Championships in Doha, on Friday. The 29-year old Beijing Olympics gold medalist aggregated 701.1 points, 0.3 more than China's Qinan Zhu, who placed second. Tao Wang, also of China, finished third with 699.9 points.

January 12, 2012

Kenya's Kipsang eyeing 2 hr 08 sec at Mumbai Marathon

Completing a marathon below two hours and 10 minutes is considered an arduous task, but Kenyan athlete William Kipsang is determined to do just that at the ninth Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon on Sunday.

Saina in quarter-finals of Malaysian Open
Indian ace Saina Nehwal hardly broke sweat in a straight games victory over Chinese Taipei's Shao Chieh Cheng, which gave her a berth in the women's singles quarter-finals of the Malaysian Super Series badminton, in Kuala Lumpur, on Thursday. The fourth seed rode on her smashes and better net play to outwit Cheng 21-19, 21-8 in 31 minutes. Ferrari leads Italy into the Olympics

Vanessa Ferrari hit full throttle on Wednesday as she led a super-charged Italian team to glory at the qualifying event for the 2012 Olympics.

January 11, 2012

Saina enters second round of Malaysian Open
Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal came from behind to notch a hard-fought victory over Juan Gu of Singapore in a first round match at the Malaysian Open Super Series, in Kuala Lumpur, on Wednesday. The fourth seed won 19-21, 21-14, 21-15, in 56 minutes. IBF identifies 'mystery man' at ringside of Khan bout
The 'mystery man' accused by Amir Khan of interfering with judges' scorecards in his world title defeat by Lamont Peterson helps the International Boxing Federation assist financially needy boxers, the organisation said on Tuesday.

January 10, 2012

Indians beaten in Malaysia Open badminton qualifiers
16-year-old prodigy P V Sindhu, who won three senior level titles in 2011 to jump to No 31 in the world rankings, played her heart out before losing 21-17, 16-21, 18-21 to Lydia Li Ya Cheah in the women's singles qualifiers, while RMV Gurusaidutt, too, fought hard but was beaten by Daren Liew 16-21, 21-13, 23-25 in the men's singles. McDonald's close to new Olympic deal, IOC says

Fast food chain McDonald's and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) are close to agreeing a new, eight-year sponsorship contract and the deal could be sealed this month.

January 09, 2012

Saina eyes Malaysia Open title

After a quarter-final finish at Korea last week, India's ace shuttler Saina Nehwal will now set her sights on the Malaysia Super Series, which begins with the qualifiers in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.

International teams are still afraid of India: Nobbs

The Indian hockey team may not have achieved any significant success in the last two decades, but international teams are still wary of the eight-time Olympic champions, feels the side's foreign coach Michael Nobbs.

Liverpool's Downing reportedly arrested for assault

Liverpool winger Stewart Downing has been arrested on suspicion of assault, British media reported on Sunday.

Paes-Tipsarevic win Chennai Open doubles crown
The third seed Indo-Serbian pair of Leander Paes and Janko Tipsarevic won the doubles crown at the Aircel Chennai Open 2012, on Sunday, defeating the fourth seed Israeli duo of Andy Ram and Jonathan Erlich 6-4, 6-4 in the final.

January 07, 2012

Cameroon slash Eto'o ban

Cameroon's Samuel Eto'o has had a 15-match ban reduced to eight months, meaning the former African Footballer of the Year will miss just four competitive matches before August.

Fear of playing against big teams is gone: Climax
As the Indian football team gears up to lock horns with German giants Bayern Munich in Bhaichung Bhutia's farewell match, Climax Lawrence feels former coach Bob Houghton has instilled enough confidence in the side to take on any opposition. I-League: Pune FC signs Manju on-loan
Pune FC has signed experienced India defender NS Manju until the end of the ongoing 2011-12 season as on-loan player. Churchill seek compensation from AIFF over injured players
Churchill Brothers Sports Club have asked the All India Football Federation for a written assurance that any player injured on national duty will be adequately compensated by the (AIFF). Unidentified man is IBF official: Amir Khan
The mystery man accused by Amir Khan of "interfering" with the scorecards of the judges in the boxer's world title defeat by American Lamont Peterson was an IBF official, the Briton's promoters said Friday.

January 06, 2012

Saina loses in quarters of Korea Open
The fourth seed Indian lost 17-21, 10-21 to the world number six Jiang in a 36-minute battle in the women's singles competition.

January 05, 2012

Suarez issues limited apology over racial slur

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has issued a public apology following his eight-match ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra, but the Uruguayan has not said sorry to the Manchester United defender.

Saina sails into quarter-finals of Korea Open

Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal sailed into the Korea Open Super Series quarter-finals after notching up a straight games victory over Shao Chieh Cheng of Chinese Taipei in the second round.

Synchro swimming is just the ticket for athletics

Fans who bought tickets for synchronised swimming at this year's London Olympics could end up going instead to glamour events such as the showcase men's 100 metres athletics final because of an administrative error.

Man United slump to second straight defeat

Champions Manchester United suffered a second straight Premier League defeat on Wednesday, losing 3-0 to Newcastle United to leave Manchester City three points clear at the top of the table.

January 04, 2012

I-League: 10-man Salgaocar edge Lajong 2-1
Despite being reduced to 10-men, defending champions Salgaocar Sports Club warded off the challenge from visitors Shillong Lajong, defeating them 2-1 in a round 13 I-League match, in Margao, on Wednesday. SC stays HC verdict on mandatory licenses for air guns
In relief to shooters, the Supreme Court on Wednesday stayed the Delhi high court judgment which held that licenses would be necessary for procuring air rifles and air pistols, which was coming in the way of their training and competition. Enhanced prize purse for Mumbai Marathon 2012

The top Indian male and female finishers will now stand to gain $7,500 each.

January 03, 2012

Terry mulls legal action over Indian anti-smoking picture

England captain John Terry's representatives plan to take legal action after a blurred picture resembling the player was used in India's anti-smoking campaign, a local newspaper reported on Tuesday.

IOA to re-constitute Ethics Committee
Apparently under pressure from the International Olympic Committee and amid a continuing tug of war among its own members, the IOA has re-constituted the Ethics Committee with a few additional judges within weeks of its controversial scrapping.

January 02, 2012

Hopman Cup: Wozniacki wins despite late show

World No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki arrived in Australia four hours before her match but shrugged off her less than perfect preparations to make a winning start at the Hopman Cup on Monday.

India will win more medals in London Olympics than Bejing: IOA
Exuding confidence of a better showing by India in the London Olympics, IOA, on Monday, said it would provide all possible help to the sportspersons' preparations.

January 01, 2012

Suarez evidence unreliable: FA report
The report details the reasons behind Liverpool striker Suarez's eight-match ban for racially abusing Manchester United and France defender Evra in a Premier League match at Anfield on October 15. 2012 Games: 'Fixing from Indian subcontinent poses threat'
The integrity of the London 2012 Olympics could be shattered by the "enormous" threat of illegal gambling rings trying to fix results, Britain's Olympics minister said on Sunday. Neymar voted South America's footballer of the year

Brazil's teenage striker Neymar, who won the Copa Libertadores with Santos, has been voted South American soccer's Footballer of the Year.

Chennai Open qualifiers: All Indians knocked out
None of the remaining three Indians, including Rohan Bopanna, could make the main singles draw of the Aircel Chennai Open. All of them suffered defeats in the second round of the qualifying event, on Sunday. EPL: Drogba's 150th goal in vain for Chelsea

Didier Drogba cemented his name in Chelsea folklore with his 150th goal for the club on Saturday but it was not enough to prevent a 3-1 home defeat by Aston Villa in the Premier League.

December 31, 2011

EPL: Blackburn stun Man United to spoil Ferguson's party

Manchester United wasted the chance to start the new year at the top of the Premier League when they were stunned 3-2 by strugglers Blackburn Rovers on Saturday to spoil manager Alex Ferguson's 70th birthday.

New Year Honours for McIlroy, Clarke
British golfers Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke capped an outstanding year when they were recognised in Queen Elizabeth's New Year Honours List on Saturday. NBA: Bench lift champion Dallas to first win
The defending NBA champion Dallas Mavericks beat the Toronto Raptors 99-86 on Friday for their first win of the season boosted by 56 points from their reserves.

December 30, 2011

Kobe shrugs off injury, guides Lakers to win
Kobe Bryant's injured wrist did not prevent the All Star guard from lifting the LA Lakers to a 99-82 win over the visiting New York Knicks on Thursday. FIFA Cash-for-votes scandal: Warner opens can of worms
Former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner said he was sold the World Cup television rights for Trinidad and Tobago for as little as $1 in return for supporting FIFA president Sepp Blatter in soccer elections. Italy's Cassano doubtful for Euro 2012
Italy striker Antonio Cassano has confirmed he is a major doubt for Euro 2012, saying he needs six months to return to action after undergoing emergency heart surgery in November. Jordan engaged to model Yvette Prieto

US basketball legend Michael Jordan is engaged to his long-time girlfriend Yvette Prieto, his spokeswoman said on Thursday.

Suns rope in former All-Star guard Redd

The struggling Phoenix Suns have signed former All-Star guard Michael Redd to boost their scoring depth, the National Basketball Association team said on Thursday.

December 29, 2011

I-League: Salgaocar drub 10-man East Bengal

Salgaocar Sports Club maintained their perfect record against East Bengal at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, Goa, for almost a decade after they scurried to a 4-0 victory in a 12th round I-League clash on Thursday.

Rising shuttler Sourabh breaks into top 50
Rising Indian shuttler Sourabh Varma, on Thursday, cracked into the top 50 in the latest World badminton rankings following his superb performance at the Syed Modi Grand Prix gold tournament last week.

December 28, 2011

FIH appoints two Indian officials for London Olympics
RV Raghu Prasad and Claudius De Sales have been appointed as an umpire and judge respectively for the 2012 London Olympics hockey event. Bayern names first team players for Bhutia farewell match
Top German football club Bayern Munich, on Wednesday, announced a 24-member squad for the Bhaichung Bhutia farewell exhibition match against India XI, in New Delhi, on January 10 with all the first team players being named. Liverpool's Suarez escapes with one match ban, fine

Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez was banned for one match and fined 20,000 pounds by the English FA on Wednesday for making an offensive gesture to Fulham fans after Liverpool lost a Premier League match at Craven Cottage earlier this month.

Match-fixing: Doni admits betting as probe widens
Italy's new soccer match-fixing scandal gained momentum, when legal testimony showed former Atalanta captain and Italy midfielder Cristiano Doni admitting his role in illicit betting. I-League: Mohun Bagan ride on Odafa brace

Riding on a brace from Nigerian striker Odafa Okolie, McDowell Mohun Bagan defeated Air India 3-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium, in Kolkata, to move up to 24 points in the I-League table.

Davis Cup: Corretja named Spain's captain
Alex Corretja will be Spain's new Davis Cup team captain for the next two years, the country's tennis federation said.

December 27, 2011

IOA to set up Ethics and Arbitration panels
A day after Indian Olympic Association secretary-general Randhir Singh warned of serious repercussions on disbanding of some important committees, the apex sports body said it will soon set up the Ethics Committee and Arbitration Commission. NBA: Youthful Kings reign over slow-starting Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers continued their stumbling start to a new era with a 100-91 road loss to the Sacramento Kings on Monday as the visitors matched their poorest opening to a campaign for nine years.

December 26, 2011

Chelsea held by Fulham as title hopes begin to fade

Chelsea's faltering title challenge suffered another blow when they were held to a 1-1 draw by neighbours Fulham in Monday's early kickoff at Stamford Bridge to register their third successive draw in the Premier League.

Randhir urges IOA chief to revive Ethics Committee
The disbanding of the Ethics and some other committees of the IOA by its General Body recently, on Monday, came under sharp criticism from its Secretary General Randhir Singh who urged the acting president to revive and ratify them without further delay. Coaching in England my passion: Mourinho
Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho aims to return to the English Premier League when his stint in charge of La Liga club Real Madrid ends, the Portuguese coach said on Monday. Chhetri injury: Bagan seek probe, compensation from AIFF

Hurt by the absence of an injured Sunil Chhetri in the ongoing I-League, Mohun Bagan, on Monday, shot off a letter to the AIFF seeking an investigation to the striker's participation in the SAFF Championship final which, the club claimed, aggravated his ankle injury.

Players to face 5-year ban for WSH participation
The Pakistan Hockey Federation, on Monday, threatened to impose five-year bans on players, who opt to play in the unsanctioned tournaments such as much-hyped World Series Hockey, planned in India.

December 25, 2011

Sourabh goes down to Hidayat at final hurdle
Giant-killer Sourabh Varma played his heart out but had to be content with a runner-up finish at the Syed Modi Memorial India Open Grand Prix Gold as he lost the fiercely-fought final to former World and Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat, in Lucknow, on Sunday. World Chess: Indian eves bow 1-3 to Russia
The Indian eves failed at the first major hurdle as they went down 1-3 to Russia in the sixth round of the world women team chess championship in Mardin, Turkey. We want clean weightlifters at international events: IWF
Country's weightlifters, who participated in international events, have come clean in several anti-doping tests, Indian Weightlifting Federation President claimed on Sunday. Barcelona's Villa out of hospital after leg operation
Barcelona forward David Villa has been released from hospital five days after an operation on the broken leg he sustained in this month's Club World Cup, the Spanish and European champions said on Saturday.

December 24, 2011

Sourabh storms into final, Diju-Jwala crashes out
Emerging Indian shuttler Sourabh Varma continued his dream run at the Syed Modi Memorial India Open Grand Prix Gold badminton tournament by stunning 16th seed Suppanyu Avihingsanon of Thailand, to storm into the final of the men's singles event, in Lucknow, on Saturday. CSI asks IOC to debar Kalmadi and his aides
In a continued effort to thrust the ouster of jailed Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi and his aides, Clean Sport India (CSI) has asked the international governing body to take necessary action against the tainted officials. 'Thorpe too late for London Olympics'

Comeback kid Ian Thorpe has left his run too late and is unlikely to qualify for next year's London Olympics, according to the former coach of Australian swimming great Grant Hackett.

Sales of new Nike shoe cause fights, arrests

Police in several cities around the United States on Friday were called to stores to manage unruly shoppers seeking Nike's new Air Jordan athletic shoes.

December 23, 2011

Syed Modi Memorial: Sourabh moves to semis with impressive win
Indian shuttler Sourabh Varma continued his giant killing spree as he shocked seventh seed Yun Hu 23-21, 21-19 to breeze into the men's singles semi-finals of the Syed Modi Memorial India Open Grand Prix Gold badminton tournament, in Lucknow, on Friday. I-League: Air India blank Pailan Arrows 2-0

Second-half goals from Sandesh Gadkari and Henry Ezeh steered Air India to a comfortable 2-0 win against Pailan Arrows in the Round XI match of the I-League at the Balewadi Sports Complex, in Pune on Friday.

Banned athletes cannot cry ignorance: Report
The Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel, which, on Friday, handed one-year bans to India's six top women athletes, in its findings concluded that the bottles of 'Ginseng Kinapi Pil' given by sacked coach Yuri Ogorodnik were contaminated and contained banned substances. Swedish player Renard hit with corruption ban
Swedish tennis player Lucas Renard has been suspended for six months and fined $5,000 for a corruption offense, the Tennis Integrity Unit said, on Friday. Kings Cup: Real, Barca on course for last-eight showdown
King's Cup holders Real Madrid and 2011 runners-up Barcelona are on course to meet in next month's quarter-finals following Friday's draw for the last 16. Tottenham's Van der Vaart injures hamstring
Tottenham Hotspur are likely to be without Rafael van der Vaart for the Christmas and New Year English Premier League fixtures after the Dutchman injured his hamstring in their 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Thursday. Cavendish bags BBC Sports Personality of the Year award

Rider Mark Cavendish was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year on Thursday to cap a memorable 12 months in which the Briton won the road race world title and the Tour de France green jersey.

Yaya Toure named African Footballer of the Year

Ivory Coast and Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure was named African Footballer of the Year on Thursday.

NADA bans six Indian athletes for a year
The athletes, Mandeep Kaur, AC Ashwini and Sini Jose, who were part of the 4x400 metres relay gold winning quartet at the Commonwealth and Asian Games, and Jauna Murmu, Priyanka Panwar and Tiana Mary Thomas, tested positive positive for anabolic steroids in May and June this year and were suspended, and their Ukrainian coach Yuri Ogorodnik was sacked.

December 22, 2011

Syed Modi: Sourabh, Sameer sail to quarters
Siblings Sourabh and Sameer Verma hogged the limelight at the Syed Modi Memorial India Open Grand Prix Gold by reaching the quarter-finals of the prestigious badminton tournament with contrasting victories in the pre-quarterfinals, in Lucknow, on Thursday. I-League: Dempo edge Sporting in a thriller

Dempo Sports Club broke their sequence of losses and returned to the top of the table after securing a 3-2 win over Sporting Clube de Goa at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, Goa, on Thursday.

Army curbs its boxers from participating in WSB
The Indian franchise in the World Series of Boxing (WSB) is struggling to rope in pugilists employed with the Indian Army as the department is refusing to give them permission to compete in the professional-style event. Lakers' Kobe hurts wrist, uncertain for opener
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant tore a ligament in his right wrist in Monday's preseason game against the Los Angeles Clippers and is considered day-to-day, the National Basketball Association club said on Wednesday. Serie A: Juve join Milan at the top
Juventus joined AC Milan at the top of Serie A but failed to get the win they needed to end the year clear in Serie A after a disappointing 0-0 draw at title rivals Udinese on Wednesday as Napoli hit six against Genoa. Messi voted Argentine sports personality of the year

Barcelona's Lionel Messi was named as Argentina's sports personality of the year on Wednesday, winning the Olimpia de Oro (gold) for the first time.

Kings Cup: Mirandes knock out Villarreal
In the space of a few short months, Villarreal's season of promise has been transformed into a battle for La Liga survival after their elimination from the King's Cup by third-tier opposition and the subsequent dismissal of their coach. Floyd Mayweather sentenced to three months in jail

Floyd Mayweather Jr has been sentenced to 90 days in jail for assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Josie Harris in 2010.

December 21, 2011

Saina pulls out of Syed Modi International GP
Top seed Saina Nehwal pulled out of the Syed Modi International Grand Prix badminton tournament due to a hamstring injury and fever. Callejon, Sahin score as Real cruise to Cup win
Real Madrid's Jose Callejon scored twice and Nuri Sahin bagged his first goal for the club as the holders crushed third-tier Ponferradina 5-1 in a King's Cup last 32 second leg on Tuesday.

December 20, 2011

Dow's name on fabric was not intentional: London organisers
London Olympics organizers, on Monday, made it clear that it was never their intention that Dow Chemical's name would be on the fabric wrap around the main stadium for the Games and the company has now agreed to remove its branding.

December 18, 2011

Tata Open: Sindhu, Yunus crowned winners
Title favourite P V Sindhu subdued former national champion Sayali Gokhale for the women's singles crown at the $ 15,000 Tata Open India International Challenge Badminton tournament at the NSCI courts, n Mumbai, on Sunday. Westwood claims Thailand title to scale rankings
Englishman Lee Westwood surged to a seven shot victory at the Thailand Golf Championship, on Sunday, capping off another sparkling performance in Asia that is set to push him up to second in the world rankings. Rooney's quick goal sends United back on top

Wayne Rooney took just 52 seconds to find the net as champions Manchester United knocked Manchester City off the top of the Premier League, for a few hours at least, with a 2-0 win at Queens Park Rangers on Sunday.

Lin Dan triumphs in Super Series Finals

World and Olympic badminton champion Lin Dan added a first Super Series Finals title to his trophy haul on Sunday with a 21-12, 21-16 success over Chinese compatriot Chen Long.

I-League: Air India stun Dempo

Air India scored a stunning 2-0 victory over Dempo Sports Club to hand the favourites and former champions their third successive defeat in a tenth round I-League clash at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, in Goa.

Pallikal claims fifth WISPA title of her career

India's Dipika Pallikal claimed her third WISPA title of the year when she overcame a spirited challenge from fourth seed Joey Chan to win the 7th Crocodile Challenge Cup squash tournament in Hong Kong on Sunday.

World Super Series: Erratic Saina fails to cross final hurdle

An erratic Saina Nehwal let slip an early advantage to go down to World No 1 Wang Yihan in the summit clash of the BWF season-ending World Super Series Finals in Liuzhou, China on Sunday.

December 17, 2011

Super Series Finals: Saina to face World No 1 in final

Ace shuttler Saina Nehwal created history on Saturday by becoming the first Indian singles player to reach the summit clash of the BWF Super Series Finals after defeating Tine Baun of Denmark during the semi-finals in Liuzhou in China.

Now, Romario praises Ronaldo, 2014 organisers
Former Brazil striker Romario, having slammed his country's preparations to stage the 2014 finals, adopted a more conciliatory tone on a visit to the Local Organising Committee on Friday. England's Euro 2012 players will not feature at Olympics
England players called up for next year's European Championship football tournament will not be selected to represent Britain at the London Olympics, the FA said on Friday. Ten-man Bayern charge six points clear

Ten-man Bayern Munich opened a six-point advantage at the top of the Bundesliga on Friday, a 3-0 win over Cologne ensuring they will go into the winter break as leaders.

December 16, 2011

Barker, El Shorbagy shock top seeds to enter semis
Fifth seed Peter Barker of England upset top seed Ramy Ashour of Egypt 11-13, 11-7, 11-8, 11-1 in 45 minutes in the quarter-finals of the Punj Lloyd PSA Masters 2011 at Siri Fort Sports Complex in Delhi on Friday. In another upset of the day, sixth seed Mohamed El Shorbagy stunned second seed Karim Darwish 11-9, 8-11, 11-5, 11-3 in 60 minutes, in the all Egyptian quarter-final. Saina stuns Xin, meets Tine Baun in semis
Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal turned in a superb display to stun world No 3 Xin Wang in the last Group B match of the BWF Super Series Finals in Liuzhou, China, on Friday. The world No 4, who had already qualified for the semi-finals, won 21-17, 22-20 in 39 minutes. IOA postpones South Asian Games, scraps recent committees
Postponing the South Asian Games from October 2012 to 2013, and scrapping all the newly-formed committees, were some of the major decisions taken by the Indian Olympic Association's General Body after its meeting in Delhi on Friday. The South Asian Games, scheduled to be held in India in October, were postponed to February 2013, largely because of logistical reasons. Indy officials say 'Perfect Storm' caused Wheldon's death

The crash that killed two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon was the result of a 'perfect storm' with no single factor pinpointed as the cause of the deadly accident, IndyCar officials said on Thursday.

Donald named European Tour Golfer of Year

Luke Donald, who this season became the first player to win the orders of merit on both sides of the Atlantic, was named the European Tour Golfer of the Year on Thursday.

December 15, 2011

Barcelona sweep the World Soccer awards

European champions Barcelona have swept the board in World Soccer magazine's prestigious annual awards with Lionel Messi named World Player of the Year, Pep Guardiola Manager of the Year and the side that won the Spanish and Champions League last season named as Team of the Year.

Diwakar Prasad ready to regain lost glory

As the Venky's Mumbai Fighters' fight night approaches, Olympian Diwakar Prasad is jostling against time. After a lull of almost seven years, all of a sudden, his life is witnessing too much activity.

Barcelona's Villa fractures leg
Barcelona forward David Villa fractured his leg during the Club World Cup semi-final against Al Sadd of Qatar on Thursday, the Spanish champions said. Sania in knock-out stage of Super Series finals

India's ace shuttler Saina Nehwal stormed into the elimination round of the BWF Super Series Finals with a straight-game victory over Sayaka Sato of Japan in the women's singles in Liuzhou, China, on Thursday.

Thailand golf: Westwood shoots 60 to lead

World No.3 Lee Westwood flirted with membership of golf's exclusive 59 club when he produced a sparkling 12-under-par round of 60 to open up a big lead in the Thailand Golf Championships on Thursday.

Indian eves lose inaugural hockey match
Indian women's hockey team failed to match the pace and guile of hosts Argentina and suffered a 1-3 defeat in the inaugural match of the four-nation tournament at the Parana. Women's boxing to make debut at Commonwealth Games
The Commonwealth Games Federation's general assembly in St. Kitts and Nevis has agreed to include three weight categories of women's boxing for the future editions of the Commonwealth Games. IOA to write protest letter to IOC over Dow's Olympic association
Amid growing resentment over Dow Chemicals' association with the London Olympics, the IOA's Executive Board decided to write a 'strong' protest letter to the IOC, seeking the removal of the company as a sponsor of the Games next year.

December 14, 2011

Neymar sends Santos into Club World final

Brazil striker Neymar scored a sublime opening goal as he inspired Santos to an exciting 3-1 victory over Japan's Kashiwa Reysol in a Club World Cup semi-final in Toyota on Wednesday.

I-League: Air India rally to beat Sporting 3-1

Sporting Clube de Goa suffered their third successive defeat after Air India rallied from a goal down to post a 3-1 win in the ninth round of the I League, at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, in Goa, on Wednesday.

IOA continue to protest of Dow as London Olympics sponsor
A day ahead of the crucial General Body Meeting of the Indian Olympic Association on the controversial Dow Chemicals issue, its acting president VK Malhotra, on Wednesday, demanded the company to be removed from being one of the sponsors of the 2012 London Games. Olympian Stephanie Rice has more shoulder surgery

Australian swimmer Stephanie Rice, who won three gold medals at the Beijing Olympics, has had surgery on her troublesome right shoulder but reckons she will be back in the water next week.

NBA: Mavericks sell Fernandez, Brewers to Nuggets
The NBA champion Dallas Mavericks continued their roster changes on Tuesday by trading away Spanish guard Rudy Fernandez and forward Corey Brewer to the Denver Nuggets. Donald named PGA Tour Player of the Year

Luke Donald was named the 2011 PGA Tour Player of the Year on Tuesday, becoming the first Briton to win the award since it started in 1990.

December 12, 2011

Now, Shanghai aim for Drogba

The ink is barely dry on Nicolas Anelka's groundbreaking contract with Shanghai Shenhua but already the Chinese Super League club is working to pull off another major transfer coup by signing his Chelsea team-mate Didier Drogba.

Tata Open attracts over 70 foreigners
Over 70 foreign shuttlers, up from 25 entries in the previous year, will take part in the $15,000 Tata Open India International Challenge 2011 to be held at the NSCI courts in Worli from December 14-18. London Classic: Anand draws with Carlsen; joint 3rd

World Champion Viswanathan Anand played out another draw, signing peace with Magnus Carlsen of Norway in the eighth and penultimate round of London Chess Classic.

WSH buckles, controversial league postponed till Feb 29
Mired in controversies since its very inception, the multi-crore World Series Hockey was, on Monday, postponed until after the Olympic Qualifiers to be held, in New Delhi, in February next year.

December 11, 2011

Dubai WC: Double glory for Donald, Quiros triumphs

Briton became the first player to win the orders of merit on both sides of the Atlantic on Sunday while Spain's Alvaro Quiros lifted the European Tour's season-ending Dubai World Championship title.

Formation of OAI is historic move: Randhir
The present and past Olympians of the country will get a platform to air their grievances with the formation of Olympian Association of India (OAI), in New Delhi, on Monday, says IOA Secretary General Randhir Singh. Amir Khan loses titles to Peterson

Britain's Amir Khan lost his WBA super-lightweight and IBF light-welterweight titles on Saturday after he was deducted two points and dropped a split decision to American Lamont Peterson.

Chinese Club to sign Chelsea's Anelka
Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua said on Sunday, that they had agreed contract terms with Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka. City reject loan offer for Tevez: Milan
Manchester City have rejected AC Milan's loan offer for troubled Argentine striker Carlos Tevez, the Serie A club said, on Saturday.

December 10, 2011

Samota wins fifth consecutive gold at Nationals
Commonwealth Games heavy weight champion Paramjeet Samota clinched his fifth consecutive gold at the 58th Senior Men's National Boxing Championship after beating Satish Kumar of Services in the finals in Chennai. McIlroy should make full recovery: Tour physician

Rory McIlroy's viral illness is a common problem among travelling golfers and the World No. 2 should make a complete recovery as long as he takes some rest, the European Tour's chief medical officer has said.

FA has opened up a can of worms: Redknapp on Rooney appeal

Harry Redknapp and David Moyes became the latest Premier League managers to round on the English FA on Friday in the aftermath of their appeal against Wayne Rooney's Euro 2012 ban.

December 09, 2011

NBA dispute sorted, season to commence on Christmas Day
National Basketball Association (NBA) players and owners ratified a new collective bargaining agreement on Thursday, formally ending a five-month lockout and ensuring the season will start on Christmas Day.

December 08, 2011

McIlroy leaves Donald standing after birdie blitz

A swashbuckling finish yielding five birdies in six holes catapulted Rory McIlroy up the Dubai World Championship leaderboard on Thursday as he seized the early initiative in his money-list battle with Luke Donald.

Murray's mum to captain Fed Cup team

Judy Murray, mother of World No. 4 Andy, was named as non-playing captain of Britain's Fed Cup women's tennis team on Thursday.

Russian boxer Simakov dies after knockout defeat
Light heavyweight Roman Simakov, who was carried from the ring on a stretcher after being knocked out in a WBC Asian Boxing Council title fight on Monday, has died, the Russian federation said. Stephanie Rice mulls retirement after 2012 Olympics

Australia's triple Olympic champion Stephanie Rice is likely to retire after next year's London Olympics, she said on Thursday.

Malleswari claims Kunjarani's views 'sponsored' by IWF
Olympic medallist Karnam Malleswari has shot back at Kunjarani Devi for putting her weight behind the Indian Weightlifting Federation, saying her compatriot's view regarding the current office bearers of IWF is 'unwarranted and sponsored'. Cavendish, Adlington win sports awards

World road race champion and most successful British Tour de France rider Mark Cavendish beat distance runner Mo Farah and golfer Rory McIlroy to win the Sportsman of the Year award from the Sports Journalists' Association (SJA) on Wednesday.

December 07, 2011

Chhetri, Jeje on target as India drub Lanka 3-0

The strike duo of Sunil Chhetri and Jeje Lalpekhlua were on target as India recorded a clinical 3-0 win over Sri Lanka to advance to the semi-final of the SAFF football Championship, in New Delhi, on Wednesday.

NBA: League releases schedule ahead of ratified labor agreement
The National Basketball Association does not yet have a ratified labor agreement but the league moved full speed ahead on Tuesday by announcing a provisional schedule.

December 06, 2011

Klitschko v Mormeck fight is off
The heavyweight world championship fight between holder Vladimir Klitschko and Frenchman Jean-Marc Mormeck Saturday has been called off after the Ukrainian underwent surgery to have a kidney stone removed.

December 05, 2011

It's insensitive to the Bhopal gas victims: Maken to IOC
Sports Minister Ajay Maken, on Monday, said that the International Olympic Committee should keep the sentiments of Bhopal Gas tragedy victims in mind and drop Dow Chemicals as sponsors of next year's London Olympics. India to raise issue of Dow Olympics sponsorship
The government has asked its Olympic association to raise the issue of the London Olympic Games' sponsorship deal with Dow Chemical, the latest sign of pressure on organisers to reconsider involvement of a company linked to the Bhopal gas disaster.

December 04, 2011

Malleswari resigns from IWF
Sydney Olympics bronze medalist Karnam Malleswari has reportedly resigned as the vice-president of Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF).

December 03, 2011

Ghosal, Pallikal top seeds in National Squash C'ships
Saurav Ghosal and Dipika Pallikal will be the top seeds in the men's and women's sections respectively in the 59th Senior National Squash Championships, scheduled to be held here from December 5 to 10. SAFF C'ship: Spirited Afghanistan hold India
An inconsistent India lacked the cutting edge as they were held to a 1-1 draw by a spirited Afghanistan in their opening match of the SAFF Football Championship in New Delhi on Saturday. Klitschko fighting fit; 'game on' says management
Heavyweight World Champion Vladimir Klitschko broke off training ahead of next week's title defence against French challenger Jean-Marc Mormeck to have a kidney stone removed, his management said on Saturday, adding the bout was still going ahead. Serie A: Ibrahimovic puts Milan on top after Robinho miss

AC Milan shrugged off an unbelievable Robinho miss, and an interruption caused when teargas was thrown outside the ground, to record a 2-0 win at Genoa that took them to the top of Serie A on Friday.

McIlroy's US Open trophy with Chinese customs
World No. 2 Rory McIlroy's management team are locked in a battle with Chinese customs officials to release the US Open trophy the Northern Irishman won earlier this year so it can be taken to the season-ending Dubai World Championship next week. Woods leads at Sherwood, Choi tied second
Tiger Woods mixed dazzling brilliance with occasional moments of sloppiness while charging into a three-shot lead in the second round of the Chevron World Challenge on Friday.

December 02, 2011

SAI gives National Stadium to WSH, shits National camp
At last the upcoming World Series Hockey has something to cheer about as the Sports Authority of India has given them permission to conduct matches at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium and shifted the national camp for the Olympic qualifiers to Bangalore. Spitting leads to 10-match ban for Brazil player
A Brazilian player has been banned for 10 matches for spitting an at opponent while his coach was suspended for five games for insulting the referee and refusing to leave the pitch after being sent off in the same game. Pankaj Advani in World snooker semi-finals

True to his reputation, local lad Pankaj Advani entered the semi-finals of the IBSF World Snooker Championship, defeating Belgium's Peter Bullen 6-2, in Banaglore, on Friday. Advani will meet Wales's Lee Walker, who caused a major upset, defeating former World snooker champion Thepchaiya Un-Nooh of Thailand 6-2.

Boxer Dinesh Kumar assaulted in hostel room

Recuperating from a violent attack in his NIS hostel room, Asian Games silver-medallist boxer Dinesh Kumar neither has any memory of the perpetrator nor any clue as to why he was targetted.

Ukraine will surprise world: Euro 2012 chief
Euro 2012 moves a huge step closer on Friday when the draw for the finals is held at Kiev's Palace of the Arts with Ukraine tournament director Markiyan Lubkivskyi promising his country is ready to surprise the world.

December 01, 2011

Advani in World snooker pre-quarters
Continuing his winning streak, ace India cueist Pankaj Advani scripted a sizzling victory to enter the pre-quarter-finals in the IBSF World Snooker Championship at KSBA auditorium, Bangalore, on Thursday. The seven-time World champion's 5-0 demolition of Ireland's Mark Tuite will boost his self-belief, which is a bit low in the event of not being able to win a single international title this year. Advani won 73-24, 77-36, 61-23, 92-0, 57-43. Sarath Kumar to represent Mahindra Racing in Italian GP

Mahindra Racing enter the Italian Grand Prix with Indian rider Sarath Kumar partnering Riccardo Moretti.

Sport can improve relations: Pakistan football skipper
Captain of the Pakistan football team, Jaffar Khan is certain that resumption of sporting ties between India and Pakistan will go a long way in improving the strained relations between the two nations. Grappler Sushil to participate in every tourney till Olympics

Not in the best of form of late, Olympic bronze medallist wrestler Sushil Kumar wants to participate in each and every tournament leading upto next year's London Games to regain his mojo back.

Tiger oozes confidence after faring well Down Under

Tiger Woods had a noticeable glint in his eye ahead of this week's Chevron World Challenge, oozing confidence about his game after an encouraging fortnight of competition in Australia.

FIFA needs to bring federations into line: Report
FIFA needs to bring its member associations into line as well as cleaning up its own act, the man called in to head its new independent watchdog said on Wednesday. Govt report to FFA: Cut players salaries, delay league expansion
Australian soccer's governing body must postpone any expansion plans and look at cutting players salaries in order to put its struggling domestic league on a firm financial footing, a government report issued on Thursday said. Euro 2012 draw: Teams hope to avoid Spain
Spain will be the word no other team wants to hear when the Euro 2012 draw takes place at Kiev's Palace of Arts on Friday. Sunderland manager Bruce gets the boot

Steve Bruce became the first Premier League manager to be sacked this season when Sunderland announced they had parted company with the former Manchester United player on Wednesday.

Europa League: Bruges barges into knockout stage
Bruges scored four times in the last 17 minutes to beat Maribor 4-3 in the Europa League on Wednesday while Atletico Madrid and PAOK Salonika were among six teams to qualify for the knockout stage. We will need to up the tempo this December: Villas-Boas
Tuesday's 2-0 League Cup quarter-final defeat by Liverpool came hot on the heels of a Premier League loss to the same club and a 5-3 defeat by Arsenal to make fans twitchy at a ground that had been a fortress for much of the Roman Abramovich era.

November 30, 2011

Blackburn 'forfeited' League Cup tie over league woes: Kean
Blackburn Rovers "forfeited" their League Cup match against Cardiff City on Tuesday to concentrate on turning around their Premier League fortunes, the club's under-fire manager Steve Kean said. Asian Shotgun Championship: Double gold for Man Singh
Skeet shooter Man Singh, on Wednesday, equalled the Asian record en route to winning the gold medal in the Asian Shotgun Championship in Kuala Lumpur. World Snooker C'ship: Advani storms into knockout stage
India's Pankaj Advani faced few problems in defeating Finland's Antti Silvo 4-1 in a Group D tie to storm into the knockout stages of the IBSF World Snooker Championship in Bangalore on Wednesday. Gary Speed's wife found his body: reports
The wife of Wales' manager Gary Speed found him hanged at their home early on Sunday morning, the inquest into his death heard on Tuesday.

November 29, 2011

World snooker: Merchant loses to O'Donnel
Ace Indian cueist Yasin Merchant will have to wait till Wednesday to know whether he will make it to the knock-out stages of the IBSF World Snooker Championship after losing to England's Martin O'Donnel on the second day in Bangalore, on Tuesday. Indians shine in European boxing tourney
Competing for the first time in what has been mostly an all-European event, a four-member Indian boxing team gave a good account of itself, clinching two silver and a bronze medal at the 32nd International Tammer Invitational Tournament in Tampere, Finland.

November 28, 2011

Injured Vikas settles for silver at Olympic test event
Indian boxer Vikas Krishan settled for a silver medal at the Invitational Olympic test event after withdrawing from the welterweight (69kg) category final due to a wrist injury. India not mulling boycott of 2012 London Olympics
The Indian Olympic Association are not considering boycotting the London Olympics despite local demands to do so over a Games sponsorship deal with Dow Chemical, the IOA's acting president said on Monday.

November 27, 2011

Vikas enters final, Dinesh settles for bronze

World Championship bronze medalist Vikas Krishan stormed into the men's 69kg category final while five-time world champion woman boxer MC Mary Kom made a shock quarter-final exit in the Olympic boxing test event in London on Sunday.

Rathore wins gold at Asian shotgun meet
It was double delight for Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore as the shooter clinched the individual double trap gold medal and then equalled the world record in team event at the Asian Shotgun Championship in Kuala Lumpur.

November 26, 2011

Golf World Cup format to change, eye Olympic reintroduction
The format of golf's World Cup will change in 2013 to mirror the competition at the 2016 Olympics when the sport makes its return to the Games in Brazil, organisers said, on Saturday. Injury woes for Anderson, out until February; Rooney fit

Manchester United's Brazilian midfielder Anderson will be sidelined until February with a knee injury, manager Alex Ferguson said on Friday.

Tevez might head to AC Milan

Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez's representatives are talking to AC Milan about a possible move for the Argentine, sources close to the situation said, on Friday.

November 25, 2011

India threatens to boycott London Olympics over Dow Chemical deal
Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan urged the government to boycott next year's London Olympics because of the event's sponsorship deal with Dow Chemical company, according to local media reports. Brazil opens anti-racism drive, targets Blatter remarks
World Cup 2014 hosts Brazil appeared to publicly slam FIFA chief Sepp Blatter when they launched a campaign against racism in sport on Thursday. Foreign coaches to gain from new Sri Lanka tax laws
Foreign coaches in Sri Lanka are all set to gain from new tax laws outlined in the government budget of 2012, officials said on Thursday.

November 24, 2011

T20 WC hero Joginder injured in road accident

Joginder Sharma, who was a member of India's Twenty20 World Cup winning squad in 2007, was injured following a road accident near Noida, on Thursday.

China Open: Ponnappa, Jwala in quarter-finals
India's formidable duo of Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa advanced to the women's doubles quarter-finals of the China Open badminton after eking out an easy 21-9, 21-12 victory over Iris Wang and Rena Wang of USA, in Shanghai, on Thursday. World Tour Finals: Bopanna-Qureshi crash out
Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-ul-haq Qureshi crashed out of the ATP World Tour Finals after suffering their third consecutive defeat in the event, going down to the Polish duo of Mariusz Fyrstenberg and Marcin Matkowski in their Group B match, in London, on Thursday. It's the players who win the games, not me, says Guardiola

Pep Guardiola believes he contributes little to Barcelona despite winning three Spanish league, one Spanish Cup, one club World Championship and two Champions League titles in three seasons as coach.

Champions League: Xavi tips the scales for Barca, Arsenal through

Xavi scored a typical Barcelona goal to give the European champions a 3-2 win over AC Milan in a Champions League match which was enthralling but of little importance on Wednesday.

November 23, 2011

FIFA rankings: Spain cling to top spot
Spain clung to the top of the FIFA rankings despite modest friendly performances this month while Venezuela's impressive World Cup qualifying campaign propelled them to a record high. China Open: First round shock for Saina

Fourth seed Saina Nehwal made a shock first round exit from the China Open as Indian challenge ended in the singles events of the prestigious badminton tournament, in Shanghai, on Wednesday.

Battered Blatter hurt by racism comment
FIFA President Sepp Blatter snapped at colleagues and looked beset by nerves on Wednesday as he described the hurt he felt after being criticised for his comments about racism in soccer.

November 22, 2011

Narang wins National Shooting 3-Position gold
After being pushed to second place in his least favoured prone event, Commonwealth Games champion Gagan Narang was back in top form, firing his way to the men's 50m 3-Position gold on the concluding day of the 55th National Shooting Championships in Pune on Tuesday. IOA to set up Athletes Commission
The Indian Olympic Association has decided to set up an 11-member Athletes Commission to be picked by sportspersons who have qualified for next year's London Olympics. The decision was taken on Tuesday. NBA lock-out: Players combine lawsuits to speed up process
The NBA players merged their two anti-trust lawsuits against the league into one on Monday in an effort to speed up the judicial process, local media reported.

November 21, 2011

Anissa pips Rahi, Annuraj for Sports Pistol gold
Anissa Sayeed of Haryana outclassed strong rivals Rahi Sarnobat of Maharashtra and Annuraj Singh of Air India to clinch the women's 25m Sports Pistol gold in the 55th National Shooting Championships, in Pune on Monday. Doping case: Tough times ahead of Contador

Sport's highest tribunal began a four-day hearing, on Monday, which could result in three-times Tour de France champion Alberto Contador being stripped of his 2010 title for doping.

Sikhs can carry ceremonial daggers into Olympic venues

Sikh athletes and spectators will be allowed to wear ceremonial daggers into London Olympic venues next year, despite the intense security arrangements, as part of a multi-faith approach to the Games.

India beat Canada to win Kabaddi World Cup
Hosts India outclassed Canada 59-25 in the final to lift the men's Kabaddi World Cup at the Guru Nanak Stadium in Ludhiana, on Sunday. WSH: Chennai Sports Organisers to own Chennai Cheetahs
Chennai Sports Organisers Pvt Ltd (CSO) has been named the franchise owner of the Chennai team in the multi-million dollar World Series Hockey (WSH) league to be played across various cities of the country starting next month. Stewart wins NASCAR title in style

Tony Stewart was crowned NASCAR's champion on a tiebreak on Sunday after his magnificent drive won the Ford 400 at the Homestead-Miami Speedway in a showdown with rival Carl Edwards.

November 20, 2011

Aquatics Nationals: D'Souza breaks freestyle record
Karnataka swimmer Aaron Agnel D'Souza on Sunday bettered his personal national record in the 100m freestyle event in the 65th Senior National Aquatics Championships which drew to a close in Ranchi on Sunday. I-League: Mohun Bagan pip East Bengal in dramatic match
Mohun Bagan rode on Odafa Okolie's strike from a penalty to edge East Bengal 1-0 in their round 6 I-League fixture at the floodlit Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Sunday. Federation boxing: Usha props Andhra's gold rush
Former Asian Champion Nagisetty Usha clinched one of the two gold medals for Andhra Pradesh but it was All India Police who walked away with the overall honours in the Monnet Federation Cup Women's Boxing Championship in Nainital on Sunday. Nationals: Ghaley stuns Narang, Rajput for 50m rifle prone gold
Army marksman Sushil Ghaley shocked Commonwealth Games champion Gagan Narang and former CWG bronze winner Sanjeev Rajput to win the gold medal in the 50m rifle prone event at the 55th National Shooting Championship in Pune on Sunday. World Junior TT: Ankita goes down fighting in quarters
India's Ankita Das fought valiantly and stretched World No 10 China's Ruochen Gu to six games before losing in the quarter-finals of the Volkswagen World Junior Table Tennis Championships, in Bahrain on Sunday. Woods seals Presidents Cup for US

Tiger Woods found his putting groove to clinch the Presidents Cup for the United States, who held off a stiff challenge by the Internationals at Royal Melbourne Golf Club on Sunday.

Annu Raj picks up gold in women's air pistol
Annu Raj of Air India pipped Heena Sidhu of Punjab by less than a full point to grab the gold in the women's 10 air pistol event, in which, fancied shooters Anisa Sayed and Rahi Sarnobat failed to advance to the final in the 55th National Shooting Championships.

November 19, 2011

Aquatic C'ship: Karnataka maintains pole position
Rehan Poncha helped Karnataka to retain the top position with 18 gold medals on the penultimate day of the 65th Senior National Aquatic Championship by winning his fifth gold. Wenger to consider future at end of season
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will think about his future at the Premier League club at the end of the season, L'Equipe Magazine reported on Saturday. Top seeds Suchde, Saumya enter finals
Top seeds Sidharth Suchde and Saumya Karki advanced to the men's and women's finals respectively, in the 68th CCI-Western India Open Squash tournament, without much trouble in Mumbai. Lather, Mahar and Monica in finals of women's boxing
Sonia Lather, Vinita Mahar, Mamta and Monica Saun, among others, advanced to the summit clash of the Federation Cup Women's Boxing Championship in Nainital on Saturday.

November 18, 2011

National Aquatics: Aaron shines as four marks are sunk
Four national records were broken as Karnataka's Aaron Agnel D'Souza clinched three gold medals and ace swimmer Richa Mishra added one, taking her tally to four, in the 65th Senior National Aquatic Championships in Ranchi, on Friday. Bindra pips Narang for Nat 10m Air Rifle gold
Beijing Olympic Games gold medalist Abhinav Bindra won the men's 10m Air Rifle gold, pushing Commonwealth Games champion Gagan Narang to the silver, in the 55th National Shooting Championships in Pune on Friday. Saina, Gurusaidutt exit Hong Kong Super Series
Defending champion Saina Nehwal crashed out of the Hong Kong Super Series badminton tournament after a straight-game quarter-final defeat to lower-ranked Tine Baun of Denmark, while giant-killer RMV Gurusaidutt also made an exit, on Friday. Blatter's racism comments appalling, says Beckham

FIFA president Sepp Blatter's controversial comments that there is no racism in soccer are appalling, former England captain David Beckham said on Thursday.

Maken hopes to introduce Bill in winter session of Parliament
The inter-ministerial consultations on the revised Sports Development Bill has started, according to Sports Minister Ajay Maken who, on Friday, expressed hope of introducing the Bill in the upcoming winter session of Parliament. Chinese lifter banned for London Games
Chinese Olympic weightlifting champion Liao Hui has been suspended for doping, ruling him out of next year's London Games, state news agency Xinhua reported on Friday. Humpy loses to Yifan in World Championships
Grandmaster Koneru Humpy misplayed a fine position and went down to defending champion Yifan Hou of China in the third game of the Women's World Championship. BOA risks sanctions over doping ban law says WADA

The British Olympic Association (BOA) risks sanctions if its lifetime Olympic ban for drug offenders contravenes the World Anti-Doping Agency code, WADA president John Fahey said on Thursday.

Messi, Neymar included in FIFA anti-doping trials

Lionel Messi and Neymar will take part in a new anti-doping program to trial a biological passport in football, FIFA said.

November 17, 2011

Turkey names Avci as coach to replace Hiddink
Abdullah Avci was named as Turkey's new coach on Thursday to replace Dutchman Guus Hiddink after their failure to reach Euro 2012. Harpreet edges Vijay Kumar for Rapid Fire Pistol gold
Navy marksman Harpreet Singh pipped army's Vijay Kumar 28-27 to bag gold medal in the men's 25m Rapid Fire Pistol event at the 55th National Shooting Championships at the Balewadi Ranges, in Pune, on Thursday. HK Super Series: Guru stuns World No. 9; Saina, Ajay too advance
Defending champion Saina Nehwal reached the quarterfinals without breaking much sweat but it was RMV Gurusaidutt who made heads turn, on Thursday, as he stunned World No. 9 Pengyu Du of China in a thrilling three-game match in the Hong Kong Super Series. National Aquatics: Richa Mishra wins three gold
Richa Mishra rewrote two of her national records as she won three gold medals, while Olympics qualifier Sandeep Sejwal set another national record on the second day of the 65th Senior National Aquatic NBA lockout: Noah considers move to France
Joakim Noah is considering a move to the French League if the NBA season is cancelled because of the lockout, the Chicago Bulls center said on Thursday. Barry officially credited with England's 2,000th goal
Gareth Barry has been officially credited with scoring England's winning goal against Sweden in a friendly on Tuesday, the FA confirmed to Reuters on Thursday. Britain seeks CAS ruling on Olympic doping ban
The British Olympic Association (BOA) will seek a hearing before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to determine the legality of its eligibility rule which bans athletes who have served drugs bans from competing at future Olympic Games. FIFA warned to make sure Qatar respects workers rights
FIFA will be warned by labour organisations that it faces an international campaign to move the 2022 World Cup from Qatar unless it ensures the host nation respects workers' rights. Woods to make Abu Dhabi debut next year

Tiger Woods will make his debut in the Abu Dhabi Championship next year in what will be his only competitive appearance in the Middle East, tournament organisers said on Wednesday.

November 16, 2011

Om Prakash bags free pistol gold
Om Prakash outclassed the rest of the field, including his army mate and London Olympic Games qualifier Vijay Singh, to bag the men's 50 m free pistol gold in the 55th National Shooting Championships at the Balewadi ranges, in Pune, on Wednesday. India edge out Malaysia 3-2 in friendly
Riding on a brace from star striker Sunil Chhetri, India defeated Malaysia 3-2 in the second international friendly at the Salt Lake Stadium, in Kolkata, on Wednesday. Jayaram stuns world No 6 Sasaki, Saina advances
World No 34 Ajay Jayaram beat world No 6 Sho Sasaki in his opening match of the men's singles at the Hong Kong Open Super Series. In the women's singles, defending champion Saina Nehwal thrashed local girl Tsz Ka Chan. Lockout: NBA season put off till Dec 15

The National Basketball Association has notified teams that regular season games through to December 15 have been cancelled because of the labour dispute that has locked out players for nearly five months, a league spokesman said on Tuesday.

November 15, 2011

WC Qualifiers: North Korea shock Japan
North Korea beat Japan 1-0 in a tempestuous World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, the result largely academic with the visiting Blue Samurai already through to the final qualifying round for 2014. Hong Kong Open: Arvind, Gurusaidutt make main draw
India's men's singles players Arvind Bhat and RMV Gurusaidutt, on Wednesday, made the main draw of the Hong Kong Super Series after notching up contrasting wins in the qualifiers. Trap shooter Shagun gets OGQ support
Indian trap shooter Shagun Chowdhary, who qualified for the 2012 London Olympics, received a boost on Tuesday with Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ) funding her training. PT Usha backs government on passing National Sports Bill

Terming the National Sports Development Bill a "landmark initiative" aimed at "stemming the rot" in Indian sports, legendary athlete PT Usha has urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to ensure that it is cleared by the Cabinet and passed by the Parliament.

NBA players reject offer, to disband union and sue league

NBA players rejected the league's latest contract offer on Monday and will disband as a union, a move that could wipe out the entire NBA season with the sides taking their labour dispute into the court of law.

November 14, 2011

Qatar would not oppose winter World Cup, official says
Qatar would obey a FIFA order to host a winter World Cup but no discussions have taken place on switching the 2022 soccer tournament from the summer, a top bid official said on Monday. Saina hunts for elusive Super series title at Hong Kong

A year ago, Saina Nehwal had capped a hat-trick of Super Series titles with a triumph in Delhi, but the Indian ace now faces the task of overcoming a recent dip in form to defend her crown at the Hong Kong Open, which starts with the qualifiers on Tuesday.

England to explore striking options in friendly
England showed they know how to work hard and defend when beating Spain on Saturday and now their fans will want to see progress at the other end of the pitch in Tuesday's Wembley friendly against Sweden.

November 13, 2011

IOA welcomes FIH's decision to conduct Olympics Qualifiers

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) welcomed FIH's decision to conduct next year's Olympic Qualifiers in India and said by recognising only Hockey India as the National Federation for the sport, the world body has vindicated its stand.

November 12, 2011

Dwyane Wade is ready to play in London Olympics

Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade says he is ready to compete for the United States in next year's Olympic Games, ending uncertainty over his involvement in the team's gold medal defence.

Hockey India recognised, India to host Olympic qualifiers
Ending the suspense over India's future in international hockey, the game's world governing body FIH on Saturday decided to conduct the Olympic Qualifiers in India next year and continue to recognise Hockey India as the National Federation for the sport. Another dud for Thorpe in Tokyo

Australian swimming great Ian Thorpe flopped again in his comeback bid, failing to reach the final of the 100 metres freestyle at a World Cup meet in Tokyo on Saturday.

Saina will be back to her winning ways: Padukone

Saina Nehwal has set such high standards that even a minor dip in form raises concerns, according to badminton legend Prakash Padukone, who believes the Indian shuttler will soon be back to her winning ways.

London wins bid to stage 2017 World athletics
London will fulfil a promise of a legacy for track and field following next year's Olympics after it was chosen to host the 2017 World Athletics Championships on Friday by beating Doha for the right to stage the global showpiece for the first time. Gold Coast to host 2018 Commonwealth Games
Australia's Gold Coast has been chosen to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games, the event's governing body said in St Kitts and Nevis on Friday. The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) opted for Gold Coast by a 43-27 margin over its only rival, the Sri Lankan city of Hambantota.

November 11, 2011

Diwakar makes it 1-1 for Mumbai Fighters in WSB clash
Pugilist Diwakar Prasad defeated Argentina's Juan Herrera in the lightweight category as Mumbai Fighters rallied back from the first match loss to level the best-of-five contest 1-1 with Italian franchise Milano Thunder in their maiden World Series Boxing clash in Pune. Golf: Tiger Woods takes lead at Australian Open

Tiger Woods sparkled in Sydney's morning sunshine to take a one-shot clubhouse lead in the second round of the Australian Open on Friday.

November 10, 2011

NBA: Labour dispute talks continue well after deadline
National Basketball Association (NBA) owners and players continued their last-ditch labour dispute talks in New York on Wednesday well after commissioner David Stern's deadline had passed.

November 08, 2011

Randhir Singh will not contest next IOA election
Indian Olympic Association secretary-general Randhir Singh announced on Tuesday that he would not seek re-election when the General Assembly meets next year. This would effectively mean that the veteran administrator will retire from sports administration once his existing tenures in various sports bodies come to an end. FACTBOX - Former heavyweight champion Smokin' Joe

Factbox on Joe Frazier, the former heavyweight champion who died on Monday at age 67.

Former heavyweight champion Frazier dies at 67

Former heavyweight champion Joe Frazier, who earned boxing immortality after his three epic fights with Muhammad Ali, died on Monday at age 67, US media reported.

Williams not a racist, he apologised in person for comment: Woods

American Tiger Woods had a face-to-face meeting with his former caddie Steve Williams in Sydney on Tuesday at which the New Zealander apologised for a racist comment he made last week.

November 07, 2011

Arindam Chaudhuri bags Delhi team of i1 Super Series
After Shahrukh Khan co-promoted KKR buying the Mumbai team of the upcoming new motorsport racing league, i1 Super Series, Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM has bought the Delhi Team.

November 06, 2011

Four players tested positive at Kabaddi World Cup
The organizing committee of second World Cup Kabaddi on Sunday temporarily suspended four players who were tested positive for banned drugs by National Anti Doping Agency laboratory. Williams escapes punishment over Woods racial slur

Adam Scott's caddy Steve Williams has escaped official punishment for his racist remark about former employer Tiger Woods after a high-level meeting of golf officials in China on Sunday.

November 04, 2011

i1 Super Series: SRK-Mehta group pick stake in Mumbai franchise

It's another sporting takeover for Shah Rukh Khan and KKR partners, the Mehta Group. They are the Mumbai franchise owners for the all-new motorsport racing league i1 Super Series.

Thorpe second on return to competition

Five-times Olympic champion Ian Thorpe declared himself relieved after finishing second in his heat of the 100 metre individual medley in his comeback race after a five-year hiatus on Friday.

November 03, 2011

Gill requests Padma award for Fauja Singh
Former Sports Minister M S Gill has written a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, requesting him to honour iconic centenarian marathon runner Fauja Singh with a Padma Award. I was lucky to be selected for Presidents Cup: Woods

Former World No. 1 Tiger Woods said, on Thursday, that he was fortunate to have been picked by US captain Fred Couples for the Presidents Cup defence in Australia later this month.

Tottenham's Redknapp has minor heart surgery
Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has had successful minor heart surgery and is due to be discharged from hospital in the next 48 hours, the Premier League club said on Wednesday. Johnson backs Olympic ban despite CAS verdict
Doping authorities should bring their rules into line with the International Olympic Committee to prevent convicted cheats competing at the Olympics, former sprint champion Michael Johnson said on Wednesday. Milan's Cassano out for months, to have surgery

Italy and AC Milan forward Antonio Cassano will be out for a "few months" and needs heart surgery after falling ill at the weekend, the Italian champions said on Wednesday.

Inter's Ranieri stands by his old guard

Inter Milan coach Claudio Ranieri stood by what he described as his "old guard" after fielding the oldest team the Champions League has ever seen in Wednesday's 2-1 win over Lille.

CL: Real Madrid qualify with Ronaldo's brace

Cristiano Ronaldo took a leaf out of Lionel Messi's book when he reached a personal landmark and led Real Madrid into the Champions League knockout stages by scoring both goals in a 2-0 win at Olympique Lyon on Wednesday.

Bayern's Schweinsteiger breaks collarbone
Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger will be out for up to six weeks after breaking his collarbone in the 3-2 Champions League win over Napoli on Wednesday, the club said.

November 02, 2011

Don't expect too much, too soon: Thorpe

Five-time Olympic champion Ian Thorpe has warned Australians not to expect too much of him too soon as he prepares to make his return to competition in Singapore this week.

Virgin F1 team seeks name change to Marussia
Virgin Racing want to change their name to Marussia next season to more accurately reflect the Formula One team's current ownership structure. NBA: League fines Heat owner following lockout tweet
The National Basketball Association (NBA) said on Tuesday that Miami Heat owner Micky Arison has been fined following reports that he used his Twitter account to comment on the league's four-month-old lockout. Terry faces police investigation over alleged racism
British police have launched an investigation into allegations that Chelsea captain John Terry racially abused Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand during a Premier league match at Loftus Road last month. Tevez needs to apologise, says Mancini

Manchester City outcast Carlos Tevez has been offered a way back into the Premier League club's plans by manager Roberto Mancini but only if he apologises for refusing to warm up in their Champions League match at Bayern Munich in late September.

CL: Barca and Milan reach last 16 , APOEL march on

Barcelona and AC Milan qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League as expected with room to spare on Tuesday and surprise package APOEL Nicosia are poised to join them after continuing to punch above their weight.

November 01, 2011

Vikas zooms to second spot in AIBA Rankings

Teen boxing sensation Vikas Krishan (69kg), who fetched India's lone medal at last month's World Championships, zoomed to a career-best second spot but Olympic hero Vijender Singh (75kg) did not find a place in the latest international rankings issued by AIBA.

October 31, 2011

Injury scare keeps Gerrard guessing

Steven Gerrard will know by the middle of this week whether he faces another lengthy layoff or will be back in action for Liverpool soon after being diagnosed with an infected ankle.

Beckham 'assists' Galaxy to get playoff edge

David Beckham created the 15th-minute winner for Mike Magee as the LA Galaxy beat the New York Red Bulls 1-0 in their Major League Soccer Western Conference semi-final, first-leg match on Sunday.

October 30, 2011

McIlroy pockets $2 million after playoff win over Kim
US Open champion Rory McIlroy held his nerve in the closing stages to edge out American Anthony Kim in a sudden death playoff and pocket the $2 million winner's cheque at the Shanghai Masters on Sunday.

October 28, 2011

I-League: Salgaocar thrash Pailan Arrows

Salgaocar scored an emphatic 4-0 win over Pailan Arrows and registered its first victory in the ongoing I-League, played at Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Margao, on Friday.

Rule over Tevez fine is crazy: Ferguson
The rule that forced Manchester City to halve the fine they imposed on striker Carlos Tevez is "a bit crazy", Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson said, on Friday.

October 27, 2011

City's Tevez did not refuse to play: PFA

Carlos Tevez should not have been fined four weeks' wages by Manchester City as he did not refuse to play in last month's Champions League match at Bayern Munich, England's Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) said on Thursday.

Saina crashes out of French Open
India's ace shuttler Saina Nehwal played her heart out but went down to Xuerui Li of China 18-21, 29-30 at the French Open Super Series in Paris on Thursday. NBA: Owners meet with union to broker labor deal
There is renewed optimism the NBA season could soon resume after players and owners spent more than 10 hours locked in discussions on Wednesday about reaching a labour agreement. Boxing star Mayweather acquitted of harassment

Boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr was acquitted on Wednesday of charges he threatened to send armed friends to harm two security guards at a gated community in suburban Las Vegas.

October 26, 2011

Saina reaches second round of French Open
Indian ace Saina Nehwal started her campaign at the French Open Super Series on a positive note, thrashing Jie Yao of Holland in straight-games to reach the second round of the women's singles event at Paris on Wednesday.

October 25, 2011

Simoncelli's team pull out of Valencia GP
Honda Gresini have pulled out of the season-ending Valencia Grand Prix following the death of Italian MotoGP rider Marco Simoncelli in Malaysia on Sunday. Wheldon crash investigation picks up speed

IndyCar officials have begun an investigation into the cause of the 15-car crash that killed two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon, series boss Randy Bernard saying on Monday they need to understand what went wrong.

Ex-French footballer Vairelles arrested in murder probe

Former French footballer Tony Vairelles has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

October 24, 2011

Saina cautious at French Open Super Series

Still smarting from her second-round exit in Denmark last week, Saina Nehwal will seek redemption when she starts her campaign at the French Open Super series, which begins with the qualifiers at Paris on Tuesday.

Rossi retirement denied after Simoncelli death

MotoGP great Valentino Rossi will not be retiring from the sport in the wake of friend Marco Simoncelli dying after a crash with his fellow Italian, Rossi's mentor said Monday.

October 23, 2011

Gebrselassie storms back in Birmingham

Haile Gebrselassie returned to form with an easy victory at the Great Birmingham Run on Sunday after dropping out of last month's Berlin Marathon with breathing problems.

Boateng hat-trick fires Milan's winning comeback

Kevin-Prince Boateng scored a hat-trick within 18 minutes of coming on as a half time substitute as AC Milan bounced back from being 3-0 behind to win 4-3 at Lecce in an astonishing Serie A match on Sunday.

Simoncelli dies after Sepang crash

Italian MotoGP rider Marco Simoncelli has died after a horrific crash at the Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang on Sunday.

Poland's Kucharski appointed coach of Indian Table Tennis team

Indian paddlers' long wait for a foreign coach has finally come to an end with the Table Tennis Federation of India appointing Poland's Leszek Kucharski for the job on a one-year contract.

New Zealand edge France to win second World Cup

Hosts New Zealand just about held their collective nerve to edge France 8-7 at Eden Park on Sunday and win the World Cup for the second time after a gap of 24 years.

October 21, 2011

I-League: Dempo 'underdogs' in opener against Salgaocar

Four-time champions Dempo will be the underdogs when they kick-start their I-League campaign against defending champions Salgaocar at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Margao, on Saturday.

100-year-old marathoner Fauja, PETA's new poster boy

Just days after registering his name in the Guinness World Record as the oldest person to complete a marathon, 100-year-old Fauja Singh has now become the oldest man to star in a PETA ad campaign.

NBA: Labor talks break off putting more games in doubt
Marathon talks between NBA players and owners to resolve a long-running labor dispute that has put the entire season on hold broke off on Thursday with little sign of progress toward a deal, raising the likelihood of more games being cancelled. WBC restores Hopkins' title after Dawson controversy
The World Boxing Council restored Bernard Hopkins as its light heavyweight champion on Thursday after reviewing his controversial loss to Chad Dawson at the weekend.

October 20, 2011

Denmark Open: Saina loses in second round
Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal suffered a straight-game 19-21, 13-21 defeat to Tzu Ying Tai of Chinese Taipei in the second round and crashed out of the Denmark Open Super Series, at Odense, on Thursday. However, Jwala Gutta and V Diju kept the tri-colour fluttering after a 21-16, 21-19 victory over Chris Adcock and Imogen Bankier of England in the second round of the mixed doubles. Saina, Anand in second round of Denmark Open
Indian shuttlers Saina Nehwal and Anand Pawar advanced to the second round of the Denmark Open Super Series after contrasting victories in the opening round of the main draw at Odense on Wednesday. Fourth seed Saina beat Porntip Buranaprasertsuk of Thailand 21-16, 21-8 in a 31-minute clash in the women's singles, while Anand saw off Pablo Abian 21-11, 21-12 in the men's singles. NBA: Extra day for mediation talks between owners and players
Mediation talks between National Basketball Association (NBA) owners and players continued unexpectedly on Wednesday for a second straight day in New York in a bid to resolve the bitter labour dispute. Will Smith, wife buy minority stake in NBA team

Hollywood celebrity couple Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith have bought a minority stake in NBA basketball team Philadelphia 76ers.

October 19, 2011

Bindra wins silver in Asian airgun meet
Beijing Olympics gold medallist Abhinav Bindra clinched the silver medal while Satyendra Singh won a bronze in the fourth Asian Airgun Shooting Championship at Sulaibia, near Kuwait City, on Wednesday. Brazil rise to fifth, Spain stay top in FIFA ranking
Brazil rose two places to fifth in this month's FIFA rankings, ending a downward trend after hitting an 18-year low in September. Berbatov snubs calls for Bulgaria return
Manchester United striker has refused to come out of international retirement after several hundred Bulgarian fans made the trip to Romania to urge him to change his mind. Dempo seek Fifa's help for release of T and T's Densill
With the I-League 2011-12 commencing from October 22, Dempo seems to be a bit worried as they have still not been able to register their foreigner Densill Theobald from Trinidad & Tobago and have now sought Fifa's help in this regard. Vasco seeks Shillong Lajong's disqualification from I-league
Vasco Sports Club has filed a suit against the All India Football Federation (AIFF), Shillong Lajong Football Club and Goa Football Association (GFA) in a local court, seeking Shillong Lajong's disqualification from the I-league that starts from Saturday.

October 18, 2011

Peter von Reth Technical Manager for World Series Hockey
World Series Hockey has now enlisted the services of the renowned Dutchman as Sports Technical Manager for the prestigious league that gets underway on December 17. Poonia takes gold, crosses Olympic qualification 'A' standard

Commonwealth Games gold-medallist Krishna Poonia produced an impressive season's best effort of 62.25m to win gold at Halloween Throws Meet at Portland, United States on Tuesday.

IOA: Maken destroying Olympic movement in the country
The Indian Olympic Association has rejected the revised draft of the National Sports Development Bill, calling it a 'cruel joke' and an attempt to strangulate the autonomy of National Sports Federations. Brazil's sports minister faces kickbacks scandal
Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff faces another corruption scandal in her cabinet over accusations the sports minister arranged for millions in kickbacks, raising questions about the country's credentials to host the World Cup and Olympics.

October 17, 2011

Sports minister unveils revised Sports Bill

Sports Minister Ajay Maken on Monday unveiled revised Sports Bill on, saying that the bill will enhance greater transparency in the functioning of sports federations. However, the same old provisions to prevent the life-time control of individuals over the sports bodies was retained.

Pallikal clinches Dread Squash Series 2 WISPA event

India's top-ranked squash female player Dipika Pallikal faced stiff resistance from England's Sarah-Jane Perry before prevailing 11-9, 11-3, 11-7 in the final to win the WISPA Dread Series 2 tournament in Washington.

Saina looks to end Super Series title draught in Denmark

As the season is drawing to a close, Saina Nehwal would look to end the Super Series title drought when the Denmark Open gets underway at Odense with the qualifiers on Tuesday.

Super Cup:Revenge on East Bengal's mind as they take on Salgaocar
The country's top two football clubs East Bengal and Salgaocar face each other in yet another battle for supremacy in the one-off Super Cup match, in New Delhi, on Tuesday. I would not have picked Tiger: Norman

Greg Norman says he would not have chosen Tiger Woods as a wildcard selection for next month's Presidents Cup in Australia because of the former World No. 1's poor form since the end of 2009.

Mary Kom clinches gold at boxing Nationals

Five-time World champion MC Mary Kom punched her way to a gold medal in the 51kg category, defeating Pinki Jangra in the final on the concluding day of the 12th Senior Women's National Boxing Championships in Bhopal on Sunday. In the day's most-anticipated bout, the Manipur ace proved a class above Arafura Games gold medallist Pinki, from Haryana, in the final of the flyweight division, at the Tatya Tope stadium.

October 16, 2011

Gleeson wins Indian Open, Chiragh finishes second
Trophy eluded Chiragh Kumar but the Indian golfer still managed his best-ever finish in an Asian Tour event by signing off second even as Australian David Gleeson won the $1.25 million event at the Delhi Golf Club on Sunday. NZ beat Australia to advance to Rugby World Cup final
Scumhalf Piri Weepu kicked 12 points for New Zealand as they recorded a 20-6 victory over Australia on Sunday to advance to the rugby World Cup final against France next week.

October 15, 2011

Mary Kom storms into final while Pinki stuns Sarita
Five-time world champion MC Mary Kom of Manipur punched her way into the final of the flyweight division while Haryana's Pinki Jangra stunned former world champion L Sarita Devi at the 12th Senior Women's National Boxing Championship in Bhopal. Man United rescued by super-sub Hernandez

Steven Gerrard scored on his first start for seven months before Javier Hernandez headed a late equaliser as Liverpool and Manchester United battled to a 1-1 draw in the Premier League at Anfield on Saturday.

Bernard is new coach of Mohun Bagan
Mohun Bagan football club on Saturday accepted the resignation of coach Steve Darby and appointed former Nigerian footballer Bernard Operanazie in the Englishman's place. India-Bayern Munich friendly to be Bhutia's farewell match

India's friendly match against German football giant, Bayern Munich in January next year will be Indian legend Bhaichung Bhutia's "official farewell match", the AIFF said on Saturday.

Yuki and Rutuja are new National champions
Yuki Bhambri downed Davis Cupper Vishnu Vardhan to claim the men's singles crown while young Rutuja Bhonsle prevailed over experienced campaigner Isha Lakhani to emerge winner in the women's singles event of the Fenesta National Championship, in New Delhi.

October 14, 2011

Chopra in joint lead, Gangjee tied 17th on Nationwide
Indian-origin Swede golfer Daniel Chopra grabbed a share of the lead after firing a sparkling eight-under 63 in the opening round of the Nationwide Tour's Miccosukee Championship, in Miami. NBA season may be in jeopardy
National Basketball Association (NBA) Commissioner David Stern warned on Thursday that the entire season could be in jeopardy if significant progress toward a collective agreement is not made early next week.

October 13, 2011

Nine more kabaddi players flunk dope test
Nine more kabaddi players were caught, on Thursday, for using banned steroids, taking the total number of dope flunked players who were tested early this month during the selection trials of the World Cup to 19. Khade leads India at Asian age group swimming C'ship
Indians came up with their best show ever at the Asian age group swimming championship as they added a gold, four silver and two bronze, besides two gold in diving and a bronze in water polo, at the end of the fourth day, on Thursday, to take their tally to 34 in the event at Jakarta. India's tally swells by 56 medals in weightlifting
India added a whopping 56 medals, including 17 gold, on the third day of the Commonwealth (Youth, Junior and Senior) Weightlifting Championships in Cape Town, South Africa to swell their medal tally to 89, on Thursday. Poonia bags gold in Portland event
Commonwealth Games gold medalist Krishna Poonia, on Thursday, won gold in women's discus throw event in the Harvest Throw Meet in Portland, United States. IOA for tough action against dope offenders: Malhotra
Indian Olympic Association, on Thursday, said no leniency would be shown to the 10 Kabbadi players and three athletes who flunked dope tests recently and asked the federations to crack the whip on guilty sportspersons.

October 12, 2011

India's medals tally swells at Commonwealth Weightlifting
India's impressive show at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships continued as their medals tally swelled to 33, including 15 gold, on the second day of the competition at Cape Town, South Africa, on Wednesday.

October 11, 2011

Former heavyweight champion Haye set to retire

Former World heavyweight champion David Haye is poised to retire from the sport after the British Boxing Board of Control said on Tuesday the Briton was not renewing his licence.

One year after CWG, Manoj waits for promised promotion

It was a promise made one year ago, after he struck gold at the Commonwealth Games but boxer Manoj Kumar, who is now also assured of a berth in next year's London Olympics, is still waiting to be promoted in Indian Railways.

Marathon-running mum gives birth after Chicago race
Amber Miller could be forgiven for taking a long rest after completing the Chicago Marathon on Sunday but rather than resting her aching limbs, the 27-year-old spent the evening giving birth to her second child. Indian swimmers bag three gold at Asian Championships
Indian swimmers made a big splash at the seventh Asian age-group championships, clinching eight medals, including three gold, on the first day of the event at Jakarta.

October 10, 2011

Fan arrested for throwing hot dog at Tiger Woods

A golf fan has been arrested for throwing a hot dog in the direction of Tiger Woods during a golf tournament in California.

October 09, 2011

Mosop wins Chicago Marathon in course record

Kenyan Moses Mosop won the 34th Chicago Marathon on Sunday, surging away from the field with 10 kms to go and setting a course record of two hours five minutes 37 seconds.

Durand Cup: Prayag, Lajong qualify for semis
I-League and Federation Cup champions Salgaocar crashed out of the Durand Cup football tournament after suffering a 0-2 loss at the hands of Prayag United in New Delhi. New Zealand, Australia book semi-final showdown

Hosts New Zealand and twice champions Australia set up their third World Cup semi-final on Sunday after the All Blacks defeated Argentina 33-10 and Australia scraped an 11-9 win over defending champions South Africa.

Casey remains one ahead at CordeValle, Woods makes cut
Britain's Paul Casey retained his one-stroke lead at eight under par and Tiger Woods made the cut by two shots when the fog-delayed second round of the Frys.com Open was completed on Saturday.

October 08, 2011

France find their form to rout England

A rejuvenated France ran up a 16-point lead in the first half and held on to beat an error-prone England 19-12 at Eden Park on Saturday and set up a World Cup semi-final against Wales.

October 07, 2011

Olympic champ vows to return stronger following ban appeal

Olympic 400 metres champion LaShawn Merritt, cleared to run at the 2012 Games by a court ruling on Thursday having previously been barred for doping, said he would pull out all the stops to succeed in London.

Woods trails, Rookie Steele in tie for lead

PGA Tour rookie Brendan Steele and fellow Americans Briny Baird, Garrett Willis and Matt Bettencourt stole the limelight from Tiger Woods by charging into a tie for the Frys.com Open lead on Thursday.

Vikas loses in semis, settles for bronze at World Championships

Teen Indian boxing sensation Vikas Krishan's dream run at the World Championships came to an end as he settled for a bronze medal after losing his welterweight (69kg) semifinal bout in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Saturday.

WSB's Indian franchise ropes in World Champ, CWG gold medallist
Former World Champion Abbos Atoyev and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Patrick Gallagher were among the five international pugilists that the World Series of Boxing's Indian franchise -- Mumbai Fighters -- picked up in a draft order conducted by the sport's governing body AIBA. WSF bans Pakistan Squash Federation secretary
The World Squash Federation imposed a one-year ban on Pakistan Squash Federation secretary Irfan Asghar on Friday, for stating that WSF president N Ramachandran played a "malicious role" in preventing his country's players from obtaining visas for a tournament in Belgium.

October 05, 2011

'Form in WSH can be better indicator than national camps'
Former India coach Joaquim Carvalho who is now involved with the World Series Hockey (WSH) project feels that the tournament can prove to be a good platform to judge players who can be picked for the national team. Devendro, Manoj lose in World Championships quarters
Indian boxers L Devendro Singh (49kg) and Manoj Kumar (64kg) fought gamely, but eventually ran out of steam against fancied opponents and bowed out in the quarter-finals, at the World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Wednesday. Having secured Olympic berths after reaching the quarter-finals, the Indians were aiming for medals at the mega event. WADA makes changes for better reporting of anti-doping stats
The World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) has effected changes to its International Standard for Testing (IST) for improving its annual reporting of anti-doping statistics in the future.

October 04, 2011

Jai Bhagwan joins Manoj, Devendro on bus to London Olympics

Indian boxers packed a powerful punch as Jai Bhagwan (60kg), joined Commonwealth Games medallists Manoj Kumar (64kg) along with rookie teen sensation L Devendro Singh to qualified for the London Olympics by advancing to the World Championships' quarter-finals with contrasting wins in Baku, Azerbaijan on Tuesday.

Sodhi creates history defending his World title
Ace Double Trap shooter Ronjan Sodhi on Tuesday created history today by becoming the first Indian ever to defend a World Cup title. 'I don't have any sympathy when it comes to cheats'
Former champions Colin Jackson and Daley Thompson hit out at drug cheats on Monday, saying they had wrecked some sports and ruined the reputation of athletics.

October 03, 2011

Devendro, Jai in pre-quarters, Akhil out of World boxing

Commonwealth Games bronze medal winner Jai Bhagwan (60kg) and rookie teen L Devendro Singh (49kg) inched closer to Olympic qualification by advancing to the pre-quarter-finals with thumping victories in their respective second-round bouts at the World Boxing Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Monday. The 19-year-old Devendro pummeled Joselito Velazquez of Mexico 40-19 in what is the biggest points win of the ongoing event.

Pallikal loses to Brown in US Open squash
Country's top ranked female racqueter Dipika Pallikal, who became the first Indian squash player to break into top-20 in the world rankings, suffered a first-round defeat to Kasey Brown of Australia to bow out of the US Open in Philadelphia. Tiger Woods set to drop out of world's top 50

Tiger Woods will plummet to depths he has not reached in 15 years as he is projected to drop two spots to 51st in the world rankings to be issued on Monday.

World Boxing: Vikas Krishnan stuns Mahamed

Asian Games gold medalist and youth Olympics bronze medalist Vikas Krishan (69 kgs) stunned seventh seeded Nurudzinov Mahamed of Belarus to storm into the pre-quarter finals of the AIBA World Boxing Championships in progress at Baku.

October 02, 2011

Pantawane finishes runners-up in Czech International
Promising shuttler Arundhati Pantawane's brilliant run at the Czech International Open came to an end after she went down in straight-games to fourth seed Kristina Gavnholt in the finals. Manoj, Dinesh inch closer to Olympic qualification
Commonwealth Games gold-medallist Manoj Kumar's sensational upset win over a European champion left him just one step away from Olympic qualification but it was curtains for Suranjoy Singh as he was ousted following a second-round loss in the World Boxing Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan.

October 01, 2011

Vijender crashes out of boxing W C'ships, Jai Bhagwan advances

Olympic hero Vijender Singh was, on Saturday, ousted in the very first round, upstaged by his Cuban nemesis Emilio Correa Bayeux, but Jai Bhagwan entered the second round on a mixed day for Indian boxers at the World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Jai Bhagwan advances to Rd2 of boxing World Championships
Commonwealth Games bronze-medallist Jai Bhagwan thrashed Evaldas Petrauskas of Lithuania to enter the second round, on Saturday, continuing the impressive show by Indian boxers in the World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan.

September 30, 2011

Manoj Kumar eases into second round of World Boxing

Manoj Kumar eased past Valentino Knowles of the Bahamas, winning 17-11, to enter the second round in the light-welterweight (64kg) category and continue the Indian boxers' fine show at the World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Friday. Manoj, the lone Indian in action on Friday, has a tough bout next, as he is up against reigning European champion and fourth seed Raymond Moylette of Ireland.

September 29, 2011

Bangalore to host IBSF World Snooker C'ship
The IBSF World Men's Snooker Championship, which was originally scheduled to take place in Bahrain, will now be held in Bangalore from November 28 to December 3.

September 28, 2011

Randhawa grabs lead at DLF Masters

Two-time winner Jyoti Randhawa, brought home a brilliant card of five-under 67 to grab a narrow one-stroke lead at the Rs 95 lakh DLF Masters golf tournament in Gurgaon, on Wednesday.

WADA adds cortisone to monitoring programme
The World Anti-Doping Agency has added out-of-competition use of glucocorticosteroids that include powerful anti-inflammatory medication cortisone, often taken as injection by injured cricketers, to its Monitoring Programme, along with nicotine. Dinesh advances, India boxers' winning run continues at World Cha
Indian boxers' unbeaten run in the World Championships continued with Asian Games silver-medallist Dinesh Kumar, advancing to the second round of the light heavyweight (81kg) category with a thumping win in his opening bout in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Wednesday. London Olympics will help to revive sports legacy: Tony Blair
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, on Wednesday, said Twenty20 cricket is a good advertisement for the game since more people are watching the sport with the advent of the slam-bang format.

September 27, 2011

Suranjoy romps into second round of World Boxing
Commonwealth Games gold medallist Suranjoy Singh pummelled Hungary's Dobradi Zsolt in his opening bout to sail into the second round of the World Boxing Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Tuesday. Suranjoy, also an Asian Games bronze medallist, beat Zsolt 24-8 in a lopsided bout of the first Olympic qualifying event. Players, Federations need to use stadiums built for CWG: IOA
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA), on Tuesday, demanded that the expensive stadiums built for the 2010 Commonwealth Games should be made available to the players and the Federations for utilization, as there is point in letting the facilities become 'white elephants'. Crouch purchases Flintoff's Cheshire mansion for $4.5m

Peter Crouch has recently bought Andrew Flintoff's Cheshire mansion for $4.5 million.

Londoners may work from home during Olympics to ease traffic
Transport bosses have warned that a third of Londoners will have to work from home during the 2012 Olympic Games to avoid overcrowding on the tube and in buses.

September 26, 2011

Devendro opens with easy win at World boxing
Rookie teen L Devendro Singh gave India's campaign at the World Boxing Championships a perfect start, sailing into the second round in the light-flyweight 49kg division with a thumping win in his opening bout in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Monday. Devendro beat Nazarliev Asylbek of Kyrgyzstan 14-8 and will now take on Mexico's Joselit Velazquez. Sania holidays in Pakistan as Shoaib readies for T20 tourney

With a knee injury keeping her off court, Indian tennis star Sania Mirza was spotted in Karachi on a holiday with her cricketer husband Shoaib Malik, who will also be competing in Pakistan's National Twenty20 Championships.

First Look: British PM Cameron at English Premier League match

Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron watches the English Premier League match between Queens Park Rangers and Aston Villa with his son Arthur at Loftus Road in London on Sunday.

September 25, 2011

Ashish Kumar, Deepika Kumari awarded best
Gymnast Ashish Kumar and archer Deepika Kumari were named as the Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year respectively at 'Spirit of Sporting Awards' presented during the second edition of the India International Sports Summit (IISS)in Mumbai. Shooter Rajput's rifle broken while returning from World Cup
Top Indian shooter Sanjeev Rajput, on Sunday, found his rifle broken while flying back home after participating in the ISSF World Cup final in Poland. Jeev tied fourth at Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open
Jeev Milkha Singh finished tied fourth, for the second week in a row after bringing home a card of even-par 72 in the final round of the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open, in Japan, on Sunday. Deepika Kumari settles for silver after losing shoot-off

India's best woman archer Deepika Kumari, lost narrowly to Ming Cheng of China in the shoot-off to settle for a silver medal in the prestigious Archery World Cup final held in Istanbul on Sunday.

Names missing from official list, boxers panic in World C'ship
Panic struck the Indian camp at the World Boxing Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan just hours ahead of the official weigh-in and draw on Sunday, as two of its team members found their names missing from the list of registered entries but the confusion was sorted out just in time.

September 24, 2011

Saina will get back her form: Gopichand
National coach Pullela Gopichand, on Saturday, said that the loss of form of ace shuttler Saina Nehwal, whose campaign in the Japan Open Super Series ended in semi-finals, was not a cause of concern. Schenk shocks Saina in Japan Open badminton

Saina Nehwal was stunned by Germany's Juliane Schenk in the women's singles semifinals, as India's campaign came to an end in the Japan Open Super Series badminton tournament in Tokyo on Saturday.

September 23, 2011

IOC to probe London 2012 boxing fix claims
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will look into allegations that Azerbaijan was promised two gold medals at next year's London Olympics in exchange of cash and could launch its own inquiry, it said on Friday. Ian Thorpe targets Singapore return

Five-time Olympic gold medallist Ian Thorpe will swim his first international meeting in five years when he returns to the pool at the World Cup in Singapore in November, Swimming Australia said on Friday.

Saina to face Schenk in Japan Open semis

Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal entered the semi-finals of the Japan Open Super Series badminton tournament in Tokyo after dispatching Singapore's Juan Gu in straight games in just half an hour, on Friday.

'Tiger may quit if form slump goes on'

The American is without a victory for almost two years and has slumped from first to 49th in the world in just 10 months while trying to rebuild his golf swing and private life following the break-up of his marriage.

Boxing body refutes London 2012 fix allegation
Amateur boxing's world governing body has dismissed as 'preposterous and utterly untrue' allegations that Azerbaijan was promised two gold medals at next year's London Olympics in exchange for a loan of millions of dollars.

September 22, 2011

Saina in Japan Open QF; others Indians disappoint
Ace shuttler Saina Nehwal emerged India's lone survivor at the Japan Open after defeating Mingtian Fu of Singapore in straight games, in Tokyo, on Thursday. The fourth seed took 33 minutes to register a 21-17, 21-16 victory and enter the quarter-finals, where she will take on Juan GU of Singapore on Friday.

September 21, 2011

Jayaram stuns world No 7 Tien; Saina, Kashyap advance
Saina Nehwal crossed the first hurdle comfortably but highlight of the day for the Indians came when Ajay Jayaram registered a stunning victory over world number seven Tien Minh Nguyen to sent him crashing out of Japan Super Series in straight-games in Tokyo. Ghosal out of British Grand Prix as Indian challenge ends
The Indian challenge in the ROWE British Grand Prix squash championship came to an end after national champion Saurav Ghosal suffered a straight-game first-round defeat at the hands France's Gregory Gaultier in Manchester. Football coach Armando faces opposition in contract extension

A section of the All Indian Football Federation is likely to strongly oppose the extension of national coach Armando Colaco's contract when the matter comes up for discussion in a crucial executive committee meeting in New Delhi.

Hockey India lifts ban on Sandeep, Sardara
Ace drag-flicker Sandeep Singh and midfielder Sardara Singh were handed a lifeline on Wednesday after Hockey India lifted the two-year ban on them for indiscipline, saying the two players were given 'a last chance' to make amends for their mistakes.

September 19, 2011

Gangjee falters in final round, finishes tied 18th
Overnight joint leader Rahil Gangjee faltered in the final round, managing a disappointing card of two-over 73 to finish tied 18th in the Nationwide Tour's Albertsons Boise Open golf tournament in Idaho, USA. Aisam gets Federer, Nadal support for flood victims

Pakistan tennis ace Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi has roped in the support of top stars such as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic for a charity auction to raise funds for the flood victims in the country.

September 18, 2011

Ruthless Manchester United sink Chelsea 3-1
Manchester United's rampaging start to the season continued as they beat Chelsea 3-1 at Old Trafford on Sunday to move two points clear at the top of the Premier League. Jitendra Kumar, Diwakar Prasad among 19 probables for WSB
Olympians Jitendra Kumar and Diwakar Prasad are among the 19 pugilists who have been short-listed to represent the Mumbai franchisee in the World Series of Boxing. Sushil fails to defend World Championship crown

In what came as a huge shock, defending champion and star Indian wrestler Sushil Kumar crashed out in the second round of the 66kg freestyle category at the World Wrestling Championships in Istanbul on Sunday.

Jeev finishes season-best fourth, Kapur 10th in Macau Open
Indian golfer Jeev Milkha Singh lost momentum after a good start but the two-under 69 was still enough to fetch him a season's best finish of tied fourth in the $ 750,000 Macau Open on Sunday.

September 17, 2011

China Masters: Jwala-Diju ousted, Indian challenge ends

Indian mixed doubles pair of Jwala Gutta and V Diju squandered a game lead to go down fighting against Korean duo Yeon Seong Yoo and Ye Na Jang in the semi-final of the China Masters Super Series at Changzhou on Saturday.

Jeev tied fifth; Bhullar, Kapur move into top-20 in Macau Open
Jeev Milkha Singh slipped one place to tied fifth but the Indian golfer along with compatriots Gaganjeet Bhullar and Shiv Kapur did well to hang on in yet another hard day in the heat and humidity of the hilly and challenging Macau Golf and Country Club in Macau. Jeev tied fifth; Bhullar, Kapur move into top-20 in Macau Open
Jeev Milkha Singh slipped one place to tied fifth but the Indian golfer along with compatriots Gaganjeet Bhullar and Shiv Kapur did well to hang on in yet another hard day in the heat and humidity of the hilly and challenging Macau Golf and Country Club in Macau.

September 16, 2011

China Masters: Saina loses, Jwala-Diju in semis

India's ace shuttler Saina Nehwal exited from the China Masters Super Series, but the top mixed doubles pair of Jwala Gutta and V Diju kept the tricolour fluttering after a thrilling victory to advance to the semi-finals at Changzhou on Friday.

September 15, 2011

Saina, Jwala-Diju in quarters of China Masters
Indian ace Saina Nehwal survived a mighty scare from unheralded Ayane Kurihara of Japan before advancing to the quarter-finals of China Masters Super Series badminton tournament in Changzhou on Thursday. The fifth seed Indian won 21-11, 18-21, 27-25 in a marathon women's singles encounter that lasted 72 minutes, at the Xincheng Gymnasium.

September 14, 2011

Indian Hockey Confederation asks RBI to stop WC payment to FIH
Alleging breach of contract and intended violation of the Foreign Exchange Act, the Indian Hockey Confederation (IHC) has requested the Reserve Bank of India to stop payment of US $500,000 by the 2010 World Hockey Cup organisers to the International Hockey Federation (FIH). Advani bats for Point format

Ace cueist Pankaj Advani, who has twice won the 'grand double' of Point and Time formats at the IBSF World Billiards Championships, feels that the shorter version of the game will make billiards spectator friendly.

Indian cagers to open Olympic qualifying campaign on Thursday
The Indian hoopsters commence their London Olympic Games qualifying campaign on Thursday, by taking on Lebanon in their opening Group A league match of the 26th FIBA Asia Basketball Championships at Wuhan, China.

September 13, 2011

Boxer Vijender misses training trip to France due to visa delay

Delay in getting visas has prevented Olympic bronze medallist Vijender Singh and Dinesh Kumar from joining the Indian boxing team in Bugeat, France for a training trip and the duo will now head straight to the World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan on September 20.

Sports Ministry sanctions Rs 6.85 crore to 22 sportspersons
Top-ranked double trap shooter Ronjan Sodhi has got a lion's share of Rs 97.37 lakh from the Sports Ministry's Rs 6.85 crore financial assistance for 22 athletes, considered medal prospects in next year's London Olympics.

September 12, 2011

Mayookha bags second gold, betters meet record in triple jump
National record holder Mayookha Johny bettered her own meet record in triple jump en-route to her double gold as the penultimate day of 51st National Open Athletics in Kolkata, on Monday, was reduced to a farce after the organisers had to cancel 3,000m women's steeplechase due to lack of competitors. Pallikal clinches California Squash Open

India's top woman squash player Dipika Pallikal has brought to an end the spectacular run of Egyptian qualifier Yathreb Adel to claim the Orange County Open in Irvine, California.

Yaroslavl Lokomotiv crash survivor dies of burns
The sole member of the Yaroslavl Lokomotiv ice hockey team to survive last week's air crash in western Russia died of his injuries on Monday, the medical centre that treated him said. IOA sets up ethics commission
The Indian Olympic Association has set up an Ethics Commission comprising three former Supreme Court and High Court judges to look into matters related to 'ethical principles of the Olympic movement'. Boxing: Poonia settles for silver at CYG 2011
India's hopes of bagging a gold at the 2011 Youth Commonwealth Games were dashed, as Cuban Youth Olympics gold medallist Rahul Poonia (49kg) ended up on the losing side of the Championship battle against Jack Bateson of England, on the Isle of Man, on Monday.

September 11, 2011

Arpinder, Asha shine at Nationals
Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Renjith Maheshwari bit the dust even as his employers Railways continued their surge to defend the overall championship title in the 51st National Open Athletics Championships in Kolkata on Sunday. Punjab's Arpinder Singh and local girl Asha Roy clinched their maiden gold medals at the senior level on the second day of the meet being held simultaneously at Yuba Bharati Krirangan and adjoining SAI complex at the Saltlake. Himmat wins maiden Asian Tour title
Himmat Rai claimed an enthralling five-way play-off victory at the ISPS Handa Singapore Classic on Sunday, holing a stunning 25-foot birdie putt on the sixth extra hole to secure his maiden Asian Tour title. Poonia enters Commonwealth Youth Games final
Promising boxer Rahul Poonia continued his good show at the ongoing Commonwealth Youth Games in the Isle of Mann by advancing into the final of the light flyweight category on Sunday.

September 10, 2011

Snesarev's exit affected my performance: Preeja

Asian Games gold medallist long distance runner Preeja Sreedharan, who is yet to secure a berth for next year's Olympics, on Saturday said that the exit of Belarusian coach Nikolai Snesarev affected her performance.

Rugby WC: England win brutal Argentina clash

The 2003 World Cup winners, expected to battle with Argentina for top spot in Pool B, needed a late try from replacement scrumhalf Ben Youngs to eke out a 13-9 victory in a tough encounter in the new indoor Otago Stadium.

Surender in semis, assures India bronze
Reigning Youth National Champion Surender Singh, on Saturday assured himself at least a bronze medal in the ongoing Commonwealth Youth Games in the Isle of Mann by advancing into the semi-finals of the 75kg category. Mayookha, Preeja win gold in National Athletics

Preeja Sreedharan and Mayookha Johny lived up to their reputations by clinching gold in women's 10,000m and long jump respectively as the 51st National Open Championships began with below par performances by all the athletes in Kolkata on Saturday.

Weightlifter Thakur bags three more medals
India added three more medals with Vikas Thakur winning a silver and two bronze in men's 77kg category on the second day of Asian Junior Weightlifting Championships at Pattaya, Thailand on Saturday. Golfer Himmat close to maiden win at ISPS
Indian golfer Himmat Rai sparkled with a bogey-free four-under 66 amid blustery conditions to keep a share of the lead and inch closer to his maiden Asian Tour title after the third round of the ISPS Handa Singapore Classic on Saturday.

September 09, 2011

World Champion Blake beats personal best

World 100 metres champion Yohan Blake ran a personal best of 9.82 seconds at the Zurich Diamond League meet on Thursday in his first race since winning gold in Daegu.

September 08, 2011

Exposure camp for Indian boxers in France
Having obtained visa clearance, a ten-member Indian boxing team sets off for France on a training-cum-exposure tour on Saturday. The ten-day preparation tour comes ahead of the World Championships in Baku, from September 22-October 10. Aiyar hindered CWG work: Maken

Sports Minister Ajay Maken has accused former minister Mani Shankar Aiyar of playing an 'irreparable obstructionist role' in the Commonwealth Games projects resulting in cost escalation.

September 07, 2011

Dozens dead in Russian hockey team plane crash

A passenger plane carrying a Russian ice hockey team to a season-opening match crashed after takeoff from a provincial airport on Wednesday, killing 43 people and leaving two survivors in grave condition.

Excitement builds ahead of Youth Games
The Isle of Man is busy welcoming hundreds of the Commonwealth's most talented young athletes, officials and supporters to the island. Indian pugilists leave for Youth C'wealth Games
A six-member Indian boxing team, part of the 31-member Indian contingent, left for the Isle of Man to participate in the Commonwealth Youth Games 2011.

September 06, 2011

Three cheers for weightlifter Pramila
Pramila Krisani was the star of the day as she bagged three more silver medals to swell India's kitty on the second day of the Asian Youth Weightlifting Championships, in Pattaya, Thailand, on Tuesday. Paes-Bhupathi stroll into US Open quarters

Indian tennis duo Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi marched into the quarter-finals of the men's doubles competition of the US Open with a straight-set victory over compatriot Somdev Devvarman and his Filipino partner Treat Conrad Huey in New York on Monday.

September 04, 2011

Indian eves lose to Korea in Asian Champion Trophy
The Indian women's hockey team failed to emulate their male counterparts and started their Asian Champions Trophy campaign on a disappointing note, losing 1-4 to formidable Korea in Ordos. Indian boxers' preparations hit by visa delay
The Indian men's boxing team's preparations for the 2012 Olympic Games seems to have taken a slight knock after visa delays looks certain to force them to cancel their trip to France for a training-cum-preparation camp. Vijender wins gold at World Police Games

India's ace boxer Vijender Singh struck gold and also bagged the 'Best Boxer' award as Indian pugilists rounded off a reasonably successful campaign with two gold medals, a similar number of silver and a bronze medal at the World Police and Fire Games.

September 03, 2011

Usain Bolt wins redemption with 200 gold

Jamaican Usain Bolt blazed to the 200 metres title at the world championships on Saturday in 19.40 seconds to confirm his reputation as the king of sprinters.

India sail past China in Asian Champions Trophy
The young Indian hockey team began its Asian Champions Trophy campaign in style as it spanked hosts China 5-0, displaying flashes of brilliance and dictating the pace of the game Ordos on Saturday.

September 02, 2011

Luka disappoints, but qualifies for Olympics
India's campaign in the World Athletics Championships ended on a disappointing note, with woman 800m runner Tintu Luka failing to qualify for the final round, in Daegu, South Korea, on Friday. However, her showing was good enough to earn her a berth in 2012 London Olympics.

September 01, 2011

World Athletics: Luka qualifies for 800m semis
India's Tintu Luka made it to the women's 800m semi-finals but shot putter Om Prakash Karhana was eliminated in the qualifying round of the World Athletics Championships.

August 31, 2011

Bekele will not defend 5,000m world title
Ethiopian double world record holder and Olympic champion Kenenisa Bekele will not defend his 5,000 metres world title due to injury, his management company said on Wednesday. BAI pick 13-member team for China Masters
A 13-member team, comprising seven men and six women, was on Wednesday selected by the Badminton Association of India to participate in the Li Ning China Masters Super Series tournament to be held in Changzhou, Jiangsu, China from September 13-18. IAAF will not rush to change rule that ousted Bolt
The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) will not be rushed into revising the controversial false-start rule that sent Usain Bolt crashing out of the world championships 100 metres, a top official said on Wednesday. Maken ready to drop clauses that offend BCCI
Ajay Maken, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, whose first draft of the National Sports Bill had to be withdrawn following stiff opposition from Sharad Pawar, president of ICC and former BCCI president.

August 30, 2011

No clearance for National Sports Bill
A controversial bill, aimed at regulating the functioning of national sports federations and putting an age limit on its bosses, failed to go through Cabinet due to stiff resistance from a number of ministers. Former NBA player Crittenton sought for murder
Javaris Crittenton, a former National Basketball Association athlete who once played for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Washington Wizards, is wanted on a murder charge over the death of a woman in Georgia, the FBI said on Monday.

August 29, 2011

Narang conferred Khel Ratna, Zaheer misses event
Ace shooter Gagan Narang, who notched up four gold medals at last year's Commonwealth Games, was on Monday conferred the country's highest sporting honour -- the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award -- in a glittering ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi. Gowda qualifies for discus throw finals
India's Vikas Gowda qualified for his maiden finals in the World Championships with a creditable 63.99m effort in the men's discus throw qualification round in Daegu, South Korea, on Monday. He hurled the disc to 63.99m in his second attempt to qualify for Tuesday's finals, as the eighth best out of 12.

August 28, 2011

Deepika bags gold in World Youth Championship
Teen sensation Deepika Kumari clinched the gold medal in the junior section of women's recurve event in the World Youth Archery Championship as India concluded their campaign with one more silver and two bronze medals at Legnica in Poland. Advani falters in final hurdle at World Billiards
Indian cueist Pankaj Advani faltered in the finals once again as England's Mike Russell successfully defended his Point format title in the IBSF World Billiards Championship being played in Carlow, Ireland.

August 27, 2011

Mayookha qualifies for World C'ships finals
Asian champion Mayookha Johny qualified for the women's long jump finals in the World Championships to become the only second Indian to do so after Anju Booby George.

August 26, 2011

Jayaram, Gurusaidutt in semis of Vietnam Open
Indian shuttlers Ajay Jayaram and RMV Gurusaidutt entered the semi-finals of the Vietnam Open Grand Prix, but it was curtains for their female counterparts at Ho Chih Minh city on Friday. World billiards: 9 Indians in last 16
Former champion Pankaj Advani and veteran Alok Kumar led the charge as nine Indian cueists entered the pre-quarter-finals in the Points-format IBSF World Billiards Championship, in Carlow, Ireland, on Friday. Indians ruled the green baize, as Advani, Alok and Rupesh Shah streamrolled their opponents to top their respective groups in the tournament, which started on August 24 and continues till September 1. 'Blade Runner' must run relay first leg: IAAF
Double amputee Oscar Pistorius must run the first leg for South Africa if he is to take part in the 4x400m relay at the world championships, athletics governing body said on Friday. Start concerns Robles as hurdles showdown looms
World record holder Dayron Robles's start has him concerned as he prepares for a clash with the second and third fastest 110 metres hurdlers of all-time at the world athletics championships next week. Age no barrier, says US distance runner Lagat
Bernard Lagat has grown into the job of role model for the next generation of American distance runners. He has also grown a beard to remind them how old he is. Squash: Indians lose in World Team C'ship quarters
India fought hard but eventually ran out of steam going down to former champions Australia in the quarter-final of the World Squash Team Championship at Padewrborn (Germany) on Thursday.

August 25, 2011

Smriti clinches title at Hero Women's Pro golf
Smriti Mehra turned in a stunning finish with five birdies in the last five holes to overhaul young Sharmila Nicollet on the homestretch and win the second leg of the Hero Women's Professional Golf Tour at the Eagleton Golf Resort in Bangalore. Squash: India in World Team C'ship quarters
Sixth seeds India sent giant-killers Denmark crashing out of the World Team Squash Championship to set up an intriguing quarter-final clash with fourth-seeded Australia at Padewrborn, Germany. Powell out of World Athletics C'ships?
Jamaica's Asafa Powell has been ruled out of the 100 metres at the World Athletics Championships, a teammate said on Thursday.

August 24, 2011

Good day for India shuttlers at Vietnam Open
As many as five singles players, including Aditi Mutatkar and Ajay Jayaram, and two doubles pairs, reached the pre-quarter-finals as India had a resounding day at the Vietnam Open Grand Prix badminton tournament in Ho Chih Minh City on Wednesday.

August 23, 2011

Gabriel named new IAAF general secretary
Experienced administrator Essar Gabriel has been named the new general secretary of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) replacing the retiring Pierre Weiss, the governing body said on Tuesday. Hairy tales: Beckham sports a bald patch!
David Beckham has experimented with his hair on a number of occasions, but with his the latest look -- a bald patch -- his fans are bound to get the creeps!

August 22, 2011

India drub Hungary in World Team Squash
India were off to flying start in the World Men's Team Squash Championships as they scored an emphatic 3-0 win over Hungary.

August 20, 2011

Bopanna-Qureshi out of Cincinnati Open
The Indian Express of Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi moved to the men's doubles semi-finals without breaking a sweat while Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi crashed out of the ATP Western & Southern Open after a straight set defeat. Sharapova whips Stosur to move into semis
Maria Sharapova marched into the semi-finals of the Cincinnati Open after crushing Australian Samantha Stosur 6-3, 6-2 on Friday to set up a last four meeting with fellow-Russian Vera Zvonareva.

August 19, 2011

China-US basketball 'friendly' erupts into brawl
As US Vice President Joe Biden built trust with China in Beijing's corridors of power, goodwill between the two nations unravelled Thursday night on a nearby basketball court, where players beat each other up and even a chair was thrown. French Olympian Quinon dead in apparent suicide
Former French pole-vaulter Pierre Quinon, who won the gold medal at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984, has died in an apparent suicide, the French Athletics Federation said on Thursday. India win at Nomura Cup after 38 years
A brilliant performance by teenager Khalin Joshi helped Indian golf team end a 38-year long medal drought and bag a bronze in the biennial Asia-Pacific Golf Championships for the Nomura Cup.

August 18, 2011

Gagan Narang to be conferred Khel Ratna on Aug 29
Ace Indian shooter Gagan Narang, who won four gold medals at last year's Commonwealth Games, will receive the country's highest sporting honour -- the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna -- from the President at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on August 29. 19 sportspersons will be conferred the Arjuna award. Ministry to address Boxing Federation's grouses
Days after the Indian Boxing Federation (IBF) had complained about delay in implementation of a government scheme and non-payment of incentives to coaches, the Sports Ministry has promised to 'resolve these issues' as soon as possible. Vijender, Akhil make team for World C'ships
Rookie L Devendro Singh was the surprise pick while established names such as Vijender Singh and Akhil Kumar expectedly fetched a berth in a 10-member Indian boxing team announced on Thursday for the World Championships in Azerbaijan next month.

August 17, 2011

'Sachin should shun IPL to get Bharat Ratna'
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has said that master batsman Sachin Tendulkar should not play in the Indian Premier League if his name was under consideration for the country's highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna and blamed the IPL for 'ruining' the sport.

August 16, 2011

Selection dilemma at boxing trials for Worlds
With an increased talent pool to choose from, the Indian Boxing Federation's selection panel is faced with a problem of plenty at the trials to pick the team for the World Championships next month. Boxing federation cry over minimal govt help
Boxing was one of the biggest success stories in Indian sports at the 2008 Beijing Olympics but three years down the line and another Olympic Games around the corner, the national federation (IBF) complains that it still has to run from pillar to post even for basic infrastructure.

August 15, 2011

Jung clinches centre fire pistol gold
After being deprived of a gold medal by Border Security Force's Amit Kumar Pilaniya in the 10m air pistol event three days ago, Samaresh Jung was bang on target today as he won the 25m centre fire pistol title in the Kumar Surendra Singh Memorial Shooting Championships.

August 14, 2011

Narang wins 50m rifle prone title for second gold
Ace marksman Gagan Narang added the 50m rifle prone position gold to the one he won earlier in the 10m event, while Olympic quota earner Annu Raj Singh grabbed the air pistol crown in the Kumar Surendra Singh Memorial Shooting Championships. Luka settles for silver in Belgium
A hat-trick of gold medals eluded ace Indian middle distance runner Tintu Luka despite coming up with her season's best performance as she settled for a silver at the Flenders Cup in Leuven, Belgium. Poonia wins gold in IAAF event in USA
Ace Indian discus thrower Krishna Poonia recorded her season's best performance to win a gold medal in the Annual Athletic Meet at Portland in the United States. U.S. sprinter Rodgers fails drug test
Former U.S. 100 metres champion Mike Rodgers has tested positive for a banned stimulant, putting his world championship hopes in jeopardy, his agent said on Saturday. Jwala-Ashwini bag bronze medal at World C'ships
Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponappa's dream run at the World Badminton Championships came to an end in the semi-finals but the pair managed to script history by claiming a bronze medal for India in the prestigious event after a gap of 28 years. Dan, Wei to clash in World badminton final
China's Lin Dan survived a big fright before claiming his place in Sunday's World badminton championship final, where he will meet old foe and arch-rival Lee Chong Wei.

August 13, 2011

Jain corners limelight with twin pistol gold
Punjab colt Akshay Jain grabbed a golden pistol double, upstaging former Commonwealth Games champion Samaresh Jung in the process, in the Kumar Surendra Singh Memorial Shooting Championships at the Balewadi ranges. Fennell to retire as CGF president
Michael Fennell will retire from his role as president of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) after 17 years and is set to be replaced by Malaysia's Prince Tunku Imran, the CGF said on Saturday. Bopanna-Qureshi concede quarters against Bryans
Indian challenge ended at the ATP Rogers Cup as Rohan Bopanna and his Pakistani partner Aisam-ul-haq Qureshi conceded their doubles quarter-final match to top seeds Mike and Bob Bryan due to an injury to the Indian Davis Cupper. Serena grinds into Toronto Cup semis
A battle-tested Serena Williams booked her spot in the semi-finals of the Toronto Cup on Friday after overcoming a sluggish start to grind out a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 win over Czech Lucie Safarova.

August 12, 2011

Gagan bags gold in 10m air rifle event
Ace marksman Gagan Narang bagged gold in the 10m air rifle while reigning Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra finished eighth after skipping the final for which he had qualified at the 11th Kumar Surendra Singh Memorial Shooting Championship in the Balewadi Ranges. Amandeep settles for Asian boxing silver
India finished the Championships with one silver and two bronze medals. 2010 Commonwealth champion Paramjeet Samota (91kg) and 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games gold medallist Balwinder Beniwal (64kg) had to settle for bronze medals each after losing in the semi-finals. Saina exits, Jwala-Ashiwni in semi-finals
Saina Nehwal's quarter-final jinx at the World Badminton Championships continued, as the ace Indian shuttler suffered a straight-games defeat to world No 3 Wang Xin and bowed out of the women's singles at Wembley Arena, London, on Friday. Jwala Gutta and Ashiwni Ponnappa, however, scripted history, becoming India's first-ever women's doubles pair to make it to the semi-finals of a World Championships. Jamaican athlete commits doping violation
A Jamaican track and field athlete has committed a doping violation, the island nation's anti-doping commission said on Thursday, just days before the country was to name its world championship team. Former Mexico defender Flores dies in shooting
Former Mexico defender Ignacio Flores has died after a truck he was travelling in was shot at by unidentified gunmen near Cuernavaca.

August 11, 2011

Saina romps into World Championships quarters
Saina Nehwal stormed into the women's singles quarter-finals at the World Badminton Championships at the Wembley Arena, in London, on Thursday. The world No 6 Indian ace was leading 21-3, 13-5 when her opponent, Pui Yin Yi of Hong Kong, seeded 14th, retired from the third round match. Amandeep enters Asian Boxing Championships final
The Punjab pugilist, who won a gold at the Commonwealth Championships last year, won 13-12 in a nail-biting bout to set up a summit clash with Shin Jong Hun.

August 10, 2011

Saina in third round of World Badminton
Ace shuttler Saina Nehwal started her campaign at the World Badminton Championships with a straight-set demolition of Chloe Magee of Ireland to advance to the pre-quarterfinals of the women's singles in London. Kashyap gets off to winning start at World C'ships
Commonwealth Games bronze-medallist P Kashyap defeated Germany's Domke Dieter in a hard-fought three-game affair to enter the second round of the World Badminton Championships in London.

August 09, 2011

Rupesh-Sanave go down fighting
Curtains were drawn on India's campaign in the men's doubles of the World Badminton Championships after the pair of Rupesh Kumar and Sanave Thomas went down fighting in the second round in London, on Tuesday. Rupesh and Sanave squandered a one-game lead to lose 19-21, 21-11, 21-12 in 48 minutes to the eighth seeded Indonesian duo of Alvent Yulianto Chandra and Hendra Aprida Gunawan. Aditya Mehta wins National Snooker
Mumbai's Aditya Mehta, the lone Indian on the world professional circuit, lived up to his reputation, defeating former champion Alok Kumar of Punjab 6-2, to clinch the title in the 78th National snooker championship in Chennai on Tuesday. Mehta won the best-of-11 frames final 66-6, 6-63, 72-65, 67-41, 67-10, 74-58, 43-52, 82-5 in three hours. World badminton: Lin Dan, Shixian ease through
China's Lin Dan eased into the second round of the World badminton championships with a 21-11, 21-10 success over Lithuanian Kestutis Navickas, while Wang Shixian, China's top seed in the women's singles, started her campaign with a comfortable 21-11, 21-14 victory over Bulgaria's Linda Zechiri on Tuesday. Beniwal joins Samota, Amandeep in semis
Balwinder Beniwal (64kg) was the third Indian boxer to make it to the semi-finals at the 2011 ASBC Asian Confederation Boxing Championships in Incheon, South Korea. However, while the 2008 Youth Commonwealth gold medallist got in line for his second international medal with a resounding triumph, the other three Indian boxers in the fray, on Day 9 of the competition, fell by the wayside. Pune FC not to release players for Caribbean trip
Thumbing a nose at the All India Football Federation, Pune FC on Tuesday decided to stick to its stand of not releasing two of its players -- goalkeeper Subrata Paul and striker Jeje Lalpekhlua, for the Indian team's forthcoming tour to the West Indies and United Kingdom. US swimmer forced to end Cuba-Florida swim: CNN
Sixty-one-year-old American swimmer Diana Nyad was forced to end her bid to become the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida without a shark cage in mid-trip on Tuesday, CNN reported. IOA concerned at 2012 Games link with Dow Chemical
The Indian Olympic Association on Monday expressed deep concern at Dow Chemical Company's sponsorship role in the 2012 London Olympics and said it would write to the organisers to reconsider the decision.

August 08, 2011

Samota, Amandeep in Asian boxing semis
Commonwealth champion Paramjeet Samota (91kg) and CWG bronze medallist Amandeep Singh (49kg) advanced to the semi-finals of the 2011 ASBC Asian Confederation Boxing Championships in Incheon, South Korea, on Monday. But there was disappointment for the Indian camp, as three other boxers lost in the quarter-finals of the tournament. World badminton: Ajay Jayaram stuns 15th seed Tago
Ajay Jayaram beat 15th seed Kenichi Tago of Japan 21-12, 21-19 in a 40-minute first round contest. The unseeded Indian will next meet Vladimir Ivanov of Russia, who defeated Michal Matejka of Slovakia 21-10, 21-6 in another opening round match. Fifth seed Chen loses to little-known Guatemalan
Fifth seed Chen Long of China tumbled out of the World badminton championships on day one, beaten by little-known Kevin Cordon of Guatemala, at Wembley Arena on Monday. In a 74-minute thriller, world number 36 Cordon clinched victory on his fourth match point 21-19, 8-21, 27-25. Alok Kumar puts Advani out of Nat Snooker
Defending champion Pankaj Advani crashed out of the 78th National Snooker Championship after losing to club-mate Alok Kumar in the quarter-finals, in Chennai, on Monday. He lost 59-27, 47-58, 63-31, 76-63, 44-73, 67-66, 66-58.

August 07, 2011

Santosh, Mandeep in quarter-finals of Asian boxing
Santosh Harijan and Mandeep Jangra registered easy wins to book quarter-final berths, but medal prospect Shiva Thapa pulled out owing to a shoulder injury as Indian boxers enjoyed mixed success at the Asian Confederation Boxing Championships in Incheon, South Korea. European C'ship: Tintu Luka grabs gold
India's ace 800m runner Tintu Luka's wait to qualify for London Olympics continued even as she won her second gold medal in four days on the European circuit.

August 06, 2011

Suma returns after lay-off with a bang
World record holder Suma Shirur returned to competitive shooting after a long lay-off with a bang by firing 397 out of 400 in the women's 10m air rifle event at the Gun For Glory Shooting championship at the Balewadi Ranges in Pune. Indians disappoint, settle for three silver
Inconsistency coupled with some sloppy finishes cost the Indian archers dear as they lost all their matches in the final to settle for three silver medals in the Archery World Cup Stage 3 in Ogden, USA.

August 05, 2011

Jay Bhagwan makes good start at Asian boxing
Jay Bhagwan won his opening bout in the 2011 Asian Confederation Boxing Championships, beating Zorigtbaatar Enkhzorig of Mongolia, in the 60 kg category, 19:12 on points. Gangjee makes fine start at Nationwide Tour
Rahil Gangjee got off to a fine start with a five-under 66 to be placed at tied 22nd on a good scoring day in the first round of the Cox Classic on the Nationwide Tour in Omaha, the United States. Atwal tied 18th with Tiger Woods
Arjun Atwal made a strong start, with a two-under 68, to be placed at tied 18th along with Tiger Woods after the opening round of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational at the Firestone Country Club, Akron, Ohio.

August 04, 2011

Shandilya shocked by Nigel Lazar
Former Asian and National champion Ashok Shandilya of Railways failed to qualify for the Senior National Snooker Championship after losing 2-3 to Tamil Nadu's Nigel Lazar in Chennai on Thursday. Lazar, making a comeback to the National Championship after a gap of 14 years, entered the main draw after a 47-56, 62-51, 14-70, 74-42, 64-49 victory.

August 03, 2011

Tintu wins gold at Karlstad Grand Prix
India's leading 800 metres runner Tintu Luka won the gold medal at Karlstad Grand Prix in Sweden, the first of a series of events planned in preparation for this month's World Championships in South Korea. Tintu, who won a bronze in the Asian Championships at Kobe, Japan, last month, clocked 2:02.58 seconds to finish first. Shooter Ronjan Sodhi takes aim at London medal
Ronjan Sodhi is a hard man to please and the Indian shooter insists he will not rest on his laurels after rising to number one in the world rankings and is setting his sights on a medal at next year's London Olympics. NBA sues players' union over labour dispute
The National Basketball Association filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against the players' union seeking a ruling that the lockout of players does not violate antitrust laws. NDA did not appoint Kalmadi: Javadekar
Bhartiya Janata Party spokesman, Prakash Javadekar, has accused Minister of State for Sports and Youth Affairs Ajay Maken, for distorting facts in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday by stating that the UPA government had nothing to do with the appointment of Suresh Kalmadi as head of the Commonwealth Games. Just one Indo-Pak football match due to Ramazan
The planned three-match football series between India and Pakistan in the UK has been derailed and the two countries will now play just one match of the scheduled tie, at Derby on September 3.

August 01, 2011

Shooting star Sodhi tops world rankings
Champion double-trap shooter and Asian Games gold medallist Ronjan Sodhi is the only Indian marksman to occupy the top spot in the latest ISSF world rankings.

July 31, 2011

China's Sun breaks 1500 freestyle world record
China's Sun Yang broke Grant Hackett's 1,500 metres freestyle world record on Sunday to take world championships gold and stake his claim to succeed the Australian as king of long-distance swimming. Bhullar to lead Indian challenge at WC qualifiers
Gaganjeet Bhullar and Anirban Lahiri, who teamed up to grab a silver medal five years ago at the Asian Games in Doha, will come together again to try and grab a berth in the Omega Mission Hills Golf World Cup later this year. Ben Johnson in Goa, with Salgaocar hopefuls
Many label him the 'Greatest ever sprinter' -- even ahead of Usain Bolt. Benjamin Sinclair 'Ben' Johnson, who presently runs a sports academy in Canada came calling to Goa with two of his wards -- both of whom appeared for trials for I-League champions Salgaocar.

July 30, 2011

Naveen bags silver in Jr World Boxing C'ship
Naveen Kumar's dream run at the second AIBA Junior World Boxing Championships came to a disappointing end after he lost in the final of the flyweight category (50kg) to settle for a silver in Astana, Kazakhstan. Bolt defies wind to blaze to victory
Usain Bolt defied gusting winds to blaze to victory over 200 metres at the Stockholm Diamond League meeting Friday in 20.03 seconds to claim his first victory on Swedish soil.

July 29, 2011

Ben Johnson's prot�g�s for trials at Salgaocar
The controversial Canadian sprinter, who was stripped off his 100m gold medal during the Seoul Olympics, is in Goa for the past two days with two of his NRI students -- the Tumbar brothers, 18-year old Gurveer and his 17-year-old brother Karamveer. The two will be appearing for trials at reigning I-League champions Salgaocar. Jr World boxing: Naveen Kumar in finals
Naveen Kumar marched into the finals at the second AIBA Junior World Boxing Championships after a comprehensive victory, while Sandeep Kumar had to settle for a bronze after losing in the semi-finals, in Astana, Kazakhstan, on Friday. FIH rejects interim settlement between HI-IHF
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) dealt a major blow to Sports Ministry's effort of reconciliation between Hockey India and Indian Hockey Federation by rejecting the interim "working relationship" between the two warring bodies. NADA raids P T Usha School of Athletics
Continuing its drive against drug cheats following the doping scandal in Indian athletics, the National Anti Doping Agency officials conducted a surprise raid on the P T Usha School of Athletics in Kozhikode, Kerala, on Friday. Lochte wins men's 200 backstroke world title
Olympic champion Ryan Lochte won the men's 200 metres backstroke world title on Friday to claim his third gold medal of the world championships. Dubai opts out of 2020 Olympics bid, targets 2024
Dubai will not enter a bid for the 2020 Olympic Games, instead opting to enter the race to host the event four years later, a statement released by the Gulf Arab emirate's media office said on Friday. India in Women's Junior squash semis
Third seed India entered the World Junior Women's Squash Championships' team semi-finals after thrashing England 2-0 in Cairo, Egypt. Shot-putter Karhana qualifies for London Olympics
Indian shot-putter Om Prakash Karhana on Friday qualified for the 2012 London Olympics as well as next month's World Championships after clinching gold in an IAAF meet at Szombathely in Hungary. Jeev takes lead at Irish Open
Jeev Milkha Singh eclipsed the big names in Thursday's Irish Open first round with an exhilarating eight-under 63, but the Indian player's feats failed to overshadow US Open champion Rory McIlroy. Woods to return to golf action in Ohio next week
Tiger Woods, who has missed the last two majors because of leg injuries, will return to competition at next week's WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in Akron, Ohio, the former world number one said on Thursday. How India's boxers are staying injury-free
Vaibhav Patil, team physiotherapist of the Indian boxing team, tells Harish Kotian how he is able to keep the pugilists in shape.

July 28, 2011

Lochte retains 200 IM title, sets new record
Ryan Lochte became the first person to break a long course world record since the controversial polyurethane swimsuits were banned in 2010 when he retained the men's 200 metres individual medley title at the World Championships on Thursday. American Lochte edged a titanic tussle with Michael Phelps to clock one minute, 54.00 seconds, bettering his own mark by 0.10, while his compatriot took silver in 1.54.16, ahead of Hungary's Laszlo Cseh (1:57.69). Eight Indian boxers for Asian Championships
Coach Jaidev Bisht feels the Asian meet will be a good opportunity for Indian boxers to prepare for the World Championships.

July 27, 2011

Ronjan Sodhi to become world No 1 in double trap
Come August 1 and India's champion double-trap shooter Ronjan Sodhi will become the world No 1 in the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) rankings. The numero uno status will add to Sodhi's growing list of honours and achievements in recent years -- he recently won a bronze medal at the ISSF shotgun World Cup in Maribor, Slovenia. Barcelona report small pre-tax loss
Barcelona made a smaller loss than expected last season and are confident of returning to profit in the 2011-12 campaign after two years of deficits, vice-president for economic affairs Javier Faus said on Tuesday. US Olympic medallist commits suicide in Utah
Olympic skier Jeret Peterson has committed suicide in Utah, days after his arrest on suspicion of drunken driving, the US Ski and Snowboard Association said on Tuesday. My father should get Bharat Ratna: Deepika
Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone has joined in the Bharat Ratna debate saying her father and former India badminton star Prakash Padukone deserves the highest civilian award.

July 26, 2011

Indian boxers have mixed luck at Jr World C'ships
India had mixed fortunes in the second AIBA Junior World Boxing Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, on Tuesday. While Naveen Kumar (50kg) advanced to the quarter-finals, Sandeep's (75kg) campaign in the tournament was cut short as he lost his opening bout. OGQ launch website, reveal plans for London Games
With exactly a year left for the 2012 Olympics, in London, Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ), founded by sports legends Geet Sethi and Prakash Padukone, had their new website unveiled by actor Deepika Padukone, in Delhi, on Tuesday. OGQ said it will be working closely with sports technology company Sports Mechanics to provide high-performance video analytical solutions to its athletes to aid their preparations. Lochte usurps Phelps to win 200 freestyle gold
Ryan Lochte of the United States won the men's 200 metres freestyle title at the world swimming championships on Tuesday, beating Olympic champion Michael Phelps into second place.

July 25, 2011

3 Indian boxers in Junior World C'ships QF
Indian pugilists Lalitha Prasad Polipalli (48kg), Manish Kaushik (52kg) and Sandeep Kumar (57kg) continued their winning run, reaching the quarter-finals in the second AIBA Junior World Boxing Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, on Monday. HI, IHF team-up under temporary arrangement
After a marathon eight-and-half-hours meeting between Hockey India, IHF and Sports Ministry officials, it was agreed that the two bodies will work under an arrangement that will continue till December 2012. However, there was no merger between the two bodies. 'Kalmadi can't escape even if he has dementia'
Sports Minister Ajay Maken on Monday said that Suresh Kalmadi, accused of corruption in the multi-crore Commonwealth Games scam, cannot escape from the law just because he is suffering from dementia. According to Deputy Inspector General of Tihar R N Sharma, Kalmadi is suffering from dementia, a disease related to memory loss, impaired reasoning and personality changes. Narang's 'Gun For Glory' website launched
Ace shooter Gagan Narang's academy, 'Gun For Glory', will organise a national-level shooting championship at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Mahalunge-Balewadi from August 3 to 9. Snubbed for Arjuna, Renubala to return CWG gold
Peeved at being ignored for the prestigious Arjuna Award, woman weightlifter Renubala Chanu has decided to return the gold medal she won at last year's Commonwealth Games to the sports minister. Bin Hammam wants FIFA evidence in public domain
Former Asia soccer chief Mohamed Bin Hammam wants the evidence presented to FIFA that led to his life ban from football to be placed in the public domain, the Qatari said in a blog post on Monday. IOA constitutes Indian Court of Arbitration
Complying with the directives of the International Olympic Committee, the IOA on Monday constituted the Indian Court of Arbitration for Sports to settle all sports-related disputes in the country.

July 24, 2011

Australian Cadel Evans wins the Tour de France
Cadel Evans became the first Australian to win the Tour de France after Briton Mark Cavendish took Sunday's final stage on the Champs Elysees for the third year in a row. Sandeep Sejwal qualifies for London Olympics
Indian swimmer Sandeep Sejwal qualified for the 2012 London Olympics after clocking 1:02.62sec in the 100m Breaststroke event at the FINA World Championships in Shanghai.

July 23, 2011

Bolt edges out compatriot Carter in Monaco
World and Olympic champion Usain Bolt needed a late surge to narrowly beat fellow Jamaican Nesta Carter in the 100 metres with his season's best time of 9.88 seconds at the Monaco Diamond League meeting on Friday.

July 22, 2011

Narang named for Khel Ratna, Zaheer for Arjuna
Ace Indian shooter Gagan Narang, who won four gold medals at last year's Commonwealth Games, is set to be conferred the country's highest sporting honour -- the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna -- after being recommended for the honour by the awards selection committee on Friday. Coe welcomes 'Blade Runner' to London 2012
South African 'Blade Runner' Oscar Pistorius will be made welcome at next year's Olympics after achieving the qualifying mark this week, London 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe said on Thursday. Ex-Olympian Marion Jones released by women's team
Disgraced Olympic sprinter Marion Jones has been released by the Tulsa Shock, putting her Women's National Basketball Association career in jeopardy, the team said on Thursday.

July 21, 2011

Woods shocks caddie with decision to part ways
Tiger Woods has decided to part company with longtime caddie Steve Williams, a move that took the New Zealander by surprise after he helped the former world number one to win 13 majors.

July 20, 2011

Squash: Dipika qualifies for Malaysian Open
India's number one female squash player Dipika Pallikal came up with an upset win over higher-ranked Jaclyn Hawkes of New Zealand in her final qualifying match to make it to the main draw of the CIMB Malaysian Open in Kuala Lumpur. Triple jumper Tamgho ruled out of world c'ships
French triple jumper Teddy Tamgho has pulled out of the athletics world championships with an ankle injury, the French federation said on Tuesday. China's Yao retires from basketball
Yao Ming, who ignited China's interest in the NBA and became one of Asia's best-known athletes, announced his retirement from basketball on Wednesday.

July 19, 2011

Poonia training under Olympic champ Wilkins in US
Laid low by injuries for most of the first half of the season, ace discus thrower Krishna Poonia has begun training under Olympic champion Mac Wilkins in the United States in a bid to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics.

July 18, 2011

HC issues notices to SAI, Sports Ministry
The Rajasthan High Court issued contempt notices to the Sports Ministry and the Sports Authority of India for alleged political interference in the management of All India Karate Federation.

July 16, 2011

'Checking supplements is swimmers' responsbility'
Swimming's governing body FINA has insisted athletes are responsible for monitoring their own dietary supplements as it prepares to appeal a decision by Brazil not to sanction four swimmers who tested positive for a banned substance. India beat Brazil in the Snooker World Cup
India rounded off their league engagements in Snooker World Cup by registering a 4-1 victory over Brazil in the last group 'C' match at Bangkok Convention Centre in Thailand. NADA raids Bhopal SAI Centre
Continuing its drive to catch drug cheats following the athletics doping scandal, National Anti-Doping Agency on Saturday conducted its third raid in a week at a Sports Authority of India facility with a surprise early morning swoop down at the Bhopal Centre.

July 15, 2011

IOA hails Randhir's re-election as OCA secy-gen
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has hailed Randhir Singh's re-election as the secretary-general of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and described the development as a testimony of India's growing prowess in the sporting world.

July 14, 2011

Home ministry considering sports for Bharat Ratna
The Union Home Ministry is looking into Sports Minister Ajay Maken's demand to include sports excellence as an area of recognition for the Bharat Ratna. TTFI starts search for new coach
Swede Anders Johansson's decision to turn down the offer of coaching the Indian table tennis team is set to affect the country's paddlers' preparation for the upcoming international tournaments and more importantly the 2012 London Olympics. Mavericks, Nowitzki shine at Espy Awards
Professional basketball's Dallas Mavericks and their star player Dirk Nowitzki took home top Espy Awards on Wednesday night, capping a year that saw them become improbable champions.

July 13, 2011

Former Liverpool defender Riise joins Fulham
Norway defender John Arne Riise completed his move from AS Roma to Fulham on Wednesday, saying he was delighted to be back in the Premier League and looking forward to joining his brother Bjorn Helge at Craven Cottage. Doctor Nandi beaten up at NIS Patiala
Former medical officer of NIS Patiala, Dr Sanjib Nandi was on Wednesday physically assaulted by guards as he tried to enter the institution premises to meet Justice Mukul Mudgal, who is probing the doping scandal in athletics. Nandi, who blew the whistle on doping practices at NIS Patiala, wanted to meet Justice Mudgal but was stopped by the guards at the gates this morning and refused entry. Tiger Woods to feature in comic book
After Michelle Obama and Lady Gaga, golfer Tiger Woods has become the latest celebrity to get his own unauthorised biography in a comic book.

July 12, 2011

Sodhi wins bronze in ISSF Shooting World Cup
Ace Indian marksman Ronjan Sodhi clinched bronze medal in double trap at the ISSF Shooting World Cup in Maribor, Slovenia. Suranjoy spearheads Indian boxing challenge
They were the stars of India's campaign in the previous edition and led by the effervescent Suranjoy Singh, the country's boxers today took off for Brazilian capital Rio de Janeiro aiming to dominate the ring yet again at the World Military Games starting Sunday.

July 11, 2011

Riders shocked after Tour de France carnage
Riders were in a state of shock on the first rest day of the Tour de France after Sunday's chaotic and crash-strewn ninth stage. Indo-Pak football series to commence on Aug 25
The uncertainty that had loomed over the India-Pakistan football series has finally come to a end with the arch-rivals all set to play a three-match series in England, starting August 25. Sports ministry mulls new law on doping
Rattled by the doping scandal that has rocked Indian athletics, the Sports Ministry is planning to bring a new law to deal with the menace in the forthcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament. Ashwini, Priyanka's 'B' samples positive
Dope-tainted athlete Ashwini Akkunji's London Olympics dreams are virtually over, as her 'B' sample also tested positive for anabolic steroids. She now faces the prospect of a two-year ban. Another quarter-miler, Priyanka Panwar's 'B' sample also tested positive for anabolic steroids. NADA conducts raid at SAI's Bangalore centre
In another crackdown in the backdrop of the athletics doping scandal, a team of National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) on Monday conducted raids at the Sports Authority of India's centre at Bangalore. India held 1-1 by Maldives in int'l friendly
India failed to hold on to an early lead and played out a 1-1 draw against Maldives in an international football friendly ahead of their World Cup qualifiers in Male.

July 10, 2011

Asian Athletics: Sudha settles for silver
India grabbed a silver and bronze through Sudha Singh and Tintu Luka respectively on the final day to end their Asian Athletics Championships campaign with just one gold, two silver and seven bronze medals in Kobe.

July 09, 2011

'Kalmadi, Bhanot may be questioned on dope fiasco'
Justice Mukul Mudgal, who was appointed by the sports ministry to probe into the athletics doping fiasco, today said that jailed Commonwealth Games organising committee officials Suresh Kalmadi and Lalit Bhanot may be questioned in connection with the scandal. Asian Atheletics: Mayookha bags bronze
Mayookha Johny grabbed her second medal with a new national record in triple jump while shot putter Om Prakash Karhana finished third as India won two bronze on the third and penultimate day of the Asian Athletics Championships in Kobe on Saturday. Rockets' Yao Ming to quit game: reports
Houston Rockets center Yao Ming, one of the biggest names in contemporary basketball, has announced his retirement from the National Basketball Association, according to several media reports on Friday. NADA conducts surprise raid at NIS Patiala
The National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) conducted a surprise raid at the National Institute of Sports, Patiala and took samples from the campers in the backdrop of the doping scandal in athletics. Lemaitre believes he is getting closer to Bolt
Christophe Lemaitre's name translates as 'the master' and although he was eclipsed in his home race by sprint king Usain Bolt, the Frenchman feels he is getting closer to beating the giant Jamaican.

July 08, 2011

Sameer Verma in Asia Youth badminton final
India's top junior shuttler Sameer Verma entered the final of the Asia Youth Under-19 badminton championships after a hard-fought, three-game victory over Liu Kai of China in Lucknow on Friday. The 16-year-old Sameer won 21-19, 15-21, 21-9. Jayanta Talukdar earns Olympic quota berth
Jayanta Talukdar earned an Olympic quota place from the men's individual recurve event of the Archery World Championship at Turin, in Italy in Kolkata. India win three bronze in Asian athletics
Discus thrower Harwant Kaur, middle distance runner O P Jaisha and decathlete Bharat Inder Singh bagged a bronze each on the second day of the 19th Asian Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan, on Friday. Commonwealth Games gold medallist discus thrower Krishna Poonia, however, failed to make it to the podium, finishing fourth. President's Cup boxing: Santhosh strikes gold
Asian Games silver-medallist V Santhosh Kumar rallied to beat Russia's Alexander Malinin and fetched India its lone gold after three others settled for bronze medals at the 21st President's Cup Boxing Tournament in Jakarta, Indonesia. Coach Yuri claims innocence in dope scandal
A couple of days after being sacked, India's Ukraine-based athletics coach Yuri Ogorodnik accused Sports Authority of India for poor standards at the NIS Patiala. B samples of Sini, Jauna, Tiana test positive
The dope-tainted trio of Sini Jose, Jauna Murmu and Tiana Mary Thomas face a two-year ban after their confirmatory 'B' sample tests also returned positive for anabolic steroids, on Friday. The trio had their 'B' sample tests done at the National Dope Testing Laboratory on Monday and the results confirmed they had flunked the test. Gay to miss World C'ships after hip surgery
US world 100 metres silver medallist Tyson Gay had an arthroscopic procedure on his injured right hip and will not run again this year, his manager said on Thursday. 'Sports medicine centres can help check doping'
Arjuna award-winning Indian boxer Akhil Kumar has suggested setting up sports medicine centres all over the country to check incidents of doping as he feels athletes often end up using banned drugs due to ignorance. Former world champion Hatton hangs up gloves
Britain's former two-weight world champion Ricky Hatton called time on his 14-year professional boxing career on Thursday.

July 07, 2011

Milkha Singh lauds Maken for prompt action
Legendary athlete Milkha Singh has supported prompt action taken by Sports Minister Ajay Maken, for taking prompt action against Ukrainian Coach and two Indian coaches who were training women athletes at NIS Patiala. IOC includes women boxing for youth Olympics
After getting an entry into Olympics, the women boxing is now all set to make its debut in the Youth Olympics Games in 2014. Mayookha wins gold in Asian Athletics C'ship
Rattled by a dope scandal, Indian athletics finally has something to cheer about as long jumper Mayookha Johny led the Indian charge with a gold on the opening day of the 19th Asian Championships in Kobe, Japan. President's Cup: Santosh Kumar enters final
Asian Games silver medallist V Santosh Kumar (64kg) punched his way into the final while Lakhbir Singh (69kg) made his way to the last four at the 21st President's Cup International boxing tournament in Jakarta, Indonesia. One-member committee to look into dope scandal
In the wake of one of the biggest dope scandals in the country, the government today appointed Justice (retd) Mukul Mudgal to enquire into all aspects of the fiasco. SAI to send showcause notice to athletics coach
After terminating the services of Ukrainian coach Yuri Ogrodnik and suspending R S Sidhu in the wake of the doping scandal, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) on Thursday sent a showcause notice Ramesh Nagapuri, the other athletics coach associated with the women's 400m race. Shamim, Manjit head Gulf Monsoon Scooter challenge
On July 17, Sportscraft will conduct its 22nd edition of the event and, needless to say, some of the best riders will be seen in action. Silver for discus thrower Gowda at Asian C'ship
Following the shameful dope scandals that came to the fore this week, Indian athletics finally has something to cheer about after discus thrower Vikas Gowda won a silver medal despite a below-par on the opening day of the 19th Asian Championships in Kobe, Japan on Thursday. Athletics dope scam: Akkunji claims innocence
Asian Games double gold medallist Ashwini Akkunji, who failed the dope test, on Wednesday claimed innocence and blamed the vitamin supplements that they consumed on the recommendation of their coach as the source of the anabolic steroids.

July 06, 2011

Doping scandal: Coach RS Sidhu transferred
The government on Wednesday sacked four Sports Authority of India officials in the wake of the doping scandal which saw eight leading athletes fail dope tests in the last few days. The latest development comes a day after Ukrainian coach, Yuri Ogorodnik, who was training six of these athletes, was given marching orders by sports minister Ajay Maken, who has promised to crack the whip on those found guilty. Women archers clinch Olympic quota places
India's women archers Deepika Kumari, Laishram Bombayla Devi and Chekrovolu Swuro clinched Olympic quota berths and then went on to oust reigning champions Koreans for their maiden entry into the final of the World Championships in Turin, Italy. OGQ provisionally suspends funding to Ashwini
The Olympic Gold Quest, founded by sports legends Prakash Padukone and Geet Sethi, has provisionally suspended the funding it gives to drug-tainted athlete Ashwini Akkunji, one of the sports persons it supports, and is awaiting the result of her "B" sample. President's Cup boxing: Santhosh, Jasveer in semis
Indian boxers continued to pack a punch at the 21st President's Cup, with Asian Games gold medallist V Santhosh Kumar (64kg) and Jasveer Ahlawat (81kg) advancing to the semi-finals in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Wednesday. Jasveer, a former national champion, beat Iran Olympian Mohammad Shourain 20-12 on Wednesday, while Santhosh got the better of Japan's Katsuaki Susa 15-7 late Tuesday night. Malhotra hits out at Maken for 'hasty action'
Vijay Kumar Malhotra, acting president of the Indian Olympic Association, hit out at Minister for Sports and Youth affairs Ajay Maken for taking "hasty action" in the doping scandal, in which eight women athletes tested positive in out-of-competition tests. Swimmers Khade, Sejwal clinch gold in Singapore
Indian swimmers Virdhawal Khade and Sandeep Sejwal created a splash at the seventh Singapore Open Championships, sharing four gold, a silver and three bronze medals among themselves. Injured Woods to miss British Open
Tiger Woods has pulled out of next week's British Open because of ongoing problems with his left leg, the former world number one said on Tuesday, meaning he will miss a second straight major. AFI forms internal committee to probe dope scandal
Under fire following the dope flunk of eight athletes, the Athletics Federation of India on Tuesday constituted a three-member internal committee to look into the causes of the scandal. 'Sports Ministry should share blame in dope scam'
Acting Indian Olympic Association President Vijay Kumar Malhotra on Tuesday said that Sports Ministry should also share the blame for the doping scandal that rocked athletics, saying that the coaches and doctors allegedly involved in it are its employees. Archery: Indian men slip, face China in knockout
The fancied men's recurve trio of Olympian Tarundeep Rai, Jayanta Talukdar and Rahul Banerjee finished 10th in the qualification round to set up a clash with China in a tough first round battle at the Archery World Championship in Turin, Italy on Tuesday. Sacked athletics coach denies role in dope scam
Sacked Ukrainian coach Yuri Ogrodnik on Tuesday defended himself, saying that he has no role in the doping scandal that has hit Indian athletics.

July 05, 2011

Govt sacks athletics coach, orders probe into scam
Minister for sports and youth affairs, Ajay Maken announced the sacking of India's Ukrainian athletics coach Yuri Ogrodnik on Tuesday.

July 04, 2011

Dope scandal prompts calls for suspension of AFI
The positive dope tests of eight top athletes in the last few days prompted calls for the immediate suspension of the Athletics Federation of India. Now CWG, Asiad winner Ashwini tests positive
The doping scandal in Indian athletics grew in proportion with two more athletes, including the country's new golden girl Ashwini Akkunji, testing positive for anabolic steroids hours before the departure for Japan for the Asian Championships. Four Indian boxers in President's Cup quarters
Indian boxers were off to a fine start in the 21st President's Cup with South Asian Games gold-medallist Chhote Lal Yadav and three others advancing to the quarter-finals of the event in Jakarta, Indonesia. West Ham United in Olympic stadium scam
The 500 million pounds 2012 London Olympic stadium is reportedly at the centre of a corruption scandal.

July 03, 2011

Dope tainted athletes out of Asian C'ships
Dope tainted athletes Mandeep Kaur and Sini Jose got the axe as Athletics Federation of India on Sunday named a 37-strong team for the Asian Championships starting on July 7 in Kobe, Japan.

July 02, 2011

Brazil's world champ Cielo tests positive
Olympic and world swimming champion Cesar Cielo has tested positive for the banned substance furosemide but escaped suspension, the Brazilian Aquatic Sports Confederation (CBDA) said on Friday.

July 01, 2011

Dope-tainted Mandeep Kaur claims innocence
Quarter-miler Mandeep Kaur, who flunked an out-of-competition dope test conducted by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), denied taking any steroids knowingly. 'I am not a mad person that I would take steroids to enhance performance,' she said. Powell runs fastest 100 metres of year
Asafa Powell took advantage of Usain Bolt and Tyson Gay's absence to run the fastest 100 metres this year at the Diamond League meeting in Lausanne on Thursday.

June 30, 2011

Five more athletes flunk dope tests
Doping in Indian athletics assumed scandalous proportions after five more athletes, including Commonwealth and Asian Games gold medallist Sini Jose, flunked tests conducted by the National Anti-Doping Agency.

June 29, 2011

Cloud hangs over Contador's Tour
Much to the dismay of Tour de France organisers, a cloud of doping suspicion will hang over their race, and in particular over triple champion Alberto Contador, when the 2011 edition begins on Saturday. Injured Woods unsure about playing in British Open
Tiger Woods, who skipped this month's US Open with leg injuries, said on Tuesday he was not sure whether he would be ready to play in the British Open. Top Indian athletes flunk dope test
A doping scandal has resurfaced on the Indian athletics scene with two top women quarter-milers returning positive for a banned substance in tests conducted by the International Association of Athletics Federations.

June 28, 2011

Archers get shot in the arm ahead of Olympics
The Indian men's archery team got a much needed boost to their preparations for next year's London Olympics after Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ), a non-profit organisation, on Tuesday announced their support to the prospective medal winners.

June 27, 2011

Olympic organisers offer hope to ticketless fans
London Olympic organisers put 'sold out' signs over a swathe of sports on Sunday with only tickets for soccer, volleyball and greco-roman and freestyle wrestling still available in a second round of sales in Britain. Tweet away, IOC tells London athletes
Athletes at next year's London Olympics can blog and post comments on Twitter as long as it is not done for commercial purposes, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has said. Race walker Gurmeet qualifies for London Olympics
Race walker Gurmeet Singh, on Sunday, qualified for the 2012 London Olympics 20km race walking competition after finishing sixth in the 18th Dublin International Grand Prix in Ireland.

June 25, 2011

Medals for Khade, Sejwal at Singapore swimming
Indian swimmers Virdhawal Khade and Sandeep Sejwal won eight medals including four golds, between them at the seventh Singapore Open Swimming Championships on Saturday. Saina in Indonesia Open final
Defending champion Saina Nehwal inched closer to a third successive Indonesian Open Super Series badminton title after advancing to the finals with a three-game triumph over Chinese Taipei's Shao Chieh Cheng in Jakarta on Saturday.

June 24, 2011

Saina enters Indonesia Open semis
Saina Nehwal moved a step closer to defending her Indonesian Open Super Series title, reaching the semi-finals with a straight games' victory over Denmark's eighth seed Tine Baun, in Jakarta, on Friday. The fourth seed won 21-19, 21-19 in 37 minutes.

June 23, 2011

Saina in Indonesian Open quarters
Defending champion Saina Nehwal advanced to the quarter-finals of the Indonesian Open Super Series after registering a straight-game victory over Petya Nedelcheva in the second round in Jakarta on Thursday. The fourth seeded Indian needed just 31 minutes to dispose off Petya, winning 21-18, 21-9.

June 22, 2011

Saina in second round of Indonesian Open
Defending champion Saina Nehwal got off to a flying start at the Indonesian Open Super Series, beating Bulgaria's Linda Zecheri in straight games, in Jakarta, on Wednesday. The fourth seeded Indian took just 29 minutes to get past the unseeded Zechiri, winning 21-12, 21-10.

June 20, 2011

NSFs, BCCI to come under RTI: Maken
The National Sports Federations, including the Board of Control for Cricket in India, will be treated as public authority and come under the Right to Information Act (RTI) under the proposed National Sports Development bill, Sports Minister Ajay Maken said in Bangalore on Monday. McIlroy cruises to first major title at US Open
Rory McIlroy won the US Open by eight shots in record style on Sunday, confirming his rich promise as a potential golfing great by becoming the championship's youngest winner since 1923.

June 19, 2011

Lin Dan withdraws in Singapore, gets booed
China's Olympic badminton champion Lin Dan was subjected to boos and jeers on Sunday after the sport's golden boy was forced to withdraw from the Singapore Open final due to illness.

June 18, 2011

Olympic qualifiers: Huge task for India vs Qatar
India will seek inspiration from their impressive show against Qatar in the Asian Games last year when they face the same opponents in the Olympic football qualifiers second round match in Doha on Sunday. Bindra draws blank at WC, qualifies for Olympics
Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra on Saturday qualified for next year's London Games despite finishing a lowly eighth in the 10m air rifle event of the Shooting World Cup in Munich, Germany.

June 17, 2011

Indian Open golf returns to Asian Tour
The 48th edition of the prestigious Indian Open, which returns to the Asian Tour schedule, will be held from October 13-16, with a record prize purse of US $1.5 million.

June 16, 2011

Pakistan Olympic boxer Abrar shot dead
Boxing Olympian Abrar Hussain Shah, who belonged to the minority Shia Hazara community, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Quetta on Thursday, police said. Shah, the Deputy Director General of the Pakistan Sports Board, was attacked by the gunmen near Ayub Stadium in Quetta. Saina crashes out of Singapore Open
Saina Nehwal's hopes of defending her Singapore Open crown were dashed by Chinese Taipei's Shao Chieh Cheng in a thrilling three-game pre-quarter-final in Singapore City on Thursday. The fourth seeded Indian blew the advantage of winning the first game and suffered a 21-8, 10-21, 19-21 defeat against the world No 10 in a match that lasted 52 minutes. Loew pulls plug on Ballack's Germany career
Germany midfielder Michael Ballack's international career was ended by coach Joachim Loew on Thursday after he told the 34-year-old he is no longer in his plans because of the impact of the squad's younger players. Indian athletes not keen to follow Li Na
Husbands who coach their athlete wives in India can breathe easy.

June 14, 2011

Sudha Singh sets 3,000m steeplechase mark
Asian Games gold medallist Sudha Singh set a new meet mark in the 3,000m steeplechase, while leading middle distance runner Tintu Luka made a glorious return after an injury lay-off on the concluding day of the Senior Inter-State Athletics Championships in Bangalore on Tuesday. Sudha, representing Uttar Pradesh, ran a solo race in the women's 3,000m steeplechase to win gold in a new meet timing of 10:01.24 seconds at the Sree Kanteerava stadium.

June 12, 2011

Bharatinder smashes national record in decathlon
Bharatinder Singh of Haryana smashed a national record in decathlon to grab the gold on the second day of the National Senior Inter-State Athletics Championships in Bangalore on Sunday. Indian archers settle for silver in World Cup
The Indian pair of Jayanta Talukdar and Deepika Kumari had to be content with a silver medal as they lost to Chinese duo of Dai Xiaoxiang and Fang Yuting in the Archery World Cup Stage II in Antalya on Sunday. Indian grapplers win Asian Junior C'ship
It was a great day for Indian wrestlers, who won seven medals, including three gold in the recently-concluded Junior Asian Wrestling Championships at Jakarta, Indonesia. Hyderabad to host World TT Championship in 2013
Hyderabad will host the World Table Tennis Championship scheduled in 2013, TTFI general secretary Dhanraj Choudhary said on Sunday. Gay loses 100 to Mullings in NY grand prix
Former world champion Tyson Gay stumbled out of the blocks and lost to training partner Steve Mullings of Jamaica in a slow 100 metres at New York's rainy Diamond League grand prix Saturday.

June 10, 2011

Saina loses, Indian challenge at Thailand GP over
The Indian challenge at the Thailand Open Grand Prix ended after ace shuttler Saina Nehwal and two others suffered contrasting defeats in the quarter-finals in Bangkok on Friday. Top seed Saina failed to live up to reputation and lost her women's singles match 13-21, 12-21 to seventh seed Xuerui Li of China in 30 minutes. IOA asks why it is left out of HI, IHF talks
A miffed Indian Olympic Association hit out at the Sports Ministry for not involving it in Saturday's merger talks to resolve the long-standing dispute between Hockey India and the Indian Hockey Federation. Tyson Gay warns rivals he can still go faster
Tyson Gay sent a warning to his rivals that he still has plenty left in the tank after running the fastest 100 metres this year. Rio gets glowing report on Olympic progress
Rio de Janeiro won praise on Thursday for its 'remarkable' progress in early preparations to host the 2016 Olympic Games, after a three-day inspection of the Brazilian city by Olympic officials. NBA: Dallas move to the brink of title
The Dallas Mavericks moved to the brink of their first NBA championship by defeating the Miami Heat 112-103 on Thursday to take a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven finals series.

June 09, 2011

260 crore for Olympics preparation
The government on Thursday announced that it has earmarked Rs 258.39 crore to prepare athletes for the London Olympics, under 'Project Opex 2012'.

June 08, 2011

Dallas beat Miami 86-83 to level NBA Finals at 2-2
The Dallas Mavericks used some fourth quarter fireworks to overcome a 32-point performance by Dwyane Wade and defeat the Miami Heat 86-83 on Tuesday and tie the best-of-seven NBA Finals at 2-2. Injured Woods pulls out of US Open
Tiger Woods has ruled himself out of next week's US Open because of injury, he announced on Tuesday. Powell recovering, set for world trials
Former 100 meters world record holder Asafa Powell has returned home to Jamaica and should be ready for the country's world championships trials after a weekend scare, his manager said on Tuesday.

June 07, 2011

LeBron says winning will take care of his legacy
LeBron James bristled Monday at the idea his offensive prowess in the NBA Finals has been a disappointment and that his unwillingness to take charge down the stretch could ultimately affect his legacy. Vijay Singh's major streak in danger
Golf's former world number one Vijay Singh is in danger of missing his first major in 17 years after failing to turn up for a qualifying event for next week's US Open at Congressional.

June 06, 2011

'London Olympics Saina's best chance for gold'
The Olympics in London next year is Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal's best chance for Olympic glory. But, for that to happen, Indonesian badminton legend Rudy Hartono says, she needs to improve her physical fitness considerably. Heat regain home-court advantage by beating Dallas
The Miami Heat recovered from their Game Two meltdown in the NBA Finals by edging the Dallas Mavericks 88-86 on Sunday to take a 2-1 lead and regain the home-court advantage in the best-of-seven series. Tyson Gay clocks season's best with 9.79sec
American sprinter Tyson Gay notched the world's best 100m record of 2011 with a 9.79sec run at an event in Clermont, Florida.

June 05, 2011

Six Indian pugilists enter last four in Cuba meet
As many as six Indian boxers entered the semi-finals of the 41st Giraldo C�rdova Cardin Memorial Boxing Tournament in Havana, Cuba.

June 04, 2011

Kenyan Mosop smashes 30-year-old distance records
Kenyan Moses Mosop shattered 30-year-old track records for the rarely run 25,000 and 30,000 metres at the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League meeting on Friday. Dinesh, Balwinder bow out of Cuba boxing tourney
India's Asian Games silver medalist Dinesh Kumar (81kg) and compatriot Balwinder Beniwal (69kg) lost their opening round bouts to their respective opponents in the Giraldo Cordova Cardin Memorial Boxing tournament in Havana, Cuba on Saturday.

June 03, 2011

NBA Finals: Nowitzki helps Mavs level Heat
The Dallas Mavericks overcame a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit to stun the Miami Heat 95-93 on Thursday and even the NBA Finals at 1-1 apiece.

June 02, 2011

Jwala-Ashwini, Kashyap climb ranking charts
Owing to their good performances in the Sudirman Cup in China, India's women's doubles pair of Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa zoomed to 22nd place, while P Kashyap moved to the 23rd spot in the latest BWF ranking released on Thursday. Bronze for Monica, Pooja at China Open Boxing
India's challenge at the China Open boxing tournament came to a close when Indian women pugilists Monica Suan (60kg) and Pooja Rani (75kg) lost their respective semi-final bouts in the at the Guiyang Sports Gymnasium in Guiyang.

June 01, 2011

NBA: James leads Heat to win over Mavericks
LeBron James took the first step toward winning his first championship by leading the Miami Heat to a 92-84 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in the Game One of the NBA Finals on Tuesday.

May 31, 2011

'Archers treated like lepers at SAI'
They migt be winning laurels for the country all over the world but Indian archers are treated like 'lepers' by the Sports Authority of India, alleges Archery Association of India Secretary General Paresh Nath Mukherjee. Jwala, Ashwini target top-10 ranking by year end
Bubbling with new-found confidence after a successful Sudirman Cup campaign, promising women's doubles shuttler Ashwini Ponnappa said she and her partner Jwala Gutta can hope to be among the world's top-10 by the end of this year.

May 30, 2011

Shuttlers happy after skirt rule deferred
Indian shuttlers and officials welcomed the Badminton World Federation's decision to defer the controversial mandatory skirt rule till December and expressed hope that the body would come up with a better regulation after fresh deliberations.

May 29, 2011

Atwal moves to tied 3rd in PGA event
Arjun Atwal stayed steady in trying conditions to return the day's best card of three-under 67 and move into contention for his second PGA title at the USD 6.5 million HP Byron Nelson Golf Championships in Irving Texas. Athletics GP: Mayookha sets new Indian record
Triple jumper Mayookha Johny on Sunday became the first Indian woman to breach 14m mark while creating a new national record en-route to winning bronze in the third and final leg of the Asian Athletics Grand Prix in Wujiang, China.

May 28, 2011

Chowrasia best Indian at 20th, Jeev misses cut
SSP Chowrasia carded a second straight even-par 71 to stay tied 20th but Jeev Milkha Singh (72) missed the cut despite an improved performance in the second round of the BMW PGA Golf Championships in Wentworth, UK.

May 27, 2011

NBA: Miami Heat eliminate Chicago Bulls
Ice cold for three quarters of Thursday's Game Five, Dwyane Wade caught fire in the fourth and led Miami to an 83-80 win over Chicago that put the Heat in the NBA Finals. Bolt edges Powell, Americans dominate in Rome
Usain Bolt summoned up just enough energy to get past Jamaican compatriot Asafa Powell at the line to win the 100 metres on Thursday at the third Diamond League meeting of the season which was dominated by Americans.

May 26, 2011

Sudirman Cup: India's campaign halted by China
India ended their campaign at the Sudirman Cup badminton tournament on a disappointing note with a 1-3 defeat at the hands of rampaging China in the quarter-finals at Qingdao, China on Thursday. Mavs rally past Thunder to seal Finals berth
The Dallas Mavericks overcame an eight-point deficit in the fourth quarter to reach the NBA finals for only the second time with a 100-96 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder Wednesday. Dallas clinched the best-of-seven Western Conference Finals series by a 4-1 margin with the thrilling Game Five win and will face either the Miami Heat or the Chicago Bulls in the NBA finals.

May 24, 2011

India in Sudirman Cup quarter-finals
India created history on Tuesday by advancing to the quarter-finals of the Sudirman Cup badminton tournament after Chinese Taipei defeated Thailand 3-2 in the last Group C rubber of the mixed team competition in Qingdao, China. NBA: Mavericks rally to silence Thunder
The Mavericks lead the West Conference finals series 3-1 and can secure a place in the championship game against the Miami Heat or the Chicago Bulls, with a victory in game five in Dallas Wednesday. No reason to impeach Kalmadi: IOA
At its first executive committee meeting since the CBI arrested Kalmadi last month, interim president V K Malhotra said the IOA will follow the constitution when it comes to taking any step against the former Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman. IOA rejects proposal for sports bill
The Indian Olympic Association on Tuesday rejected the proposed National Sports Development Bill and said some associations and federations are in agreement with the Sports Ministry because of 'arm-twisting' and 'bullying' by the government. SL lifter banned after positive drug test: media
Commonwealth Games weightlifting gold medallist Chinthana Vidanage has been provisionally suspended following a positive drug test at the Asian championships, local media reported.

May 23, 2011

Saina loses, but India stun Thailand
Saina Nehwal suffered a shock defeat to Inthanon Ratchanok, but a determined India rode on P Kashyap and the pair of Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa's stunning victories to enter the quarter-finals of the Sudirman Cup, after a 3-2 victory over Thailand in the second match of Group C in Qingdao, China, on Monday. Heat tame Bulls for 2-1 lead
Chris Bosh scored 34 points and LeBron James added 22 as Miami Heat beat Chicago Bulls 96-85 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals on Sunday night. Miami now leads 2-1 in the best-of-seven series. Toal shaping India's young footballers
If Indian football is dreaming big, much of the credit goes to Colm Toal who has been working with the age-group teams as the technical director in Goa since 2007. Tiger Woods slumps to 12th in world rankings
Tiger Woods plummeted depths he has not reached in 14 years when he dropped four spots to 12th in the world rankings issued on Monday.

May 22, 2011

India lose 2-3 to Chinese Taipei
Singles stars Saina Nehwal and P Kashyap recorded victories but that was not enough to save India from defeat as it lost 2-3 to Chinese Taipei in the Sudirman Cup mixed team badminton competition in Qingdao, China, on Sunday. Vijay qualifies for London Olympics
Vijay Kumar became the seventh Indian shooter to qualify for next year's London Olympics by clinching a silver medal in the 25m Rapid Fire Pistol event of the ongoing ISSF World Cup in Fort Benning, USA.

May 20, 2011

NBA: Thunder upset Mavs to tie series at 1-1
The Oklahoma City Thunder, getting a tremendous boost from their bench, beat the Dallas Mavericks 106-100 to level the best-of-seven Western Conference Finals at 1-1 on Thursday. 4000 sports grounds to be constructed across J & K
Jammu and Kashmir government has embarked upon an ambitious project to construct more than 4000 sports grounds in as many panchayat and community blocks in the state.

May 19, 2011

'Street fighter' James takes Heat past Bulls
LeBron James produced some more fourth-quarter magic to propel the Miami Heat to a scrappy 85-75 win over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, evening their NBA Eastern Conference final at a game each. 'Indian footballers need to work on their fitness'
In his first season as a coach in an Indian club, East Bengal's English coach Trevor Morgan has drawn appreciation from all circles. ED registers money laundering case against Kalmadi
The Enforcement Directorate has registered a money laundering case against sacked CWG Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi in connection with financial dealings during the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Rahi wins bronze in WC, qualifies for London 2012
Rahi Sarnobat on Thursday became the sixth Indian shooter to seal a berth in next year's London Olympics after winning the bronze medal in the 25m women's Sports Pistol event at the ongoing ISSF World Cup in Fort Benning, USA.

May 18, 2011

London torch relay to start where the land ends
The rugged Cornish coast will be the first part of Britain to host the London 2012 Olympics torch next year after organisers named Land's End as the starting point of an 8,000 mile journey around the United Kingdom.

May 17, 2011

Vijender weds Delhi girl Archana
The marriage, solemnised at the Delhi Flying Club, was attended by family and friends of the 25-year-old boxer, India's first Olympic and World Championships medallist. He claimed bronze medals in both these meets. IOA to discuss Kalmadi's replacement on May 23
Following sports minister Ajay Maken's public statement that arrested Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi should be replaced as its president, the Indian Olympic Association will meet on May 23 to discuss the issue. Annu Raj Singh seals Olympic berth with WC silver
Annu Raj Singh became the fifth Indian shooter to book a berth in next year's London Olympics after clinching the 10m Air Pistol silver medal at the ongoing ISSF World Cup in Fort Benning, USA.

May 16, 2011

Kenya's Olympic marathon champion dies after fall
Kenyan Olympic marathon champion Samuel Wanjiru died late on Sunday after jumping from the first-floor balcony of his home in the Rift Valley, police said. NBA: Bulls stifle Heat in easy opening win
Chicago's defence stifled LeBron James and Dwyane Wade to set-up an easy 103-82 victory over the Miami Heat in the opening game of their Eastern Conference Finals series on Sunday.

May 15, 2011

Vijender to tie the knot with Delhi girl Archana
Indian boxer Vijender Singh on Sunday announced that he will tie the knot with a Delhi girl on Tuesday.

May 14, 2011

Jitender fetches bronze at Kazakhstan tourney
Olympian Jitender Kumar (56kg) and Santosh Harijan (52kg) lost in the semi-finals to settle for bronze medals in the 16th Elite Men's International Boxing Tournament in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Azlan: Korea beat Britain 3-1
South Korea defeated Britain 3-1 in the Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament in Ipoh on Saturday to set up a fifth-place play-off clash against India.

May 13, 2011

Bulls down Hawks to reach Eastern Finals
The Chicago Bulls advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 1998 with a series-clinching 93-73 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday.

May 12, 2011

Vijender, Akhil bag bronze in Arafura Games
Vijender Singh (81kg) and Akhil Kumar (56kg) settled for bronze medals after losing in the semi-finals, but the women pugilists kept India's chances of a boxing gold in the Arafura Games alive as all three advanced to the final in their respective categories in Darwin, Australia, on Thursday. James shines as Heat finish off Celtics
Miami Heat defeated Boston Celtics 97-87 on Wednesday in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semi-finals. Heat won the series 4-1, and will play either Chicago or Atlanta in the conference finals.

May 11, 2011

Sharath suffers a shock defeat in World TT
Olympian Achanta Sharath Kamal suffered a shock defeat to lower-ranked Chen Chien-An of Chinese Taipei in the first round and bowed out of the World Table Tennis Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The world No 54 lost 11-8, 9-11, 8-11, 7-11, 9-11. Defence takes Bulls past Hawks
The Chicago Bulls produced a stingy fourth quarter defensive effort to beat the Atlanta Hawks 95-83 on Tuesday, which gave them a 3-2 Eastern Conference semi-final series lead. The Bulls held the Hawks to just 15 points in the fourth quarter to regain control of a game they had led for much of the first three quarters. Akhil enters semis, assured of a medal
Indian boxer Akhil Kumar out-punched Nauru's Maakal Dj to enter the semifinals and assure himself of at least a bronze medal at the Arafura Games in Darwin, Australia on Wednesday.

May 10, 2011

Vijender in semis of Arafura Games
Star Indian boxer Vijender Singh is assured of at least a bronze medal in his very first international competition in the light-heavyweight (81kg) category after advancing to the semi-finals of the Arafura Games in Darwin, Australia, on Tuesday. Kamal lone Indian in men's singles of World C'ship
India's representation in the singles events of the World Table Tennis Championship was reduced to just four players, three of them women, after six others failed to qualify for the main draw. Swim sensation Swapnali is 'Crocodile Princess'
India's 'Little Mermaid' Swapnali Yadav emerged champion in the first Kimberley National Lake Argyle Swim, in Australia. Indian footballers should play abroad: Jacobs
The ace footballer speaks about his stint with English giants Manchester United and his recent brush with India.

May 09, 2011

Belgian rider Weylandt dies in Giro crash
Cycling was in a state of shock on Monday after Belgian rider Wouter Weylandt died following a crash during the third stage of the Giro d'Italia. I will retire in an East Bengal jersey: Bhaichung
Away from the I-League, India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia is sweating it out for United Sikkim Football Club (USFC) in the 2nd Division League in Shillong. Geethu completes trials in WNBA, impresses coaches
Star Indian woman basketball player Geethu Anne Jose, the first from the country to be invited to the WNBA for a tryout, managed to impress the coaches of all three teams she trialled for with her "fundamentals". Mary Kom strikes gold in Asian Cup
Five-time world champion M C Mary Kom (48kg) clinched her first gold medal of the year by finishing on top in the Asian Cup Women's Boxing tournament in Haikou, China.

May 08, 2011

Mary Kom, Pavitra in Asian Cup finals
Five-time world champion MC Mary Kom (48kg) and Pavitra (57kg) made the finals of the Asian Cup Women's Boxing Tournament with contrasting wins in the event's last-four stage in Haikou, China. Saina falters in final of Malaysian Open
Star Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal faltered after a good start as she lost to world number three Xin Wang of China in the finals to finish runner-up in the Malaysian Open Grand Prix Gold Badminton tournament in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday. Men's recurve team bag silver in Archery World Cup
Indian men's recurve team settled for a silver after going down to the US in the final of the Archery World Cup Stage I in Porec, Croatia. Pioneer Ballesteros is irreplaceable, says Nadal
Rafa Nadal, the world's top-ranked tennis player, said Seve Ballesteros was one of Spain's finest sportsmen and described his compatriot as a "pioneer".

May 07, 2011

Saina in Malaysia Open final
Top seed Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal stormed into the final of the Malaysia Open Grand Prix Gold after scoring a convincing straight-game win over seventh seed Korean Ji Hyun Sung in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. Short skirt rule could be scrapped
A new rule that orders female badminton players to wear short skirts could be scrapped after objections from China, Indonesia and Scandanavian countries, a Malaysian official said on Saturday. Spanish golf maestro Ballesteros passes away
Seve Ballesteros, one of golf's greatest and most charismatic players, died on Saturday at the age of 54 following a long battle with cancer, his family said.

May 06, 2011

Saina survives scare to enter Malaysian Open semis
Star Indian shuttler Sania Nehwal survived a scare from giant-killer Lin Wang before booking herself a place in the women's singles semi-finals of the Malaysia Open Grand Prix in Kuala Lumpur, on Friday. Archers' poor show at World Cup continues
Jhano Hansdah and Bheigyabati Chanu were the only Indians to taste victory on yet another miserable day for the country's archers at the World Cup (Stage I) in Porec, Croatia.

May 05, 2011

Saina in Malaysian Open quarter-finals
Saina Nehwal beat Ayane Kurihara of Japan to storm into the quarter-finals of the Malaysia Open Grand Prix Gold badminton tournament at Alor Setar on Thursday. The top seeded Indian ace had an easy outing, winning 21-14, 21-17. Custody of Bhanot, Verma extended
Special CBI Judge Dharmesh Sharma extended the judicial custody of Commonwealth Games OC's former Secretary General Lalit Bhanot and its former Director General V K Verma after the CBI said the investigation in the corruption case is still on. Reply on Shunglu's CWG findings sought
The government has sought the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee's response on alleged irregularities in executing several contracts which were pointed out in the high level Shunglu Committee report. Vijender, Akhil back in action at Arafura Games
Five months after winning a gold medal at the Asian Games, Vijender Singh is back in action in a higher weight category to spearhead India's boxing challenge at the Arafura Games in Darwin.

May 04, 2011

Saina in second round of Malaysia Open GP
Saina Nehwal got the better of Jiayuan Chen of Singapore 21-16, 21-12 to enter the second round of the women's singles in the Malaysia Open Grand Prix Gold, at Alor Setar, on Wednesday. Chicago's Derrick Rose wins NBA MVP award
Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls was voted the 2010-11 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player. Rose, who does not turn 23 until October 4, becomes the league's youngest MVP, a distinction previously held by Wes Unseld, who earned the honor in 1968-69 as a 23-year-old. NBA: Heat put heat on Celtics
The Miami Heat piled the pressure on bruised and battered Boston by taking a 2-0 lead in their NBA playoff series with a 102-91 victory on Tuesday. CGF to receive bids for 2018 CWG next week
After an eventful 19th Commonwealth Games in India last year, the CGF is all set to receive bids for the 2018 edition's hosting rights from Australia and Sri Lanka during a series of meetings from May 6 to 11. Barca hold off Real threat to enter CL final
Barcelona reached the Champions League final for the second time in three years when a 1-1 draw at home to Real Madrid in their semi-final second leg sent the 2009 winners through 3-1 on aggregate.

May 03, 2011

Asian chess: Easy for Negi, Sasikiran held
Second seed Krishnan Sasikiran was held to a draw by Oliver Barbosa of the Philippines in the first round of the ongoing Asian Individual Chess Championship in Mashhad, Iran. Fresh from his exploits in the Dubai International Open, where he finished second, Grandmaster Parimarjan Negi scored a thumping victory over Lou Yiping of China to start on a positive note. International standard archery range in IAF
In a bid to promote archery among its ranks and groom the unharnessed talent within the region, the Eastern Air Command has come up with the first Centre of Excellence for the sport in IAF. NBA: Kings to stay in Sacramento one more year
The Sacramento Kings will remain in the California capital for at least one more season after dropping plans to relocate to Anaheim, the NBA team confirmed on Monday. NBA: Mavs down Lakers, Hawks stun Bulls
The Dallas Mavericks overcame a 16-point deficit and an aggressive Kobe Bryant to steal Game One of their second round playoff series with a last-second 96-94 triumph on Monday.

May 02, 2011

Wade shines as Heat burn Celtics in opener
Dwyane Wade played a key role in creating Miami's 'Big Three', urging LeBron James and Chris Bosh to join him at the Heat, and on Sunday he repaid them with a stellar 38-point display as they beat the Celtics 99-90 in their second round playoff opener. Former heavyweight champ Henry Cooper dies at 76
Former British and European heavyweight boxing champion Henry Cooper, one of the most popular sportsmen, has died at the age of 76, the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC) said Sunday.

May 01, 2011

Lee Chong Wei reigns supreme at Indian Open
World number one Lee Chong Wei continued his dominance over Peter Gade Christensen in the Super Series events to win the men's singles title in the inaugural Indian Open badminton championship in New Delhi on Sunday.

April 30, 2011

India claim 4 gold at AIBA Women's Youth Worlds
Four Indian boxers were on Saturday crowned champions in the AIBA Women's Youth and Junior World Championships in Antalya, Turkey with convincing victories against their opponents in the finals of their respective weight categories. Kapur tied fourth in unfinished third round
Shiv Kapur pumped in four birdies against one bogey in his 13 holes in the unfinished third round to move to provisional tied fourth on Saturday at the Ballantine's Championships in Blackstone Golf Club. Lee, Gade set up summit clash in Indian Open
World number one Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia Saturday set up a mouth-watering summit clash against experienced Danish shuttler Peter Hoeg Gade in the inaugural Indian Open Super Series after both notched up contrasting wins in the men's singles in New Delhi. Australia's V8 series looks to follow F1 to India
Australia's V8 Supercars series is in talks to follow Formula One by taking its brand of touring car racing to India from next year, a government trade official said on Friday.

April 29, 2011

Asian Snooker: Advani, Mehta continue winning run
India' Pankaj Advani and Aditya Mehta continued their winning streaks by securing a place in the semi-final of the Asian Snooker Championship, while Kamal Chawla failed to qualify for the last four stage in Indore on Friday. Kapur moves up to tied 11th, Bhullar makes cut
Shiv Kapur shot a solid four-under 68 to make a big move, jumping from tied 36th to tied 11th at the halfway stage of the Ballantine's Championship. This brought Kapur to a total of four-under for 36 holes at the Blackstone Golf course. Indian challenge ends in Indian Open
It was curtains for India in the Indian Open Super Series after young shuttlers Sourabh Verma and RMV Gurusai Datt suffered straight-game defeats in the quarter-finals of the men's singles at the Siri Fort Complex on Friday.

April 28, 2011

C'wealth Games champs Jwala-Ashwini beaten
The Commonwealth Games' gold medal-winning pair of Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa went down fighting in the Indian Open Super Series badminton at the Siri Fort Complex, in New Delhi, on Thursday. The eighth seeded Indian duo lost 20-22, 18-21 to Eei Hui Chin and Pei Tty Wong of Malaysia. Heat, Thunder win opening play-off rounds
The Miami supporting cast helped the Heat survive one final run from the Philadelphia 76ers to hold on for a 97-91 victory on Wednesday that advanced them to the next round of the NBA's play-offs. Sourabh, Gurusai in Indian Open quarters
Madhya Pradesh lad Sourabh again led the charge, continuing his giant-killing spree with a 21-19, 18-21, 21-11 upset win over seventh seed Kenichi Tago, while Gurusai sent Yuhan Tan of Belgium packing with a 21-13, 14-21, 21-13 defeat. Sania bats for resumption of Indo-Pak cricket ties
Sania Mirza on Thursday advocated resumption of bilateral cricketing ties between India and Pakistan, saying such a move can help in improving relations between the two countries.

April 27, 2011

Indian Open: Saina shocked in first round
It was heartbreak for India as ace shuttler Saina Nehwal crashed out of the Indian Open Super Series after a straight-game defeat to Japan's Ai Goto in the first round of the women's singles, in Delhi, on Wednesday. Top-seed Sajjad ousted from Asian Snooker
In a major upset, Pakistan's top seed Mohammad Sajjad was ousted from the Asian Snooker Championship, even as India's Pankaj Advani, I H Manudev, Kamal Chawla and Aditya Mehta secured places in the last 16, in Indore on Wednesday. Indian Open: Sourabh upsets Sony Dwi Kuncoro
Young shuttler Sourabh Verma created the biggest upset of the day when he sent Athens Olympics bronze medallist Sony Dwi Kuncoro packing in straight games in the first round of the Indian Open Super Series in New Delhi on Wednesday.

April 26, 2011

Kalmadi sacked, Malhotra is IOA acting president
A day after his arrest on corruption charges, Suresh Kalmadi's 15-year tenure as the IOA president came to an abrupt end after he was sacked from the post and veteran sports administrator VK Malhotra was 'unanimously' named as the acting president.

April 25, 2011

Bedi, Pargat welcome Kalmadi's arrest
Former India cricket captain Bishen Singh Bedi has welcomed the arrest of Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi over corruption charges in the conduct of the Commonwealth Games, which were staged in Delhi last year. Saina confident of winning Indian Open
Terming the Siri Fort stadium as her happy hunting ground, World No 3 Saina Nehwal expressed confidence of putting up a good show in the upcoming Indian Open Super Series, which begins on Tuesday. Sports Minister to ask IOA to elect new president
Sports Minister Ajay Maken on Monday said the Indian Olympic Association would be asked to elect a new president in case incumbent Suresh Kalmadi is arrested by the CBI and threatened intervention by the Ministry if the IOA fails to act.

April 24, 2011

Shiva, Samota clinch gold in Belgrade
India struck gold not once but twice in their maiden appearance at the Winner International Boxing Tournament with Paramjeet Samota (+91kg) and teen sensation Shiva Thapa (56kg) finishing on top in the finals in Belgrade, Serbia.

April 23, 2011

500th win puts Nadal in Barcelona final
World number one Rafa Nadal notched up his 500th career win on Saturday and clinched a place in the Barcelona Open final by beating unseeded Croatian Ivan Dodig 6-3, 6-2. Samota, Thapa enter final of Serbia boxing
Commonwealth Games gold medalist Paramjeet Samota (+91kg) and Youth Olympics silver medalist Shiva Thapa (56kg) entered the finals of the Winner's international boxing tournament in Belgrade, Serbia on Saturday. Joshna Chinappa loses in WISPA final
Home favourite Joshana Chinappa nursed her hopes of winning the sixth title but succumbed to higher rated Donna Urquhart of Australia 3-1 in the season's first WISPA Squash Championship at the Indian Squash Academy courts in Chennai on Saturday. Volvo Open: Jeev shoots 71, slips to ninth
After two successive 66s, it was a bleak day for Jeev Milkha Singh as he managed just two birdies against one bogey for a one-under 71 and slipped to tied ninth at the Volvo China Open in Chengdu on Saturday.

April 22, 2011

Joshna edges past Dipika to enter WISPA final
Talented Joshna Chinappa put paid to the aspirations of compatriot Dipika Pallikal, scoring a thrilling 3-2 win over the highly-ranked Indian in the semi-finals of the WISPA Challenger Squash championship in Chennai on Friday. World number 32 Joshna beat the 23rd-ranked Pallikal 6-11, 11-9, 11-6, 6-11, 11-6 in a marathon 60-minute game. 3 Indian boxers in semis of Serbia Invitational
Commonwealth Games gold-medallist Paramjeet Samota (+91kg), Manpreet Singh (91kg) and teen sensation Shiva Thapa (56kg) notched up contrasting wins to enter the semi-finals on a mixed opening day for Indian boxers in the Winners' International tournament in Belgrade, Serbia. India blank NZ 2-0 in Jr Davis Cup
India blanked New Zealand 2-0 in a classification match of the Asia/Oceania group in the Junior Davis Cup in New Delhi on Friday. Harmeet Desai creates history at Linz
Seventeen-year-old Harmeet Desai, of Gujarat clinched the Joola Austria Junior and Cadet Open title at Linz, Austria beating compatriot Soumyajit Ghosh in a hard-fought five-game match. BWF pulls up new 'skirt rule' by a month
The introduction of badminton's controversial 'skirt rule' has been postponed by a month to grant female shuttlers more time to adapt to the dress code, the game's governing body said.

April 21, 2011

Barcelona, Real top wage payers
Spanish football giants Barcelona and Real Madrid have overtaken baseball's New York Yankees as the highest paid teams in global sport, according to the Global Sports Salaries Survey 2011. New skirt rule irks Chinese shuttlers
Badminton's new dress code has irked some of the Chinese female shuttlers, who insist wearing a skirt hampers their on-court movement.

April 20, 2011

Tiger Woods' niece wins ACC individual golf title
The golf leaderboard saw the name Woods' after a long time on Sunday, when Tiger Woods' niece grabbed her first ACC women''s individual title, after finishing a career-best 5-under par.

April 19, 2011

CWG Scam: Kalmadi may be questioned on Wednesday
Sacked Chairman of Commonwealth Games Organising Committee Suresh Kalmadi is likely to be questioned by CBI on Wednesday in connection with Queen's Baton Relay scam after the agency received fresh papers from the UK. Mutai runs fastest marathon ever at Boston
Kenya's Geoffrey Mutai won the Boston Marathon on Monday in an unofficial time of two hours three minutes and two seconds, the fastest time ever recorded over the distance. Jwala-Diju pair pulls out of India Open
India's leading mixed doubles pair of Jwala Gutta and V Diju will not participate in the India Open Super Series as the latter had to undergo minor surgery on his troublesome back. Japan world race shelved amid nuclear fears
Japan's nuclear reactor crisis has forced the postponement of a world championship triathlon race in Yokohama next month because of radiation fears, the International Triathlon Union (ITU) said on Tuesday. Bangladesh to host inaugural SAFF Club C'shp
The South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) has decided to start a new tournament, SAFF Club Championships, with the inaugural edition to be held in Bangladesh from September 1-15. Jwala against 'skirt rule' being made mandatory
The new BWF rule which makes wearing skirts on court mandatory for female shuttlers from May 1 is something that the Indian eves are finding it a bit uncomfortable.

April 18, 2011

Injured volleyball player offered govt job in UP
National level volleyball player Arunima Sinha, who lost a leg after being pushed off a moving train, was on Sunday offered a government job by state Sports Minister Ayodhya Pal Singh.

April 17, 2011

Mutai sets course record in London Kenyan double
World silver medallist Emmanuel Mutai set a men's course record in the men's London marathon on Sunday to complete a Kenyan double on a fine spring morning. New skirt rule for female badminton players
Skirt selection could be as crucial as shot selection for the female shuttlers when they hit the court for this month's India Super Series in New Delhi.

April 16, 2011

I-League: Dempo beat Indian Arrows
Dempo Sports Club stayed on course to defend their I-League title when they coasted to a comfortable 5-2 victory over Indian Arrows at the Nehru stadium, Fatorda, on Saturday.

April 15, 2011

Paddlers to train in China ahead of World C'ships
Hoping for an improved performance in next month's table tennis World Championships in Rotterdam, Indian paddlers will undergo a 21-day training camp in China from April 16 to May 6. Federer blown away by Melzer in Monte Carlo
A completely out-of-sorts Roger Federer lost 6-4, 6-4 to Austria's Juergen Melzer in blustery conditions at the Monte Carlo Masters quarter-finals on Friday.

April 14, 2011

Nadal, Federer ease into Monte Carlo QF
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer continued on a collision course towards the Monte Carlo Masters final after easily winning their third round matches in contrasting conditions on Thursday. Alok Kumar wins Asian billiards
National champion Alok Kumar blanked Praput Chaithanasukan of Thailand 6-0 to win the Asian Billiards Championship at the Olympic Stadium of Kish Island, Iran, on Thursday. CWG probe: After fresh info, CBI summons Kalmadi
Armed with new details gathered by its team in London in connection with THE Queen's Baton Relay, the CBI has asked former Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi to appear before it next week. Rajput wins WC gold, qualifies for 2012 Olympics
Commonwealth Games bronze winner Sanjeev Rajput booked a berth in the London Olympics on Thursday after winning the gold medal at the 50m Rifle 3 Positions men's final at the shooting World Cup in Changwon, Korea. Sportswoman who lost leg seeks Govt job
The young athlete who lost her leg after being thrown out of a train by robbers says 'small compensation' will not help her even as Railways ordered a high-level probe into the incident. NBA league fines Bryant $100,000 for anti-gay slur
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant was fined $100,000 by the NBA on Wednesday for comments directed at a referee during a recent game that have been strongly criticised by a leading gay rights group.

April 13, 2011

Alok Kumar in final of Asian Billiards
Reigning National billiards champion Alok Kumar stormed into the final of the Asian Billiards Championship, defeating Singapore's Peter Gilchrist, a former Asian and World champion, 5-2, at Kish Island, Iran. Sportswoman pushed out of moving train
Sonu Sinha, a national-level football and volleyball player, was pushed from the Padmavat Express on Monday night between Chenati and Bareilly railway stations while travelling to Delhi to appear for an examination, police said.

April 12, 2011

Milan's Berlusconi set to mount bid for Ronaldo
AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi plans to bid for Real Madrid's former world player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo if his side win the Serie A title, the Italian prime minister has said. Ex-coach, players charged with fixing games
Ten people, including two former basketball players and a former assistant coach at the University of San Diego, have been indicted in connection with a scheme to fix games since 2008, US federal prosecutors said on Monday.

April 11, 2011

Lahiri rises to 5th on Asian Tour
Rising Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri will feature in this week's US $2.5 million Maybank Malaysian Open as the newest Asian Tour champion to emerge from the sub-continent. Sasikiran beats Feldman in Dubai chess opener
Top seeded Grandmaster K Sasikiran warded off some initial resistance from Australian Vladimir Feldman to open with a comfortable win in the 13th Dubai International Open Chess Tournament in Dubai.

April 09, 2011

Anriban wins Panasonic Open
Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri held his nerves to notch up his first Asian tour title, clinching the Panasonic Open by beating overnight leader Mardan Mamat and compatriot Manav Jaini in a three-way play off on the final day of the tournament in New Delhi.

April 08, 2011

McIlroy and Quiros take control at Augusta
Britain's Rory McIlroy, widely tipped as a future world number one, produced golf as dazzling as the spring sunshine at Augusta National to charge into a share of the lead at the Masters on Thursday.

April 07, 2011

Former EPL player to mentor SESA football academy
Sesa Football Academy signed former English Premier League (EPL) player Terry Phelan as their chief mentor at an event in Panaji. Ex-finance manager absconds with Asia Tour funds
Police in Malaysia are hunting golf's Asian Tour's former finance and human resources manager after he defrauded the organisation of a large sum of money and disappeared. LeBron James acquires minority stake in Liverpool
LeBron James acquired a minority stake in Liverpool football club on Wednesday after the two-time NBA most valuable player's sports marketing firm entered into a partnership with Fenway Sports Group (FSG). IOC warns of 'appropriate measures' against India
The International Olympic Committee has warned of "appropriate measures" against India in its next executive board meeting this July if the country's sports ministry goes ahead with a legislation which puts a limit on the age and tenure of sports federation heads.

April 06, 2011

Arvind Bhat in Australian Open pre-QF
National champion Arvind Bhat made it to the pre-quarter-finals of the Australian Open badminton tournament after beating Iran's Kaveh Mehrabi in the second round in Melbourne on Wednesday. IOC to issue hormone guidelines for 2012 Olympics
The London 2012 Olympics will be the first to have a set of guidelines for female athletes with excessive levels of male hormones, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decided on Tuesday.

April 05, 2011

CWG scam: CBI searches DDA, CPWD premises
The CBI on Tuesday carried out searches at 20 premises of DDA and CPWD officers besides that of a private firm in connection with alleged irregularities in laying of synthetic turf for lawn bowl event during the Commonwealth Games. CWG Federation slams report alleging fraud
The Commonwealth Games Federation has slammed the Shunglu Committee report on the alleged financial irregularities in the conduct of last year's Commonwealth Games, saying its statements on the CGF's role are 'inaccurate and unsubstantiated' and lack context.

April 02, 2011

Jeev and Shiv tied third at Morocco
Indian duo of Jeev Milkha Singh and Shiv Kapur were both tied third at the midway stage of the Troph�e Hassan II golf tournament after carding 68 and 71 in the second round of the European tour event in Agadir.

March 31, 2011

Woman in explosives arrested near UK Olympic site
A woman has been arrested on suspicion of possessing explosives after her car was stopped and searched next to London's Olympic Park, British police said on Wednesday.

March 30, 2011

Hamilton to act in Disney film 'Cars2'
Former Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton is going to appear in the forthcoming Disney animated film 'Cars 2'.

March 29, 2011

Federer and Nadal progress in Miami
Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer remained on course for their first head-to-head clash this year after easily winning their third round matches at the Sony Ericsson Open on Monday.

March 28, 2011

First Look: Bhupathi, Bopanna with NBA star Wade
Indian tennis duo Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna got a photo op with Miami Heat's star Dwayne Wade.

March 27, 2011

Miami: Bopanna-Qureshi in pre-quarters
Rohan Bopanna and his Pakistani partner Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi warded off late resistance from the German-American pair of Philipp Kohlschreiber and Rajeev Ram to enter the pre-quarterfinals of the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami.

March 26, 2011

Houghton served show-cause notice by AIFF
National Football coach Bob Houghton has been issued a show-cause notice on several counts, including the alleged racial abuse of an Indian referee during an international friendly last year.

March 25, 2011

Soviet Union's first world champion dies at 92
Maria Isakova, who became the Soviet Union's first world champion in any winter sport when she won the all-around title in speed skating in 1948, has died, the Russian skating federation said on Friday. She was 92. Badminton ranking: Saina regains World No 3 spot
Riding high on her Swiss Open triumph, ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal regained the number three place in the latest world ranking.

March 23, 2011

AFC Challenge Cup: India beat Pak
India struck two late goals as they beat Pakistan 3-1 in their second league match of the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers to book a place in the final round of the tournament, in Kuala Lumpur.

March 22, 2011

Four Pak badminton players fined by world body
The World Badminton Federation has fined four Pakistani shuttlers for violating tournament code of conduct for the international circuit events.

March 21, 2011

Amber Chess: Anand loses to Aronian
World Champion Viswanathan Anand suffered another setback, losing to Levon Aronian of Armenia 0.5-1.5 in the eighth round of 20th Amber blindfold and rapid chess tournament in Monaco on Monday.

March 20, 2011

Anand held by Nakamura, stands sole third
Victory eluded world champion Viswanathan for the third day in a row as he played two draws with Hikaru Nakamura of United States in the seventh round to be sole third in the Amber blindfold and rapid chess tournament in Monaco. Saina wins Swiss Open GP
Saina Nehwal bagged her first title of the year, clinching the Swiss Open Grand Prix gold trophy with a straight-games victory over Ji Hyun Sung of Korea in the final in Switzerland on Sunday. Klitschko retains WBC title with Solis knock-out
Vitaly Klitschko easily retained his WBC heavyweight title on Saturday with a first-round knockout of Cuban challenger Odlanier Solis.

March 19, 2011

Anand loses to Ivanchuk, slips to 3rd position
World Champion Viswanathan Anand suffered a major defeat at the hands of Vassily Ivanchuk of Ukraine to slip to the third position after the sixth round in the Amber Blindfold and Rapid Chess tournament in Monaco.

March 18, 2011

Saina avenges All-England defeat to Eriko
The second seeded Indian beat All-England finalist Eriko 21-15, 17-21, 21-11 in a little under 60 minutes and set up quarter-final meeting with sixth seeded Bulgarian Petya Nedelcheva, at the Wilson Swiss Open Super Series. Golf: Mixed day for Indians at Sicilian Open
Shiv Kapur was the best placed Indian on day one at the Sicilian Open golf as he was tied 29th while Jeev Milkha Singh and SSP Chowrasia struggled on a mixed day for India.

March 17, 2011

Chinese judge faces hearing after switching scores
International gymnastic officials have brought a disciplinary suit against a Chinese judge for altering a score that helped his compatriot win gold at last year's Asian Games.

March 16, 2011

London Olympics countdown clock makes false start
London Olympic organisers were left red-faced on Tuesday when a huge clock in Trafalgar Square marking the countdown to the 2012 Games stopped just hours after being unveiled at a glitzy ceremony.

March 15, 2011

CWG officials slapped with fraud charges
Former CWG Organising Committee top officials Lalit Bhanot and VK Verma, held for allegedly resorting to irregularities in awarding lucrative logistic provisioning contracts to a Swiss firm for the mega sporting event, was slapped with three more charges of fraud, forgery and cheating. Jeev's coach told to remove turban in Milan
Top Indian golfer Jeev Milkha Singh's coach Amritinder Singh was on Tuesday forced to remove his turban at Milan airport by security officials there before being allowed to board the flight. CWG scam: CBI questions Kalmadi for second time
Officials investigating Commonwealth Games (CWG) scam have indicated that they have found enough evidence against Suresh Kalmadi, ex-chairman of CWG Organising Committee, in various cases that are being investigated against him. Sale of 2012 Olympics tickets go live
As Sebastian Coe walked briskly into a glass-fronted office at the headquarters of London's 2012 Olympic Committee on Monday he passed a grainy black and white picture of the standing high jump at the 1908 Games.

March 14, 2011

Anand held by Kramnik in Amber Chess
World champion Viswanathan Anand played two draws with Vladimir Kramnik of Russia in the second round to occupy joint fourth spot in the 20th Amber Blindfold and Rapid Chess tournament in Monaco. IOC to probe corruption charges against Kalmadi
The IOC's Ethos Committee will look into the charges of corruption against Indian Olympic Committee president Suresh Kalmadi in the organisation of the Commonwealth Games. Malaysian Chong Wei retains All England crown
A safety-first approach paid off handsomely for world number one Lee Chong Wei when the Malaysian downed old foe Lin Dan of China 21-17, 21-17 to retain his All England badminton title on Sunday.

March 13, 2011

Anand beats Topalov in Amber opener
World Champion Viswanathan Anand defeated challenger Veselin Topalov of Bulgaria 1.5-0.5 in the first round of the Amber blindfold and rapid chess tournament in Monaco. Lin Dan sets up dream final with old rival
Four-times winner Lin Dan of China ended the brave run of Germany's Marc Zwiebler on Saturday to set up a repeat of the 2009 final he won against holder and world number one Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia.

March 12, 2011

Players, coaching staff back Bob Houghton
All the 23 national footballers and support staff, who were in Doha for the Asian Cup, have sent a signed letter to AIFF president Praful Patel, saying Houghton did not use racially abusive language against Indian referee Dinesh Nair, and all the allegations against him are false. All England badminton: Saina knocked out
It was supposed to be her best chance of winning the coveted title but Saina Nehwal let it slip as she went down in straight games to unseeded Japanese Eriko Hirose in the quarter-finals of the prestigious All England Badminton Championship in Birmingham.

March 11, 2011

CWG scam: Kalmadi's locker searched by CBI
The CBI Friday searched a frozen bank locker of sacked Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi here in connection with alleged irregularities in the conduct of the sporting extravaganza. Del Potro makes winning start at Indian Wells
Former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro eased into the second round of the Indian Wells WTA tournament with a 6-4, 6-0 demolition of Czech Radek Stepanek on Thursday. Saina storms into All England quarters
Title contender and Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal stormed into the quarter-finals of the women's single competition at the All England Badminton Championships with a straight-set victory over her Chinese Taipei opponent in Birmingham. World champion Chen Jin exits All England C'ship
World champion Chen Jin of China exited the All England badminton championships on Thursday when he was beaten 21-18, 22-20 in the second round by unseeded German Marc Zwiebler.

March 10, 2011

C'wealth Games scam: CBI registers 3 fresh cases
The Central Bureau of Investigation on Thursday registered three fresh cases and carried out searches at over 20 places in three cities at the premises of officials of the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) and Central Public Works Department (CPWD), consultants and companies in connection with alleged irregularities in the over Rs 160 crore renovation work of two Commonwealth Games venues. Somdev, Bopanna qualify for US ATP Masters
Carrying forward their good work at the Davis Cup, India's Somdev Devvarman and Rohan Bopanna have qualified for the BNP Paribas Open, an ATP Masters tournament in Indian Wells on Thursday. All England Badminton: Saina advances to Rnd
Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal overcame a jittery start to defeat spirited Korean Seung Hee Bae and enter the second round of the All England Badminton Championships in Birmingham. All England badminton: 2nd seed Hidayat ousted
Second seed Taufik Hidayat, Olympic gold medallist in 2004 and world champion the following year, took a first-round tumble at the All England championships in Birmingham on Wednesday.

March 09, 2011

World Squash: India lose to Australia
Six-time national champion Saurav Ghosal gave India a glimmer of hope in the opening match but the hosts ended up going down 0-3 to third seed Australia in the second qualifying tie of the Squash World Cup team championship in Chennai on Wednesday. Parliamentary committee discusses Sports Bill
The Parliamentary Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports deliberated on the proposed National Sports Development Bill and agreed that such a policy was needed to ensure professional management of sports in the country. Gopichand looks back fondly at All England triumph
A decade after his triumph at the All England badminton championship, Gopichand cherishes the famous victory, writes Bikash Mohapatra.

March 07, 2011

CBI arrests Wadhwa in CWG overlays scam
The CBI arrested the managing director of an Indo-Swiss supplier firm while Enforcement Directorate (ED) intensified its probe into alleged irregularities in the award of contracts worth over Rs.600 crore for Commonwealth Games overlays.

March 06, 2011

Kalmadi's name missing from CWG legacy report
Former Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi's name is not mentioned in the Games legacy report prepared by authorities here to give a bird's eye view of delays, successes and other issues in the conduct of the sporting extravaganza.

March 05, 2011

CBI didn't find a single rupee in raids: Kalmadi
Sacked CWG Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi claimed that the CBI officers, who conducted searches at his premises in the city recently, did not find anything incriminating against him.

March 04, 2011

Man City's Kolo Toure banned for failing drug test
Manchester City defender Kolo Toure has been suspended after failing a drug test, the Premier League club said on their website (www.mcfc.co.uk) on Thursday.

March 03, 2011

Nine athletes flunk dope tests in Nat Games
The doping menace continues to haunt Indian sport. The National Doping Agency (NADA) on Thursday announced that nine athletes tested positive for banned substances during the National Games, which concluded in Ranchi on February 26. India unveils London Olympics programme
Sports Minister Ajay Maken on Thursday unveiled an ambitious programme named 'Operation Excellence London 2012' to prepare Indian athletes for next year's Olympic Games. Announcing the launch of 'Opex London 2012', Maken said the country expects more medals in London than earlier Olympic Games and to achieve that the ministry will implement the programme in a mission mode.

February 26, 2011

Sports minister Maken to skip Nat Games closing
Union Sports minister Ajay Maken will not be going to Rachi to take part in the closing ceremony of the National Games.

February 24, 2011

Satnam can become first Indian in NBA, says Gervin
US basketball legend George 'The Iceman' Gervin feels that 15-year-old, 7-ft two-inches tall Satnam Singh Bhamara can become the first Indian to play in the glamorous NBA if he shows passion for the game. Agencies targeting only CWG OC officials: Kalmadi
A day after the arrest of two of his close aides, sacked Commonwealth Games OC chairman Suresh Kalmadi on Thursday accused the investigating agencies of "targeting" only the Organising Committee when government officials were also part of the entire decision-making process.

February 23, 2011

Bhanot, Verma's arrest rattles Kalmadi
The news of Lalit Bhanot and V K Verma's arrest has rattled Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi, who was chairman of the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee. A close aide of Kalmadi confirmed that he is in touch with legal luminaries to chalk out the next course of action fearing also being arrested. CWG scam: Bhanot and Verma arrested
Former Commonwealth Games Organising Committee Secretary General Lalit Bhanot and OC Director General V K Verma were on Wednesday arrested by the CBI in connection with alleged irregularities in the Rs 107 crore deal inked with a Swiss timing firm.

February 21, 2011

Prez says CWG was a great success, lauds Delhiites
President Pratibha Patil on Monday described the Commonwealth Games held in October last year as a "great success" and lauded Delhiites for showing "exemplary discipline and courtesy".

February 20, 2011

I've not gained a rupee from the CWG: Kalmadi
Pained by reports of his alleged involvement in the Commonwealth Games-related scam, former Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi said he will resign as Member of Parliament in case any proof of him having taken even a single rupee surfaces.

February 19, 2011

Asian Games gold winner Suresh Babu passes away
Olympian and 1978 Asian Games gold medallist Suresh Babu, who inspired a lot of youngsters to take up athletics in the 1970s and 80s, died at a hospital in Ranchi on Saturday. He was 58 and is survived by his wife, a son and daughter.

February 18, 2011

N'tl Games: Richa, Khade continue their gold rush
Swimmer Richa Mishra grabbed up two more gold medals to make it 11 in total as she remained on course to topple Nisha Millet's 12-year-old feat, after sixth day of the 34th National Games, in Ranchi on Friday. Another F2 season for Armaan in 2011
Confident after an impressive showing in the season gone by, young Indian racer Armaan Ebrahim today decided to continue his stint with the FIA Formula Two Championship in the 2011 season. CBI raids premises of CWG officials
Casting a wider net, the CBI on Friday conducted searches at the premises of certain Organising Committee (OC) officials in Delhi in connection with the multi-crore CWG overlays scam.

February 16, 2011

Lance Armstrong confirms retirement
Lance Armstrong has formally announced his retirement from cycling, more than a month after his last race. Contador free to race again after ban lifted
Alberto Contador is free to compete again after Spain's cycling federation (RFEC) lifted his one-year doping ban on Tuesday but the Tour de France champion still faces the threat of possible appeals by two global bodies.

February 15, 2011

Talasha Prabhu denies Richa sprint gold
Richa Mishra was again the day's star performer as five records were shattered in the pool in the 34th National Games in Ranchi on Tuesday. The Delhi girl picked two gold medals with record timings to make it six in sum by the end of day three. However, she had to settle for second place, behind Goa's Talasha Prabhu, in the sprint event. Woods apologises for spitting in Dubai
Former world number one Tiger Woods has apologised after being fined for spitting during the Dubai Desert Classic over the weekend. Judge dismisses Beckham's libel suit against mag
A judge on Monday dismissed David Beckham's $25 million libel lawsuit against a celebrity magazine that ran an article saying the married, British soccer star slept with a call girl.

February 14, 2011

Nat Games: Richa bags two more gold
Swimmers smashed four meet records, as Richa Mishra added two more gold medals on day two of the competition at the 34th National Games in Ranchi, on Monday. Autocross for two/four-wheelers in Mumbai
If you are a motorsport enthusiast, be sure to be there at the Somaiya grounds in Sion East, Mumbai, on Sunday, February 20. Some of the best two and four-wheeler drivers will be in action in an Autocross event, billed as RotoCross, organized by the Rotary Club of Deonar, Mumbai, along with Sportscraft, under the aegis of FMSCI. National Games timing wrong: Khade's coach
Karnataka swimming coach Nihar Ameen hit out at the organisers of the 34th National Games, saying top athletes were missing due to the wrong timing of the multi-sporting event following several postponements.

February 13, 2011

Yakubu helps Salgaocar demolish Viva Kerala 4-0
Yusuf Yakubu scored a brace as Salgaocar demolished Viva Kerala 4-0 to climb to the top of the points table in their 14th round I-League match at the Nehru stadium in Margao on Sunday. Swimmers Khade, Richa set new Nat'nal Games record
Asian Games bronze medalist Virdhawal Khade and Richa Mishra shattered two meet records each as Maharashtra clinched three gold while Delhi bagged two in the swimming competition on day one of the 34th National Games in Ranchi on Sunday. IOA backs embattled Kalmadi
Sacked as Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chief, the embattled Suresh Kalmadi got the full backing of the Indian Olympic Association, the national apex sports body which he heads, in its General Body Meeting (GBM) in New Delhi. Olympians question motive of FIH
Six Olympians have accused the International Hockey Federation of taking away all the profits generated at the World Cup in Delhi and written a letter to the government to stop the world body from repeating the act during the Champions Trophy allotted to India this year.

February 12, 2011

Kalmadi's arrested aide remanded to CBI custody
Former Commonwealth Games organising committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi's close aide Shekhar Deorukhkar was on Saturday remanded by a court here to five days of CBI custody in a multi-crore rupee overlays scam in connection with last year's mega sporting event. Farcical start to 34th National Games
It was the worst possible start for a long-delayed event as organisational chaos marred the opening day of the 34th National Games in Ranchi on Saturday.

February 11, 2011

National Games set to finally roll out on Saturday
After six postponements and a chaotic build-up, the 34th National Games begin in Ranchi on Saturday, with more than 8,000 athletes, including a host of Commonwealth and Asian Games medallists, vying for top honours. Woods fires 66, roars into contention
Tiger Woods roared into contention for a first title in 14 months after a six-under-par 66 in the second round on Friday moved the twice Dubai Desert Classic champion to within three shots of halfway leader Thomas Aiken. Woods moved to seven-under (137) for the tournament, level with Dane Anders Hansen (68) and Briton Michael Hoey (67) while South African Aiken returned another 67 for a 10 under halfway total of 134. Kalmadi aide held in CWG overlays scam
The Central Bureau of Investigation on Friday arrested Deorukhkar Shekhar, a close aide of former Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi, in Pune in connection with the multi-crore rupee overlays scam in last year's mega sporting event. Vijender Singh battles bureaucracy for prize money
Indian boxer Vijender Singh earned bronze medals at the World and Asian championships in 2009 but he has a fight on his hands getting money from his state government.

February 08, 2011

Not aware if PM is coming for Nat Games: Kalmadi
IOA president Suresh Kalmadi on Tuesday rubbished media reports that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is not keen to share dais with him during the opening ceremony of the National Games.

February 07, 2011

Isinbayeva makes unimpressive return in Moscow
Olympic champion and world pole vault record holder Yelena Isinbayeva made an unimpressive return to competition after an 11-month break by winning a low-key indoor meeting on Sunday.

February 06, 2011

Ill-tempered Kolkata derby ends in a 1-1 draw
The eagerly-awaited clash between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan ended in a 1-1 draw at the near-packed Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Sunday. 'There is progress in Indian athletics'
P T Usha narrowly missed a medal and history at the Los Angeles Olympics when she finished fourth in 400m hurdles but such was the Indian legend's aura that the eventual gold medallist, Nawal El Moutawakel, on Sunday revealed that she too ended up crying for the heartbroken 'Payyoli Express' that day. CWG official wants OC members to be honoured!
Commonwealth Games Media Committee chairman Tarlochan Singh has demanded Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to honour Organising Committee members in recognition of hosting the CWG last October. Bhutia to play with Cannavaro at Laureus match
Bhaichung Bhutia will rub shoulders with legends such as Italy's World Cup winning skipper Fabio Cannavaro and former Portuguese mid-fielder Luis Figo during a seven-a-side Laureus Football Challenge during which the Indian's team will have the legendary Sir Bobby Charlton as manager. When Becker turned driver during India trip
He does not quite remember when exactly it happened but former tennis star Boris Becker had turned bus driver for a group of underprivileged kids while on a trip to India.

February 05, 2011

I-League: Churchill Brothers pip Chirag United 5-3
Churchill Brothers took full advantage of a weak Chirag United defence to register a 5-3 away win in a round 13 I-League match at Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday. Saina, Jwala bat for Team India at World Cup
The Indian cricket team was given a big thumbs up by major badminton players on Saturday.

February 04, 2011

World No 1 Westwood misses cut in Qatar
World No. 1 Lee Westwood missed his first cut in over a year on Friday after crashing out of the Qatar Masters at the halfway stage in Doha. Nerveless Isinbayeva back to reclaim throne
World pole vault record holder Yelena Isinbayeva returns to action on Sunday after almost a year out to repair a battered ego and rediscover her love of the sport. She is feeling, she says, not a shred of nerves.

February 02, 2011

Merseyside munching Monday
After his hurried departure from Liverpool, Torres finds himself the focal point of supporters' hatred, ire, and disgust. Nobody would believe the line thrown that he wanted to leave because of his desire to play at the highest levels. It is a case of reaching the other side of football that has thrown him into the roubles masquerading as pounds. It has happened before, most notably David Beckham and Michael Owen. And neither is welcome where they left, says Manvendra Singh Thorpe makes comeback, targets London Olympics
Former Olympic swimming champion Ian Thorpe ended months of rampant speculation and announced his return to the pool on Wednesday, with an eye on making the Australian team to swim at next year's London Olympics.

February 01, 2011

Dues to 36 foreign companies cleared: CWG OC
The embattled organising committee of the Delhi Commonwealth Games on Tuesday claimed that it has cleared dues, amounting to Rs 111.84 crore, to 36 of the 45 foreign companies involved with the conduct of the event held last year. Shunglu panel gives interim CWG report
Commonwealth Games works under investigation are worth Rs 28,000 crore and time is required to probe them, the high-level Shunglu committee said on Tuesday.

January 29, 2011

I League: Churchill hold East Bengal 2-2
Kayne Vincent struck twice to help Churchill Brothers hold East Bengal 2-2 in a thrilling Round 12 I-League match at Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday.

January 28, 2011

Chopra needs Indian passport to represent country
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Friday reiterated that Michael Chopra will be eligible to represent India only if the Cardiff City striker surrenders his British passport for an Indian one. Korea Open campaign ends for Jwala-Ashwini
India's challenge at the Korean Open ended after the women's doubles pair of Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa lost their quarter-final match in the Super Series tournament in Seoul on Friday. Li hoping for quick start against Clijsters
Notorious slow starter Li Na seems to produce her best tennis teetering on the brink of defeat but the Chinese hopes to hit the ground running against Kim Clijsters in Saturday's Australian Open final. Illegal betting could hit Olympics, says Rogge
Illegal betting is as big a threat to the integrity of sports as doping and could one day hit the Olympics, International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge said on Thursday.

January 26, 2011

Korean Open: Saina struggles past Ying Tai
A fit-again Saina Nehwal had to dig deep into her reserves to get past Tzu Ying Tai of Chinese Taipei in a gruelling first round match at the Korean Super Series in Seoul on Wednesday. Kalmadi refuses to follow formalities after ouster
Sacked top OC officials Lalit Bhanot and Suresh Kalmadi, who termed his removal as 'illegal and uncalled for', refused to follow the formalities of handing over charge to newly-appointed Commonwealth Games Organising Committee CEO Jarnail Singh who said he has taken over on his own. Discus thrower Gowda to get Asian Games bronze
India's record medal haul at the Guangzhou Asian Games will increase by one more as discus thrower Vikas Gowda is set to be handed a bronze after a Qatari athlete tested positive for a banned substance.

January 25, 2011

Kalmadi hits back, says his removal 'illegal'
Embattled Suresh Kalmadi hit back at the Sports Minister, terming his sacking from the chairmanship of Commonwealth Games Organising Committee as "illegal and uncalled for."

January 24, 2011

I will not step down as IOA president: Kalmadi
Shortly after being sacked as the Chairman of the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, a defiant Suresh Kalmadi made it clear that he will not step down from his other post of Indian Olympic Association Kalmadi sacked as Organising Committee chairman
Embattled Suresh Kalmadi was sacked as the Chairman of the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee in the interest of an impartial probe, bringing an abrupt and unceremonious end to his tenure which was plagued by scandals and controversies. Kiwi team claims 'six-figure sum' from Delhi CWG
The controversial Delhi Commonwealth Games is in the headlines again after sporting authorities in New Zealand claimed that they are owed a 'six-figure sum' by the event's organisers in India.

January 23, 2011

Kaymer replaces Woods as world number two
German golfer Martin Kaymer leapfrogged Tiger Woods to become the world number two when he stormed his way to an eight-shot victory in the Abu Dhabi Championship on Sunday. Mary Kom keen to represent Jharkhand
World Boxing Champion M C Mary Kom has expressed her desire to represent Jharkhand at the forthcoming 34th National Games to be held February from 12 to 26. Ghosal out of New York squash tourney
India's top-ranked men's player Saurav Ghosal gave a glimpse of his fighting abilities before going down 1-3 to Stewart Boswell of Australia in the opening round of the JP Morgan Tournament of Champions in New York. Somdev gets top billing at Singapore Challenger
Indian tennis ace Somdev Devvarman has been given the top billing in the Singapore ATP Challenger series event starting in Singapore on Monday. Anand draws with Carlsen, slips to second spot
World Champion Viswanathan Anand played out an easy draw as black against World number one Magnus Carlsen of Norway in the seventh round of the 'A' group of 73rd Tata Steel Chess tournament at Wijk Aan Zee on Sunday.

January 21, 2011

Tour de France stars for Mumbai cyclothon
Three-time holder of the green jersey sprinters' classification at Tour de France, Robbie McEwen and Elia Vivani, who represent RadioShack of the USA are among the cyclists who will participate in a two-stage international Class I cycling race to be held in Nashik and Mumbai next month. British HC slams CWG OC for payment delay
A day after Sports Minister Ajay Maken issued directions to pay all "legitimate" dues related to the Commonwealth Games, British High Commissioner Richard Stagg on Friday hit out at the CWG organisers for delay in the payment of Rs 96 crore to broadcasters SIS Live. Mahindra pick foreign riders for MotoGP foray
Briton Danny Webb and German Marcel Schrotter will represent the new Mahindra teamn in the first race of the FIM Road Racing World Championship (MotoGP) at Qatar in March. Phelps to lead US squad at world championships
Michael Phelps will bid to add more gold to his already packed trophy case after being named to the US team for the world swimming championships on Thursday.

January 20, 2011

Settle Aus firms' dues in 10 days: Sports minister
Taking serious note of the payment dispute between some Australian firms and organisers of the Delhi Commonwealth Games, the Sports Ministry has ordered the latter to settle the issue within ten days. Ajay Maken, the new sports minister, instructed the sports secretary to get in touch with the government officials in the Commonwealth Organising Committee and clear all legitimate payments after proper verification. CWG: Australian firms to sue Kalmadi & CO.
The controversy-marred Commonwealth Games, held in New Delhi last year, finds itself in yet another embarrassing situation with an Australian company deciding to sue event's organisers over the unpaid bills. Landis calls for legalised doping
Disgraced Tour de France winner Floyd Landis has called on cycling authorities to legalise doping because he believes testers will always struggle to uncover the cheats.

January 19, 2011

Gutta-Diju score at Malaysian Open
Chetan Anand was a first round casualty, but the mixed doubles pair of Jwala Gutta and V Diju kept the tri-colour fluttering as India wrapped up a mixed day at the Malaysia Open Super Series badminton event in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday. Kalmadi aide Jayachandran gets bail in CWG case
Commonwealth Games Organising Committee official M Jayachandran, arrested for alleged financial bungling in holding the Queen Baton's Relay (QBR) in London in 2009, was granted bail by the Delhi high court on Wednesday. Justice Hima Kohli granted bail to Jayachandran, a key aide of Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi following the CBI's failure to wind up the probe and file the charge sheet in the case within the stipulated 60-day period.

January 17, 2011

Kahsyap leads Indian charge in Malaysia Open
In the absence of Saina Nehwal, Commonwealth Games bronze medallist P Kashyap will spearhead India's challenge in the season-opening Malaysian Open Super Series badminton tournament starting in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.

January 16, 2011

Marathon: Indian women take short route to succeed
In what was a rather shameful end to an otherwise glorious event, two Indian women athletes were disqualified on grounds that tantamount to cheating at the Mumbai Marathon on Sunday. Ethiopians Assefa, Yal win Mumbai marathon
Ethiopians Girma Assefa and Koren Yal set new course records as the African nation took the men's and women's honours respectiely in the eighth edition of the Mumbai Marathon on Sunday. Assefa completed the gruelling 42.1-km run in 2 hours, 09 minutes and 54 seconds, erasing the previous record of 2:11:54 seconds, set by Kenya's Kenneth Mungara two years ago.

January 15, 2011

Armstrong not losing sleep over doping allegations
Lance Armstrong is not losing any sleep over a US federal investigation into allegations of doping in his team, the seven-times Tour de France champion said on Saturday ahead of his final international race. Saina third in Player of the Year poll
Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal, who won five major titles last year, has been voted as the third best Badminton Player of the Year 2010 by readers of an international magazine in a recent poll. Vijender to train in Europe ahead of 2012 Olympics
As part of his preparations for next year's London Olympics, Asian Games gold medallist boxer Vijender Singh is considering shifting his base to Europe for training in the run-up to the mega event.

January 14, 2011

Lawrence Taylor pleads guilty to sexual assault
Pro Football Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges he paid an underage girl for sex and must register as a sex offender, prosecutors said on Thursday. CWG scam: Delhi HC grants bail to Darbari
T S Darbari, one of the three top officials in the Commonwealth Games scam, was granted bail by the Delhi High Court due to the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI's) failure to file charges within the stipulated time of 60 days from the day of his arrest. London Olympics to have airport-style security
Sports fans attending the London 2012 Olympics can expect airport-style security screening at venues, the policeman in charge of safety at the Games said on Thursday.

January 13, 2011

IOC warns India of a possible ban
The International Olympic Committee on Thursday warned India of a possible ban from the Olympics unless it resolves the spat over the country's sports chiefs. After a two-day meeting in Lusanne, the IOC executive board said India will have take care of a number of issues. Kelai laments absence of crowd at CWG marathon
Despite bagging the gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi last year, Kenyan John Kelai lamented the absence of spectators along the route in the capital because of security reasons. He said the mass participation in Mumbai boosts the morale of the elite runners and the cheering of the crowd along the route gives them fresh impetus. Magic stung by Hornets, win streak snapped
The Orlando Magic finally ran out of steam and suffered their first loss in three weeks on Wednesday, falling 92-89 in a wild overtime defeat to the New Orleans Hornets.

January 11, 2011

'Lack of response' from AFI for Mumbai Marathon
For the first time since its inception eight years ago, the US $325,000 Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon will be run on January 16 without the blessings of the Athletics Federation of India. 'They have been invited but there's what I will call a lack of response. But the marathon has the gold label status from the IAAF (international athletics body),' said race director Hugh Jones at a media conference in Mumbai on Tuesday. Messi voted World Player of the Year
Argentina's Lionel Messi was named World Player of the Year for the second time in a row on Monday, surprisingly beating his Barcelona team mates Andres Iniesta and Xavi.

January 10, 2011

DPR, Iraq face AFC committee after player no-show
Holders Iraq and secretive North Korea could face sanctions from the AFC for failing to send a player to their media conferences on Monday ahead of their opening Asian Cup matches. Bhat, Mutatkar win Nat badminton crowns
Arvind Bhat and Aditi Mutatkar won the men's and women's singles titles respectively at the 75th National Badminton Championships, which concluded in Rohtak on Monday. Kobe and Lakers blow out Knicks at home
The Los Angeles Lakers shut down the high-energy New York Knicks to power to their fourth straight victory in a 109-87 triumph on Sunday. Beckhams expecting fourth child in summer
David and Victoria Beckham are expecting their fourth child this summer, her spokeswoman said on Sunday. Tiger tips give India's Atwal a winning bonus
Being a close friend of Tiger Woods has helped India's Arjun Atwal in more ways than he can count out on the course.

January 09, 2011

Wawrinka gets second time lucky in Chennai
Stanislas Wawrinka was not supposed to play at the Chennai Open this year. However, following a change of schedule (and desire), the Swiss requested for and obtained a wild card for the event.

January 08, 2011

Wawrinka beats Berdych, to play Malisse in final
Top seed Tomas Berdych crashed out of the Chennai Open after Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka registered an easy 6-3, 6-1 victory on Saturday. Atwal shoots four-under, tied 20th at Hawaii
Arjun Atwal rode on a brilliant front nine with five birdies to card a four-under 69 at the par-73 Plantation Course to move up by one position at the midway stage of the Hyundai Tournament of Champions in Kapalua.

January 07, 2011

Solar storm could disrupt London Olympics
Despite all preparations almost complete for the 2012 London Olympics, the organisers of the �9.3 billion mega event are now faced with some genuine problem as London could suffer a solar storm during the Games.

January 06, 2011

CWG scam: More CBI raids in Delhi
The Central Bureau of Investigation raided a dozen premises across Delhi on Thursday in connection with the alleged scam in Commonwealth Games overlays contracts. It included an office under the Union Sports Ministry, as it registered a fourth FIR naming a top Games official, V K Verma, for the second time. NBA: Celtics survive late Spurs's run
The Boston Celtics won the battle of the NBA's best on Wednesday with a thrilling 105-103 victory over the San Antonio Spurs.

January 05, 2011

Kalmadi grilled for over eight hours
Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi, who was chairman of the Commonwealth Organizing Committee, was grilled for over eight-and-a-half hours by sleuths of the Central Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday, in connection with alleged financial irregularities in the conduct of the sports extravaganza in Delhi last year. Kelai, Bizunesh lead Mumbai Marathon challenge
Two-time champion and Delhi Commonwealth Games gold medallist John Kelai of Kenya will be the cynosure of all eyes in the upcoming Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, to be held on January 16. Kelai, who triumphed in the men's event in 2007 and 2008, is expected to face stiff competition from 2000 Sydney Olympics bronze winner Tesfaye Tola of Ethiopia, Oleg Kulkov of Russia besides compatriots Kiprono Just Kipchirchir and Evans Rutto. CBI questions Kalmadi in connection with CWG scam
Commonwealth Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalamdi was on Wednesday questioned by the CBI in connection with alleged financial irregularities in the conduct of the sports event.

January 04, 2011

Yet to hear from CBI: Kalmadi
Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi on Tuesday said he has not yet heard from the CBI after he informed the agency last month that he was ready to appear before it in connection with the probe into alleged irregularities in the conduct of the event.

January 03, 2011

Squash rankings: Pallikal rises to career-best 27
Dipika Pallikal equalled the highest ranking ever achieved by an Indian women squash player when she obtained a career-best 27th rank in the Women's International Squash Player's Association (WISPA) charts.

January 01, 2011

Vishnu upsets Niland in Chennai Open qualifiers
India's Vishnu Vardhan stunned third-seeded Conor Niland of Ireland to progress to the second round of the qualifiers in the Aircel ATP Chennai Open in Chennai on Saturday. Chennai Open: Tough draw for Somdev
Somdev Devvarman was handed an easy opener but a tough second round match at the Chennai Open.

December 31, 2010

Woods still the game's biggest earner
The American world number two, who celebrated his 35th birthday on Thursday, topped Golf Digest magazine's annual list for 2010 with overall earnings of $74.2 million.

December 30, 2010

Lakers swat Hornets to end three-game slide
The Los Angeles Lakers put an end to their recent struggles with a much-needed 103-88 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday. Chandhok, Karani to steer FMSCI in 2011
Vicky Chandhok and Shrikant Karani was elected president and vice-president respectively of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India at its 37th Annual General Meeting in Chennai on Tuesday.

December 29, 2010

CBI summons OC chief Kalmadi for questioning
CBI has summoned Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi to appear before it for interrogation relating to alleged irregularities in the conduct of mega sporting event. Raninder Singh appointed NRAI president
Raninder Singh was elected president of the National Rifle Association of India after the trap shooter's landslide victory over Shyam Singh Yadav at the NRAI house in New Delhi on Wednesday. NBA: Heat survive late scare to beat Knicks
Miami's Dwyane Wade scored 40 points to help the Heat beat the New York Knicks 106-98 on Tuesday and record their 15th win in 16 games.

December 28, 2010

Mavericks survive Nowitzki injury to beat Thunder
The streaking Dallas Mavericks overcame an injury to nine-time All-Star Dirk Nowitzki to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 103-93 on Monday and maintain their impressive record on the road. Nowitzki scored 13 points before leaving the game for good early in the second quarter with a sore right knee.

December 27, 2010

Parker spurs San Antonio in win over Wizards
Tony Parker scored 20 points and made 14 assists to help the San Antonio Spurs rebound from their worst loss of the season with a 94-80 victory over the Washington Wizards on Sunday.

December 26, 2010

Groningen International: Abhijeet beats Norditsky
Former world junior champion and second seed Grandmaster Abhijeet Gupta beat Daniel Naroditsky of United States in quick time to jump to joint third spot after the fourth round of Groningen International open chess tournament. Heat burn Lakers in Christmas showdown
The Miami Heat gave their fans some Christmas cheer with a dominating 96-80 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday.

December 25, 2010

Suresh Kalmadi being blackmailed?
The CBI, which carried out searches at the residence of Suresh Kalmadi has recovered an alleged blackmail letter demanding Rs four crore from him in exchange for a 'compact disc' carrying some damaging information. HC stays disciplinary proceedings against Modi
The Bombay high court on Saturday stayed the proceedings of BCCI disciplinary committee probing allegations of financial irregularities against former Indian Premier League Commissioner Lalit Modi till January 10 next year.

December 24, 2010

I have not taken any decision alone: Kalmadi
"I am innocent till proven guilty," a beleaguered Suresh Kalmadi said after CBI raided his house in New Delhi and questioned him for eight hours over allegations of bungling in the conduct of the sporting extravaganza. Magic snap Spurs' winning streak
The Orlando Magic ended a poor run of form by surging to a 123-101 victory the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday, the stunning triumph snapping the visiting team's 10-game winning streak. Gillette will not renew Woods endorsement contract
Procter & Gamble Co's <PG.N> Gillette brand will not renew its endorsement contract with golfer Tiger Woods, which ends on Dec. 31, a company spokesman confirmed on Thursday. CBI raids Kalmadi's residences in Delhi and Pune
The Central Bureau of Investigation on Friday morning raided the residences Congress MP Suresh Kalmadi in Delhi and Pune following allegations of misappropriation of funds in the organization of the 2010 Commonwealth Games. The raids on his residence at Kamaraj lane in Delhi began in wee hours of Friday and are likely to continue till the evening.

December 23, 2010

Bajrang eyes gold at 2012 Olympics
Asian Games gold-medallist rower Bajrang Lal Thakkar is a happy man to have finally got new boats after taking part in the last month's Guangzhou mega-event with second-hand equipment and said this would boost his medal chances in 2012 London Olympics. Vijender to start training next month
Top Indian boxer Vijender Singh on Thursday said he would start training next month as he has almost recovered from the hand injury suffered during the Asian Games and his main target next year would be to qualify for the London Olympics with a good show in the World Championships. Asiad medal winners demand better facilities
The trio of para-swimmer Prashant Karmakar, archer Deepika Kumari and gymnast Ashish Kumar feel that government still needs to upgrade its infrastructure and provide state-of-the-art training for consistent good results at the international meets. Bulls beat Wizards to win ninth game in last 10
The Chicago Bulls continued their rapid ascent through the Eastern Conference by defeating the injury-depleted Washington Wizards 87-80 on Wednesday for their ninth victory in their last 10 games.

December 22, 2010

Proud to be born in Sachin era: Sania
Indian tennis star Sania Mirza on Wednesday said she feels honoured to have been born in an era which saw the emergence of iconic batsman Sachin Tendulkar. Mumbai marathon rope in IAAF to ratify results
With the Athletics Federation of India cold shouldering the eighth Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon to be held on January 16 next year, international athletics body AFI's representative would ratify the results, it was learnt. NBA: Depleted Bucks batter champions Lakers
NBA champions Los Angeles Lakers were left stunned and humiliated after being upset 98-79 on their home court by the under-strength Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday. Mumbai Marathon on Jan 16
The prize-money for the eight edition of th eevent, which has retained IAAF Gold-label status, has been increased by US $15,000 and will be US $3,25,000.

December 21, 2010

5 Indian shuttlers in main draw
Five Indians qualified for the men's singles main draw of 32 in the Tata Open India Badminton Challenge at the Cricket Club of India courts in Mumbai on Tuesday. Advancing to the main round were Bahal Mayank, Jolly Prakash, Rohan Castelino, Nigel D'Sa and K Nandagopal. Govt spent Rs 14 cr to treat patients during CWG!
An RTI reply has revealed that the Government spent a whopping Rs 14 crores towards treatment of patients during the Commonwealth Games. The amount was spent on treatment of 3,665 patients, who were admitted to the polyclinic and the athletes' medical room at the Games site. Former Liverpool defender Cohen injured in crash
Former Israel and Liverpool defender Avi Cohen was severely injured in a motorcycle accident in Tel Aviv on Monday, his family and hospital officials said. NBA: Terry helps Dallas burn Heats
Jason Terry scored all 19 of his points in the fourth quarter to help the Dallas Mavericks end Miami's 12-game winning streak with a 98-96 victory over the Heat on Monday.

December 20, 2010

UP sports director apologises to Sudha
A day after Asian Games gold medallist Sudha Singh threatened to snap ties with Uttar Pradesh over the humiliating treatment meted out to her during a sports function, a senior official of the government on Monday offered apology to her. NBA: Suns end Thunder's winning run
Grant Hill scored a season-high 30 points and added 11 rebounds to help the new-look Phoenix Suns slow the Oklahoma City Thunder with a 113-110 victory on Sunday.

December 19, 2010

Sudha Singh not to run for UP anymore
Athelete Sudha Singh, who brought honours to India and Uttar Pradesh by bagging the Asiad Gold at Guangzhou, has decided not to run for her state anymore, thanks to state sports minister Ayodhya Prasad Pal. French police break up international doping ring
French police have broken up a Marseille-based international doping ring thought to be the biggest in Europe, the government said on Saturday.

December 18, 2010

India's campaign ends at Indian Open Badminton
India's challenge came to a premature halt at the Indian Open Grand Prix badminton tournament with both P Kashyap and PV Sindhu crashing out in the semi-finals of their respective singles event in Hyderabad on Saturday. Jenny, Kasey set up title clash in WISPA Masters
Top seed and world number two Jenny Duncalf of England survived some early challenge before edging past third seed Camille Serme of France 3-2 in the semi-finals of the Punj Lloyd WISPA Masters squash event in New Delhi on Saturday. Sharath goes down in Pro Tour Grand Finals
Top Indian paddler Achanta Sharath Kamal went down fighting to higher-ranked local contender Ryu Seung Min 3-4 in the ITTF Pro Tour Grand Finals in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Coaches do not make athletes tough: Vijender
World Boxing Champion and World No 1, Vijender Singh said coached don't help much when it comes to making his ward mentally tough. Asiad gold medallist ill-treated at sports event
Gold medallist at the Asian Games, Sudha Singh on Saturday felt deeply hurt at the treatment meted out to her at a sports function in Lucknow and said that she would never attend any function as a chief guest in Uttar Pradesh. Heat and red-hot James scorch Knicks by 22 points
The sizzling hot Miami Heat and their Big Three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh scorched the New York Knicks 113-91 for their 11th win in a row on Friday at Madison Square Garden in New York.

December 17, 2010

Kashyap, Sindhu in semis of Indian Open Grand Prix
India's rising star P Kashyap and young shuttler PV Sindhu notched up contrasting wins in the men's and women's singles to advance to the semi-finals of the Indian Open Grand Prix badminton tournament in Hyderabad on Friday. Humpy loses in first game of semis
Grandmaster Koneru Humpy was outplayed by Yifan Hao of China in the first game of the semi-finals of World women's chess championship in Hatay, Turkey on Friday. Indian challenge ends at Punj Lloyd
India's top ranked female player Dipika Pallikal put up a spirited display before going down 2-3 to second seed Kasey Brown of Australia in the quarter-finals of the Punj Lloyd WISPA Masters 2010 squash event in New Delhi. Oz firm to sue Delhi CWG organisers over dues
Australian companies are planning to take legal action against the organisers of the New Delhi Commonwealth Games, claiming they are still owed millions for their work and are being blocked from taking their equipment out of India. Kashyap, Arvind advance to India Open quarters
Second seed Indian Chetan Anand suffered a shock defeat but P Kashyap and Arvind Bhat notched up contrasting wins to reach the quarterfinals of the Indian Open Grand Prix in Hyderabad on Thursday.

December 16, 2010

Pallikal in quarters, Chinappa and Ghosal bow out
India's top-ranked female player Dipika Pallikal kept the tri-colour fluttering by progressing into the quarter-finals of the women's singles squash event, even as compatriots Saurav Ghosal and Joshna Chinappa bowed out at the Punj Lloyd PSA and WISPA Masters in New Delhi. Players need to rethink pay: NBA chief Stern
The 68-year-old, long-time commissioner is focusing all his attention on hammering out a new labour deal with the players and preventing the league's first lockout since the 1998-99 season. Advani loses to Dechawat in World snooker final
Ace Indian cueist Pankaj Advani's hopes of winning the IBSF World snooker title for the second time in his career came crashing down after he failed to overcome a spirited challenge from Dechawat Pomajaeng of Thailand in the final of the event in Damascus, Syria, on Thursday. NBA: Nets acquire Lakers' Vujacic
Los Angeles Lakers guard Sasha Vujacic has been acquired by the New Jersey Nets in a three-team trade that sent Nets guard-forward Terrence Williams to the Houston Rockets, the NBA teams said on Wednesday.

December 15, 2010

Injured Saina pulls out of India Open
The season-ending India Open Grand Prix suffered a huge setback on Wednesday with star attraction Saina Nehwal pulling out of the women's singles draw due to an ankle injury. Advani enters final with 2nd world title in sight
Ace Indian cueist Pankaj Advani on stormed into the finals of the IBSF World Snooker championships after defeating Rodney Goggins of Ireland 7-4 in Damascus, Syria. Ghosal beats Weller, meets Shabana next
Local favourite Saurav Ghosal survived an early challenge before edging past English qualifier Adrian Weller in straight games in the opening round of the Punj Lloyd PSA Masters squash tournament in Delhi on Wednesday. World No 22 Ghosal defeated Weller 11-7, 12-10, 11-6 in 45 minutes to move into the pre-quarter-finals of the US $1,92,5000 event at the Siri Fort Sports Complex. SAFF C'ship: Indian eves rout Sri Lanka 7-0
The Indian women's football team continued its rampaging form to thrash Sri Lanka 7-0 and book a berth in the semi-finals of the SAFF Women's championship in Cox Bazar, Bangladesh. Media hype might have affected Saina in Asiad
Media hype after winning the Commonwealth Games gold medal might have affected the Saina Nehwal's performance in last month's Asian Games in Guangzhou and led to her early exit, according to badminton legend Prakash Padukone.

December 14, 2010

Punj Lloyd PSA Masters: Indians disappoint
It was a disappointing outing for Indian players in the Punj Lloyd PSA Masters 2010 as all lost their opening round matches and bowed out of the squash event at the Siri Fort Sports Complex, in Delhi, on Tuesday. Much was expected of wild card entrant Harinder Pal Sandhu, qualifiers Sandeep Jangra and Siddharth Suchde but the trio failed to impress in a star-studded field. Indian lifters shine at C'wealth Youth meet
Indian lifters continued their impressive show at the Commonwealth Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships winning seven more medals, including three gold, on the second day of the competition at Penang, Malaysia, on Tuesday. Yukar Sibi and Papul Changmai won the gold in junior men's 62kg and 69kg categories, respectively, while Reena bagged the yellow metal in junior women's 63kg. No 1 spot not far if my good run continues: Saina
Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal arrived in Hyderabad on Monday after clinching her third Super Series title of the year at the Hong Kong Open in Wanchai.

December 13, 2010

Yachting Association gets flak after Asiad silver
The Indian sailing team had to battle the odds and the association to clinch a silver medal at the recently-concluded Asian Games in Guangzhou. Arjuna Awardee Farokh Tarapore, who led the team, was vocal about his disagreement of the choice of coach. Lok Sabha congratulates Saina Nehwal
The Lok Sabha on Monday congratulated India's badminton queen Saina Nehwal, who won her third super series title of the year at the Hong Kong Open on Sunday. Rozario steps down as Bagan coach
Faced with intense pressure from supporters and officials alike, beleaguered Mohun Bagan coach Stanly Rozario on Monday stepped down from the hotseat for "greater interest of the club". Atwal nominated for 'Special Achievement Award'
Indian golfer Arjun Atwal's historic PGA title triumph on Monday fetched him a place in the list of nominees for the Asian Tour's Special Achievement Award along with Korean teen Noh Seung-yul and Thai legend Boonchu Ruangkit. 'Hong Kong win will make up for Asiad disappoint'
After clinching her career's fourth Super Series title with a thumping victory in the Hong Kong Open, ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal said the triumph has made up for the disappointment of last month's Asian Games debacle.

December 12, 2010

I-League: Odafe's double strike sinks Bagan
Odafe Okolie struck twice against Mohun bagan to guide Churchill Brothers to their first win in this season's I-League, at the Nehru Stadium in Margao on Sunday. Lahiri signs off tied 4th in Cambodian Open
Anirban Lahiri inched closer to retaining his Asian Tour card for next season by finishing a creditable tied fourth with a three-under 69 in the final round of the Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open golf tournament in Siem Reap, Cambodia on Sunday. HK title will make up for Asiad failure: Saina
After clinching her career's fourth Super Series title with a thumping victory in the Hong Kong Open, ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal on Sunday said the triumph has made up for the disappointment of last month's Asian Games debacle. Saina wins Hong Kong Open super series
Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal rallied to register a scintilliating three-game victory over Shixian Wang of China to clinch her third Super Series title of the year at the Hong Kong Open in Wanchai on Sunday.

December 11, 2010

Saina enters Hong Kong Super Series final
Saina Nehwal overcame a stiff challenge from Germany's Juliane Schenk to enter the final of the Hong Kong Super Series on Saturday. Second seed Saina registered a hardfought 21-19, 17-21, 21-12 victory. Pathania storms to victory in Mumbai
Mandeo Singh Pathania shot a gallant five under 65 in round four of the Crompton Greaves Open in Mumbai, on Saturday to climb the victory podium for the first time in his professional career.

December 10, 2010

Saina advances to Hong Kong Open semis
Saina Nehwal on Friday stormed into the semi-finals of the Hong Kong Super Series by exacting revenge on Pui Yin Yip for her heart-breaking quarter-final loss in the Asian Games, with a straight games thrashing of the local shuttler. After Beckham, Nadal to model Armani undies
Tennis World No 1 Rafael Nadal is following in the footsteps of soccer players David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo to model men's underwear for Italian designer Giorgio Armani. Vijay races ahead on day three
Vijay Kumar of Lucknow raced ahead into the lead after returning a five under 65 in the third round of the Crompton Greaves Open at the Bombay Presidency Golf Club Course, in Mumbai, on Friday. 'Foreign coaches do not suit Indian hockey'
As Indian hockey yet again finds itself in trouble over appointment of a national coach, the man who had brought first foreign coach to Indian hockey team -- KPS Gill, now feels that this experiment has been a "super flop" and we should look for a homegrown talent. Injuries hit Punj Lloyd PSA Masters
Injuries sustained by top players in this week's Saudi PSA World Open has taken a toll on the draw for next week's Punj Lloyd PSA Masters, the 10th and final PSA Super Series squash event of the year, to be held here from December 14-19. AIFF mulls hiring foreign doctor
Taking a leaf out of the Indian cricket board's book, the All India Football Federation is mulling hiring an experienced foreign doctor for its national team, which is currently undergoing a preparatory camp in Dubai for the January 7-29 Asian Cup in Doha.

December 09, 2010

Rafick sizzling 63 puts him on top
Kolkata's Rafick Ali Mollah shot a sizzling seven under 63 in round two of the Crompton Greaves Open that catapulted him into the lead at the Bombay Presidency Golf Club course, in Mumbai, on Thursday. Hong Kong Open: Saina in quarters, Kashyap out
Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal advanced to the quarter-finals of the Hong Kong Super Series with a comfortable straight-game win over Salakjit Ponsana of Thailand in Wanchai on Thursday. Ghana clubs in league pullout after raid
The Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) voted on Wednesday to pull its members out of all national leagues after a police raid on the local FA to seek information on sponsorship deals, the FA said. Indian Golf League set to tee off from Dec 10
Aimed at helping golf shed the tag of being an 'elitist' sport, the second edition of the Thomas Cook Indian Golf League -- open to both new and existing players -- will tee off on December 10 at the Golden Greens Golf and Country Club in Gurgaon.

December 08, 2010

Sandhu shoots a whirlwind 63, equals course record
While the focus was on fancied names Ashok Kumar, Manav Jaini and Mukesh Kumar, Delhi's Karanjit Singh Sandhu stole the show, shooting a whirlwind seven under 63 on day one of the Crompton Greaves Open in Mumbai to establish a three-stroke lead on top of the leader board. 'I'm confident of winning an Olympic medal'
The latest sprint queen of India Ashwini Chidananda interacts with her fans on Rediff Chat.

December 07, 2010

Delhi CWG organisers accused of owing millions
Organisers of this year's New Delhi Commonwealth Games were accused on Tuesday of owing companies millions of dollars and blocking equipment used for the opening and closing ceremonies from leaving India. Qatar to use cruise ship for WC accommodation
Qatar plans to use a cruise ship for accommodation when it hosts the soccer World Cup in 2022 but will need more short-term alternatives to avoid adding to an already oversupplied hotel market, analysts said.

December 06, 2010

Villarreal, Espanyol stay in touch with leaders
Villarreal and Espanyol clung to the coat-tails of the La Liga leaders on Sunday with home wins that owed much to their attractive style of attacking football. 'Shooters could have done better in Guangzhou'
Indian shooters could have done much better than winning just eight medals at the Guangzhou Asian Games last month, Beijing Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra said.

December 05, 2010

Rikard Karlberg lifts Indian Open
Manav Jaini's nerves got the better of him and he missed out on what could have been his biggest professional triumph as Swedish golfer Rikard Karlberg lifted the Hero Honda Indian Open title after a dramatic final round in New Delhi. Serbia win Davis Cup for first time
Serbia's Novak Djokovic pummelled France's Gael Monfils on Sunday to tie the Davis Cup final at 2-2 and set up a nailbiting climax later in the Belgrade Arena. World C'ship: Humpy beats Melissa Greeff
Top rated Koneru Humpy started off with an easy victory in the women's world championship opener but second highest Indian D Harika was held to a draw by compatriot Kruttika Nadig in the first game of the opening round in Hatay, Turkey on Sunday.

December 03, 2010

Saina eyes Hong Kong and India Open title
Asian Games loss still hurts but Saina Nehwal is overall satisfied with the way the year has unfolded and is now eyeing the Hong Kong Super Series and India Open title to end the season on a high. FIFA must look to own future after World Cup vote
FIFA has put to bed the thorny subject of World Cup hosting for the foreseeable future and will now have time to ponder its own path forwards after a tumultuous couple of months. Sharath, Subhajit to play in ITTF Pro Tour Finals
Ace Indian paddlers Sharath Kamal and Subhajit Saha will feature in the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Pro Tour Grand Finals that gets underway in Seoul from December 16-19.

December 02, 2010

Atwal struggles, Hyung-sung leads Indian Open
Off-season rust and a cold putter spoilt the day for star attraction Arjun Atwal even as course familiarity worked to the advantage of some unfancied names such as Sanjay Kumar and Shamim Khan in the opening round of the Hero Honda Indian Open Golf Tournament in New Delhi, on Thursday. Cricket is strangling other sports
'Why this disproportionate support for cricketers, who make a thousand times what a track-and-field medallist makes?' Spending plans of World Cup bidders
FIFA will choose the host nations for both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups in Zurich on Thursday. Following is a factbox on the spending plans detailed by each of the bidders. CWG scam: Bhanot, Verma likely to face arrest
Commonwealth Games (CWG) OC secretary general Lalit Bhanot and director general V K Verma face arrest after the duo is reportedly not co-operating with the CBI during investigations.

December 01, 2010

Dempo beat East Bengal 3-1 to win Super Cup
Captain Ranti Martins fired in a hat-trick as I-League champions Dempo beat East Bengal 3-1 to lift the Super Cup football tournament in Gurgaon on Wednesday. Ghosal, Joshna for Sr. National squash at CCI
Defending champion and top seed Saurav Ghosal leads a strong men's field that includes second seed Siddharth Suchde who is ranked No. 73 in the world, No. 3 Harinderpal Sandhu, and Sandeep Jangra, Gaurav Nandrajog and current Asian junior champion Ravi Dixit. Sudha almost quit sport due to illness in 2005
A prolonged bout of illness in 2005 had almost pushed Sudha Singh, who won a historic gold at the Asian Games in the steeplechase event, to the brink but the fear of losing her job with the Indian Railways kept her going. Tiger's event attracts top-notch field
Quality is the watchword at this week's Chevron World Challenge where 18 of the game's best players will be vying for supremacy in a $5 million event hosted by Tiger Woods.

November 30, 2010

China sponsored Indian women's water polo team
China sponsored Indian women's waterpolo team for Asian Games in Guangzhou and the Swimming Federation of India agreed to it after the Asian body sent an invitation, the SFI said on Tuesday. Glad to get Asiad gold but didn't expect it: Vikas
Teen sensation Vikas Krishan, who ended India's 12-year-old wait for a boxing gold at the Asian Games, on Tuesday said he never expected to clinch the yellow metal considering he was competing in his first international event at the senior level. Indian team can win Olympic medal in London: Brasa
The current Indian Hockey team has the potential to have a podium finish in the 2012 London Olympics but for this to happen the training system need to change, outgoing chief coach Jose Brasa said. Atwal aims for first Indian Open title since 1999
Short of practice but rejuvenated after a break, India's first PGA Tour title winning golfer Arjun Atwal on Tuesday said he is aiming to round off his consistent year by lifting the Hero Honda Indian Open for the first time in 11 years, this week. CWG scam: CBI raids homes of Kalmadi aides
The CBI on Monday carried out searches at 11 premises, including residences of four aides of Commonwealth Games (CWG) Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi, in connection with alleged irregularities in a Rs 107 crore contract for the Games result update system and registered cases against them.

November 29, 2010

I deserved better from the system: Brasa
All set to bid adieu to India after a bitter-sweet stint which is ending acrimoniously, chief hockey coach Jose Brasa on Monday said he deserved better from the system and refuted captain Rajpal Singh's allegations that he had been humiliating him. 15-year-old climber Chea on top of the world
After having thrown the organizers of a local fun fair into a tizzy by climbing an artificial wall without a harness at the age of three, Chea Marak has never looked back, or looked down. 'Psychatric sessions gave confidence for Asiad'
A first-round defeat in the Commonwealth Games hit him so badly that Indian boxer Manpreet Singh lost the will to continue before psychatric sessions at NIS Patiala revived his confidence and "guided" him to a silver medal at the just-concluded Asian Games. Jeev pulls out of Indian Open
Jeev Milkha Singh's season continues to be marred by injuries with a back problem on Monday forcing him out of this week's Hero Honda Indian Open at the Delhi Golf Club. I've done no wrong: Kalmadi
Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi, on Monday, said he was ready to answer all queries regarding corruption charges. He also claimed to have done no wrong and was willing to give a statement in Parliament.

November 28, 2010

Bhupathi-Mirnyi lose at London finals
The season-ending championship title eluded Mahesh Bhupathi yet again as the Indian Davis Cupper and his partner Max Mirnyi lost the summit clash of the World Tour Finals to Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimonjic in London on Sunday. 'Indian team was the best in Asian Games'
Disappointed with the bronze medal finish at the Asian Games, ace drag flicker Sandeep Singh on Sunday said that the Indian hockey team was the best in the quadrennial event but lack of video referral system deprived the team of a well-deserved victory against Malaysia in the semi-final. Asian Games medal winners in cue sports honoured
Thanks to their rich medal haul in the Guangzhou Asian Games, cueists Pankaj Advani, Alok Kumar and Yasin Merchant, among others, were on Sunday honoured at a felicitation programme organised by the Billiards & Snooker Federation of India (BSFI) and Karnataka State Billiards Association (KSBA). Warm welcome for Pakistan hockey players
The victorious Pakistan hockey team that won the gold medal at the Asian Games in Guangzhou was given a rapturous welcome on its return on Saturday night.

November 27, 2010

CWG OC official gets 11 days' judicial custody
A Delhi court on Saturday sent former CWG Organising Committee official M Jayachandran to 11 days' judicial custody in the case related to alleged financial bungling in conduct of the Queen's Baton Relay (QBR) in London last year. Vijender named flag bearer at Asiad closing
World number one boxer Vijender Singh, who braved a dislocated thumb to clinch a gold medal at the Asian Games, will be India's flag bearer at the closing ceremony of the mega-event Guangzhou on Saturday. Saina reclaims 2nd spot in world rankings
Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal, who had a disappointing Asian Games, rose a rung to reclaim a career-high second spot after 13 weeks in the latest Badminton World Federation rankings.

November 26, 2010

Vijender wins historic 2nd Asiad boxing gold
World number one Vijender Singh (75kg) clinched an unprecedented second boxing gold for India at the 16th Asian Games while two others settled for silver to round off the best ever campaign by the country's pugilists at the quadrennial mega-event, in Guangzhou, on Friday. Women's relay team power India to record gold haul
The women's team triumphed in the 4x400 metres relay as India created history by recording their best-ever medals haul at the Asian Games in Guangzhou, on Friday. Asiad: Sreedharan gets silver in 5000m
Preeja Sreedharan and Kavita Raut clocked their personal bests to clinch the silver and bronze respectively in the women's 5000m final of the Asian Games in Guangzhou on Friday. Asian Games: India men storm to kabaddi gold
The Indian men's team crushed Iran 36-17 to win the gold medal in kabaddi at the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, on Friday. Asiad: B'desh pip Afghanistan for cricket gold
Bangladesh dashed Afghanistan's hopes of a fairytale finish in the men's cricket final at the Asian Games on Friday to win their first gold at the multi-sport event. Asiad: Skater Yama clinches 2 bronze for India
Rollersports fetched India a couple of unexpected bronze medals with Anup Kumar Yama bagging one in the men's single free skating before combining with Avani Panchal to finish third in the pairs skating event in Guangzhou on Friday. No win for Indian doubles sepaktakraw teams
India ended its sepaktakraw campaign sans a win after both the men's and women's team lost their final group matches in the doubles event at the Asian Games in Guangzhou on Friday. Asiad: Indian women's kabaddi team clinch gold
Asserting their supremacy in the sport, India trounced Thailand 28-14 to clinch the inaugural women's kabaddi gold medal in the Asian Games in Guangzhou on Friday. Grappler Suman to wrestle for freestyle bronze
Indian women grappler Suman Kundu is in with a chance to bag the country's fourth bronze medal in wrestling as she will fight it out in the third-fourth place play-off bout, after losing in the semi-finals of the 63kg freestyle category in the Asian Games in Guangzhou on Friday. I have not been summoned by the CBI: Kalmadi
Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi, who is under the scanner of the CBI, on Thursday refused to talk about the Queen's Baton Relay controversy and said he has not been summoned by the CBI back home in India.

November 25, 2010

Dinesh Kumar wins silver in boxing
Dinesh Kumar had to settle for a silver in the men's boxing event in the Asian Games in Guangzhou on Thursday. Uzbekistan's Elshod Rasulov beat the Indian 10-4 in the in the 81kg category. Asian Games: Vikas wins gold in boxing
Vikas Krishan added to India's gold medals rush on Thursday when he beat China's Qing Hu in the final of the men's 60-kg boxing event at the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou. Asiad: Ashwini, Joseph win golds in 400m hurdles
Hurdlers Ashwini Chidananda and Joseph Abraham stole the limelight with gold medals while the Indian men's hockey team and talented middle distance runner Tintu Luka bagged the bronze as India added four more medals to their kitty on the 13th day of competitions in the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou on Thursday. Asian Games wrestling: Khatri wins bronze
Mausam Khatri on Thursday gave the Indian wrestling contingent its third medal at the ongoing Asian Games after bagging a bronze in the men's 96kg freestyle competition in Guangzhou. Liu Xiang banishes memories of Beijing misery
China's Liu Xiang clinched his third straight 110m hurdles title at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou on Wednesday to win a small measure of redemption after his disastrous Olympic title defence on home soil two years ago. Asiad: Luka wins bronze in women's 800m
India's Tintu Luka won the bronze medal in 800 metres event of the track and field competitions but team-mate Sinimole Paulose finished a disappointing seventh in the Asian Games in Guangzhou. Tushar's goal gives India Asiad medal after 8 year
Tushar Khandker fired in a field goal as India defeated holders South Korea by a solitary goal to win the bronze medal in the men's hockey competition of the Asian Games in Guangzhou. United States bid offers FIFA safe bet for success
Nothing illustrates the growth of soccer in the United States better than the realisation that hosting the 2022 World Cup there is now regarded as a safe option for FIFA, compared to 1994 when it was considered a risk. India well on course for sixth Asiad kabaddi gold
Five-time gold medallists and title favourites India stormed into the final of men's kabaddi competitions in the Asian Games with a comfortable victory over Japan in Guangzhou on Thursday. Asiad: Indian wrestlers woeful run continues
Indian grapplers dismal show in the Asian Games continued with Mausam Khatri and Rajeev Tomar crashing out in the first round of the men's fresstyle competitions in Guangzhou on Thursday.

November 24, 2010

Asiad: Gowda flops, Tintu impresses in athletics
Discus thrower Vikas Gowda came a cropper once again outside the home environs while P T Usha's protegee Tintu Luka impressed by recording the best time among women's 800m finalists on yet another medal-less day for India in the Asian Games athletics in Guangzhou on Wednesday. Asiad: Manpreet, Vijender make it to boxing finals
It was a good day for Indian boxers on Wednesday as Manpreet Singh and Vijender Singh reached the final of men's 91kg competition and 75 kg competition respectively at the Asian Games in Guangzhou. Asiad: Mary Kom, Kavita end with bronze medals
Indian women boxers ended their Asian Games campaign rather disappointingly with five-time World Champion M C Mary Kom (51kg) and Kavita Goyat (75kg) settling for bronze medals after losing in the semi-finals in Guangzhou on Wednesday. Vikas, Dinesh in finals; Bronze for Suranjoy
On a day that saw mixed results for India, teen sensation Vikas Krishan (60kg) and Dinesh Kumar (81kg) made their way into the finals with comprehensive wins but two other Indians had to settle for bronze medals at the Asian Games boxing semi-finals in Guangzhou on Wednesday. Asiad: Indian archer Tarundeep Rai creates history
Tarundeep Rai created history after he became the first Indian archer to win a silver in the men's individual archery event, in Guangzhou on Wednesday. Grapplers Ram Vir, Pradeep lose out on bronze
Indian grapplers Ram Vir (84kg) and Pradeep Kumar (66kg) cut a sorry figure as both lost their respective bronze medal play-offs in the freestyle wrestling competition to round off another disappointing day at the Asian Games in Guangzhou on Wednesday. Tripura CM, state tennis body congratulate Somdev
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar on Wednesday congratulated Somdev Devvarman for winning gold medal for India in the Asian Games. Asiad: Indian eves fail to defend bronze in hockey
The Indian women's hockey team finished a disappointing fourth in the Asian Games after Keiko Manabe's golden goal guided Japan to a 1-0 victory in the bronze meadal play-off match in Guangzhou on Wednesday. Kavita settles for bronze in Asiad women's boxing
Indian woman boxer Kavita Goyat (75kg) lost to China's Jinzi Li in the semi-finals and settled for a bronze medal in the Asian Games in Guangzhou on Wednesday. Skeet shooters end without medal in Asian Games
Indian skeet shooters signed off their Asian Games campaign without a medal after finishing seventh in the men's team event and failing to qualify for the individual competition. 'Zidane TV ad edges Qatar ahead in 2022 race'
The impact of a television advert featuring bid ambassador Zinedine Zidane has edged Qatar narrowly ahead in the race to host the 2022 World Cup finals, London bookmakers William Hill said on Tuesday. Second Uzbek athlete caught doping at Asian Games
The Olympic Council of Asia has urged Uzbekistan to investigate doping in their delegation after a second athlete was disqualified from the Asian Games on Wednesday for the same banned stimulant. Asiad: Indian eves bag bronze in squash
Indian women's squash team settled for a bronze medal in the Asian Games after slumping to a 0-2 defeat at the hands of favourites Malaysia in the semi-finals in Guangzhou on Wednesday.

November 23, 2010

Hockey coach Harendra quits after loss to Malaysia
Indian men's hockey team national coach Harendra Singh on Tuesday resigned from his post after his side crashed out of the Asian Games final with a 3-4 defeat by Malaysia in the second semifinal in Guangzhou, China. Asiad: Indian women joint top in chess
Indian women are on course for a chess medal as they scored an easy victory over Bangladesh to remain on joint top along with China after six rounds of the chess competition in the Asian Games in Guangzhou on Tuesday. Asian Games: Indian ruggers finish 7th
Indian men and women ruggers both finished seventh out of eight teams at the Asian Games rugby competition after winning their respective play-off matches on the final day of the event at the University Town Main Stadium in Guangzhou on Tuesday. Asiad: Malaysia edge India in hockey thriller
India's dream to win a gold medal in men's hockey event of the Asian Games came crashing down after they suffered a shocking 3-4 defeat at the hands of lower-ranked Malaysia in the second semi-final at the Aoti Hockey Field, in Guangzhou on Tuesday. Asian Games: Poonia settles for bronze
A below par Krishna Poonia had to settle for bronze in the women's discus throw on the third day of track and field competitions at the Asian Games in Guangzhou on Tuesday. Asiad: Wrestler Dharmender misses bronze
Dharmender Dalal cut a sorry figure as he lost his bronze medal play-off match in the men's 120kg Greco-Roman wrestling competitions to round off another disappointing day for Indian grapplers in the Asian Games in Guangzhou on Tuesday. Asiad: Indian shooters struggle in skeet event
Indian shooters will have a tough task at hand to finish on the podium after all three of them ended day one of the qualification round at the middle of the points table in the Asian Games. India eyes MotoGP in 2012
The promoters of India's inaugural Formula One Grand Prix in 2011 are in talks with MotoGP bosses to bring the world motorcycling championship to the country, a company spokesman said on Tuesday. Asiad: Indian eves disappoint in individual race
Indian eves came a cropper in the Individual road race competition with Mahita Mohan and Pana Chaudhary finishing 20th and 26th in the event at the Triathlon Venue, in Guangzhou on Tuesday. Asiad: Somdev wins gold in tennis singles
Somdev Devvarman created history by becoming the first Indian to win a gold medal in the men's singles tennis event of the Asian Games after outplaying top seed and world number 44 Denis Istomin 6-1, 6-2 in the lop-sided summit clash in Guangzhou on Tuesday. Asiad: Deepika loses in bronze-medal play-off
India's Deepika Kumari missed out on a medal as she lost to Kwon Un Sil of North Korea in the bronze-medal play-off of the women's individual archery event in the Asian Games. Dharmender keeps India's hopes alive
Indian grappler Dharmender Dalal lost his quarter-final bout and will compete in the repechage round to keep India's bronze medal hopes alive in men's 120kg category Greco-Roman event of the Asian Games. Asiad: Indian men and women in squash semis
Indian eves qualified for the semi-finals of the squash team event despite a 0-3 drubbing at the hands of Hong Kong while the Saurav Ghosal led men's team made the last-four grade of the Asian Games with a crushing 3-0 win over South Korea in Guangzhou. CBI may arrest Kalmadi soon: Report
The Central Bureau of Investigation, on Tuesday said that it has collected concrete documentary evidence against the CWG organising committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi.

November 22, 2010

Asiad: Indian women chess team continue fine show
Indian women drubbed Mongolia to climb to the joint top position while their male counterparts slipped to the fourth spot with a shocking defeat at the hands of lower-rated Philippines after the fifth round of the chess competitions in the Asian Games in Guangzhou on Monday. Asian Games: Bright start for Indian squash team
Spearheaded by Saurav Ghosal and Joshna Chinappa, Indian men's and women's racqueters came out with a heartening performance to end the day on an unbeaten note in the squash team events of the Asian Games, in Guangzhou on Monday. Asiad: Indian athletes draw blank
After opening their track and field campaign in a spectacular fashion with two gold and a silver on Sunday, Indian athletes came a cropper on Monday as they failed to collect a single medal on the second day of the competitions in Guangzhou. Asiad Hockey: Indian eves lose to holders China
An injury-struck India were beaten 1-2 by defending champions China in their last league match in the Asian Games women's hockey competitions on Monday and would now play Japan on November 24 in the bronze medal play-off at the Aoti Hockey Field in Guangzhou. Indian women spikers crash out of Asian Games
Indian women spikers suffered their third successive defeat in the Asian Games, going down 0-3 to Chinese Taipei in their last preliminary Group B match at the Guangwai Gymnasium in Guangzhou on Monday. Boxer Santosh assured of medal in 64-kg category
Pugilist Santosh Kumar assured India of at least a bronze medal after advancing to the semi-finals of the 64-kg category with a hard-fought victory over Mangolia's Tuvshinbat Byamba in Guangzhou on Monday. Asiad: India's Jamesboy enters canoe single final
India's Jamesboy Singh reached the final of the men's Canoe Single 200m of the Asian Games in Guangzhou on Monday. Indian grapplers out of medal contention
After an impressive opening day on the mat, Indian wrestlers cut a sorry figure at the Asian Games today with the trio of Manoj Kumar, Anil Kumar and Sanjay finishing out of the medal bracket in their respective weight categories of the Greco-Roman competitions in Guangzhou. Asiad: Somdev-Sanam win sixth gold for India
Somdev Devvarman on Monday, became the first Indian to reach the men's singles final in the history of the Asian Games before winning the men's doubles gold with Sanam Singh but Sania Mirza and Vishnu Vardhan had to be content with a silver in the tennis competitions. 'Shorter ATP season step in the right direction'
Roger Federer gave a cautious thumbs up on Sunday to the ATP's decision to shorten the men's calendar by two weeks from 2012. Rugby team in last 8 despite losing to Korea
Despite suffering heavy defeats in all three league matches, the Indian men's rugby team on Monday qualified for the quarter-finals of the Asian Games as only nine teams are in the fray. Mary Kom, Kavita in Asiad women's boxing semis
Five-time world champion M C Mary Kom (51kg) and Kavita Goyat (75kg) assured India of at least two bronze medals in women's boxing by advancing to the semifinals with contrasting wins at the Asian Games, in Guangzhou on Monday. Kamel blasts Bahrain officials after Asiad failure
World champion Yusuf Saad Kamel blasted Bahrain team officials after crashing out of the 1,500 metres at the Asian Games on Monday, saying they had forced him to run with a painful knee injury. Indian men secure team bronze in archery
The Indian trio of Jayanta Talukdar, Rahul Banerjee and Mangal Singh Champia fought through challenging conditions to clinch the men's team bronze after beating Chinese Taipei in the Archery competition of the Indian women make winning start in Asiad kabaddi
India swamped Bangladesh 34-20 in their opening encounter as women's kabaddi made its Asian Games debut in Guangzhou on Monday. Ghosal leads India to second straight victory
Spearheaded by their number one player and individual bronze medalist Sourav Ghosal, India blanked Japan 3-0 to notch their second straight preliminary league victory in Asian Games men's team squash competition in Guangzhou on Monday. Fahey re-elected to second term as WADA president
Former Australian finance minister John Fahey was re-elected to a second three-year term as president of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on Sunday.

November 21, 2010

Rudisha, Vlasic named IAAF athletes of year
Kenyan 800 metres runner David Rudisha, who set 2010's only major world record, and world indoor high jump champion Blanka Vlasic of Croatia were named IAAF Athletes of the year on Sunday. Asiad: Indian men slip, women go second in chess
Grandmaster GN Gopal's defeat against Ni Hua cost India dearly as it lost the fourth round match to higher rated China in the men's chess team event to slip to the second position in the Asian Games in Guangzhou on Sunday. Asiad: Sandeep brace gives India win over Japan
Sandeep Singh fired in two penalty corner goals as India defeated Japan 3-2 to notch up their fourth consecutive win and finish at the top of Group B in the hockey competitions of the Asian Games in Guangzhou on Sunday. Asiad: Indian boxers assured of bronze medals
The impressive show of the Indian pugilists continued at the Asian Games as Vikas Krishan and Manpreet Singh assured themselves of bronze medals in the men's ring and Preeti Beniwal scored a dominating win on the debut day of women's boxing at the mega sports event in Guangzhou on Sunday. Asiad: Sudha bags India's 2nd gold in athletics
In a sparkling show, Sudha Singh fetched India's second gold medal in track and field events and fifth overall by winning the 3000m Steeplechase event with her personal-best timing in Guangzhou on Sunday. Asiad: Indian men spikers crash out in quarters
Indian men spikers' dream run in the Asian Games came to a screeching halt after they were thumped 0-3 by Thailand in the quarter-finals at the Zhongda Gymnasium in Guangzhou on Sunday. Asian Games: 2 bronze medals for Indian wrestlers
Ending India's three-decade medal drought in the Asian Games Greco-Roman Wrestling, Ravinder Singh and Sunil Rana bagged bronze medals in the 60kg and 66kg categories respectively on the opening day of competitions in Guangzhou on Sunday. Asian Games: Erractic Sania clinches bronze
India's hopes of a gold medal in the women's singles tennis event at the Asian Games were dashed when Sania Mirza settled for a bronze after losing to third seed Akgul Amanmuradova in the semi-finals. Asiad: Indian women archers claim bronze medal
In a pioneering effort, Indian women archers won their maiden team medal -- a bronze -- after losing a thrilling semi-final battle to World and Olympic Champions South Korea, which was decided by a shootout at the Aoti range in Guangzhou on Sunday. Asiad: Preeja Sreedharan wins track & field gold
India tasted double success in the track and field at the Asian Games after Preeja Sreedharan and Kavita Raut won the gold and silver medals respectively in the women's 10,000m race in Guangzhou on Sunday. Sodhi wins India's first gold in shooting at Asiad
Ronjan Sodhi ended Indian shooters' gold drought at the ongoing Asian Games by grabbing the yellow metal in the men's double trap individual event in Guangzhou, on Sunday.

November 20, 2010

India at the Asian Games: Day 8
India's performance on day seven of the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, on Saturday. Asiad: Indian eves swamp Kazak
Rani Rampal scored three goals as Indian eves kept alive their bronze medal hopes in the hockey competitions at the Asian Games with a thumping 6-0 win over Kazakhstan in their penultimate round robin match at the Aoti Hockey Field. Asiad chess: Indian men strengthen position at top
Grandmaster GN Gopal scored an upset victory over a higher rated opponent as India outsmarted Kazakhstan in the men's chess team event and strengthened their position as sole leaders after the third round in the Asian Games. Asiad: Sailors give India a silver
India finished the Asian Games sailing competition at the Shanwei Water Sports Centre in Guangzhou on Saturday with a sole silver medal in Open Match Racing following a fight for the gold with Japan. Asiad Boxing: Vijender enters semi-finals
World number one Vijender Singh (75kg) out-slugged Korea's Deokjin Cho to enter the semi-finals and assure himself of at least a bronze medal in the boxing competition of the Asian Games in Guangzhou. Aditya grabs fourth medal in cue sports
Aditya Mehta grabbed the bronze in snooker singles final after losing to Hong Kong's Fu Ka Chun Marco 1-4 in the semi-finals to bring bring down curtains on the Indian challenge in cue sports with a medal in the Asian Games on Saturday. Asiad: Golfers clinch silver
They missed out on individual medals but Indian golfers had a successful outing collectively retaining the men's team silver in the Asian Games in Guangzhou. Gebrselassie return prompted by passionate appeals
Passionate appeals from the Ethiopian public persuaded marathon world record holder Haile Gebrselassie to change his mind about retiring, the athlete told reporters on Friday. Asiad: Indian athletes aim to build on CWG show
After the unexpectedly strong display at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, in which they garnered 12 medals, Indian track and field exponents would aim to prove that it was no flash-in-the-pan effort when they open their campaign in the Asian Games athletics events starting in Guangzhou, on Sunday.

November 19, 2010

Asiad: Lifters disappointing run comes to an end
India ended their miserable campaign in the weightlifting competition with Geeta Rani and Sarabjit Singh coming a cropper in the women's +75kg and men's +105kg events in the Asian Games in Guangzhou on Friday. Asiad archery: Deepika qualifies for second stage
Teenage archer Deepika Kumari led the Indian women's archery team into the pre-quarterfinals of the Asian Games competition with a creditable display, which also helped her qualify for the next round along with another budding youngster Rimil Buriuly. Indian men spank Uzbekistan 4-0
Grandmaster P Harikrishna pulled off an upset win over Rustam Kasimdzhanov to lead India to a 4-0 drubbing of Uzbekistan and jump to the top of the table after the second round in the men's chess team competition in the Asian Games in Guangzhou. Hidayat crashes out of Asian Games badminton
Former Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat exited meekly from the Asian Games badminton tournament on Friday, dashing hopes for a repeat of the 2006 grudge match with bitter rival Lin Dan. Asaid: Indian eves crush Thailand 13-0
Captain Surinder Kaur pumped in four goals to power India to a thumping 13-0 victory over minnows Thailand in the Asian Games women's hockey round robin league to keep themselves in the reckoning for a bronze medal in Guangzhou. Asiad: Advani bows out of snooker singles event
Pankaj Advani's hopes of winning another medal at the Asian Games were cut short by China's Junhui Ding but Aditya Mehta kept the Indian challenge alive by advancing into the quarter-finals of the snooker singles event at the Town Gymnasium. Asiad: Uzbek Judo medalist fails drug test
Uzbek judo silver medallist Shokir Muminov has been disqualified after testing positive for the banned stimulant methylhexaneamine, an Olympic Council of Asia official said on Friday. India at the Asian Games: Day 7
India's performance on day seven of the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, on Friday. Sania enters quarters; Somdev, Karan in last 16
Sania Mirza toppled sixth seed Chinese Shuai Zhang to seal a quarter-final berth in the women's singles while Somdev Devvarman and Karan Rastogi routed their rivals to move to pre-quarterfinals of the men's singles in the Asian Games on Friday. Asian Games Boxing: Dinesh assured of medal
Commonwealth champion Dinesh Kumar became the second Indian boxer to assure himself of a medal at the Asian Games by advancing to the light heavyweight 81kg semifinals after out-punching Korean Jinho Heo at Guangzhou on Friday. India trap team wins bronze; no individual medals
India's veteran shooting trio of Manavjit Singh Sandhu, Mansher Singh and Zoravar Singh Sandhu managed to edge out hosts China by one point for the team bronze medal in the two-day Asian Games men's trap event that concluded on Friday. Asian Games Squash: Saurav Ghosal enters semis
Ace racqueter Saurav Ghosal kept the Indian hopes alive by progressing into the semi-finals of the men's singles squash event, even as the women players Joshna Chinappa and Dipika Pallikal bow out of the medal contention at the Asian Games. Shooting coach Thomas to quit after dismal show
India's chief national shooting coach for 17 years, Sunny Thomas, today said he will quit his post after the Asian Games owing to the dismal display in the ongoing event at Guangzhou. Rowers fetch another silver for India
Indian rowers continued to sizzle at the Asian Games with the men's team winning the silver in the men's eight event at Guangzhou on Friday. Asiad hockey: Indian men take on Pakistan
India are all set to cross swords with Pakistan in a high-octave men's group B clash in what is billed as the 'big moment' of the Asian Games hockey competition at the Aoti field on Saturday, with the latter looking to avenge their three previous defeats to their arch-rivals this year. Asian Games Rowing: women's pair wins bronze
Indian rowers continued to break new grounds at the Asian Games with the duo of Pratima Puhara and Pramila Prava Minz becoming the first women's pair from the country to clinch a medal at the event by fetching a bronze on Friday. Takhar wins India's 2nd gold at Asian Games
Bajrang Lal Takhar on Friday created history by becoming the first ever Indian rower to win a gold medal in the Asian Games by winning the men's singles sculls competition in Guangzhou. Starting in lane 3, the Indian Army officer, led the 2000m race right from the start and went on to take gold with a timing of 7:04.78.

November 18, 2010

Taiwan Prez enters Asian Games taekwondo dispute
Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou stepped into the politically-charged dispute over a disqualified taekwondo fighter on Thursday, demanding event organisers at China's Asian Games re-examine her case and offer a better explanation. Asian Games: Indians book berth in squash quarters
The Indian squash teams got off to a good start at the 16th Asian Games with both the men's and the women's team progressing to the quarter-finals of the squash singles event at the Town Gymnasium, in Guangzhou on Thursday. Asiad: Men's 4x100m relay team finish sixth
A second medal eluded India in the swimming competitions of the Asian Games as its men's 4x100m medley relay team finished a disappointing sixth in the finals at the Asian Games in Guangzhou on Thursday. Boxers Samota, Suranjoy advance at Asian Games
Paramjeet Samota assured India of a medal after punching his way into the semi-finals of the super heavyweight category while Suranjoy Singh survived a tense bout to book a berth in the quarters (flyweight) in the boxing competition at the Asian Games in Guangzhou on Thursday. India at the Asian Games: Day 6
India's performance on day six of the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, on Thursday. Asian Games: Golfer Rashid tied third after Day 2
Indian golfer Rashid Khan brought home an improved card of four-under 68 to lie tied third after the second round of the individual golf competition at the Asian Games in Guangzhou on Thursday. Vijay Kumar wins bronze in 25m centre fire pistol
Vijay Kumar notched up his second and India's fifth medal in shooting by bagging a bronze in men's 25m center fire pistol even as ace marksman Gagan Narang missed out on a bronze by whisker in 50m rifle 3 positions in the Asian Games at Guangzhou on Thursday. Sharath beaten, Indian dream ends in Table Tennis
India's campaign in table tennis competitions in the Asian Games came to a disappointing end on Thursday with star paddler Achanta Sharath Kamal and Anthony Amalraj bowing out in the pre-quarterfinals of the men's singles event at the Guangzhou Gymnasium. Dismal day for Indian shuttlers; Jwala,Diju exit
Indian shuttlers had a dismal day in Asian Games on Thursday as men's singles player Aravind Bhat and mixed doubles pair of Jwala Gutta and V Diju crashed out of the badminton competition at Guangzhou. Indian rowers fetch two silver in Asian Games
India on Thursday won two unexpected medals in rowing with the men's four and lightweight four teams bagging a silver each in the Asian Games at Guangzhou. Sania cruises into women's singles second round
Ace Indian tennis star Sania Mirza sailed into the pre-quarterfinals of the women's singles event at the Asian Games with straight set victory over Wing Yau Venise Chan of Hong Kong on Thursday. India's campaign ends in men's singles badminton
India's campaign ended in the men's singles badminton competition after Arvind Bhatt crashed out in the pre-quarterfinals of the Asian Games in Guangzhou on Thursday.

November 17, 2010

Injured Sandhyarani claims wushu silver for India
India's Sandhyarani Devi had to be content with a silver medal in the Asian Games wushu competition after losing to defending champion Khadijeh Azadpour of Iran in the final of the women's 60 kg class at the Nansha Gymnasium in Guangzhou. Asiad: Saina enters quarter-finals in badminton
Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal cruised into the second round of the women's singles at the Asian Games after steamrolling Lydia Cheah of Malaysia in the second round in Guangzhou on Wednesday. We will give all the answers: Kalmadi on CWG mess
The Delhi Commonwealth Games corruption probe is gaining steam after the arrest of two former Organising Committee officials but an unfazed OC chairman Suresh Kalmadi on Wednesday said he would give "satisfactory answers" to the government panel investigating the matter. India at the Asian Games: Day 5
India's performance on day five of the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, on Wednesday. Boxing: Vikas storms into last 16
Vikas Krishnan became the second Indian boxer to book a pre-quarterfinal berth at the Asian Games after the teenager beat Thailand's Saylom Ardee in his opening round bout in the men's 60-kg category, in Gaungzhou, on Wednesday. Asiad: Indian shooters' dismal show continues
Indian shooters put up a dismal show on another windy day as they drew a blank for the third day in running with only pistol expert and 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games hero Samaresh Jung coming up with something notable in the Asian Games in Guangzhou, on Wednesday. Khade fails to qualify for 100m freestyle final
After ending India's 24-year-old medal drought in the pool at the Asian Games, teen swimming sensation Virdhawal Khade topped his 100m freestyle heats but the effort was not good enough to fetch a place in the finals of the event, in Guangzhou, on Wednesday.

November 16, 2010

Kalmadi hails Ashish, Khade bronze-winning efforts
Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi hailed the bronze-medal feats of swimmer Virdharval Khade and gymnast Ashish Kumar in the 16th Asian Games, saying their performance proved that India had made rapid progress in disciplines like swimming and gymnastics. Ashish creates history with bronze in gymnastics
Ashish Kumar scripted history on Tuesday when he became the first Indian gymnast to clinch an Asian Games medal by securing a bronze in the men's floor event of the Artistic Gymnastics, in Guangzhou. India at the Asian Games: Day 4
India's performance on day four of the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhour, on Tuesday. Khade creates history with Asiad bronze
Virdhawal Khade scripted history on Tuesday as he became the first Indian swimmer in 24 years to clinch an Asian Games medal by notching up a bronze in the 50m butterfly event in Guangzhou. Asian Games: Suranjoy books berth in pre-quarters
Suranjoy Singh gave a resounding start to India's boxing campaign at the Asian Games by entering the flyweight (52kg) pre-quarterfinals with a thumping win over Thailand's Chatchai Butdee in Guangzhou on Tuesday. Asiad: Shuttler Aditi enters 2nd round
Aditi Mutatkar braved a calf injury en route to a straight-game triumph over Sri Lanka's Thilini Jayasinghe as Indian shuttlers began their individual campaigns at the Asian Games on a bittersweet note in Guangzhou on Tuesday. Indian shooters misfire again at Asian Games
After their cornering glory in the Commonwealth Games and a promising start to the competitions in Guangzhou, the much touted Indian shooters drew a blank at the range for the second day running at the Asian Games on Tuesday with the pistol markswomen way off target. 'Irregularities in hosting CWG to be examined'
All 'irregularities' in run up to hosting the just-concluded Commonwealth Games will be examined and the guilty will not be spared, the Government assured the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. Asiad: Indian eves go down to Japan in hockey
After their opening match high, the Indian hockey eves got a reality check when they were handed out a 0-3 defeat by Japan in their second pool game at the Asian Games in Guangzhou on Tuesday. Indian cyclists fail to qualify for team pursuit
Indian cyclists failed to enter the main round of the men's team pursuit event after finishing ninth in the qualifying round of the Asian Games in Guangzhou on Monday. China organisers rapped over 'sold-out' stadiums
Despite a rampant home team and a legion of passionate fans, organisers of the Guangzhou Asian Games were embarrassed into issuing more tickets on Monday to bolster disappointing crowds. Asian Games: Another dull day for Indian paddlers
India endured another disappointing day in table tennis competitions at the Asian Games with only the men's doubles pair of Achanta Sharath Kamal and Subhajit Saha progressing to the pre-quarters stage at the Guangzhou Gymnasium in Guangzhou on Tuesday. Soccer fans want China coach sacked
Angry Chinese fans demanded the resignation of China's football coach Sun Wei after his team were knocked out of the Asian Games following a 3-0 thrashing by South Korea in a last 16 match on Monday. Asian Games: Khade enters 50m butterfly finals
Virdhawal Khade was once again the lone Indian swimmer to create a splash in the pool, qualifying for the men's 50m butterfly event even as the rest of his compatriots continued to disappoint at the Asian Games in Guangzhou on Tuesday. Indians suffer another loss in beach volleyball
The Indian duo of Jameeludd Mohammed and Ravinder Redd Sara started their beach volleyball campaign at the Asian Games on a losing note suffering a 0-2 defeat at the hands of their Japanese opponents in their opening pool match in Guangzhou on Tuesday. Asian Games: Indian duo makes Wushu semi-finals
M Bimoljit Singh and Wangkhem Sandhyarani Devi entered the semi-finals of the men's and women's Sanshou 60kg wushu competition in the Asian Games in Gunagzhou on Monday.

November 15, 2010

China and South Korea gunfight rages on
China and South Korea's ferocious gunfight at the 2010 Asian Games continued on Monday, the two rivals hogging all eight titles in the Aoti Shooting Hall in Guangzhou. CBI arrests Darbari, Mahendroo on QBR muddle
The CBI on Monday stepped into the Commonwealth Games corruption muddle and arrested two sacked senior officials of the Games Organising Committee on charges of forgery and cheating relating to the Queen's Baton Relay in London last year. Asiad: Khade finishes 4th in 50m freestyle
Virdhawal Khade narrowly missed out on a medal and ended up fourth in the 50m freestyle event just 0.03 seconds behind the eventual bronze-medallist on yet another disappointing day for Indian swimmers at the Asian Games in Guangzhou on Monday. India bag silver in Asian Games snooker team event
India had to be content with a silver medal in the men's snooker team event at the ongoing Asian Games after losing their summit clash 1-3 to hosts China at the Town Gymnasium in Guangzhou on Monday. 'Emperor' Gebrselassie in retirement U-turn
Marathon world record holder Haile Gebrselassie reversed his decision to retire and will continue to run competitively. CWG probe: ED may summon Bhanot
Widening its probe into alleged violations of the country's forex laws in the run up to the 2010 Commonwealth Games, the Enforcement Directorate may now summon Secretary General of Organising Committee Lalit Bhanot. India at the Asian Games: Day 3
A look at India's performance on day three of the 2010 Asian Games, on Monday. Indian shooters flop in windy conditions at Asiad
Indian shooters flopped on a windy day at the Aoti Shooting range with the country's first woman world champion Tejaswini Sawant and Gagan Narang ending up way off target in their respective events at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, on Monday. Asiad: Shooter Tejaswini Sawant draws a blank
India's first woman world champion in shooting, Tejaswini Sawant, surprisingly drew a blank in the Asian Games as she failed to even qualify for the finals of the 50m rifle prone event at the Aoti Range in Guangzhou on Monday. Shooters out of medal race in 50m rifle prone
Swirling wind conditions on an overcast day upset India's hopes for a medal in the men's 50m rifle prone event in the Asian Games as the country's shooting trio, including Gagan Narang, failed to advance to the finals at the Aoti shooting range in Guangzhou on Sunday. Asiad: Yadav loses in men's Judo repechage final
Indian judoka Ramashrey Yadav's hopes of winning an Asian Games bronze medal went up in smoke as he lost in the men's 73kg repechage final at the Huagong Gymnasium in Guangzhou on Monday. Asian Games hockey: India spank Hong Kong 7-0
Ace drag-flicker Sandeep Singh scored a double as the Indian men's hockey team started their Asian Games campaign on a rousing note, blanking a lowly Hong Kong 7-0 in their first Group B match in Guangzhou on Monday. More disappointment in the pool for Kitajima
Multiple Olympic gold medallist Kosuke Kitajima again suffered disappointment at the Asian Games in Guangzhou on Monday after the Japanese could only finish fourth in his favoured 100m breaststroke. Asian Games: Mixed outing for Indian paddlers
Indian paddlers endured a mixed day in individual Table Tennis events of the Asian Games with only Kumaresan Shamini making it to the second round of the mixed and women's singles event in Guangzhou on Monday. CBI raids homes of former CWG officials
CBI on Monday registered two cases in connection with alleged irregularities during the Queen's Batons Relay in London and carried out searches at CWG Organising Committee's office and at residences of some of the Games' former officials. Asiad: Khade qualifies for 50m freestyle finals
Virdhawal Khade was the lone Indian swimmer who made an impression by making the cut for the 50m freestyle finals while the rest fell by the wayside in the qualifying stages of their respective events in the Asian Games in Guangzhou on Monday. Rossi undergoes successful shoulder surgery
Former MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi had successful shoulder surgery on Sunday and should be fully fit for next season. Asian Games: India snooker team in final
India's good run in cue sports continued for the second day in a row after thrashing arch-rivals Pakistan in the men's snooker team semi-finals. Now, India is assured of at least a silver medal in the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou on Monday. China's Li sets weightlifting world records
China's Li Ping set world marks in both the snatch and the combined total on her way to winning gold in the women's 53-kg weightlifting at the Asian Games on Sunday. Jeev ends tied 16th in Singapore Open
Indian golfer Jeev Milkha Singh returned a steady two-under 69 in the final round to sign off tied 16th in the Barclays Singapore Open in Singapore on Monday.

November 14, 2010

India open hockey campaign against HK in Asiad
Indian men's hockey team starts its Asian Games campaign against minnows Hong Kong in Guangzhou on Monday, well aware that only a gold medal in the event would open the door for a direct entry to the 2012 London Olympics. Alok ends India's medal drought in Pool events
National billiards champion Alok Kumar on Sunday became the first Indian to win an Asian Games medal in pool events by clinching bronze in the men's 8-ball category despite losing in the semi-finals in Guangzhou. Asiad roundup: Advani opens gold account
Star cueist Pankaj Advani provided the first gold medal for India in the 16th Asian Games by clinching the title in billards singles while the shooters accounted for a silver and bronze on the second day of competitions in Guangzhou on Sunday. Sania raring to go at the Asiad
Indian tennis player Sania Mirza, who pulled out of the women's team championship due to throat and ear infection and is under medication, will take part in the singles and mixed doubles individual events in the Asian Games in Guangzhou. Mixed day for Indians in chess in Asian Games
After an all-win start on Saturday, Indians on Sunday had a mixed day with both men and women chess players losing to higher-rated opponents in the fourth round in the Asian Games in Guangzhou. India suffer second loss in Asian Games handball
India suffered their second consecutive loss, going down 28-37 against Qatar in a Group A match of the Asian Games' handball competition in Guangzhou on Sunday. Indian shooters bag silver and bronze medal
The star-studded shooting squad kept the Indian medal hunt firmly on course at the Asian Games when the women's 10m air pistol team culled a silver while Vijay Kumar turned around a poor qualifying display to clinch a bronze medal in the men's event in Guangzhou on Sunday. Indian lifters finish 9th, 11th in men's 62kg
Indian weightlifters continued to disappoint with Rustam Sarang and Omkar Otari finishing ninth and 11th in the men's 62kg category on the second day of the competition in the Asian Games in Guangzhou on Sunday. CWG: CIC summons Organising Committee and IOA
The Central Information Commission (CIC) has asked Organising Committee of the Commonwealth Games to submit all the documents related to alleged discrepancies in the ticketing, Queen's Baton Relay and the conduct of the Games. 'Jai Ho' to enthrall at Asiad closing ceremony
The closing ceremony of 16th Asian Games being held at Guangzhou, China, will have a pinch of Bollywood flavour as the audiences will get a chance to dance to the tunes of A R Rahman's 'Jai Ho'. Advani wins gold in Asian Games Billiards singles
Defending champion Pankaj Advani notched up India's first gold medal in this edition of the Asian Games in men's Billiards singles event after defeating Oo Nay Thway Oo of Myanmar 3-2 in Guangzhou on Sunday. Asian Games: Indian women shooters win silver
Indian women shooters Heena Sidhu, Annu Raj Singh and Sonia Rai opened their account at the Asian Games by winning the silver medal in the 10m Air Pistol team event in Guangzhou on Sunday. Asian Games: Vijay Kumar wins bronze in shooting
Shooting fetched yet another medal for India as Vijay Kumar won the bronze in the 10m air pistol individual event of the Asian Games, even as Gurpreet Kumar and Omkar Singh failed to qualify for the finals in Guangzhou on Sunday.

November 13, 2010

Asian Games: Shooters shine but India have bad day
Star shooter Gagan Narang on Saturday launched India's medal quest in the 16th Asian Games with two silver medals on an otherwise unproductive opening day of competitions which was marked by the controversial elimination of Olympic hero Abhinav Bindra. Chinese fans cheer cricket on its Games debut
After Chinese spectators sat through a short video explaining the basics of the game, cricket made its Asian Games debut on Saturday. Mixed day for Indian paddlers at Asian Games
India's women paddlers had a mixed day at the team event of the Asian Games as they beat Laos 3-0 but lost to Singapore by the same margin in Group B at Guangzhou Gymnasium on Saturday. Asian Games: Indian weightlifters fail to impress
Indians expectedly finished in the bottom half of the results chart in the weightlifting events on the first day of the competition in the Asian Games in Guangzhou on Saturday. Equestrian team withdrawn from Asian Games
The Sports Ministry on Saturday asked the IOA to withdraw Vikram Singh Bhandari from the Kayaking and Canoeing team of the Indian Asian Games contingent besides taking back its approval of participation for the Equestrian team in the ongoing mega event in Guangzhou, China. Narang wins silver, Bindra disappoints
Ace shooter Gagan Narang picked up his and India's second medal at the Asian Games by netting the silver in the 10m air rifle individual event but Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra disappointed by failing to even qualify for the finals at Guangzhou on Saturday. Asiad: Men's tennis team in quarters, eves ousted
Led by Somdev Devvarman, India's men's tennis team breezed into the quarter-finals but Sania Mirza's absence cost the women's team dearly as it crashed out of the Asian Games in Guangzhou on Saturday. Shooters open India's Asian Games account
India opened its Asian Games medal account expectedly through shooting with the trio of Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra, Gagan Narang and Sanjeev Rajput clinching the silver in the 10m air rifle team event in Guangzhou on Saturday. Asian Games: Shuttlers bow out of team event
Indian challenge in badminton ended in both, the men's and women's team events in the Asian Games in Guangzhou on Saturday.

November 12, 2010

Cricket's future in doubt at Asian Games
With India's no show making cricket's debut in the Asian Games a tame affair, the sport's future in the event seems in doubt and desperate efforts are on to save it from being left out of the 2014 edition in Incheon, South Korea. Security tightens ahead of Asiad opening ceremony
Guangzhou residents living near the site for Friday's Asian Games opening ceremony could be watching the visual spectacular with a policeman in their living room as security measures tighten around the venue. Djokovic bows out, trio clinch ATP finals slots
Holder Novak Djokovic was knocked out of the Paris Masters by Frenchman Michael Llodra as Andy Roddick, Tomas Berdych and David Ferrer secured the final three places for the season-ending ATP Tour finals on Thursday.

November 11, 2010

5,61,909 tickets sold at Delhi Games
The Sports Ministry on Thursday informed Lok Sabha that the total number of tickets printed by the Organising Committee for all the events of the 2010 Commonwealth Games were 11,42,048 and out of these, only half had been brought by the spectators. History of the Asian Games
History of the Asian Games ahead of the 16th edition which opens in Guangzhou on November 12. 'India's bid for 2019 Asian Games still on'
Contrary to what has been depicted, India's bid for the 2019 Asian Games was still on and the Indian Olympic Association was in the process of sending a bid document to the Olympic Council of Asia in time to meet the February, 2011 deadline, IOA secretary-general Randhir Singh said in Guangzhou. Indian flag to be raised at Guangzhou
The Indian contingent for the Asian Games, commencing in Guangzhou on Friday, is getting into the groove and the country's tri-colour would be raised on Thursday afternoon at the athletes village. 'Tough competition for shooters at Asian Games'
Scheduling of the big events such as Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games in quick succession may have a bearing on the form of India's top shooters, according to national shooting coach Sunny Thomas. Houghton may quit if India fail at Asian Cup
His contract runs till 2013 after a recent renewal but India football coach Bob Houghton has hinted that he may quit if his side does not produce a good show at the 2011 Asian Cup.

November 10, 2010

Fans pay respect on anniversary of Enke death
Fans and officials paid tribute to former Germany and Hanover 96 goalkeeper Robert Enke on Wednesday, the first anniversary of his death. 'Japan will be cheered, not jeered at Asian Games'
Japan's athletes have little to fear from local fans at the Asian Games in Guangzhou, a senior Chinese official said on Wednesday, despite worsening relations between the Asian powers in recent weeks. China hopes to continue domination at Asian Games
China will try to maintain its ascendancy in the medals tally at the upcoming Asian Games which begins in Guangzhou on Friday, a sports official of the country said in Beijing. Cost of London 2012 aquatics venue rises
The cost of the 2012 Olympic aquatics centre has risen, but savings made elsewhere could see a final overall budget underspend of up to 500 million pounds ($807.9 million), government figures showed on Tuesday.

November 09, 2010

OC fails to generate expected revenue from CWG
Sports Minister M S Gill on Tuesday informed the Lok Sabha that the Organising Committee (OC) of the Commonwealth Games has failed to generate the expected revenue from the event. Gadkari takes on Congress on CWG corruption
Nitin Gadkari, president of Bharatiya Janata Party, has charged the Manmohan Singh government of looking the other way while officials and others associated with organizing Commonwealth Games were making money. UCI calls for action over Contador
The International Cycling Union (UCI) has asked the Spanish federation to open disciplinary proceedings against Tour de France winner Alberto Contador for failing a drugs test, the UCI said on Monday. Ronaldo wins libel payout over partying claim
Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo won substantial libel damages on Monday over false British newspaper claims he put a serious ankle injury at risk by dancing the night away with four models in a Hollywood nightclub.

November 08, 2010

Chilean miner wins NY hearts by finishing marathon
He finished more than three and a half hours behind the champion, yet Chilean miner Edison Pena won the hearts of spectators with an inspiring effort at the New York City Marathon on Sunday. World wrestling champion Sushil gets engaged
Beijing Olympic bronze medallist Sushil Kumar on Monday got engaged to Savi, daughter of his coach Satpal Singh, at a private ceremony in New Delhi attended by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda. Indonesia's Hidayat breaks Super Series jinx
Indonesia's Taufik Hidayat, winner of 23 international titles, including Olympic gold and a world championship, has finally broken his Super Series jinx. The former world No.1 defeated Denmark's Joachim Persson 21-16, 21-11 in Sunday's French Open final. Saina receives Khel Ratna from Gill
Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award from Sports Minister M S Gill after missing out on the August 29 ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan due to the World Championships in Paris. Brasa keen to continue working with Indian hockey
He is miffed with the system here and considers it to be the toughest challenge he is facing. But chief hockey coach Jose Brasa still wants to prolong his association with the Indian team.

November 07, 2010

Indian-origin players in Women's Indian Open
Professional golfers of Indian and sub-continental origin, currently playing in Europe and America, will be seen in action at the $00,000 Hero Honda Women's Indian open golf tournament from November 11 in Gurgoan.

November 06, 2010

Park strikes late as United scramble past Wolves
Park Ji-Sung was Manchester United's saviour on Saturday as he struck twice, the second deep into stoppage time, to clinch a 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers that cut Chelsea's Premier League lead to two points. Asian Games torch arrives in host city Guangzhou
The Asian Games torch has arrived in the host city Guangzhou after a nationwide tour, one week before the start of the world's second-largest sporting event after the Olympics.

November 04, 2010

London drops 2015 World athletics bid
A bid for London to host the 2015 world athletics championships was abandoned on Wednesday because of fears over a potential legal wrangle surrounding the future of the 2012 Olympic main stadium.

November 03, 2010

India should win about 80 medals at Asiad: Randhir
Randhir Singh, secretary general of the Indian Olympic Association, claimed that India will perform better at upcoming 16th Asian Games, in Guangzhou, China, later this month. Champion surfer Andy Irons found dead in hotel
Three times world surfing champion Andy Irons was found dead on Tuesday in a Dallas hotel room. The 32-year-old had been on his way home to Hawaii from a contest in Puerto Rico.

November 02, 2010

Narang India's flag-bearer at Asian Games opening
Ace shooter Gagan Narang, who won four gold medals at last month's Commonwealth Games, will be India's flag-bearer at the opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, China on November 12, Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi said in New Delhi on Tuesday. Redknapp threatens TV boycott after Nani goal row
Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has threatened to boycott post-match television interviews if he is punished for criticising the referee involved in Nani's controversial goal in the 2-0 defeat at Manchester United on Saturday.

November 01, 2010

CVC likely to summon officials related to CWG scam
Irked by delay in response to queries raised by it, the Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) may summon officials of Union and State governments in connection with alleged financial irregularities in different Commonwealth Games related projects. Sitwala loses to Russell in World Pro final
Indian billiards player Dhruv Sitwala's hopes of winning his maiden World Professional title came crashing down after he lost his summit clash to nine-time champion Mike Russell of Qatar at the Northern Snooker Centre in Leeds.

October 31, 2010

Churchill Brothers in semi of Durand Cup
Defending champions Churchill Brothers rode on skipper Okolie Odafe's hat-trick to blank Army Red 3-1 and qualify for the semi-finals of the 123rd Durand Cup Football Tournament, at the Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday. Dismal revenue collection for Games OC
With the fall in sponsorship amount, coupled with poor ticket and merchandise sale, the total revenue collection of the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee is expected to come down to Rs 600 crore only against an expenditure of about Rs 1,820 crore.

October 30, 2010

Kashyap crashes out of Denmark Open Super Series
India's Parupalli Kashyap went down fighting to Pengyu Du of China 13-21, 17-21 in the men's singles quarter-final to crash out of the Denmark Open Super Series badminton championship at Odense on Saturday. 609 athletes to represent India in Asian Games
Indian Olympic Association on Saturday said that as many as 609 athletes, including 249 women, will represent the country in 35 different disciplines in the 16th Asian Games to be held in Guangzhou, China, from November 12 to 28. Advani out of World Pro Billiards C'ship
Pankaj Advani's hopes of winning the World Professional Billiards title for the second consecutive time went up in smoke after compatriot Dhruv Sitwala registered a hard fought 723-608 victory over the reigning champion in the quarter-finals of the event in Leeds.

October 29, 2010

Nigeria ban fully lifted, Bosnia under threat
Nigeria's ban from international soccer has been fully lifted after court actions against members of the federation were dropped, soccer's governing body FIFA said on Friday. Anand held by Gashimov; Carlsen claims title
World Champion Viswanathan Anand was held to a draw by Vugar Gashimov of Azerbaijan in the ninth and penultimate round of the Pearl Spring Chess tournament Nanjing on Friday. Kashyap in quarters of Denmark Open
India's P Kashyap pulled off a major upset, defeating third seed Boonsak Ponsana of Thailand 21-9, 21-19 to storm into the men's singles quarter-finals of Denmark Open Super Series badminton championship in Odense on Friday. 3 Indians in World Pro billiards quarter-finals
Three Indians, including reigning World champion Pankaj Advani, moved into the quarter-finals of the World Professional Billiards championship following clinical victories over their respective opponents on the second day of the event in Leeds. The 25-year-old Advani notched his third straight victory in Group A, brushing aside the challenge of compatriot Devendra Joshi 818-469 to advance to the last-eight stage at the Northern Snooker Centre. AFC team satisfied with Goan I-league clubs
The AFC team, who were on a two days visit to Goa, were satisfied with the infrastructure and administrative set up of all the three Goan I-League clubs, as part of the assessment criteria for classification as professional clubs. 'I'm done with boxing',says Mike Tyson
American boxing legend Mike Tyson has finally dispelled any notion that he will make a return to the ring.

October 28, 2010

Chetan Anand loses; Kashyap, Pawar score
India's highest ranked shuttler Chetan Anand crashed out of the men's singles in the Denmark Open Super Series while two of his compatriots sailed into the second round, in Odense, Denmark. Advani, Sethi start well in World Pro billiards
Reigning champion Pankaj Advani stayed on course for a second successive World Professional Billiards title after securing contrasting wins over compatriot Sushrat Pandia and England's Martin Goodwill on the opening day of the event in Leeds. Woods' 281-week reign as World No.1 ends on Sunday
American golf legend Tiger Woods will no longer be the World No.1 after a record 281 consecutive weeks at the top. Woods has been at the top since June 2005.

October 27, 2010

Chautala chef-de-mission for Asian Games
Indian Boxing Federation president Abhay Singh Chautala was on Wednesday appointed chef-de-mission of the country's contingent for next month's Asian Games in China. The Games are scheduled to be held from November 12 to 27 in the city of Guangzhou. Maria Sharapova's engagement ring costs $ 250, 000
Maria Sharapova was recently spotted with her new engagement ring, which was given to her by her fiancee L.A. Laker Sasha Vujacic. Anand crushes Wang Yue, back in contention
World Champion Viswanathan Anand struck back with vengeance and outclassed Wang Yue of China with black pieces in the sixth round of the Pearl Spring Chess tournament.

October 26, 2010

New details emerge about Tiger Woods's sex life
Tiger Woods' mistress Loredana Jolie has opened up about her sex relationship with the golfer in her new book, The Real Diary: Lessons from the Good Time Girl to Champion. Newcastle's Carroll fined for nightclub assault
Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll was fined 1,000 pounds ($1,574) on Monday after admitting he had assaulted a man in a nightclub.

October 25, 2010

Prasar Bharti defends CWG telecast deal
Coming out in defence of its deal with UK-based SIS Live for telecast of the Commonwealth Games, Prasar Bharti on Monday said the selection of the company was made with the approval of Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ambika Soni.

October 24, 2010

Clinical Arsenal demolish Man City
Arsenal, with Cesc Fabregas back pulling their strings, took full advantage of an 85-minute one-man advantage when they beat Manchester City 3-0 in a bruising Premier League battle at Eastlands Sunday. Anand held; Carlsen surges ahead
World Champion Viswanathan Anand was held to a draw by Vugar Gashimov of Azerbaijan in the fifth round of the Pearl Spring Chess tournament Nanjing, China on Sunday. CVC may inspect Commonwealth Games venues, OC
Faced with problems of non-cooperation and lackadaisical approach from some of the departments, the Central Vigilance Commission may inspect 'Lanka's lone gold medallist fails dope test'
Sri Lanka's only gold medallist at this month's Commonwealth Games, boxer Manju Wanniarachchi, has tested positive for a banned steroid, a report said on Sunday. 'No Aus athlete in CWG squad tested positive'
Australian Commonwealth Games Association Chief Executive Perry Crosswhite has ruled out any participant in the recently-concluded Delhi CWG being among the nine athletes, who flunked dope tests. Archery coach Lenin dies in accident
Former international archer Lenin Cherukuri died while his ward and Commonwealth Games silver medallist Ritul Chatterjee escaped unhurt in a road accident at Jupdi village in Vijaywada in the wee hours of Sunday.

October 23, 2010

Ajay Jayaram enters Dutch Open final
Indian shuttler Ajay Jayaram inched closer to his third international title after battling past compatriot Anand Pawar in the semi-finals of the Yonex Dutch Open Grand Prix Gold in Almere on Saturday. I don't regret missing two gold medals: Narang
Ace Indian marksman Gagan Narang, who claimed four gold medals at the Delhi Commonwealth Games, on Saturday said he does not regret missing the chance to complete his quota of six yellow metals at the Delhi Games. Nine Aus athletes test positive for banned drug
Nine Australian athletes face the possibility of two-year bans after returning positive tests for the banned stimulant methylhexaneamine in a recent raft of testing by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA). India should back girls to play sport: Kapil
Impressed by a great show by Indian sportswomen at the recently-concluded Commonwealth Games, former India cricket captain Kapil Dev says the country should encourage more girls to come out of their homes and take up sport as a career.

October 22, 2010

Atwal to represent India at CIMB Asia Pacific
Indian golfer Arjun Atwal, a two-time Malaysian Open champion, will represent Indian challenge at the inaugural CIMB Asia Pacific Classic, Malaysia next week. Golfer Montgomerie escapes injury in car crash
Eight times European number one Colin Montgomerie, who captained Europe to victory over the United States in this year's Ryder Cup, escaped without serious injury after he was involved in a road accident Thursday. I am game for Dani challenge, says Poonia
Commonwealth Games gold medalist Krishna Poonia on Thursday said she will reveal her plans regarding the proposed $20,000 winner-takes-all discus throw duel between her and world champion Dani Samuels on Tuesday. Badminton: Indian trio make Dutch Open quarters
Indian shuttlers Chetan Anand, Ajay Jayaram and Anand Pawar notched up straight-game wins to reach the quarter-finals of the Dutch Open Grand Prix badminton tournament at Almere, the Netherlands on Thursday.

October 21, 2010

My grandmother wanted a boy: Saina
She is one of the most sought after female sporting stars in India but when Saina Nehwal was born in patriarchal Haryana, her own grandmother refused to look at her because of the inherent discrimination against the girl child in the state. NADA hearing postponed again
The NADA Disciplinary Panel hearing the case of 12 dope-tainted athletes, including three in the Asian Games squad, was adjourned on Thursday for November 3 after their counsel sought cross examination of officials who conducted the tests. During Thursday's hearing, R K Anand, counsel for the athletes, moved an application seeking to cross examine the officials who were involved in the chain of custody of the dope samples, and the panel granted his request.

October 19, 2010

CWG: ED registers case for FEMA violation
The Enforcement Directorate has registered a case for violation of Foreign Exchange Management Act as part of its probe into the alleged corruption in the run-up to the Commonwealth Games. CWG worst assault on Delhi since 1857!
'A bill for thousands of crores that taxpayers shall be paying off for decades to come... But a successful circus and Facebook will see thousands of messages proclaiming their pride in being Indian.... To paraphrase Lalit Bhanot's immortal comment on hygiene, perhaps Indians have different standards of measuring concepts such as 'success' and 'responsibility'.' 'Kalmadi proved India's truly incredible'
What do voters in Pune, a city he represents in the Lok Sabha, think of Suresh Kalmadi? PM invited me but I was busy: Kalmadi
Pushed to the wall but defiant nonetheless, Commonwealth Games Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi has claimed that contrary to reports, he was invited by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the felicitation function for CWG medal winners but could not go due to his "busy" schedule. I-T department raids at CWG headquarters
The Department of Income Tax, investigating corruption in the organisation of the Commonwealth Games on the directive of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, conducted massive raids at 23 places, including the Games' headquarters. The raids, which began late Monday night, were also conducted on prominent names, like BJP leader and industrialist Sudhanshu Mittal and his nephew Vinay Mittal, who were linked with awarding of contracts for the Games. 'CWG gold a result of four years of sacrifice'
Revelling in the spotlight that has come with the Commonwealth Games women's doubles gold that she won partnering Jwala Gutta, rising badminton player Ashwini Ponnappa on Tuesday said the success is a result of the sacrifices she has made in the past four years. La Liga: Ten-man Hercules deny Villarreal top spot
Ten-man Hercules denied Villarreal the top spot in La Liga in an action-packed 2-2 home draw on Monday, when the visitors finished with nine men. 'Crowd in India during CWG was abusive'
The Pakistan Hockey Federation and national captain Zeeshan Ashraf feel one reason for the team's poor Commonwealth Games performance was the crowd behaviour in Delhi, which has become "abusive" after the Mumbai terror attacks. 'Ferguson will convince Rooney to stay'
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has dismissed media reports that Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney might leave his club after falling out with his boss Alex Ferguson. Olympic champion Merritt suspended 21 months
US Olympic and world 400 metres champion LaShawn Merritt has been suspended through July 2011 after testing positive for a banned substance found in a male enhancement product, the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) said on Monday.

October 18, 2010

'Duplicating CWG success at Asiad will be tough'
Indian boxers packed a powerful punch in the Commonwealth Games with an unprecedented medal haul but replicating the performance at next month's Asian Games will be tough as they have got very little time for rest and recovery, national coach Gurbax Singh Sandhu said on Monday. Delhi govt grants cash award for CWG medal winners
The Delhi Government on Monday announced cash awards of Rs 15 lakh, Rs 10 lakh and Rs 5 lakh for the ten sportspersons from the city who won gold, silver and bronze medals respectively at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games. British media urges Rooney to learn from Tendulkar
The British media has lavished praise on iconic batsman Sachin Tendulkar and according to a column written by former England cricketer Ed Smith, Manchester United star Wayne Rooney should learn how to turn expectations into inspiration. Sports Ministry releases CWG money details
Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, headed by Dr MS Gill, has officially released the details of the money sanctioned by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to train coaches, athletes both in India as well as abroad and giving exposure to the athletes in various international events in order to prepare them for 19th Commonwealth Games that was held in New Delhi from October 3-14. CWG gold should shut up rumour mongers: Jwala
Commonwealth Games gold-winning shuttler Jwala Gutta said she played with a vengeance at the mega-event to shut the mouths of all those critics who were spreading "baseless" stories of her link-up with former Indian cricket captain Mohammed Azharuddin.

October 17, 2010

No need to quit my post, says CWG Federation chief
Commonwealth Games Federation chief executive Mike Hooper on Sunday said he had done all he could to make the Delhi Games a success and any talk of his standing down from his post was 'silly'. Indian wrestlers win Rustem-e-Indo-Pak title
Indian wrestlers on Sunday beat their Pakistani counterparts to clinch Mission Dosti Rustem-E-Indo-Pak Wrestling title at Katra in Jammu. 22 more CWG works under CVC scanner
Widening its probe, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is looking into at least 22 more Commonwealth Games-related construction and procurement works carried out by different government agencies here for alleged financial irregularities. Kalmadi hits back at Delhi CM Dikshit
Embattled Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi on Sunday hit back at the Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit, saying her aspersions on corruption in the OC were 'most disappointing and uncalled for' and that she must indulge in self-reflection on corruption in her own departments. CAG audit of CWG Village to begin from Oct 28
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) will start the audit work of Commonwealth Games Village in New Delhi from October 28 to probe allegations of financial irregularities. Kalmadi meets Reddy ahead of GoM meeting on Monday
The beleaguered organizing committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi met Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy, who also heads the group of ministers for Commonwealth Games, but what exactly transpired in the closed-door meeting was not known. Aussie Damien Hooper was sent back early from CWG
Teenage boxer Damien Hooper has been revealed as the Australian athlete sent back home early from the Delhi Commonwealth Games for alleged indiscipline. Stoner wins fourth straight Australia GP
Ducati's Casey Stoner delighted his home fans by winning a fourth consecutive Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island on Sunday. India boxers' CWG show outstanding: AIBA
The International Boxing Association (AIBA) has lavished praise on Indian pugilists for their unprecedented haul of three gold and four bronze medals at the just-concluded Commonwealth Games, saying the performance was "absolutely outstanding". I-T dept collects CWG works related documents
The Income Tax department has collected documents pertaining to tenders and award of contracts for its "two pronged" probe into the finances of the Commonwealth Games even as a high-level committee headed by a former CAG goes into allegations of corruption related to the mega sporting event.

October 16, 2010

Ready for probe into CWG, says Kalmadi
Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi on Saturday said he is ready to provide all kind of support to the Prime Minister-appointed high-level committee formed to look into allegations of corruption related to the conduct of mega sporting event. Glasgow plans to keep 2014 CWG athlete-centred
The disastrous build-up that marred the Delhi Commonwealth Games has been a lesson for next host Glasgow, which plans to keep preparations "athlete-centred and sport-focused" to avoid any glitches.

October 15, 2010

Aussies apologise for damaging washing machine
The 2010 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee on Friday said Australia have apologised for damaging a washing machine at the Games Village. Aus dismiss reports of vandalism by its athletes
Australia dismissed as 'fantasy' and 'baseless' reports that its sportspersons indulged in vandalism at the Commonwealth Games Village after their cricket team suffered a crushing defeat in the second Test against India. 'It is factually wrong, insulting to Australia's athletes and can only be described as a fantasy,' read a statement from the Australian High Commission on Friday. Milkha upset with Kalmadi, Bhanot
While everybody is going gaga over the successful hosting of the Commonwealth Games, former athletes Milkha Singh and India's sprint queen PT Usha are upset. They are unhappy about the raw deal they got from Suresh Kalmadi at the Games and are planning to meet the Prime Minister. Time to go, Mr Kalmadi
Suresh Kalmadi's speech on Thursday night had nothing to do with what happened or did not happen at the Commonwealth Games. Nigeria's Abugan stripped of two silver medals
Nigeria's Folashade Abugan has been stripped of her 400metres silver medal after failing a drug test at the Commonwealth Games. Paes, Bopanna to clash in Shanghai quarters
India's Davis Cup mates Leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna set up a quarter-final clash against each other in the Shanghai Masters after registering wins with their respective partners. Anand draws with Kramnik in Bilbao chess
World Champion Viswanathan Anand split the point with leader Vladimir Kramnik of Russia to remain second after the end of the fifth and penultimate round of Bilbao Final Masters chess tournament. Aussies indulged in hooliganism at CWG village?
As the Australian contingent left for home after the conclusion of the Commonwealth Games, allegations have surfaced that their athletes at the Games Village indulged in hooliganism and damaged some property. Aussie athlete sent back home for late-night party
Australia have sent back an athlete from its Commonwealth Games contingent, ahead of the scheduled departure from Delhi, for late night partying.

October 14, 2010

Colourful ceremony draws curtains on Delhi Games
A dazzling laser show and a musical extravaganza on Thursday marked the finale of the Commonwealth Games, the biggest sporting event hosted by India which crowned itself with sporting glory by winning an unprecedented 101 medals. Sharath bags bronze, India finish with five medals
Olympian Achanta Sharath Kamal won a bronze, defeating compatriot Soumyadeep Roy 4-0 in the men's singles third place play-off as Indian paddlers finished their campaign in the Commonwealth Games with five medals. CWG gold medallist Jwala slams BAI president
BAI president V K Verma on Thursday invited wrath from shuttler Jwala Gutta by ignoring her and Ashwini Ponnappa after their gold medal win in the badminton event of the Commonwealth Games. Saina stages grand rally to win badminton gold
Top seed Saina Nehwal became the first women Indian shuttler to win a gold medal in the Commonwealth Games after a gruelling three-game victory over Malaysian Mew Choo Wong in the badminton singles event in New Delhi on Thursday. CWG success brings Kalmadi, Hooper back together
The chairman of the Organising Committee of the Delhi Commonwealth Games Suresh Kalmadi and Commonwealth Games Federation chief executive officer Mike Hooper finally seemed to have buried their differences. CWG: Poulomi-Mouma win bronze in women's doubles
Indian paddlers on Thursday assured the country of a total five medals from table tennis when reigning national champion Poulomi Ghatak and Mouma Das clinched a bronze, beating Australians Tan Z Vivian and Campbell-Innes Peri in women's doubles' third place play-off. WADA rejects Contador tainted meat excuse
The World Anti-Doping Agency dismissed Tour de France champion Alberto Contador's claims his positive test was the result of tainted meat, saying on Wednesday they had heard the excuse before. CWG Updates: Saina wins badminton singles gold
Saina Nehwal rallied from a game down to beat Mew Choo Wong of Malaysia in the final of the women's singles at the Commonwealth Games on Thursday. The Indian ace won 19-21, 23-21, 21-13 and swelled India's gold medal tally to 38. CWG: Kenyans run away with both marathon gold
Kenyans ran away with two marathon gold medals on offer to bring down curtains on the athletics events on the last day of the Commonwealth Games on Thursday.

October 13, 2010

Kashyap pips Chetan for badminton bronze
India's Parupalli Kashyap defeated compatriot Chetan Anand to win a bronze in the badminton singles event of the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi on Wednesday. Boxers add three gold to India's medal haul
Paramjeet Samota, Suranjoy Mayengbam and Manoj Kumar brought some cheer back in the Indian boxing camp, winning gold medals in their respective categories at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, on Wednesday. England win men's doubles squash
Grant and world No 2 Matthew, who won his maiden singles gold last week, took a little more than two hours to complete a 11-9, 6-11, 11-5 win over the second seeds Australia at the Siri Fort Sports Complex. In the bronze medal play-off, Australia's Ryan Cuskelly and Cameron Pilley defeated the Scottish pair of Alan Clyne and Harry Leitch 11-5, 11-7 in 52 minutes. Scotland, Canada win first Games gold in cycling
Both Canada and Scotland claimed their first gold medals in the cycling event in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi on Wednesday. PM to watch hockey final at stadium
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will cheer the Indian hockey team during their Commonwealth Games title clash against Australia at the Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday. Singh will watch the match in the company of former Olympians, PMO sources said. Sharath-Saha win men's doubles TT
Olympian Achanta Sharath Kamal and former National champion Subhajit Saha ensured that table tennis contributes a gold to India's medal haul in the Commonwealth Games by overcoming Singapore's Gao Ning and Yang Zi 3-2 in the men's doubles final on Wednesday. World No 40 Sharath, who lost to Yang in the singles semi-finals earlier in the day, earned sweet revenge when he joined forces with the Bengal paddler to clinch the doubles title. Narang satisfied with four golds and records
After winning four gold medals on the trot, India's ace marksman Gagan Narang's campaign ended on a disappointing note at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, on Wednesday. Pesky media reduces gold medalist Poonia to tears
Ever since Krishna Poonia won a gold medal in discuss throw at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, she has become a centre of attention. But the focus seems to have given the champion more grief than happiness. WADA not happy with CWG dope testing procedure
The World Anti-Doping Agency has expressed its displeasure to the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee over the manner in which dope testing is being carried out. Indian shooters sign off with silver and bronze
Heena Sidhu and Samresh Jung rounded off the Indian shooting team's awe-inspiring campaign in the 19th Commonwealth Games by winning a silver and a bronze medal respectively on Wednesday, when Gagan Narang failed to progress beyond the qualifying stage. CWG: Defending champion Sharath Kamal knocked out
Olympian Achanta Sharath Kamal's dreams of defending his singles title went up in smoke after a narrow 3-4 semi-final loss to Singapore's Yang Zi, but the Indian joined hands with compatriot Subhajit Saha to enter the men's doubles final, at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi. Canadian referee was biased, says Vijender
World's number one boxer Vijender Singh on Wednesday lashed out at Canadian referee Michael Summers and blamed him for his shocking exit from the boxing event in the semi-finals of the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. Positive dope test at CWG unfortunate: Vijender
Olympic bronze medallist Vijender Singh said it was unfortunate that Indian athlete Rani Yadav flunked a dope test in the Commonwealth Games and hoped that it was not intentional. India banking on crowd support to win hockey gold
Already assured of their maiden medal in the Commonwealth Games, a confident India will be hoping to ride on home support to seek a major upset against world champions and three-time gold medallists Australia in the final of the men's hockey event at the Commonwealth Games on Thursday. Delhi is delivering a great Games: Coe
British legendary middle distance runner Sebastian Coe lavished rich praise on the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, saying the venues are one of the best he has ever seen. Poonia criticises athletes for Games boycott
Discus champion Krishna Poonia criticised athletes who pulled out of the Commonwealth Games and said India had proved that it could host a successful event. Rani Yadav fails dope test at CWG
Hosts India were in for a major shock on Wednesday when their athlete Rani Yadav failed a doping test at the 2010 Commonwealth Games. CWG Update: Boxers add three gold to medal haul
Paramjeet Samota, Suranjoy Mayengbam and Manoj Kumar brought some cheer back in the Indian boxing camp, winning gold medals in their respective categories at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, on Wednesday. Oludamola stripped of 100 gold for doping
Nigerian Osayemi Oludamola was stripped of the women's 100 metres Commonwealth Games gold medal on Tuesday after her B sample confirmed a positive test for a banned stimulant, the Games Federation said. India should not rush for Olympics: Coe
After a successful Commonwealth Games, India should wait for a while before taking a final call on hosting an Olympic Games, feels legendary British runner Sebastian Coe. We were under pressure to win gold: Ashwini
After giving the country a gold in women's 4x400m relay, team member Ashwini Akkunji said they were under pressure to finish first in the Commonwealth Games in front of home crowd as India had bagged a silver in Melbourne four years ago.

October 12, 2010

Saina, Jwala-Ponnappa in final; Kashyap ousted
A wrong umpiring decision dashed P Kashyap's hopes of a maiden Commonwealth Games final but Saina Nehwal and women's doubles pair of Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa assured India of silver medals after advancing to the finals of the badminton event in New Delhi on Tuesday. Indian women win 4x400 relay gold
India tasted unprecedented success in athletics at the Commonwealth Games on Tuesday, collecting one gold and four bronze, to swell their medal count in track and field to 12. The Indian women's 4x400m relay team added another gold to the one won discus thrower Krishna Poonia won on Monday. The men's and women's 4x100m relay teams, triple jumper Renjith Maheswary and javelin thrower Kashinath Naik bagged a bronze each. Why doesn't the crowd favourite win gymnastics?
Gymnastics is a strange sport, at least for the audiences, as the crowd favourite never ends up in the winning side. A top official in the sport tried to explain why the judges scoring system never matches with the spectators' xpectations. Narang's golden run ended by sick partner
The golden run of India's prize shooter Gagan Narang ended at the Commonwealth Games on Tuesday when his sick partner struggled after refusing to take medication for fear of failing a doping test. Soumyadeep in TT singles semis
Soumyadeep Roy quelled a stiff challenge from Singapore's Xiaoli Cai to enter the men's singles semi-finals in the Commonwealth Games' table tennis competition on Tuesday. He will take on world No 17 Gao Ning, who beat India's A Amalraj 4-1 in other match. Vijender loses appeal against 'unfair' penalty
Indian boxer Vijender Singh's appeal over the 'unfair penalty points' awarded to his opponent during the semi-final bout was rejected by the Commonwealth Games Federation on Tuesday. The offiicals rejected India's protest over the four penalty points docked against world number one Vijender in his 75-kg middleweight semi-final defeat by Anthony Ogogo of England on Monday. Ghosal-Chinappa go down fighting in quarters
India's challenge in the squash team event at the Commonwealth Games came to an end after the fourth seeded pair of National champions Saurav Ghosal and Joshna Chinappa went down fighting to the Malaysian duo of Nicol David and Beng Hee Ong in the quarter-finals of the mixed doubles on Tuesday. Anand draws with Kramnik
World Champion Viswanathan Anand played out a quick draw with Vladimir Kramnik of Russia to remain in second spot after the end of the third round of the Bilbao final masters tournament. Doping cases at Delhi Games linked to supplements
Commonwealth Games Federation chief Michael Fennell said on Tuesday that the two positive doping tests of the Nigerian athletes could be related to use of supplements. Second Nigerian tests positive for stimulant
Nigerian 110 metres hurdler Samuel Okon has tested positive for the banned stimulant methylhexaneamine, Games Federation chief Mike Fennell said on Tuesday. CWG: Saina enters badminton final
Saina Nehwal beat Scotland's Susan Egelstaf on Tuesday, to book a spot in the final of the badminton event in the Commonwealth Games. Troubled Togo threatened with suspension
Togo were threatened with an international ban on Monday unless their soccer federation holds elections by early next month. Antil lashes out at Milkha Singh
After India created history by sweeping all the medals in the women's discus throw at the Commonwealth Games, bronze medallist Seema Antil lashed out at legendary athlete Milkha Singh for saying that the country's athletes will not win a single medal in the quadrennial event.

October 11, 2010

Sharath Kamal among three Indians in QF
Olympian Achanta Sharath Kamal was among three Indians who qualified for the men's singles quarter-finals, even as the Indian women's challenge in the individual events ended in the Commonwealth Games Table Tennis competition on Monday. Besides Sharath, A Amalraj and Soumyadeep Roy also entered the last-eight stage. Shuttlers Kashyap, Chetan advance to semis
Rising shuttler P Kashyap stunned higher-ranked Malaysian Muhammad Hafiz Hasim to advance to the semi-finals of the individual badminton event of the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi on Monday. Poonia leads India 1-2-3 in women's discus
Krishna Poonia led an unprecedented sweep of all the medals in the women's discus throw at the Commonwealth Games on Monday. The Railways athlete from Rajasthan led a historic Indian 1-2-3 by hurling the disc to 61.51 metres and became the country's first woman in 52 years to win the gold on a day the Games was rocked by its first doping scandal, woman's 100m champion gold medallist Osayemi Oludamola of Nigeria returning a positive test for a banned stimulant. Tearful Pearson takes solace in hurdles gold
Australia's Sally Pearson overcame last week's 100 metres heartbreak to win the hurdles event over the same distance on Monday, collapsing on the track in tears after her golden run. Warnings cost Vijender dear, British boxers reign
Olympic bronze medal-winning pugilist Vijender (75kg) bowed out in the semi-finals after a couple of controversial warnings, prompting a the Indian team to lodge a protest. Women's hockey: Ind beat Can 3-0, finish 5th
India dished out a commanding performance to defeat Canada 3-0 in a classification match in the women's hockey event at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi on Monday. But the silver medallists at the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games, India only managed to finish fifth in the campaign. Shooters 'disappointed' with bronze medal
It turned out to be a disappointing day for Indian shooters with the pair of Tejaswini Sawant and Meena Kumari missing out on a gold by just one point to settle for a bronze in the 19th Commonwealth Games in New Delhi on Monday. Boxers Amandeep, Jai Bhagwan, Dilbag lose in semis
India's hopes of winning a bagful of gold medals from boxing in the Commonwealth Games suffered a setback as their three pugilists lost semi-final bouts to settle for bronze at the Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi on Monday. 'CWG 2010 will leave a lasting legacy on Delhi'
Commonwealth Games Federation president Michael Fennell on Monday said the Delhi Games would leave a lasting legacy in the Indian capital. Nigeria's 100m gold medallist flunks dope test
Commonwealth Games women's 100 metres gold medallist has tested positive for a banned stimulant, Games Federation chief Mike Fennell said on Monday. Oludamola's sample contained the banned stimulant methylhexaneamine, which was added to the World Anti Doping Agency's (WADA) list of banned substances for the first time this year. CWG updates: Poonia leads sweep of women's discus
Krishna Poonia led an unprecedented sweep of all the women's discus medals at the Commonwealth Games on Monday. Pooniya led a historic Indian 1-2-3 by hurling the disc to 61.51m and became the country's first woman in 52 years to win the gold. Harwant Kaur (60.66m) and National record holder Seema Antil (58.46m) bagging silver and bronze respectively.

October 10, 2010

Track and field give India two silver
India failed to end their 52 year-old athletics gold medal jinx at the Commonwealth Games by a whisker but completed their best ever showing in any Games in the blue riband discipline by winning two silver medals in New Delhi on Sunday. Archers Deepika, Rahul strike gold
Teen sensation Deepika Kumari and Rahul Banerjee won gold medals in individual recurve events on the last day of the archery competition as India's archers ended their campaign on a high note, finishing with three golds one silver and four bronze medals. CWG: Vijender scores knock-out; Akhil bows out
Vijender Singh (75kg) took just over a minute to pull off an intimidating knock-out win and assure himself of a second successive Commonwealth Games medal. However, it was curtains for defending champion Akhil Kumar who was beaten by Olympic bronze-medallist Bruno Julie in the boxing quarter-finals of the event in New Delhi on Sunday. Saina, Chetan have it easy
Top seed Saina Nehwal breezed through her match as India's shuttlers had a successful outing in the individual badminton event at the Commonwealth Games on Sunday. World number three Saina thrashed Sarah Thomas of Wales 21-5, 21-9 to get closer to her first Commonwealth Games gold, while Melbourne bronze medallist Chetan Anand beat Nigeria's Ola Fagbemi 21-12, 21-6 in 21 minutes to stay on course to better his record at the sporting extravaganza. Indian shooters continue dream run
Indian shooters continued to call the shots at the Commonwealth Games as they clinched one gold medal, a silver and bronze on Sunday. Harpreet Singh won the yellow metal in 25-metre centrefire pistol singles at the Karni Singh Range. In a one-two finish for the hosts, Harpreet and Vijay Kumar clinched the gold and silver medals respectively in the 25-metre range, thus continuing their medal-winning spree in the Games. Lifter Geeta Rani fails to fire, finishes fourth
Defending champion Geeta Rani failed to live up to expectations as he finished a disappointing fourth in the women's 75+kg category in the weightlifting event of the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi on Sunday. Sushil shows class with CWG gold
World champion Sushil Kumar added another feather to his cap with a gold medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in the men's 66-kg freestyle wrestling event at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in Delhi, on Sunday. Indians paddlers gear up for individual events
With the gold medal eluding them in the team event, Indian paddlers, led by defending champion Achanta Sharath Kamal, will be eyeing to better their performance in the individual competitions of the Commonwealth Games which begins in New Delhi on Monday. Short gap between matches hurt my chances: Paes
He was expected to give India at least two gold medals for India at the Commonwealth Games but all Leander Paes got was a bronze and that too at the cost of another Indian pair. Australian shooter's bizzare 'own goal'
Believe it or not�but Australia's oldest athlete committed one of the most bizarre mistakes the sporting world has ever seen. Pak boxer gets revenge on home country Eng
For Pakistan's boxer Haroon Iqbal it is more about proving a point than winning, at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. 3 Indian wrestlers enter final
Indian wrestlers' domination at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi continued on Sunday with three more grapplers making it to the final. Wrestling will be part of 2014 CWG: Cavanagh
India's wrestlers have proved to be a big hit and have been a major contributor to the gold medal rush for the hosts at the ongoing 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. No let-up on security at Delhi Games: Fennell
Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) president Michael Fennell on Sunday dismissed reports that the water in the swimming pool for the aquatics at the Delhi Games was of "poor quality." CWG Updates: Somdev wins tennis gold
Somdev Devvarman won India a gold medal in tennis after beating Australia's Greg Jones 6-4, 6-2 in the men's singles final at the Commonwealth Games on Sunday. 'I took to running as I can do it barefooted'
Born to a poor family in a non-descript village in Nashik district of Maharashtra, pursuing athletics was the only choice left for Kavita Raut. India has psychological edge against Pak: Coach
After India humbled Scotland by a 4-0 margin, the hockey team's chief coach Jose Brasa said ON Saturday that his team has a psychological advantage over arch-rivals Pakistan for the do-or-die encounter in the Commonwealth Games event. India maul Scotland 4-0, face Pak Test
Young striker Dharamvir Singh scored a double as India defeated a lowly Scotland 4-0 in a Pool A match to stay in hunt for a semi-final spot in the men's hockey event, at the Commonwealth Games. Indian men beat Nigeria, clinch bronze in TT
Shrugging off the disappointment of a 1-3 semi-final loss to England, Indian men's team spanked Nigeria 3-0 in third place play-off to clinch the bronze in the Commonwealth Games' table tennis competition.

October 09, 2010

Ghosal-Chinappa mixed pair wins
Egged on by a capacity crowd at the Siri Fort Sports Complex, the fourth seed mixed doubles pair of Saurav Ghosal and Joshna Chinappa came out with a heartening performance to lead the Indian charge in the squash team events of the Commonwealth Games. Indian lifter Monika Devi wins bronze in 75kg
Despite an average performance, India's Laishram Monica Devi managed to bag bronze medal in the women's 75kg weightlifting in New Delhi at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Sports Complex on Saturday. Amandeep, Suranjoy assure medals in CWG boxing
Suranjoy Singh (52kg) and Amandeep Singh (49kg) assured India of at least two medals by advancing to the semi-finals while defending champion Akhil Kumar (56kg) brought a packed Talkatora to its feet with a dramatic revenge win over Iain Weaver to enter the quarter-finals of the Commonwealth Games boxing event. India beat SA 3-1 in CWG hockey
India put up a lion-hearted performance to beat South Africa 3-1 in their final Pool A match in New Delhi but it was not enough to guarantee the home team a place in the semi-finals as the reigning silver medalist crashed out of the women's hockey event of the Commonwealth Games on goal difference. Harminder gives India 2nd athletics medal
Harminder Singh on Saturday became the first Indian to win a medal in a walk race in the history of the Commonwealth Games, a day after Kavita Raut won the first-ever women's track medal, but their compatriots disappointed in other athletics events. Sania faults at final hurdle, settles for silver
A gritty Sania Mirza saved four match points in a heart-stopping women's singles final before settling for a silver medal as she lost the action-packed match 3-6, 6-2, 6-7 (3) to top seed Anastasia Rodionova in the tennis event of the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi on Saturday. My remarks had no racial overtones: Schoeman
In the eye of storm for describing crowd as "monkeys", South African swimmer Roland Schoeman said his remarks did not have racial overtones. Indian shooters set Karni range ablaze
Indian shooters continued to dominate proceedings at the Karni Singh Range with Gagan Narang winning his fourth gold medal, after Vijay Kumar and Harpreet Singh gave the hosts a bright start by bagging the honour in the centerfire event at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi on Saturday. Wrestlers Yogeshwar, Narsingh swell gold tally
It was another productive day for Indian wrestlers at the Commonwealth Games on Saturday, Yogeshwar Dutt and Narsingh Panch Yadav winning gold medals in the 60 and 74 kg freestyle category respectively. While Yogeshwar simply outclassed his Canadian opponent, James Mancini, 9-2 (3-1, 6-1), Narsing scored a hard-fought 4-0 victory over South Africa's Richard Addinall. 'I could have won gold with better equipment'
He became the first Indian to win a bronze and silver in different categories in gymnastics and Ashish Kumar on Saturday said he could have claimed a gold had the apparatus arrived on time for the Commonwealth Games. Squash medal hope Pallikal pulls out
India's hopes of winning its first medal in squash at the Commonwealth Games received a severe blow when top female player Dipika Pallikal pulled out of the women's and mixed doubles due to mild fever which she developed before the start of the October 3-14 event. The promising 19-year-old had earlier opted out of the singles due to the illness. Vijay Kumar completes golden hat-trick
Ace marksman Vijay Kumar completed a golden hat-trick on Saturday after winning the gold medal in men's 25-metre centre fire pistol pairs event at the 2010 Commonwealth Games at the Dr Karni Singh Range in Delhi. Vijay (586) and Harpreet Singh (573) registered a total of 1159 to place first in the event, ahead of New Zealand duo Greg Yelavich and Alan Earlie, who scored 1140. Singapore's Bin Gai and Lip Meng Poh had to settle for bronze after scoring 1139. Harminder wins 20km walk bronze
India secured an unexpected bronze in the men's 20km walk when Harminder Singh finished third behind the Australian duo of Jarred Tallent and Luke Adams with a personal best of 1:23:28s at the Commonwealth Games on Saturday. Fennell promises to investigate CWG ticket scam
Commonwealth Games Federation president Michael Fennell went on to add that the Games are going on successfully and it must be acknowledged. CWG update: Lifter Monica Devi wins bronze
India's Monica Devi win's bronze in 75 kg category in the weightlifting event of the Commonwealth Games on Saturday.

October 08, 2010

Badminton: India go down to Malaysia
A vociferous crowd failed to inspire India as the hosts went down fighting to Malaysia 1-3 in the finals of the mixed badminton event to settle for a silver in the Commonwealth Games at the Siri Fort sport complex in New Delhi on Friday. Nicol David wins squash gold
World champions and top seed Nicol David of Malaysia added the only major title missing from her showcase when she defeated England's Jenny Duncalf to win the women's singles gold in the squash event at the Commonwealth Games on Friday. The Malaysian needed just 40 minutes to beat Duncalf 11-3, 11-5, 11-7 in the final. Raut creates history with 10,000m bronze
Kavita Raut on Friday created history by becoming the first Indian woman to win an individual medal in track events of the Commonwealth Games as she bagged the bronze in 10,000m. Indian women win TT team silver
The Indian women's team had to be content with a silver medal after going down 0-3 to top seeds Singapore in the final, while their men counterparts lost the semi-final to England and crash out of the Commonwealth Games table tennis competition on Friday. Nothing went right for the defending champions, including Olympian Achanta Sharath Kamal, in the final-four clash, which they lost 1-3 at the Yamuna Sports Complex. Indian lifter Mali misses bronze by a whisker
Chandrakant Mali failed to add a medal to India's tally as he finished fourth in the men's 85kg category in weightlifting at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium sports complex in New Delhi on Friday. Narang leads India's charge at shooting range
Gagagn Narang extended his purple patch by winning his third gold medal as Indian shooters grabbed five medals on Friday to take their tally to an impressive 15 in the Commonwealth Games shooting event. The duo of Narang and Imran Hasan Khan began the day's proceedings by bagging the yellow metal in pairs 50-metre rifle 3 positions and Omkar Singh capped off a brilliant day for the hosts by winning gold medal in 10-metre air pistol. CWG: World No 1 Vijender storms into quarters
India's Vijender Singh got off to a smashing start in the men's boxing event at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, on Friday. Alka, Anita win wrestling golds
India's top woman wrestler Alka Tomar and young Anita won gold medals in the 59 kg and 67 kg freestyle categories respectively to make it a memorable day for the hosts at the Commonwealth Games. With Geeta winning India's first gold in woman's wrestling on Thursday, Alka and Anita made it a hat-trick of gold medals. Talukdar says women archers better than the men
India's top archer Jayanta Talukdar conceded on Friday that he and his two other recurve team-mates were embarrassed that the much fancied squad failed to win the gold on a day the corresponding women's trio triumphed in the Commonwealth Games. English official abuses Indian archery coach
In an unsavoury incident, the Indian archery head coach Limba Ram was on Friday allegedly abused by an English official, who was miffed at his team's loss to India in the final of the women's recurve team event. Women's hockey: Surinder helps India trounce T&T
Captain Surinder Kaur scored four goals as India thrashed a hapless Trinidad and Tobago 7-0 in a pool A match to stay in the hunt for a semi-final spot in the women's hockey event of the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi on Friday. Rafa zips through in Tokyo to keep Messi date
World number one Rafael Nadal sped past Russia's Dmitry Tursunov 6-4, 6-1 to reach the semi-finals of the Japan Open and keep a special appointment on Friday. The Spaniard revealed he wanted to go to watch Japan play Argentina in a soccer friendly in Saitama -- over an hour's drive away -- in the evening and catch up with pal Lionel Messi. Two more gold medals for Indian shooters in CWG
Gagan Narang's purple patch in the Commonwealth Games continued as the Indian marksman combined with Imran Hasan Khan to clinch gold in pairs 50-metre rifle 3 positions event, while Vijay Kumar added to the tally, bagging the yellow metal in men's singles 25-metre rapid fire pistol category in New Delhi. Pak chef-de-mission claims money stolen
The Commonwealth Games organising committee suffered more embarrassment on Friday after Pakistan's chef-de-mission Mohammad Ali Shah claimed money was stolen from his room at the Games Village. Shah told the Associated Press news agency that Rs 24,800 was stolen from the blazer inside his room when he went out to have a breakfast. Indian archers on a roll; clinch gold, bronze
Indian women's recurve team showed nerves of steel to win the gold, while the men's trio couldn't match up to their female counterparts and had to settle for a bronze in the archery competition of the Commonwealth Games at the Yamuna Sports Complex in New Delhi on Friday. 'More than 20,000 condoms could be used at CWG'
It's just five days since the Games kicked off and -- no prizes for guessing -- more then 10,000 condoms have already been used. By the end of it the number could double. Kalmadi apologises to Ugandan officials
Commonwealth Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi has apologised to the Ugandan team and the High Commissioner in India for the freak car accident at the Athletes' Village which led to injury to three top officials, including the chef-de-mission, OC spokesperson Lalit Bhanot said on Friday. Oludamola wins 100m after Pearson disqualified
Nigerian Osayemi Oludamola won the women's 100 metres at the Commonwealth Games on Thursday after Australia's Sally Pearson was disqualified for a false start three hours after crossing the line in first place. Never thought of pulling out: Sprint champions
Despite all the bad press that the organisers got regarding health and security issues pertaining to Commonwealth Games, Jamaican 100m sprint champion Lerone Clarke and silver medallist Englishman Mark Lewis-Francis said that they never thought of skipping the mega event and are now relishing their success here. Adlington owes C'wealth gold to pasta and pizza
World record-holder Rebecca Adlington credited pasta and pizza for her return to form with a gold medal in the Commonwealth Games women's 800 metres freestyle on Thursday. CWG update: Raut wins 10,000m bronze
Kavita Raut on Friday became the first Indian woman to win an individual medal in track events of the Commonwealth Games as she bagged the bronze in 10,000m race at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.

October 07, 2010

Indian boxers continue to pack the punch
Asian gold medallist Suranjoy Singh (52kg) and Amandeep Singh (49kg) advanced to the quarter-finals, while defending champion Akhil Kumar (56kg) booked a place in the last-16 stage in front of a rapturous home crowd at the Talkatora stadium on Thursday. Clarke, Pearson Commonwealth Games fastest
Jamaican Leron Clarke emerged the fastest man of the Commonwealth Games, clocking the second quickest time of 10.12 seconds on Indian soil, while Australia's Sally Pearson won the women's 100m dash in 11.28 seconds on Thursday. Ashish Kumar wins India's first gymnastics medal
History was made on Thursday when Ashish Kumar clinched the bronze medal in the men's floor exercise to earn India its first Commonwealth gymnastics medal. It is the country's first medal in gymnastics since the beginning of the Commonwealth Games in 1930. Wrestler Geeta dedicates gold medal to dad
Haryana's Geeta won India's first ever gold medal in women's wrestling in the 55kg freestyle category at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi on Thursday. 'Wanted to show medal could be won without doping'
Recent doping scandals may have tainted the image of Indian weightlifting, but Commonwealth Games gold medal winner K Ravi Kumar says he just wanted to prove that medals could be won without resorting to performance-enhancing drugs. We will be happy if India hosts Olympics: Pakistan
Pakistani officials have stated that they will give backing if India hosts the Olympics. Pakistan's only female athlete at home in Delhi
She is the only female athlete in the Pakistan squad at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, but Tazeem Akhtar Abbasi is definitely not feeling leftout. Synchro swimmer Avani Dave gets tips from YouTube!
India's Avani Dave finished rock bottom in synchronised swimming on Thursday but it was no great surprise as she learnt most of her moves from YouTube. Wales athlete claims harassment
An athlete from Wales participating in the Commonwealth Games has lodged a complaint with police claiming that she was harassed by unknown persons, police said on Thursday. Fennell apologises for injury to Ugandan officials
Commonwealth Games Federation chief Michael Fennell on Thursday apologised for a freak accident resulting in injuries to three Ugandan officials, including the team's Chef de Mission, at the Games Village in the early hours of Wednesday. Vijay Kumar-Gurpreet win gold, Tejaswini flops
India's shooters started off in fine fashion on Thursday, with Vijay Kumar and Gurpreet Singh winning a gold medal in the Pairs 25 metres Rapid Fire pistol event at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range. The duo created a new Games record, with a final total of 1162, as each shot 293 in the second stage. However, there was a bit of disappointment for India, as crowd favourite Tejaswini Sawant and Lajjakumar Gauswami failed to win a medal in the women's 50m Rifle-3 Position. Pistol shooters, archers swell Indian medal tally
Pistol shooters Vijay Kumar and Gurpreet Singh opened the gold medal trail for India by winning the 25m Rapid Fire Pistol (pairs) event on the fourth day of competitions in the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi on Thursday. 'I have stopped thinking about Khel Ratna award'
Country's ace shooter Gagan Narang, who struck a pot of gold at the Commonwealth Games, said he has stopped thinking about the prestigious Khel Ratna award, a honour that missed him thrice. Condoms clog CWG athletes' village toilets
Thousands of used condoms have reportedly clogged the drains of the Delhi Commonwealth Games accommodation towers at the athletes' village after being flushed down toilets by competitors. Ugandan officials at Games injured in accident
Three Ugandan officials, including their chef de mission, spent a night in hospital after an accident during a security check at the Delhi Commonwealth Games. Aus, English swimmers ill at CWG
Australian and English swimmers are complaining of illness at the Delhi Commonwealth Games and the reason might be "contaminated" water in the pool. CWG: Indian pugilists power through
Asian gold medallist Suranjoy Singh (52kg) and Amandeep Singh (49kg) advanced to the quarter-finals, while defending champion Akhil Kumar (56kg) booked a place in the last-16 stage in front of a rapturous home crowd at the Talkatora stadium on Thursday. 'It's all the more sweet after hardships'
It's not always that you think of dreaming big when you earn a meager salary of Rs 1500, let alone aim for 'shooting stars'. Kirk O'Bee gets lifetime ban for doping
American cyclist Kirk O'Bee, a former team-mate of Lance Armstrong, received a lifetime ban and had his competitive results since 2005 erased after a second doping offence, the US Anti-Doping Agency said on Wednesday. C'wealth Games schedule: Day 4
Following is the Commonwealth Games schedule of Day 5. Somesh blames poor finishing for loss
Indian women's hockey coach Sandeep Somesh held his wards poor finishing and penalty corner conversion responsible for the side's 1-2 loss against Australia and said the home team will have to win their remaining two matches if they wish to enter the semi-finals.

October 06, 2010

CWG: Qureshi equals national 100m record
Mohd Abdul Najeeb Qureshi on Wednesday equalled the national 100m record while qualifying for the semi-finals on the opening day of the track and field events which saw all the Indians, except two, making it to the next round in the Commonwealth Games. Shooters, wrestlers swell India's medal haul
India's shooters and wrestlers continued their good showing to boost India's gold medals tally on Day 3 of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, in Delhi, on Wednesday. The hosts added six more gold to their tally, with shooters contributing to three of those. They also won four silver and two bronze medals to stay second in the standings, behind Australia. Ben Johnson says his revelations will shock
Disgraced former sprinter Ben Johnson, who had his 100 metres gold and World record at the 1988 Olympics stripped after testing positive for steroids, says his autobiography Seoul to Soul , due in next month, will provide new evidence that he was a victim of sabotage. I've toiled hard for this gold medal: Renu Bala
With an extraordinary performance, Renu Bala Chanu not just gave India its first gold in the weightlifting event at the Commonwealth Games but also proved her supremacy, as she left her competitors far behind, to finish on top in the women's 58-kg category at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium sports complex on Wednesday. Hooked on to Tendulkar's magic
Defending Olympic, World and Commonwealth Games pole vault champion Steve Hooker is a sporting legend Down Under, but even he can't help but admire the greatness of Sachin Tendulkar. Beijing Olympics failure still haunts Narang
In the last few years, ace shooter Gagan Naran has achieved glory at nearly all major shooting events, but failure at the 2008 Olympics continues to haunt him. 'Yes, it does haunt me sometimes,' Narang admitted, after winning the 10 metres air rifle event with a personal best of 703.6, at the Commonwealth Games on Tuesday. Viv Richards bats for cricket's inclusion in Games
Cricket should be included in the Commonwealth Games and Olympics to help the game grow around the world, West Indies cricketing great Viv Richards said on Wednesday. Wrestler Rajender wins Greco-Roman gold
Grapplers Rajender Kumar and Sunil Kumar gave India more reasons to cheer by clinching a gold and bronze respectively in Greco-Roman style wrestling in the Commonwealth Games on Wednesday. CWG: Sayyed credits husband for golden feat
After winning the gold medal in 25m air pistol event, Indian woman shooter Anisa Sayyed on Wednesday thanked her husband for helping her when the chips were down. Renu Bala gives India first weightlifting gold
Renu Bala Chanu gave India its first gold medal in Commonwealth Games in the weightlifting event after finishing on top in women's 58-kg category, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium sports complex on Wednesday. Renu outshone her opponents, smoothly lifting all the weights before failing in her last attempt at 103 kg in clean and jerk. Sean Lee of Australia won the silver and England's Zoe Smith took the bronze. Indian shooters' golden run continues
India's shooters continued their good showing to strike three more gold medals at the Dr Karni Singh shooting range in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, on Wednesday. Hockey: Indian eves lose to Aus
India's chances of progressing to the semi-finals of the women's hockey event in the Commonwealth Games received a setback after the home team went down fighting 1-2 to defending champions Australia in their second Pool A match in New Delhi on Wednesday. Disgraced Aus wrestler to be confined to village
Steven Moneghetti, chef de mission of Australia, termed the behaviour of compatriot grappler Hassene Fkiri as "unacceptable" and supported the decision to strip him of a Delhi Commonwealth Games silver medal in the 96kg Greco-Roman category. CWG badminton: India whip Wales, enter last 8
Aditi Mutatkar made a successful debut, while Chetan Anand also shone as a dominant India sailed into the quarter-finals of the mixed badminton team event with a third successive clean sweep in the Commonwealth Games. World No 17 Chetan beat Lewis Martyn 21-12, 21-16 in a 21-minute men's singles match to set the ball rolling as India dumped Wales 5-0 in yet another scintillating performance at the Siri Fort Sports Complex. 'Games Village is best ever in history of CWG'
After having faced flak from several quarters for its shambolic state in the run-up to the Commonwealth Games, the Athletes Village today drew effusive praise from the head of the Games Federation who described it as the best-ever he has seen. CWG: K Ravi Kumar gives India second lifting gold
India's K Ravi Kumar created a new Commonwealth Games record with a total lift of 321kgs as he grabbed gold in the 69-kg category in the weightlifting competition in New Delhi on Wednesday. 'Winning gold has boosted my confidence for Asiad'
He won the first gold in wrestling for India in the Commonwealth Games and Ravinder Singh said it will spur him up to repeat his performance at the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China next month. Shooters, wrestlers sizzle on Day 2
A look at India's performance on the second day of the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, on Tuesday.

October 05, 2010

CWG: India beat Malaysia 3-2 in men's hockey
India had to play out of their skin as they rallied from a goal down to edge past spirited Malaysia 3-2 in a Pool A match of the men's hockey event at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi on Tuesday. India's recurve archers advance to quarters
In a mixed day for Indian archery, the recurve section saw a thumping performance but the compound section was a big letdown, in the Commonwealth Games competition at Yamuna Sports Complex in New Delhi on Tuesday. Indian wrestlers bag three gold
Wrestlers Ravinder Singh, Anil Kumar and Sanjay Kumar swelled India's gold medal tally, winning their respective men's events, on the second day of the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi on Tuesday. Shooters open India's gold haul
India's shooters kicked off their much-awaited campaign in the 19th Commonwealth games in grand fashion, winning two gold and two silver medals, at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range in Delhi on Tuesday. C'wealth Games schedule: Day 3
Wednesday's schedule of events at the Commonwealth Games [IST]. 'We were treated like cattle at CWG inauguration'
Steven Moneghetti, chef de mission of Australia, on Tuesday lashed out at Commonwealth Games organisers, saying that his country's contingent were "treated like cattle" as they were forced to wait in a tunnel "in cauldron conditions" for a long time before the march past in Sunday's opening ceremony. Kalmadi slips up: Prince Diana attended CWG opener
After his faux pas in the inaugural show on Sunday, slip of tongue seems to be continuing for Commonwealth Games Organising Committee. What the CWG can learn from the Army
'It is a point for consideration for those in authority that, maybe, the huge national embarrassment caused by the CWG organisers would have been avoided had they planned their work with the same vision, methodology, eye for detail and uncompromising integrity as the army is doing, in delivering the bridge on time.' It's special to win a gold medal: Bindra
Ace marksman Abhinav Bindra, who shot down India's first gold in the 19th Commonwealth Games, said he was relieved that he gave the country the glory for the second time in two years after his Olympic triumph. CWG update: Men's hockey team wins
Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi had things their way as India ruled the tennis courts at the Commonwealth Games on Tuesday. Australian Open lifts prize money
The 2011 Australian Open will offer a record A$25 million ($24.2 million) prize money, up 3.8 per cent on the previous year, with the men's and women's winners to each pocket A$2.2 million. We got more than we asked for: Pakistan
Sport can sometimes act as a great healer and it was wonderfully demonstrated during the opening ceremony of the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi on Sunday. Aus almost pulled out of CWG opening ceremony
The Commonwealth Games opening ceremony received accolades from many member countries but Australia almost pulled out of it in protest of their contingent being kept in "extremely hot and uncomfortable" environment before the event, a report said. 'Kalmadi is blowing his own trumpet'
Chairman of the Commonwealth Organising Committee and pPresident of the Indian Olympic Association Suresh Kalmadi on Monday claimed credit for a spectacular three-hour opening ceremony. Analysis: Indian lifters shine on Day 1
A look at how the Indian athletes fared on day one of the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, on Monday.

October 04, 2010

Ghosal, Chinappa keep the flag flying
Ace squash players Saurav Ghosal and Joshna Chinappa kept the tri-colour fluttering in the singles event as India wrapped up a mixed opening day at the Commonwealth Games on Monday. India 6th in men's artistic gymnastics
Plagued by injury to two of their team, India finished sixth, even as Australia swelled their medal tally at the Commonwealth Games with a gold in the men's artistic gymnastics at Indira Gandhi stadium on Monday. Australia won the gold, with 259.050 points, in the men's artistic team subdivision two competition on the Vault, while England, who led into the final rotation, finished with the silver medal with 256.750 points. CWG: Lifter Sukhen claims India's second silver
Hamizan Amirul Ibrahim won the men's 56-kg weightlifting event to claim Malaysia's first gold medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Sports Complex in Delhi, on Monday. C'wealth Games schedule: Day 2
Tuesday's schedule of events at the Commonwealth Games [IST]. I let my coach down, says Chanu
'I am happy to win the silver medal, but, at the same time, I feel very sad for my coach, Harnam Singh, who always believed that I would win the gold medal at the Delhi Games,' said weightlifter Soniya Chanu. CWG: Indian Ocean, Hariharan to enthrall audiences
A number of popular rock bands including Indian Ocean and famed singers like Daler Mehndi and Hariharan are likely to spice up the excitement at the Delhi Games with a series of dazzling performances for over a week. CWG: Milkha upset over OC ignoring former athletes
Legendary athlete Milkha Singh on Monday lashed out at the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (OC) for not giving former sportspersons a prominent place during the spectacular opening ceremony of the Games in New Delhi on Sunday. Nigerian lifter Nwaoko wins first gold of CWG 2010
Augustina Nkem Nwaokolo of Nigeria stormed her way to the first gold medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, with a record mark in the women's weightlifting event at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Sports Complex, in New Delhi, on Monday. SA triple Olympian swimmer inspired by Tendulkar
Iconic batsman Sachin Tendulkar has found a fan in South Africa's triple Olympian swimmer Roland Schoeman, who says the champion cricketer inspires him to perform extraordinarily in the pool. Hockey: India start as favourites against Malaysia
Eyeing to clinch its maiden medal in the Commonwealth Games, the Indian men's hockey team will start as favourites against a tricky Malaysia in their opening pool A encounter at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi. Bindra, Gagan set to lead India's fortunes
Beijing Olympic Games gold medallist Abhinav Bindra and world record holder Gagan Narang will be the cynosure of all eyes as the famed Indian shooting squad kicks off its campaign in the 19th Commonwealth Games in New Delhi on Tuesday. CWG critics failed to judge new India: Nasheed
Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed, who witnessed opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games, hailed the arrangements for the sporting event and dismissed the criticism that preceded it as creation of "old and established" media, which failed to judge "new" India. Pakistan lifters threaten to pull out of CWG
Pakistan's nightmare on the sporting arena continues. And, this time, it's the weightlifting team that's threatening to pull out of the Commonwealth Games following an internal dispute over carrying of the flag during Sunday's spectacular opening ceremony. CWG update, Day 1: Sukhen gives India 2nd silver
Augustina Nkem Nwaoko of Nigeria stormed her way to the first gold medal of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, with a record mark in the women's weightlifting event. Indian women paddlers beat Sri Lanka 3-0
Indian women paddlers started their campaign in the Commonwealth Games on a resounding note by blanking Sri Lanka 3-0 in Group D team competition at the Yamuna Sports complex on Monday. World media mesmerised by CWG opening ceremony
The opening ceremony of the XIX Commonwealth Games in New Delhi has drawn unparalleled applause from across the world by overhauling fears of chaos with a 'spectacular' event. 'India ready to host successful Games'
Despite the controversies, delays and challenges in the run-up to the Commonwealth Games, India had risen to the occassion and is set to deliver a successful Games, both CGF chief Mike Fennell and Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi said. Boos for boss Kalmadi at CWG opening
A spectacular opening ceremony was still not able to disguise India's shortcomings in the build up to the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

October 03, 2010

C'wealth Games open with colourful, vibrant show
The ceremony was heralded in a traditional Indian way by the blowing of a conch or 'shankh', considered auspicious for the start of any event. Unadkat, Chawla send Mumbai crashing
Jaidev Unadkat (4/41) and Piyush Chawla (3/70) shared the spoils as Rest of India piled on the agony of Mumbai by taking a huge 394 first innings lead on the third day of the Irani Trophy cricket match at the Sawai Mansingh stadium in Jaipur on Sunday. Foreign security official detained at hotel
A security official attached to an international team was on Sunday detained at the entrance of a five star hotel in New Delhi after a firearm was recovered from him during a security check. Orissa town excited over weightlifter's prospects
As the Commonwealth Games opens in New Delhi on Sunday, people in Behrampur performed a yagna and the civic authorities erected hoardings wishing luck to local weightlifter K Ravi Kumar who is participating in the mega event. 'India has set good foundation for Olympic bid'
Despite the controversy-marred build-up to the Commonwealth Games, International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge feels India has set a 'good foundation stone' for an Olympic bid in future. Eight gold medals up for grabs on Day 1
Eight gold medals are up for grabs on Monday, the first day of the Delhi Commonwealth Games, with swimming offering five, weightlifting two and gymnastics one. The first gold medal will be decided in the weightlifting women event in 48kg category, scheduled to begin at 1400 IST. Stoner rolls on to delay Lorenzo's coronation
Australia's Casey Stoner stormed to his second successive victory for Ducati at Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix while MotoGP World champion-elect Jorge Lorenzo finished fourth. Andrea Dovizioso of Italy and Valentino Rossi finished second and third respectively. Delhi closed for Games opening
Delhi's Lieutenant Governor Tejinder Khanna and Chief Minister Mrs Sheila Dikshit, who normally do not see eye to eye on most administrative matters, have decided to impose undeclared curfew and restrict the movement of people in public places on Sunday to ensure there is no untoward incident that could mar the opening and closing ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games. 'Delhi Games Village better than Beijing'
England's ace swimmer Rebecca Adlington was all praise for the facilities at the Games Village, saying she never had any doubts about travelling to India for the Games. Squash ace Nicol Ann a cinch for C'wealth glory
World No 1 Nicol Ann David says she's well-prepared for the Commonwealth Games.

October 02, 2010

Tips for spectators attending CWG opening
Following are the various means to get to the Nehru stadium for the CWG opening ceremony on Sunday. CWF applaud Kalmadi for good Games Village
Commonwealth Games Federation General Assembly on Saturday unanimously passed a resolution commending the efforts of the Organising Committee (OC) of 2010 Commonwealth Games to get things ready for the grand celebrations of sport beginning in Delhi on Sunday. Wales hoping to double gold tally at Delhi Games
Wales Chef de Mission Chris Jenkins on Saturday said he was impressed with how the Commonwealth Games Village had shaped up after being caught in a mess just a few days ago and rated all the facilities as world class. WADA to oversee anti-doping programme at CWG
World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) director-general David Howman has credited India for its efforts at closely monitoring the dope menace among its athletes. 'Swimming will see fierce competition at CWG'
The high-profile pullouts will not have any bearing on swimming and the events will see tough competition in the Delhi Commonwealth Games, Olympic champion Roland Schoeman said on Saturday. We will never find a drug-free sport: WADA
World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) moves fast, but one thing is clear � drug cheats and pharma companies helping them break records are definitely faster than WADA. Prince Charles arrives in India for CWG opening
Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall arrived in New Delhi on Saturday on a three-day visit to India to attend the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games 2010. Indian TT teams handed easy draws for CWG
Both the men's and women's table tennis teams of India were on Saturday handed easy draws for the Commonwealth Games commencing in New Delhi on Sunday. Malaysian lawn bowls star eyes a 'trick'
Malaysian lawn bowls star Siti Zalina Ahmad is hoping for a double at the Delhi Commonwealth Games -- a hat-trick in the lawn bowls singles and the honour of carrying her nation's flag at the Opening Ceremony on Sunday. Atwal slips to 7th in Viking Classic
Arjun Atwal let it slip in the back-nine as he carded an even-par 72 to slip to the tied seventh spot after the second round of the Viking Classic golf tournament in Madison, US. Atwal, who was overnight joint-leader with an opening round 66, has a two-day total of four-under 138. Kiwi tennis player Daniell pulls out of CWG
New Zealand tennis player Marcus Daniell has pulled out of the troubled Delhi Commonwealth Games with a back injury, local media reported on Saturday. Ryder Cup: US ahead after rain ruins opening day
The United States, inspired by a sizzling birdie run from Stewart Cink, came from behind to seize control in Friday's unfinished fourball matches after the Ryder Cup was severely disrupted by torrential rain.

October 01, 2010

CWG: Paes-Bhupathi get easy draw
Top seed Indian men's doubles pair of Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi have been handed out an easy draw but Rohan Bopanna and Somdev Devvarman were not as lucky and the duo will have to toil hard when the Commonwealth Games gets underway on Sunday. Abhinav Bindra named India's flag bearer
India has a large contingent of 619 athletes for the Commonwealth Games, comprising 379 male athletes and 240 female athletes. Queen's Baton travels around ahead of opening
Athletes, politicians and students carried the Queen's Baton past major Delhi landmarks on Friday as the symbolic relay neared the end of a global journey two days ahead of the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony. Atwal shares lead at Viking Classic
Making his first PGA Tour start since winning the Wyndham Championship a month ago, Arjun Atwal continued his brilliant form to share the lead with a six-under 66 in the opening round of the US $3.6 million Viking Classic golf tournament in Madison, US. Atwal shares the top spot with Bill Lunde, Ken Duke, Brett Quigley in a crowded leader-board. Contador suspended for suspected doping
Tour de France winner Alberto Contador and the Tour of Spain runner-up Ezequiel Mosquera were suspended for suspected doping on Thursday in a devastating blow to cycling's battered image. The suspensions set back the sport's efforts to restore its credibility after a string of high-profile drugs cases.

September 30, 2010

'President should declare the C'wealth Games open'
Vijay Kumar Malhotra, senior vice-president of Indian Olympic association and The General Association of National Sports Federations (GANSF) urged the government to ensure that President of India inaugurates the Commonwealth Games. Nothing less than two gold will do for me: Jwala
In 2002 Manchester, she was a novice taking her first steps in badminton but eight years down the line, Jwala Gutta is one of the best medal prospects for India at the Commonwealth Games and the 27-year-old says she will not let her country down. Rogge visit to give late lift for CWG organisers
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge will provide a much-needed lift for the troubled Commonwealth Games when he visits the site of the multi-sports gathering on Friday. Second CWG theme song released
With things looking bright for the crisis-hit Commonwealth Games, a song was released in New Delhi on Wednesday encouraging the youth of India to create a positive atmosphere around the Games. Kalmadi hints at India's efforts to host Olympics
India's weaknesses in staging multi-discipline sports events stood exposed during the crisis-hit run-up to the Commonwealth Games but Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi has still not lost hope of bringing the Olympics to the country. Cyclist Contador suspended for failing dope test
Spanish rider Alberto Contador returned an 'adverse analytical finding' for clenbuterol following an analysis of a urine sample taken during an in-competition test on the second rest day of the Tour de France, the International Cycling Union said on Thursday. Gill satisfied with progress at Games Village
Union Sports Minister M S Gill visited the Commonwealth Games Village and spent over two hours at the venue on Wednesday.

September 29, 2010

CWG will be off to a flying start: Krishna
There might have been delays and lapses in the run-up to the Commonwealth Games, but External Affairs Minister S M Krishna says the troubled event will be "off to a flying start" once A R Rahman renders the welcome song on October 3. 'We should be able to provide fool proof security'
Union Home Minister P Chidambaram has finally got accreditation for the Commonwealth Games. Two Canadian athletes pull out of CWG
The spate of withdrawals from the Delhi Commonwealth Games continued with Canadian diver Meaghan Benfeito and badminton player Alvin Lau becoming the latest to opt out of the event citing contrasting reasons.

September 28, 2010

England poised to pull out of 2022 WC race: Dein
England will withdraw its candidature to host the 2022 World Cup if, as expected, the United States withdraws its bid for the 2018 event, David Dein, the international president of England's bid, said on Tuesday. 'Snake incident had jeopardised our participation'
South African boxer Siphiwe Lusizi said they were completely rattled after a snake was found in one of the rooms of the Village and that the incident had put their participation in the Commonwealth Games in jeopardy. India's largest amateur golf tourney launched
Around five thousand amateur golfers from more than 29 golf clubs, spread across 22 cities in the country will participate in the ninth edition of the McDowell Signature Club Golf Championships. 'Winning more medals will help salvage prestige'
'Flying Sikh' Milkha Singh exhorts athletes to concentrate on training rather than finding fault with preparations for the Delhi Commonwealth Games. 'Issues exist in every CWG but India will deliver'
The crisis-hit Commonwealth Games has got support from an unexpected quarter in Australia's hockey coach Ric Charlesworth, who said controversies are not new in multisport events but exuded confidence that Delhi would deliver the goods. CWG: Oz swimmers still not sure of participating
A full team security briefing at an Australian training camp in Malaysia has failed to calm some anxious Australian swimmers as the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games team readies itself against the risk of last-minute withdrawals. Australia happy with Games Village facilities
Australia Chef de Mission Steve Monoghetti on Tuesday expressed satisfaction over the facilities being provided to the athletes and delegates of his country in the Commonwealth Games Village. 'Delhi Commonwealth Games was doomed from start'
Legendary American athlete Michael Johnson joined the chorus of renowned sports persoanlities who have criticised the preparation of the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Delhi by saying they were "doomed from the start".

September 27, 2010

Prince Charles, President to open Games together
In a reported compromise over the contentious issue of the inauguration ceremony of the Commonwealth Games on Sunday, Prince Charles will declare the Games open while President will say 'let the Games begin'. NADA hearing inconclusive
The NADA Disciplinary Panel hearing the case of 12 dope-tainted athletes, including seven in Commonwealth Games squad, remained inconclusive and said participation of the athletes in the mega event was left to their respective federations. Dope-tainted wrestlers unlikely to be reinstated
The four dope-tainted wrestlers who were earlier named in the Commonwealth Games squad only to be replaced later will not be taken back even after the provisional suspension on them was lifted by NADA Disciplinary Panel, Wrestling Federation of India said on Monday. Will Prince Charles or Pratibha Patil open Games?
President Pratibha Patil, not Prince Charles, will officially declare the Commonwealth Games open in Delhi on Sunday. This is the first time the royal family has been denied the traditional honour, the Daily Mail claimed. Do the CWG organisers have national pride?
'The head of the Organising Committee and of the Delhi administration were both blue-eyed individuals of the ruling Congress party. For the Congress, they can do no wrong.' Pullouts will not diminish standards: CWG OC
Pullouts by top athletes will not dilute the track and field competition, the organising committee of the Delhi Commonwealth Games said on Monday. Dikshit takes exception to Hooper's comments
Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Monday took exception to Commonwealth Games CEO Mike Hooper's reported comments on the capital's population, saying it was "very unkind and undiplomatic". Fennell defends Hooper, says he never blamed govt
Commonwealth Games Federation boss Mike Fennell on Monday backed his colleague Mike Hooper, saying he neither blamed the Indian government for Delhi's under-preparedness nor made any disparaging comments about Indians. Team Scotland boss criticises Delhi Games
Team Scotland boss Jon Doig has criticised the Delhi Commonwealth Games organisers, saying the athletes have been let down by them as the Village is not upto the mark and there are things yet to be fixed. Now, India's hockey coach threatens to quit
In an exclusive interview to Bikash Mohapatra, Jose Brasa reveals the improvement in the Indian hockey team, its chances in the upcoming CWG and his future as a coach. Kalpana Devi wins historic bronze in Judo WC
Kalpana Devi of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has created history by winning bronze medal in the World Cup (women) Judo-2010 by defeating Nazaraova Shokhida of Uzbekistan in Tashkent. We wish India and the CWF all success: Sharma
Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma on Sunday said that good grounds have now been demonstrated to have confidence in the Indian Government and the Commonwealth Games Federation holding the games. CWG: Now a snake at the tennis stadium
Legendary sprinter Milkha Singh, who was in the capital on Saturday and Sunday to see for himself Jawaharlal Nehru stadium came to the rescue of Suresh Kalmadi and company when he lashed out at the foreign media and athletes and CWG officials who have been crying foul from the roof tops by giving credit to the organizing comittee for the work.

September 26, 2010

CWG: Major problems in over 100 flats at Village
As fresh criticism hit the Games Village following the 'snake episode, top officials looking after 'clean-up operation' on Sunday indicated 'severe problems' in over 100 apartments at the complex and said it may take a few days to make them 'livable'. Hooper takes joint responsibility for CWG mess
Taking a U-turn, CGF CEO Mike Hooper on Sunday owned up the responsibility for the mess around the Commonwealth Games after blaming India's central and state governments for all the problems. 1100 international athletes arrive for Games
Foreign contingents continued to drop in with nearly 1100 athletes, officials and technical staff from different nations arriving on Sunday for the October 3-14 Commonwealth Games. Two more Australian athletes snub Delhi
Two more Australian athletes have pulled out of the Commonwealth Games in India citing security and health concerns, adding to the growing list of withdrawals from next month's showpiece event. No central point at airport led to shooters' delay
The absence of central points for athletes at the domestic terminal of the Delhi airport was the reason for Indian shooting contingent being stranded for hours, on their arrival in New Delhi from Pune. Now a snake found in Games Village?
There seems to be no end to the problems confronting the organisers of the Commonwealth Games with the South African envoy in New Delhi claiming that a snake was found in an athlete's room at the Games Village. Malaysian sprinter Siti Zubaidah pulls out of CWG
The growing list of athletes pulling out of the Commonwealth Games got longer on Sunday with Malaysian sprinter Siti Zubaidah Adabi withdrawing from the crisis-hit event citing poor form. English, Aus swimmers ready to 'rock 'n' roll'
Australian freestyle swimmer Ashley Callus and England's synchronised swimming medal hope Jenna Randall are excited at the prospect of participating in the Delhi Commonwealth Games. India will deliver good CWG: Khade
India's biggest hope in swimming, Virdhawal Khade feels the country will deliver a good Commonwealth Games despite the controversy-marred build-up to the event.

September 25, 2010

'They were reluctant to accept outside view'
Commonwealth Games Federation chief Michael Fennell has rubbished CWG Organising Committee Secretary General Lalit Bhanot's view that the other nations' standard of hygiene is different from that of India, saying his opinion was 'unacceptable'. Olympic champ swimmer Huegill commits for CWG
In a boost to pullout-ridden Commonwealth Games, veteran Olympic medallist Australian swimmer Geoff Huegill has downplayed security concerns and said he is committed to contesting in the mega event in India. Sutil to start 16th, Liuzzi 17th at Singapore GP
Force India driver Adrian Sutil will start 16th, one spot ahead of his teammate Vitantonio Liuzzi when the Singapore Grand Prix Formula One race gets underway at Marina Bay circuit in Singapore on Sunday. Now, boxer Akhil's bed at Games Village collapses
The shoddy state of the Games Village stood exposed on Saturday when the Indian boxing team checked in at their residential block only to find defending Commonwealth Games gold medallist Akhil Kumar's bed collapsing. Terrorists hatching hostage plan at CWG: Report
Australian authorities have received intelligence about a plan by Al-Qaida-linked terrorists to take foreigners hostage during the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, a report said. Former champion Waterfield pulls out of CWG
Former Commonwealth Games diving champion Peter Waterfield is the latest British athlete to withdraw from the troubled Delhi Games. 'Athletes may catch dengue during CWG'
The medical director of the Australia's CWG team Dr Peter Harcourt says at least a couple of athletes would catch the dengue fever during the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi. French Anti-Doping Agency president resigns
French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD) president Pierre Bordry said on Friday he had resigned. Fennell holds OC responsible for CWG mess
Mike Fennell, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, was more than assertive when he held the Organising Committee of the Delhi Commonwealth Games responsible for the mess and delay in building infrastructure for the Games scheduled to be held in New Delhi from October 3-14. Northen Ireland confirm participation
Good news continue to flow the crisis-hit Commonwealth Games way with Northern Ireland confirming their participation in the event, starting October 3.

September 24, 2010

Sarita Devi cries foul over Asiad boxing trials
Top woman boxer L Sarita Devi has threatened to return the Arjuna award she was conferred last year and quit representing the country if the 'injustice' of dropping her from the Asian Games squad is not looked into by the sports minister. PM slams Dikshit, Gill over CWG mess, results show
With all the reports of "filth" in the Games Village really hitting the country's image hard, the prime minister took Sports Minister M S Gill and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit to task at a meeting on Thursday night. According to sources, Lt Governor of New Delhi Tejinder Khanna was "shivering" while responding to him Aus, New Zealand coming for the Games
In a boost to the controversy-marred event, Australia and New Zealand's Commonwealth Games bosses confirmed participation of their teams in the Delhi Games, giving the thumbs up to the much-criticised Athletes' Village. New Zealand confirms participation in CWG
After days of indecision, the New Zealand Olympic Committee on Friday confirmed participation in the Delhi Commonwealth Games after seeing positive steps being taken by the organisers to improve the situation. Considerable improvements in CWG village: Fennell
Commonwealth Games Federation chief Mike Fennell on Friday inspected the Commonwealth Games Village and said "considerable improvements" have been made there even as embattled organisers continued their sprint against time to complete preparations for the October 3-14 event. India should not have been awarded C'wealth Games
Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) President John Coates on Thursday said India should never have been awarded the hosting rights of the Commonwealth Games given the shoddy preparations that have marred the build-up to the October 3 to 14 event. India bribed 72 nations to get Delhi CWG: Report
India bribed 72 Commonwealth countries USD 100,000 each to get the hosting rights for the scandal-hit 19th edition of the Games which will start in Delhi from October 3-14, a media report claimed in Melbourne on Thursday. 'Only some CWG shortcomings have been highlighted'
Two Canadian Athletes have withdrawn from the Commonwealth games, both of them are archers. One is former World Champion Dietmar Trillus and other is Kevin Tataryn and both have cited concerns about health and safety. NZ's world champ joins the list of CWG pull outs
Former world champion road cyclist Greg Henderson on Friday became the first selected New Zealand athlete to withdraw from the Commonwealth Games, saying there are "too many risks" in going to Delhi for the troubled event. 'No team will pull out of 2010 Commonwealth Games'
Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi Chairman Suresh Kalmadi said he was happy with the progress made in the Games Village as it got ready to welcome the first of the 7000 athletes and team officials who will reside there during the Commonwealth Games. More athletes pull out of Commonwealth Games
Welsh world and Olympic champion Geraint Thomas, Isle of Man rider Peter Kennaugh and the England pair of Ben Swift and Ian Stannard, said they were opting out of the Games as they feared for their health after reading reports about the dengue outbreak and the "filthy" conditions at the Games Village.

September 23, 2010

India alone responsible for mess not CGF: Hooper
The CGF CEO Mike Hooper on Thursday refused to take any blame for the mess in which the Delhi Commonwealth Games finds itself, saying India alone is responsible for all the problems surrounding the mega event. No nation will pull out of Delhi Games: Kalmadi
Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi on Thursday said he is happy with the progress made in the Games Village as it got ready to welcome the first of the 7000 athletes and team officials who will reside there during the mega-event. Chefs de mission happier than before: Kalmadi
In the eye of a storm over the shoddy state of the Commonwealth Games Village, Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi finally broke his silence on Thursday saying that the international chefs de mission are much "happier than before" with the state of affairs. IBF names reserves for Asian Games women's team
Former World Championship silver medallist L Sarita Devi, who lost to five-time world champion M C Mary Kom in the trials, was included in the Indian women's boxing team for the November Asian Games as a reserve. Nicol David bags record fifth World squash crown
World number one Nicol David secured a record-equalling fifth World Open title by beating Egypt's Omneya Abdel Kawy 11-5, 11-6, 11-8 at the Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh on Wednesday. Malaysia's David needed only 30 minutes on the all-glass court to match the haul of Australia's Sarah Fitz-Gerald, who collected her titles between 1996 and 2002. I'm disappointed with stars pull out of CWG: Saina
Ace shuttler Saina Nehwal fears that mass pull out by top athletes from the Commonwealth Games will rob spectators of a chance to witness some great contests. Tell us 5 steps to save the Commonwealth Games
Tell us five urgent steps which you think can roll back the negative developments and ensure that we can redeem ourselves � both in our eyes and the world's! PM holds meet on CWG, Kalmadi kept away
Amid intense criticism over Commonwealth Games preparations, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh held a meeting with union ministers and others involved in the sporting event but kept away Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi, triggering speculation about his being sidelined. Mary Kom ready for Asian Games challenge
The five-time World champion MC Mary Kom will lead India's challenge in the women's boxing event at the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China, in November. Mary, who competed in the 48kg division in the last week's historic title triumph in Bridgetown, Barbados, has been selected in the 51kg flyweight division. Vishy Anand refuses to be part of CWG mess
World chess champion Viswanathan Anand does not want to become part of the chaos and controversy surrounding the Commonwealth Games and only wants to focus on the number of medals India can win in the October 3-14 event. 'I really don't want to become a part of all this (mess). I don't wish to comment on what's going on. At the moment, I am just hoping that we (India) win lots of medals. I am concerned about our medal tally.' Team England to fly out to Delhi for CWG
Dispelling fears over the conduct of the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games, the England team is all set to fly out to India on Thursday. Sheila Dikshit visits Commonwealth Games Village
A day after her government was directed by Union Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar to take charge of the Commonwealth Games village, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit took stock of maintenance and cleanliness facilities at the complex on Thursday. Commonwealth Games: Salvaging national honour
'A disastrous failure of the Games would not be just a failure of an incompetent India. It would be the failure of an emerging India and the damaging of its image as a democratic nation worthy of emulation.' PM takes charge of the Commonwealth Games
Sensing the urgency to ensure that the Commonwealth Games are held in New Delhi on schedule from October 3 to 14 and to remove the clouds of uncertainty over the Games, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has intervened in the matter

September 22, 2010

Sunderland's Bramble arrested on suspicion of rape
Sunderland defender Titus Bramble was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of rape, a police source said. We are committed to CWG: Aus boss Crosswhite
Australian Commonwealth Games Association chief on Wednesday expressed his country's commitment towards participating in next month's Commonwealth Games despite several athletes planning to withdraw following series of snags that has hit the mega event. Rathore blames NRAI selection policy for CWG snub
Athens Olympic silver medalist Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore on Wednesday lashed out at the National Rifle Shooting Association of India (NRAI) for leaving him out of the Commonwealth Games squad on the basis of 'unfair selection policy'. Wales give CWG officials deadline over safety
Wales have given Delhi organisers until later on Wednesday to guarantee that the Commonwealth Games venues and athletes' village are safe for the country's 200 athletes. Suspension on 11 dope-tainted athletes lifted
The provisional suspension on the 11 dope tainted athletes, including one in the Commonwealth Games squad, was lifted by the NADA disciplinary committee following WADA's decision to shift the banned stimulant from 'non-specified' to 'specified' substance category. NZ officials arrive to inspect facilities
New Zealand Olympic Committee officials arrived in Delhi to inspect Commonwealth Games facilities and security after their team manager criticised the accommodation in place for athletes. Scotland delays athletes' departure for Delhi
The Commonwealth Games organisers suffered another setback on Tuesday, with Scotland delaying the departure of their athletes for Delhi, earlier scheduled for Thursday, following health and safety fears. The decision comes after some Commonwealth officials, including CGF chief Michael Fennell, expressed 'shock' over the unhygienic conditions at the Games Village and top athletes pulled out due to safety and health concerns. CWG: A bridge too far for India?
'Now call it off!', 'Games in crisis' screamed British tabloids about the forthcoming Commonwealth Games to be held in the Indian capital saying the shoddy preparations for the mega event were a blow to India's pride. CWG: False ceiling at Nehru stadium collapses
Part of the ceiling of the weightlifting venue for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in New Delhi collapsed on Wednesday. 'Cancellation of CWG would be bad for India'
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said on Wednesday that the cancellation of the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games would be bad for the future of the games movement as well as for India. CWG: Australia warns about more pullouts
More Australian athletes can pull out from the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games over safety fears and a bridge collapse that has raised concerns about the event. Top British trio pull out of Commonwealth Games
A trio of top British athletes, including world triple jump champion Phillips Idowu and Olympic 400 metres gold medallist Christine Ohuruogu, pulled out of the troubled Commonwealth Games in India on Tuesday. Aus TV channel sting totally bogus: Delhi Police
The Delhi Police on Tuesday termed as "totally bogus, motivated and deliberately planted" a sting operation carried out by an Australian television channel claiming that there was a security breach at the main Commonwealth Games venue of Jawahar Lal Nehru stadium.

September 21, 2010

'It's easy to get explosives into CWG venues'
An Australian TV channel has claimed that its crew got past security personnel and entered the Commonwealth Games village with crude explosives bought in New Delhi a few days ago, raising questions over safety at the event venues. Aus scribe claims taking explosives into CWG venue
An Australian television channel has claimed that its crew got past security personnel and entered the Commonwealth Games village with crude explosives bought in New Delhi a few days ago, raising questions over safety at the event venues. Mary Kom eyes 2012 Olympics gold
Five-time world champion MC Mary Kom will have to undergo a trials for the Asian Gamers in China an all-new weight category. Singapore committed to Delhi CWG participation
The chaotic build-up to the Delhi Commonwealth Games might have left some participating nations jittery but Singapore is not one of them and remains committed to sending its 68 athletes for the October 3 to 14 event. CWG organisers promise to improve Village hygiene
The Commonwealth Games Organising Committee told media persons that they would be addressing the concerns of some of the nations regarding hygiene at the Games Village on a 'war footing'. Discus World champ Dani Samuels withdraws from CWG
Citing concerns over health and security in Delhi, Australian discus thrower Dani Samuels has withdrawn from the country's Commonwealth Games team. Ronjan shoots gold at ISSF World Cup in Izmir
India's Ronjan Sodhi clinched a gold at the double trap gold in the ISSF World Cup finals in Izmir, Turkey. CWG yet to get terror cover for athletes
Australian captain Ricky Ponting said cricket has taken a "battering" after spot-fixing allegations against Pakistan team came to light and the ICC should get to the bottom of the allegations quickly. CWG tickets: Hockey favourite, no takers for Rugby
The build-up may have been marred by delays, corruption allegations and security fears but tickets for the October 3 to 14 Commonwealth Games are still selling like hot cakes, if the retail outlets are to be believed. Delhi CWG may be called off if...
New Zealand Chef de Mission for the Delhi Commonwealth Games, Dave Currie, on Tuesday said the event may be called off if the concerns regarding the Athletes Village are not addressed at the earliest. At eight, Romeo Beckham signs first fashion deal
Move over Victoria Beckham, a new fashion star is on the rise�and it's none other than Romeo Beckham, her son. Ethnic Indian is Canada's flag bearer for CWG
Canada's men's field hockey captain of Indian origin, Ken Pereira, has been named Team Canada Flag Bearer for the XIXth Commonwealth Games in Delhi. Games village makes CWG chief, athletes unhappy
Commonwealth Games Federation president Michael Fennell has expressed concerns over the Games Village preparation, saying that the condition of the residential zone there has "shocked" many contingents.

September 20, 2010

Govt briefs CWG Liaison Group on security
In the wake of the Jama Masjid firing incident, the government has briefed the International Security Liaison Group, monitoring the security arrangement in the Commonwealth Games, and assured foolproof security during the fortnight-long sporting event beginning October 3. Aus CWG association Delhi-bound despite shootings
The Australian Commonwealth Games Association (ACGA) said Sunday's tourist shooting in New Delhi will not change its Commonwealth Games plans. New Zealand's Prime Minister, meanwhile, remained confident of his country's participation in next month's multi-sport event. Injured Kiwi rugby star Thomson ruled out of CWG
Otago loose forward and star rugby 7s player Adam Thomson's quest for a Commonwealth Games gold with the New Zealand team ended after he withdrew from the October 3-14 Delhi event due to a knee injury. Aus swimmer unsure over Delhi CWG participation
Australia's world record champion swimmer Christian Sprenger is having second thoughts about travelling to New Delhi for the Commonwealth Games in the wake of an adverse risk assessment report. Kapur ends tied 65th at Austrian Open
Shiv Kapur returned a disappointing three-over 75 in the final round to drop four places and sign off tied 65th at the Austrian Open golf tournament in Atzenbrugg (Austria) on Sunday. Manipur CM congratulates boxer Mary Kom
Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has expressed 'immense pleasure' and congratulated boxer Mary Kom on her winning the fifth women's world boxing title at Bridgetown, Barbados on Saturday. Revealed! The security plan for the Delhi Games
The Indian government has drawn up an elaborate security plan at the cost of hundreds of crores to thwart any terrorist strike during next month's Commonwealth Games, by installing systems to detect chemical, biological weapons and "nuclear signature", according to a book on the security aspect of the Games.

September 19, 2010

Talukdar wins Archery World Cup bronze
Jayanta Talukdar won a bronze medal in the men's recurve section of Archery World Cup final at Edinburgh on Sunday. Gill congratulates Indian Davis Cup team
Sports Minister M S Gill on Sunday congratulated Indian Davis Cup team for their 3-2 win over Brazil in Chennai, which ensured the country's re-entry to the elite World Group. Tirkey rues absence of Prabhjot in CWG team
Former hockey captain Dilip Tirkey said India would miss the services of experienced forward Prabhjot Singh in next month's Commonwealth Games in New Delhi. Shooting incident will have no impact on CWG: OC
The Commonwealth Games Organising Committee on Sunday said the shooting incident on foreign tourists in New Delhi on Sunday morning will not have any impact on the Games next month and assured that India would provide foolproof security to the visiting athletes and officials. India hope to win maiden Lawn Bowls medal at CWG
Short of experience but not lacking in confidence after some good performances in recent international events, Indian Lawn Bowls players are aiming to win a Commonwealth Games medal in their very first appearance in the multi-sporting event in Delhi next month. CWG: Jamaica names second string athletics squad
Athletics powerhouse Jamaica named an understrength 46-member squad sans some of the biggest stars in the world, including top sprinters, for next month's Commonwealth Games in India. Gill congratulates Mary Kom
Sports Minister M S Gill on Sunday congratulated Indian woman boxer MC Mary Kom for winning an unprecedented fifth successive gold medal at the World Championships, calling her an "exceptional talent". Bhupathi gets engaged to Lara Dutta
Indian tennis star Mahesh Bhupathi on Sunday announced his engagement with Bollywood actress Lara Dutta on social networking site Twitter. Ashok Kumar wins DLF Masters
Caddie-turned-pro Ashok Kumar lifted the DLF Masters title trophy riding on his overnight eight-stroke lead after rain washed out the final day of the PGTI event in Gurgaon on Sunday. WADA approves 2011 list of prohibited substances
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has approved the list of prohibited substances for 2011 with several changes made from previous year, including addition of a section to address abuse of pharmacological substances, removal of mandatory Declaration of Use for specific substances not prohibited. Mary Kom defends World Championship crown
Indian woman boxer M C Mary Kom on Saturday claimed a historic fifth successive World Championship title, beating Steluta Duta of Romania 16-6 in the final in Bridgetown. Armaan becomes first Asian to grab podium finish
Armaan Ebrahim on Saturday became the first Asian ever to finish on the podium in an FIA Formula 2 Championship held in Valencia.

September 18, 2010

'Hygiene at CWG Village bigger worry than terror'
Australia's swimming coach Leigh Nugent says hygiene at the Commonwealth Games Village in Delhi is a bigger concern for him than the terror threats to the October 3 to 14 event. Sushil-inspired grapplers eyeing bagful of medals
Spurred by Sushil Kumar's world title, Indian wrestlers would look to make amends of the embarrassment they have brought to the nation by the dope flunk of six grapplers and win a rich haul of medals when the sport makes its return in the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi next month. Mary Kom books berth in World boxing C'ship final
M C Mary Kom continued her chase for a historic fifth successive World Championship gold by becoming the only Indian boxer to enter the final of the event with a thumping win in the last-four stage in Bridgetown, Barbados.

September 17, 2010

London Olympics may be sprinting swansong: Bolt
Usain Bolt may retire from sprinting after the 2012 London Games, the triple Olympic champion told local media on Friday. 11 debutants in Oz women's hockey squad for CWG
Defending champions Australia on Friday named a 16-strong women's hockey squad, including 11 debutants, for the October 3 to 14 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. Ignored for CWG, cyclists allege bias in selection
In yet another controversy ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, a group of Indian cyclists has alleged that the selection trial for the event was not transparent and some worthy riders were ignored. Boxer Mayweather charged with domestic battery
American Floyd Mayweather Jr was charged with four felonies, including domestic violence, on Thursday over accusations by his ex-girlfriend that he beat her and threatened their three children. Long jumper Lappierre finally commits to Delhi CWG
After several flip-flops, Australia's world indoor long jump champion Fabrice Lapierre has finally confirmed his participation in the Delhi Commonwealth Games. 'I'm glad I could give Pakistanis some joy'
Pakistani tennis player Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, whose partnership with Indian Rohan Bopanna has become a global talking point after the duo's runners-up finish at the US Open, said he would not mind playing against his good friend in exhibition matches to raise funds for the flood victims in Pakistan. Delhi Games Village better than Beijing: Hunter
England's Chef de mission Craig Hunter said the arrangements at the Delhi Games Village are much better as compared to the Beijing Olympics. AR Rahman's CWG theme song tweaked
Amid criticism that it failed to meet the expectations of the people, the theme song of the Commonwealth Games composed by A R Rahman has been tweaked a bit to make it peppier like the popular Bollywood number 'Chak de'.

September 16, 2010

Commonwealth Games opening to have spiritual touch
The opening ceremony of the Delhi Commonwealth Games, at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, on October 3, will have a spiritual touch. Azaan, Vedic and Buddhist chants will be played in the background as performers, wearing costumes depicting different aspects of the pluralist character of India, present the theme song Swagatan in different Indian languages. Commonwealth Games preparations go down to wire
Speaking at the soft launch of the Commonwealth Games Village on Wednesday, organizing committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi said Delhi is ready to host the athletes for the October 3-14 extravaganza. The Olympic bronze means the world to me: Paes
Tennis ace Leander Paes lists three reasons that made the bronze medal win at the Atlanta Olympics special. Mary Kom punches her way into World C'ship semis
M C Mary Kom (48kg) remained firmly on course for a historic fifth successive gold by advancing into the semi-finals along with Kavita (+81kg), to assure India two medals at the sixth Women's World Championship in Bridgetown, Barbados. Nadal gets standing ovation at Real Madrid game
New US Open tennis champion Rafa Nadal was given a standing ovation by Real Madrid fans when he strolled out on to the Bernabeu pitch before their Champions League match against Ajax Amsterdam on Wednesday.

September 15, 2010

Napoleon bids to conquer Delhi
Ryan Napoleon has been re-instated in the Australian swimming team for the Commonwealth Games after sport's top tribunal back-dated his three-month ban for a doping offence. Aussies apprehensive about CWG after e-mail
Australian track and field athletes are having a second thought about participating in next month's Commonwealth Games after receiving an e-mail from the national federation, warning them of 'a high risk of terrorist attack' on the mega-event in Delhi. Aslam Sher Khan calls for boycott of CWG
Former Hockey Olympian Aslam Sher Khan called for boycott of the Commonwealth Games as he feels the event is a "colossal waste" for a country like India.

September 14, 2010

Gill snubs Sushil's coach
Sports Minister M S Gill found himself in fresh controversy on Tuesday after he snubbed top grappler Sushil Kumar's coach Satpal Singh by asking him to step aside during a photo opportunity at his residence in Delhi. 'Stimulant may have been taken inadvertently'
The Indian athletes who recently tested positive for Methylhexaneamine may have a case when they claimed that the banned stimulant could have entered their body even without their knowledge, according to a sports medicine expert. Chanu faces life ban after positive 'B' sample
Dope-tainted weightlifter Sanamacha Chanu faces a life ban after her 'B' sample test, conducted by the National Anti-Doping Agency, also turned out positive for a banned stimulant. The 'A' sample of 31-year-old Chanu, one of the most successful woman weightlifters in the country, which was taken during the trials for the Commonwealth Games in August had tested positive for methylhexaneamine. CWG is not Tintu's main target: P T Usha
Her protege Tintu Luka has already broken the two-minute barrier in 800m and legendary P T Usha feels the best is yet to come for the 21-year-old who can be a bet for an Olympic medal that eluded the former track-queen in the 1984 Los Angeles Games.

September 13, 2010

PM Singh congratulates world champion Sushil
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday congratulated Sushil Kumar for becoming the first Indian wrestler to win a gold medal at the World Championships, in Moscow. Laxmi, Mary Kom in World Boxing quarters
On a mixed day for India, Laxmi Padiya (81kg) advanced to the quarter-finals but former champion L Sarita Devi (51kg) crashed out with a shock second-round defeat in the sixth women's World Boxing Championships in Barbados. NZ could pull out of CWG over security concerns
New Zealand would not hesitate to withdraw from the Delhi Commonwealth Games if the country finds the security arrangements inadequate during its final assessment of the event's preparations in the next few days, according to media reports in Wellington. The Tiger and Phil show still a ratings grabber
Eight shots off the lead and teeing off nearly two hours ahead of the final pairing of Ryan Moore and Dustin Johnson, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson may have been out of contention but they were never out of the spotlight. Sorry Woods fails to make Tour Championship
There is still plenty of golf ahead for Tiger Woods this year but his PGA Tour season came to an early end at the BMW Championship on Sunday after he failed to earn a spot in the Tour Championship.

September 12, 2010

Sushil Kumar wins gold in World Wrestling C'ship
Wrestler Sushil Kumar rewrote the history books once again as he became the first Indian wrestler to win a gold medal in the World Wrestling Championships. 'We can host events at CWG venues in an hour'
Several missed deadlines later, the venues of the Commonwealth Games are now completely ready, said organising committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi, claiming that the preparedness is such that events can now be held at the stadiums on an hour's notice. Government to blame for delay: VK Malhotra
It seems the blame game has already begun, even before the Commonwealth games has started, where the federations and the Sports Ministry blaming each other for the delay in the completion of the stadiums. Embattled swimmers hope to make a mark at CWG
It is a discipline which has never fetched India any medal in the Commonwealth Games and the swimmers are not exactly expected to create a splash even this time around with a dope slur and concerns about the venue's preparedness adding to their woes ahead of the event. 'Magnificent' Mary Kom in World C'ship quarters
Indian boxer M C Mary Kom (48kg) continued her march towards a fifth consecutive World Championship title by advancing to the quarter-finals with a thumping win over Australian Jenny Smith Bridgetown on Sunday.

September 11, 2010

Indian paddlers determined to better CWG record
Not many Indian players will go as defending champions at the upcoming Commonwealth Games but the table tennis team has at least two, one as a team. Mayweather jailed in battery case
US boxing champion was arrested on Friday in Las Vegas on suspicion of grand larceny and domestic battery after an ex-girlfriend accused him of beating her in front of their children, according to police and court documents. '103 athletes tested positive this year'
Admitting that the menace of doping was rampant in the country, the Sports Ministry on Saturday disclosed that 103 Indian sportspersons, including juniors have flunked dope tests in the last eight months. Kiwis hiring own security consultants for CWG
Netball New Zealand (NNZ), Hockey New Zealand (HNZ) and the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) have hired independent security consultants ahead of next month's Delhi Commonwealth Games. Rampal double secures 9th place for India
The Indian women's hockey team notched up its best World Cup finish in 32 years by signing off ninth after a thrilling 4-3 win over South Africa in the classification match in Rosario. Italian GP: Vettel fastest as McLaren experiment
Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel and McLaren's world champion Jenson Button shared the limelight on Friday in practice for an Italian Grand Prix both are desperate to win.

September 10, 2010

Mumbai welcomes Queen's Baton Relay
The Queen's Baton Relay for next month's Commonwealth Games on Friday arrived at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai amid much fanfare. Gill gives bizarre reason for increasing doping
India's sports minister M.S.Gill gave a bizarre reason yesterday to his Cabinet colleagues while responding to increasing number of doping cases. Gill said this is due to India's high standard of detection of doping. Forget dengue, enjoy India: Sports Minister
Athletes should not let the outbreak of dengue fever or security concerns ruin their experience at next month's Commonwealth Games, Indian Sports Minister Manohar Singh Gill said on Thursday.

September 09, 2010

Weightlifter Chanu pleads innocence
Facing a life ban after failing a second dope test, weightlifter Sanamacha Chanu on Thursday accused the Indian Weightlifting Federation of keeping her in the dark about the banned substance methylhexaneamine, which she said she cannot even spell properly. Kenyan distance runner Rudisha pulls out of CWG
Kenyan athletics chiefs have defended world 800 metres record holder David Rudisha's decision to pull out of next month's Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

September 08, 2010

CWG construction work may drag on till October 3
Just 25 days ahead of the Commonwealth Games, deadlines for completion of key projects continue to be pushed further with Delhi Government on Wednesday saying that some works would drag on even till October 3 -- the day the mega sporting event begins. Higgins cleared of match-fixing
World number one John Higgins was banned for six months and fined 75,000 pounds on Wednesday but cleared of accepting a bribe to fix snooker matches. 'B' samples of two swimmers test positive
Embarrassment piled on India on Wednesday barely a month ahead of the Commonwealth Games with four athletes, including three in Games squad, failing their 'B' sample tests while a weightlifter was also caught for a banned substance in New Delhi. Weightlifter Sanamacha Chanu tests positive again
Indian weightlifting was on Wednesday hit by another doping controversy barely days after the country was saved from an international ban, including missing the Commonwealth Games, with 53kg lifter Sanamacha Chanu failing an NADA dope test conducted last month. The 31-year-old Chanu, one of the most successful woman weightlifters in the country, tested positive for the banned substance methylhexaneamine, her second offence after being caught at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Tiger Woods gets the nod for Ryder Cup
Despite a tumultuous year on and off the course for Tiger Woods, the world number one will have one more chance for golfing glory after being named Tuesday as one of four wildcard picks for next month's Ryder Cup.

September 07, 2010

Gill doubles cash awards for CWG and Asian Games
The Sports Ministry doubled the cash awards for gold medal winners to Rs 20 lakhs for the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games to encourage sportspersons to come up with an improved performance in the upcoming mega-events. Swimmer Rice loses sponsor for 'anti-gay' tweet
Australian swimmer Stephanie Rice has lost her sponsorship contract with Jaguar after making an alleged anti-gay comment on a social networking site, local media reported on Tuesday. 'No leniency for those who fail the dope test'
Indian Olympic Association vice-president Vijay Kumar Malhotra said the Sports Ministry should immediately initiate a high-level inquiry to find out the culprits who are responsible for sports persons failing dope tests. 'Idea to allow vuvuzela in CWG should be scrapped'
Indian Olympic Association vice-president Vijay Kumar Malhotra said the idea to let the spectators use vuvuzela during the Commonwealth Games will "disturb" athletes and prove "counter-productive".

September 06, 2010

Completion certificates for venues given to CGF
The Commonwealth Games organizing committee handed over copies of completion certificates for all competition and non-competition venues, including the Games Village, to CGF CEO Mike Hooper. 'We got copies of the completion certificates given by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to the venue owners today and, as promised, handed them over to Mr. Hooper,' OC chairman Suresh Kalmadi said on Monday. Wrestlers' 'B' samples also positive
The six dope-tainted wrestlers who caused major embarrassment to the country with less than a month to go for the Commonwealth Games also failed their 'B' sample tests, conducted by National Anti-Doping Agency. The 'A' samples of the six wrestlers, taken by NADA at the Commonwealth Games trials, had tested positive for stimulant methylhexanamine, which was added as a banned substance only this year by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Saina eyes Commonwealth Games medal
The quarter-final ouster in World Championship is a thing of past for ace shuttler Saina Nehwal whose only target is now to clinch a medal for the country in next month's Commonwealth Games to be held in Delhi.

September 05, 2010

Luka sets new national 800m record
Rising Indian middle distance runner Tintu Luka shattered the 15-year-old women's 800m national record as she clocked 1:59.17 to finish a creditable fifth in the VTB Bank Continental Cup in Split, Croatia. CWG tennis, cycling venues yet to be cleared
With the Commonwealth Games less than a month away, at least two stadia as well as parts of the main sports venue, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, are yet to get completion certificates from civic authorities. Japanese Tomizawa dies after Moto2 crash
Nineteen-year-old Japanese Moto2 rider Shoya Tomizawa has died after a crash during Sunday's San Marino Grand Prix, the second death in the sport in two events. CWG venues battling against time: Hooper
India's failure to ensure that all the Commonwealth Games venues and the athletes' village comply with safety provision norms could jeopardise the organisation of the event, according to CGF CEO Mike Hooper, who said the organisers have allowed "things to go down to the wire". Three Indian swimmers fail dope test
Embarrassment piled on India ahead of next month's Commonwealth Games with three swimmers, two of them part of the country's team for the mega-event, flunking dope tests in New Delhi on Sunday.

September 04, 2010

Saina says Delhi not ready for CWG, then retracts
India's ace shuttler and a brand ambassador for Commonwealth Games Saina Nehwal on Saturday created a flutter by questioning the country's capability of holding such a mega event but retracted her controversial statement within moments. Good day for Indian archers at World Cup
On a highly successful day for India, the trio of Jayanta Talukdar, Tarundeep Rai and Rahul Banerjee clinched gold before Deepika Kumari settled for a silver medal at the Archery World Cup Stage IV in Shanghai on Saturday.

September 03, 2010

National billiards: Sitwalla stuns Sethi
Dhruv Sitwalla pulled off a 4-2 upset victory over former World champion Geet Sethi to enter the men's semi-finals, while Maharashtra's Meenal Thakur claimed the women's crown in the National Billiards Championships in Pune on Friday. Meenal outplayed Anuja Chandra of PSPB 76-59, 17-75, 76-55, 75-55 at the D Y Patil Vidyapeeth. Indian men in archery World Cup final
The Indian men's team erased bitter memory of the past by ousting hosts China in the semi-final and sailing into the final of the recurve event in the Archery World Cup Stage IV, in Shanghai, on Friday. India face Japan in the summit-clash for the gold medal on Saturday. All is well for a great Games, says Kalmadi
As the month-long countdown for the Commonwealth Games begins, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi, in the line of fire for tardy preparations, voiced confidence that 'hitches' will be overcome and the event will be a great success. Vuvuzelas set for blast off at Commonwealth Games
Loved and loathed in equal measure, the drone of the vuvuzela will resonate in India for the first time at the Commonwealth Games in October. Asian Games to switch cycle from 2019: report
Asian Games organisers are poised to switch the quadrennial event from 2018 to 2019 to avoid clashing with the Commonwealth Games in the future. The Olympic Council of Malaysia's (OCM) general secretary told Friday's Malaysian Star newspaper that the decision had been taken by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).

September 02, 2010

Saina drops to No 3 in world rankings
Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal slipped a rung from her career-best position of world No 2 in the latest international badminton rankings released on Thursday. Four Indian wrestlers fail dope tests
Four wrestlers were axed from the Indian squad on Thursday for failing dope tests barely a month before the Commonwealth Games begin there. Athletes Saurabh Vij, Akash Antil flunk dope tests
Commonwealth Games medal prospect shot putter Saurabh Vij and Akash Antil flunked dope tests conducted by the National Anti-doping Agency last month, the Athletics Federation of India said on Thursday. Saina, Chetan to lead badminton challenge in CWG
Ace shuttlers Saina Nehwal and Chetan Anand will spearhead the Indian challenge in the badminton event of the Delhi Commonwealth Games, from October 3 to 14. The Badminton Association of India on Thursday announced a 10-member squad, including five women, for the Games.

September 01, 2010

Not selected for CWG, swimmer moves HC
A national-level swimmer has moved the Bombay high court after her name did not figure in the Indian squad for next month's Commonwealth Games. According to Mumbai-based Anoushka Merchant, the Swimming Federation of India had said it would select eight probables, but later it named three girls without informing the other aspirants. Bindra, Narang in India's CWG shooting team
Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra will spearhead the Indian shooting challenge in both the Commonwealth and Asian Games along with other top marksmen such as Gagan Narang and Manavjit Singh Sandhu. Say no to the Games, else the guilty will escape!
Mahesh Vijapurkar urges Indian sportspersons to stand up and show contempt for the poor standards that appear the benchmark of the Commonwealth Games. 'One federation, different selection policies'
I think, as sportsmen, we all go through the adversities created by our sports officials some time or the other, says Athens Olympics silver medallist Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore after missing out selection for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. Biggest ever Indian track squad for CWG 2010
India named the biggest ever track and field squad in Commonwealth Games as Athletics Federation of India announced 90 athletes for the October 3-14 multi-sport event in New Delhi with almost all big names making the cut. Rathore's CWG hopes shot down by selection policy?
Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and Samresh Jung were hoping to repeat their success in front of home fans, but a rigid and an 'unfair' selection policy cost them places for the mega-event.

August 31, 2010

Randhir resigns from SAI governing body
Miffed at the Sports Ministry for not inviting him for the National Sports Award ceremony on Sunday, Indian Olympic Association secretary general Randhir Singh on Tuesday resigned from the governing body of Sports Authority of India. Vijender unhappy with CWG selection trials
He has been picked for both the Commonwealth and the Asian Games but Olympic bronze medallist Vijender Singh on Tuesday said he is still unhappy with the way selection trials for the two events were conducted as some "deserving" boxers have been left out. Rathore to miss CWG after skipping trials
Athens Olympics silver medallist Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore will not part be a part of the Indian shooting team at the Commonwealth Games as he stands disqualified for selection after missing the trials.

August 29, 2010

Randhawa tied 8th at Johnnie Walker C'ship
Jyoti Randhawa turned in a blemishfree three-under 69 to rise to the tied eighth spot but Gaganjeet Bhullar (75) continued to languish at the bottom after the penultimate round of the Johnnie Walker Golf Championship in Perthshire, Scotland. Gill attacks Premji for his comments on CWG
Reacting to Azim Premji's statement that investment on events like the Commonwealth Games is a waste of money, the Minister of Sports Dr M S Gill said that the government has decided to give awards to those companies which invest in promotion of sports. Chen Jin leads Chinese sweep of world titles
China's Chen Jin went one better than last year to lift the men's singles world badminton title on Sunday, subduing Indonesia's Taufik Hidayat 21-13, 21-15 in the final. Saina Nehwal conferred with Khel Ratna
Badminton ace Saina Nehwal, whose phenomenal rise was highlighted by three top-flight international titles recently, was on Sunday conferred with the coveted Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award at a glittering ceremony in New Delhi on Sunday. 'CWG theme song has fallen short of expectations'
A R Rahman's Commonwealth Games theme song has failed to impress the CWG Organising Committee's executive board member V K Malhotra, who feels the composition has 'fallen short of expectations'.

August 28, 2010

Rahman launches theme song for Delhi CWG
Oscar winning music composer A R Rahman on Saturday launched the theme song of the Commonwealth Games with a rendering of "Oh yaaro, yeh India bula liya" at a glittering ceremony in Gurgaon. IOA felicitates Youth Games medallists
Delighted with India's performance in the recently-concluded Youth Olympics Games (YOG) in Singapore, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Saturday felicitated the country's medal winners in the inaugural quadrennial event with cash awards. Delhi will deliver good Games: Dikshit
Scrambling to complete unfinished Commonwealth Games projects, Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit admitted that some of the agencies are "over ambitious" in trying to improve infrastructure and beautify the city ahead of the mega sporting event.

August 27, 2010

Lin Dan, Chong Wei shocked
Malaysia's world number one Lee Chong Wei exited the world badminton championships on Friday, beaten 21-15, 11-21, 21-12 in the quarter-finals by former World and Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat. Less than an hour later, in another big surprise, title-holder Lin Dan succumbed 21-13, 21-13 to 13th seeded South Korean Park Sung-hwan. Saina goes down tamely in quarter-finals
Saina Nehwal crashed out of the World Badminton Championships, losing to No 6 seed Shixian Wang of Chana in the quarter-finals in Paris on Friday. The second seeded Indian ace lost 8-21, 14-21. Advani, Sethi beaten in semis
While Geet Sethi went down 1022-1668 to England's Peter Gilchrist in the first semi-final, Pankaj Advani lost 1300-1417 to another Englishman, Mike Russell, in the other last four stage match at the World Billiards Championship in Pune. Jwala-Diju exit World Badminton Championships
Struggling with a sore back, ace shuttler V Diju and his mixed doubles partner Jwala Gutta suffered a straight-game defeat to South Korea's Sung Hyun Ko and Jung Eun in the quarter-finals of the World badminton Championships in Paris on Friday. The ninth seed Indians lost 16-21, 19-21 to the 12th seeds in a 31-minute battle, ending India's hopes in the mixed doubles category. NADA asks for report on athletes' 'disappearance'
In a bid to nab the four core group athletes who reportedly disappeared before dope tests were conducted by National Anti-Doping Agency in Patiala, the country's doping watchdog has asked chief coach Bahadur Singh to submit a report on the episode by next week. Jwala-Ashwini crash out of World Championships
The Indian men's and women's doubles teams crashed out of the World Badminton Championships after losing their respective third-round matches in Paris. After making it to the quarter-finals in the mixed doubles, Jwala Gutta failed to repeat the performance with Ashwini Ponnappa in the women's doubles, going down to sixth seeds Jung Eun Ha and Ming Jung Kim 21-14, 21-15. Jones leads Australian swimming team for CWG
Olympic champion Leisel Jones and former world champion Geoff Huegill will lead a 52-strong Australian swimming contingent, including 31 debutants, in the Delhi Commonwealth Games this October. Woods shoots his best round of 2010
Tiger Woods fixed some swing problems before his early start at Ridgewood Country Club and came away with his best round of the year on Thursday at the Barclays tournament that opens the FedExCup playoffs. Commonwealth Games venues to miss Aug 31 deadline
Another deadline for completion of projects at the venues for Commonwealth Games will be missed with Union Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy saying there will be delay by a "couple" of days beyond August 31.

August 26, 2010

India finish Youth Olympics campaign with eight me
India finished their campaign in the inaugural Youth Olympic Games with eight medals, including six silver and two bronze as curtain came down on the multi-discipline sporting event in Singapore on Thursday. Advani, Sethi in semi-finals
Defending champion Pankaj Advani and veteran Geet Sethi entered the semi-finals of the time format in the IBSF World Billiards Championship after contrasting victories in Pune on Thursday. Sethi defeated compatriot Ashok Shandilya by a huge margin of 1230 points, while Advani beat another Indian Rupesh Shah by 595 points after trailing nearly by 170 points, at the PYC Gymkhana Club. Saina in World badminton quarters, Yihan upset
India's Saina Nehwal cruised into the quarter-finals of the World Badminton Championships, defeating Russia's Ella Diehl in the third round of the women's singles event in Paris on Thursday. 'I committed a mistake and Anand managed to draw'
Srikar Varadaraj, the lad who held World champion Viswanathan Anand to a draw in the simultaneous chess games at the International Congress of Mathematicians, says he could have won had he played the end-game properly. Diju-Jwala in quarters at World Championships
The Indian mixed doubles pair of V Diju and Jwala Gutta overcame early sluggishness to beat Singapore's Chayut Triyachart and Lei Yao and enter the quarter-finals in the World Badminton Championships in Paris on Thursday. Diju and Jwala, quarter-finalists at the last World Championships in Hyderabad, won 14-21, 21-18, 21-14. Indian challenge ends at Hong Kong Squash Open
It was curtains for India in the Hong Kong Squash Open after national champion Saurav Ghosal went down fighting to World No 3 Egyptian Amr Shabana in the first round men's singles match of the $147,500 PSA event at HK Squash Centre. 'Will approach pvt sector for CWG sponsorship'
Some of the top PSUs may have pulled out of the Commonwealth Games in the wake of corruption allegations, but Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi is unperturbed, saying he is confident of making up the deficit through the private sector. Aus swimmer banned from Delhi Commonwealth Games
Australia's Ryan Napoleon has been suspended from swimming for three months following a positive test for a banned substance after he was given the wrong asthma inhaler, Swimming Australia said on Thursday.

August 25, 2010

Elin, ex-wife of Tiger Woods breaks silence
The now ex-wife of Tiger Woods has broken the silence she maintained through the ordeal of dealing with the torrid sex scandal that engulfed their marriage, saying she has been through "hell." Five Indians in World billiards quarter-finals
Defending champion Pankaj Advani and veteran Geet Sethi cruised past their respective opponents to advance to the quarter-finals of the Time-format in the IBSF World Billiards Championship in Pune on Wednesday. Saina rallies into Round 3 of World Championships
Saina Nehwal staged a splendid recovery to enter the third round of the World Badminton Championships at the Pierre de Coubertin stadium in Paris on Wednesday. An Indian in NBA, hard to say: Gasol
Spaniard Pau Gasol, the NBA star, talks on a wide range of issues including Indian participation in basketball's flagship event. Boxer Shiv Thapa wins silver at Youth Olympics
Boxer Shiv Thapa settled for a silver as he went down fighting to Cuban world champion Ramirez Robeisy Aloy in the bantam weight final on the penultimate day of the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore on Wednesday. Kenyan CWG athletics team to include World champs
In a huge boost to the upcoming Delhi Commonwealth Games, middle distance running powerhouse Kenya are sending a strong athletics team which will be led by men's 800m world record holder David Rudisha and Olympic 1500m champion Nancy Jebet Lagat. Chen Jin eyes Lin Dan's Chinese top spot
Chen Jin has set his sights on dethroning compatriot Lin Dan as China's number one player. Badminton: Indian doubles teams in 3rd round
Indian men's and women's doubles pairs steamrolled over their respective opponents to sail into the pre-quarterfinals of the World Badminton Championships in Paris.

August 24, 2010

World Badminton: Diju-Jwala enter third round
The Indian mixed doubles team of V Diju and Jwala Gutta eased into the third round beating Malaysia's Peng Soon Chan and Liu Ying Goh at the World badminton Championships in Paris, on Tuesday. Vikas wins boxing bronze in Youth Olympics
Boxer Vikas Krishan won a bronze medal for India after his Mexican opponent Daniel Echeverria was disqualified midway into the men's 60kg class third-place play-off in the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore on Tuesday. CWG organisers asked to pay weightlifting fine
The Sports Ministry on Tuesday directed the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (OC) to immediately release Rs 1.75 crore interest-free loan to the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF) so that it can pay the doping fine of US$ 375,000 to the international parent body before the August 31 deadline. World billiards: Joshi, Sitwala, Advani win
Devendra Joshi and Dhruv Sitwala scored fluent back-to-back wins while Rupesh Shah suffered defeat against Englishman Mike Russell on the opening day of the Time-Format event in the IBSF-DY Patil Vidyapeeth World Billiards Championship in Pune on Tuesday. World Badminton: Chetan crashes out in first round
Top Indian shuttler Chetan Anand crashed out of the World Badminton Championships with a disappointing straight-game defeat against a lowly-ranked opponent in the men's singles first round in Paris, on Tuesday. Kalmadi says IOA won't pay weightlifting fine
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Suresh Kalmadi on Tuesday ruled out giving any monetary assistance to the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF) in paying the US$ 375,000 fine to the game's world body because it is related to doping. Seven Pak athletes banned for failing dope test
Seven Pakistan track and field athletes have been banned for two years each after failing dope tests in the national championships in Islamabad last month. Kashyap crashes out of World Badminton C'ships
India's Parupalli Kashyap blew away a game lead to crash out of in the first round of the World Badminton Championships in Paris on Monday. Scandal-hit Tiger Woods and wife divorce
The world's No. 1 golfer Tiger Woods and his Swedish wife Elin Nordegren said on Monday they had divorced following the torrid sex scandal that engulfed Woods late last year.

August 23, 2010

Men's and mixed doubles pairs win, Mutatkar loses
Aditi Mutatkar became a first round casualty but Indian men's and mixed doubles pairs kept the tri-colour fluttering as India wrapped up a mixed day at the World Badminton Championships in Paris on Monday. Semenya to participate in CWG
Even as her high-profile colleagues decides to stay away from this year's Commonwealth Games, 800m world champion Caster Semenya of South Africa has confirmed her participation in the October 3-14 mega-event to be held in Delhi. Durgesh Pal wins silver in Youth Olympic Games
India's Durgesh Kumar Pal cliched the silver with a personal best timing of 50.81sec in the 400m Hurdles but his compatriots disappointed on the ninth day of the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore on Monday. Russell routs Advani for World title
Pankaj Advani failed to defend his IBSF billiards title in the Points format, as he went down 0-6 to nine-time World champion Mike Russell of England in a one-sided final in Pune on Monday. Russell, who lost to Advani in the World Professional Billiards championship in Leeds last year, produced an impeccable display of cue control and potting to beat the Indian 151-129, 151-00, 151-29, 150-20, 151-09, 151-125. Lin Dan breezes into 2nd round at Badminton Worlds
Defending champion Lin Dan of China and top-seed Malaysian Lee Chong Wei advanced to the second round after notching up straight-set wins over their rivals in the World badminton Championship in Paris on Monday. Past record won't matter in World C'ship: Saina
She might be in red-hot form after her recent title wins but ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal feels past record won't matter when she begins her campaign in the World Badminton Championship in Paris on Tuesday. Mo Farah leads England CWG athletics team
Double European gold medallist Mo Farah along with defending champions Phillips Idowu, Lisa Dobriskey and Christine Ohuruogu highlight England's 100-strong athletics team for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi from October 3 to 14. Lavish praise for Atwal on winning first PGA title
Cricket icon Kapil Dev, sprint legend Milkha Singh and Sports Minister M S Gill on Monday led the chorus of appreciation for Arjun Atwal, who scripted golfing history by becoming the first Indian to clinch a US PGA Tour title. Jeev second in Asian Tour's career money list
Indian golfer Jeev Milkha Singh, who is currently plying his trade on the US PGA Tour, is second in the Asian Tour's career money list with earnings of $2.8 million. DD slashes CWG ad revenue target by half
The official broadcaster for the upcoming Commonwealth Games, Doordarshan, is understood to have cut its advertising revenue target by half to Rs 100 crore from the 12-day long event due to poor response from advertisers. Ritwik left out of CWG squash team
Former India number one Ritwik Bhattacharya was on Monday left out of the 10-member Indian squash team for the upcoming Commonwealth Games to be held in Delhi from October 3-14. Asian Tour chief congratulates Atwal
Asian Tour's Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han on Monday hailed Arjun Atwal's maiden PGA Tour title triumph in the Wyndham Golf Championship, saying that his feat will inspire more ground-breaking performances from India and across Asia. Kenyan Rudisha breaks men's 800m world record
Kenyan David Rudisha broke the men's 800 metres world record that had stood for 13 years on Sunday, clocking a time of one minute 41.09 seconds at the ISTAF athletics meeting in the German capital. Atwal is first Indian to win on PGA Tour
Arjun Atwal became the first Indian and just the sixth Asian-born player to win on the PGA Tour when he secured a one-stroke victory at the Wyndham Championship on Sunday. Atwal joined Japanese trio Isao Aoki, Shigeki Maruyama and Ryuji Imada and South Koreans K.J. Choi and Y.E. Yang in an elite but growing club of champions from world's most populous continent.

August 22, 2010

Kapur ends tied 29th in Czech Open
Indian golfer Shiv Kapur turned in his worst card of the week - a five-over 77 - to sign off tied 29th at the Czech Open in Celadna, Czech Republic. Advani, Sethi in World Billiards C'ship semis
Defending champion Pankaj Advani and veteran Geet Sethi reigned supreme at the green baize to enter the semi-finals in the Point-format of IBSF World Billiards Championship in Pune on Sunday. Boxer Thapa assured of a silver at Youth Olympics
Shiv Thapa assured India of at least a silver in bantam weight boxing after storming into the final with an overwhelming performance but his compatriots disappointed on the eighth day of the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore on Sunday. Kenyan Rudisha breaks men's 800m world record
Kenyan David Rudisha broke the men's 800 metres world record on Sunday, clocking a time of one minute 41.09 seconds at the ISTAF athletics meeting in the German capital. Big test awaits confident Saina at World C'ship
Saina Nehwal will carry a billion hopes when she takes the court in the World badminton Championship but the ace India shuttler remains quietly confident about her chances in the event which gets underway in Paris on Monday. British swimmer tells parents to skip Delhi CWG
Concerned about security at the Delhi Commonwealth Games, British swimmer Fran Halsall has asked her parents not to accompany her to India during the October 3-14 mega-event. Jung expects good showing from shooters at CWG
India's ace pistol shooter Samaresh Jung might have ruled out emulating his Melbourne feat in the upcoming Commonwealth Games but he expects a good collective performance from the nation's shooting contingent in the October 3-14 megaevent. Now, Asafa Powell set to withdraw from Delhi CWG
Defending 100m champion Asafa Powell is all set to join fellow Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt in pulling out of the Delhi Commonwealth Games, the build-up to which has been marred by withdrawals by star athletes and corruption allegations. Fresh controversy for Delhi CWG organisers
In yet another damaging revelation, a British company reportedly charged the Delhi Commonwealth Games Organising Committee more than double of what a rival firm was offering for doing the overlays work at venues. Atwal charges three shots clear at Greensboro
Arjun Atwal is on the verge of becoming the first player from India to win on the PGA Tour after racing three shots clear of the field in the Greensboro Classic third round Saturday. The 37-year-old, a friend and regular practice partner of world number one Tiger Woods, squeezed six birdies into an inspired nine-hole run midway through the round as he fired a five-under 65 for a 17-under tally of 193.

August 21, 2010

IRCTC responded late on CWG catering contract: OC
Initially the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee had considered giving the whole catering contract to Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation as cost-cutting measure but the proposal could not materialize as IRCTC made inordinate delays in responding, the OC said on Saturday. Atwal shares lead with Snedeker in Greensboro
Arjun Atwal followed up his opening-round 61 with a three-under 67 Friday to assume a share of the lead at the halfway point of the Wyndham Championship. Youth Olympics: Yuki, Arjun clinch silver
Yuki Bhambri and Arjun won a silver medal each in tennis and discus throw respectively as Indians returned their best medal haul of the inaugural Youth Olympic Games on the seventh day of the competition in Singapore on Saturday.

August 20, 2010

No kissing, follow dress code: CWG to tourists
Lessons on etiquettes and a plethora of travel tips is what the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (OC) has put up in its website for the tourists who are planning to travel to India during the Delhi Games from October 3-14. Advani sizzles, Sethi stumbles
Defending champion Pankaj Advani opened his campaign in style, winning both his group matches, but eight-time winner Geet Sethi suffered one of the worst starts in his career, losing back-to-back league matches on the opening day of the IBSF World Billiards Championship in Pune on Friday. Commonwealth Games tickets launch on August 25
The 2010 Commonwealth Games tickets will be finally available in retail outlets across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) from Wednesday. Clemens, a fierce competitor with blazing fastball
The 48-year-old Texan faces charges related to lying to the US Congress about using performance-enhancing drugs, and if convicted on all charges could face up to 30 years in prison and a $1.5 million fine. Commonwealth Games a shame, says golfer Randhawa
Disappointed with the controversy-ridden build-up for this year's Commonwealth Games, Indian golfer Jyoti Randhawa on Friday said the shoddy preparation for the quadrennial sporting extravaganza is nothing short of a national "shame". England rules out terror threat to Delhi Games
Commonwealth Games England (CGE) has ruled out any specific terror threat to the Delhi event in October but has warned of attacks on "soft targets" in India to scare away athletes before the sporting extravaganza. 'Bulletproof' Dani Samuels ready for Delhi Games
The chaos and drama around the Delhi Commonwealth Games does not make Australia's world champion discus thrower Dani Samuels jittery as she claims to have seen it elsewhere as well and considers herself tough enough to compete in even leaking stadiums. Atwal matches course record to lead at Wyndham
Tiger Woods's regular practice partner Arjun Atwal showed form the American can only dream about of late when he fired a course record-equalling 61 for a first-round lead at the Wyndham Championship on Thursday. Ailing Rice pulls out of Commonwealth Games
Triple Olympic gold medallist Stephanie Rice has pulled out of this year's Commonwealth Games to have shoulder surgery in the hope of being fit enough to compete at the 2012 London Games. Kalmadi insists he is still the boss around
Rejecting suggestions that the government has clipped his wings by appointing a committee of bureaucrats, Commonwealth Games Organising Committee's embattled Chairman Suresh Kalmadi insisted that he is still the boss and the panel was instituted on his request.

August 19, 2010

'Investigate corruption charges against CWG'
All allegations of corruption against Delhi Commonwealth Games organisers should be probed, CGF chief Mike Fennell said as he wrapped up a two-day inspection of the venues by identifying some areas of concern, which need to be addressed immediately. Govt forms panel to oversee CWG preparations
Racing against time, the government formed a committee of senior bureaucrats to oversee the work at the Commonwealth Games venues virtually stripping Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi of his powers. Vishy Anand to welcome QBR to Chennai
Four-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand will be among the few sportspersons who will welcome the Queen's Baton Relay (QBR) for the Delhi Commonwealth Games when it reaches Chennai on Friday. Rice targets shoulder surgery after CWG
Triple Olympic gold medallist Stephanie Rice plans to have shoulder surgery later this year after competing at the October 3-14 Commonwealth Games in India. 'Delhi should have been better-prepared for CWG'
For a country of over a billion, India should have been better-placed just 45 days before the Commonwealth Games, feels Australian Commonwealth Games Association chief Perry Crosshwhite but he believes Delhi would get over the scandal-marred build-up to pull off a successful show. PM may inspect CGW venues next week: Gill
Amidst reports of delays and shoddy work, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh may next week inspect some of the venues of Commonwealth Games to be held in the national capital in October. Scot cyclist expects Delhi Games to be really good
All set to defend his team sprint gold at the Delhi Commonwealth Games, Scot cyclist Ross Edgar says athletes who decide to miss the event would regret their decision as he believes India would put up a "really good" show despite the controversy-marred build-up. NTPC, PowerGrid pull out of CWG sponsorship
The crisis-riden CWG has received a further jolt with two power PSUs, NTPC and PowerGrid, deciding to hold back their Rs 40 crore sponsorship money out of a combined committed sum of Rs 60 crore for the event. 'Delhi Games could be new Munich massacre'
Australian Olympic legend Dawn Fraser has urged international athletes to boycott the Delhi Commonwealth Games saying that the organisers may not be equipped to prevent a repeat of the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre.

August 18, 2010

Scotch flavour for Delhi Games
14-year-old Grace Reid and 72-year-old Willie Wood will be hoping to make history after being named in the 191-member Scotland squad for the 2010 Commonwealth to be be held in Delhi from October 3-14. NBA All-Star Gasol to visit India
Pau Gasol, a two-time National Basketball Association (NBA) champion and a three-time All-Star, will travel to Mumbai and Delhi next week to further the growth of basketball and the NBA in the world's second-largest nation. Swimming Federation of India slams CWG venue
Absence of a foreign coach and lack of facilities at the newly-built swimming complex have left Swimming Federation of India (SFI) worried about India's medal prospects in the sport at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi. Delhi battles to kill rodents before CWG
While the anti-corruption watchdogs smell a proverbial rat in the construction works, a veterinary team has been assigned the job of removing the actual rodents from the Commonwealth Games venues by mid-September. A champion salutes another champion
'What heartens me is that Tejaswani's road to medals continues to be one where family and friends remain the lynch-pin of the journey,' says Roopa Unnikrishnan whose 12-year-old Indian shooting record was broken by Tejaswini Sawant last fortnight. French pair suffer early Cincinnati exit
France's Gael Monfils and Gilles Simon suffered early exits from the Cincinnati Masters on Tuesday. Gagan Narang to participate at Commonwealth Games
Moved by the overwhelming support of his fans, Indian ace shooter Gagan Narang said he has got back his motivation and would participate in the October 3-14 Commonwealth Games.

August 17, 2010

Advani, Sethi, Russell for World billiards
Cue sports ace Mike Russell of England will be seen in action on the green baize in India after almost a decade-and-a-half at the Dr D Y Patil Vidyapeeth-IBSF World Billiards Championship which unfolds in Pune on August 20. The former nine-time World champion and Sethi loom as major hurdles in the aspirations of India's defending champion Pankaj Advani at the tournament, which carries a total prize pool of US $18,000. Kadian bags bronze at Youth Olympics
Wrestler Kadian Satywart won a bronze in 100kg freestyle event, while shuttler H S Pronnoy and tennis star Yuki Bhambri kept their medal hopes alive as Indians had a good day in office in the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore on Tuesday. Surprise dope testing for CWG athletes: organisers
In its bid to make the Commonwealth Games a dope-free event, the organisers on Tuesday said participating athletes will be subjected to surprise dope testing to deter them from taking banned drugs. Kiwis refuse to commit to CWG participation
New Zealand Federation of Athletes chief Rob Nichol said that 'hand on heart' he cannot say whether his country would send a team to the Commonwealth Games. Phelps gets ready to take the plunge at Pan Pacs
Michael Phelps will contest at this week's Pan Pacific Championships in California and is expected to win a host of medals at the event. Yamaha do not need me any more: Rossi
MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi said he was moving to Italian team Ducati because his work with Yamaha was finished and they no longer needed him. Wedding bliss on hold for Commonwealth Games
Critics of the Commonwealth Games have yet another reason to pan the event which will ensure the next couple of months are just not the right time to get married in Delhi. Randhir wants govt to back bid for 2019 Asiad
Indian Olympic Association secretary general Randhir Singh on Monday said India should bid for the 2019 Asian Games else the lavish infrastructure built for this year's Commonwealth Games (CWG) will remain unutilized after the October 3-14 mega event. 'CWG venues to be ready by August 25'
Satisfied with the preparation of Commonwealth Games venues, Organising Committee vice-chairman Randhir Singh on Monday said all the stadiums are in "top-class shape" and will be ready by August 25.

August 16, 2010

Tyson to become missionary to earn kids' respect
Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson has said that he now wants to forget his hard-man image earned in the ring, and help people to restore pride in himself and win the respect of his children. CWG theme song is unique but simple: Rahman
It will be another 10 days before the Commonwealth Games theme song is officially launched but Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman on Monday promised it would be worth the wait as his 'Yaaro India bula liya' would be unlike anything that has happened before. World heptathlon champ pulls out of Delhi CWG
England's world heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis and 800m world championship bronze-medallist Jenny Meadows have joined the growing list of star athletes pulling out from the controversy-ridden Delhi Commonwealth Games. Woods fails to grab direct spot in Ryder Cup team
Golfing great Tiger Woods flopped in his bid to clinch an automatic place in the American team, and now may have to go cap in hand to skipper Corey Pavin to get a wild card entry for the Ryder Cup. Britain's Dobriskey keen to defend CWG title
England's star middle distance runner Lisa Dobriskey says she is keen to defend her 1500m Commonwealth Games gold in Delhi but an injury-hit season has left her in two minds. Mary Kom to lead Indian challenge at Worlds
Four-time champion and Khel Ratna awardee M C Mary Kom will spearhead the 10-woman strong Indian challenge in the sixth AIBA World Women's Boxing Championship to be held in Barbados next month. 'Ulterior motive behind criticism of CWG'
Australian Commonwealth Games Association chief executive Perry Crosswhite, who was a strong critic of India's preparedness for the CWG for a long time before changing stance, says he suspects constant criticism of the Games' organisers a part of a concerted campaign to stop or relocate the event from Delhi. Woods misses last chance for a major this year
There was no hiding the disappointment for Tiger Woods after he trudged off the final hole at the US PGA Championship on Sunday. Indian rugby team wins tournament in England
The Indian rugby team, led by Nasser Hussain, had a good tune-up for the October Commonwealth Games in Delhi by winning the Bee's Rugby 7's tournament at Bradford in England. Youth Olympics: Wrestler Pooja Dhanda wins silver
Woman wrestler Pooja Dhanda won India's first medal at the Youth Olympic Games while shuttlers Sai Praneeth and HS Prannoy kept themselves in contention after the second day in the inaugural event in Singapore. After beating three opponents without conceding a point, Pooja lost 1-3 to Baatarzorig Battsetseg of Mongolia in the final and had to settle for a silver in the 60kg freestyle category. Isinbayeva sets return date for February
Olympic pole vault champion and world record holder Yelena Isinbayeva will end her 'boring' break from the sport in February, the Russian said on Monday. Isinbayeva will return at the Pole Vault Stars competition promoted by her role model and legendary vaulter Sergey Bubka in the Ukrainian city of Donetsk, nearly a year after she said she was taking an indefinite break. Rossi to join Ducati from Yamaha
MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi will switch to Ducati from Yamaha for next season, delighting millions of his bike-mad compatriots who have yearned to see the sporting great finally race for the Italian team. 'Media should portray positive image of Delhi CWG'
A R Rehman has been hearing a lot of 'bad stories' about the Delhi Commonwealth Games but convinced that they are not true, the Oscar-winning composer of the event's theme song on Monday urged the media to portray a positive image of the country.

August 15, 2010

Indians disappoint on Day One of Youth Olympics
Indian athletes opened their campaign in the inaugural Youth Olympics on a disappointing note with most of them failing to get past the preliminary round and the lone weightlifter finishing fifth in Singapore on Sunday. Eight Pak athletes fail dope test, face ban
Pakistan athletics have been rocked by fresh charges of doping after eight top athletes failed tests at the National Championship held in Islamabad last month.

August 14, 2010

Saina, Laxman, Narang participate in QBR
Ace shuttler Saina Nehwal, shooter Gagan Narang and India cricketer VVS Laxman were among several sportspersons who were the part of the Queen's Baton Relay that arrived in Hyderabad on Saturday. Hart heroics save City in opener at Spurs
Manchester City unleashed around �70 million worth of signings as the Premier League kicked off on Saturday but it was Joe Hart, a keeper who cost nothing, who earned them a point in a 0-0 draw at Tottenham Hotspur. OC officials visit CWG venues to check preparation
Top Organising Committee officials are visiting the various Commonwealth Games venues to take stock of the preparation and check delays in the construction work. BAI panel recommends action against Vijai Sinha
The panel, investigating BAI secretary general Vijai Sinha's alleged financial irregularities has recommended disciplinary actions against him, sources said. 'Delhi will deliver a safe Commonwealth Games'
Athletes should not be apprehensive about security at the Commonwealth Games in October despite concerns raised by Australia, the head of the Games organising federation said on Friday. NBA star Howard willing to train Indian cagers
On his maiden trip to India, American basketball star Dwight Howard on Friday said he would be happy to share his knowledge of the game with the country's cagers, if asked, and also emphasised the need to train coaches for the development of the sport.

August 13, 2010

Merchandising company pulls out of CWG
Engulfed in a spate of corruption scandals, the Commonweath Games organising committee was on Friday dealt another blow with merchandising company Premier Brands pulling out of the mega event. 'Doping is common practice among Pak athletes'
A former Pakistani athlete has alleged that some officials in the country had encouraged sportspersons to take performance-enhancing drugs to win medals. All eyes on City as Robinho and Balotelli fly in
Manchester City have grabbed the spotlight on the eve of the Premier League season, with Robinho named in their 25-man squad list on Friday and Mario Balotelli flying in for a medical. Aussies wary, but satisfied with CWG security
Satisfied with the security for the Commonwealth Games as of now, but jittery nonetheless, the Australian Commonwealth Games Association on Friday said it continues to keep a 'watching brief' on how things unfold in the run-up to the October 3-14 event in Delhi. Same name but different era as Toons make return
Newcastle United return to the Premier League without their customary big-name managers, high-profile signings and unlikely ambitions after a healthy dose of realism from a year spent in the second division. Santos to complain over Chelsea's Neymar approach
Santos plan to report Chelsea to soccer's world governing body FIFA for what they claim has been an illegal approach to their teenage striker Neymar, the Brazilian club said on Thursday. 'Fastest man on no legs' has CWG on his radar
"The fastest man on no legs", triple paralympic gold medallist Oscar Pistorius is aiming to qualify as an able-bodied athlete for the Delhi Commonwealth Games but remains non-committal on whether he would actually participate in the mega-event. India edge past Real Massama 1-0
Mohammad Rafi's first-half strike saved India the blushes as they eked out a narrow 1-0 win over Portuguese football club Real Massama in their second practice match in Lisbon. Murray takes wild ride into Toronto quarters
Briton Andy Murray survived a rollercoaster ride into the quarter-finals of the Toronto Masters with a wild 6-2, 0-6, 6-3 win over Frenchman Gael Monfils on Thursday.

August 12, 2010

Govt may appoint panel to dilute Kalmadi's clout
Even as Suresh Kalmadi continues to be in the eye of a storm and battles charges of corruption, sources say the government and his party are looking at two options in a bid to save the Commonwealth Games and protect the government from further bad publicity on issues of corruption. My focus is on winning a CWG gold: Vijender
Olympic bronze medallist boxer Vijender Singh on Thursday said support from a passionate home crowd will be a big boost for pugilists chasing glory at the Commonwealth Games in October. Paes to make his debut in 'Rajdhani Express'
Tennis star Leander Paes is set to make his debut on silver screen in a film called Rajdhani Express. CWG scam: Verma pleads innocence; blames Darbari
Denying any role in the alleged money trail during the Queen's Baton Relay (QBR) launch in London last year, Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (OC) Director General VK Verma on Thursday held sacked officials T S Darbari and Sanjay Mohindroo responsible for all the deals at that time. Thackeray lauds Tejaswini, lambasts Kalmadi
Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray has promised financial help to Tejaswini Sawant, the first Indian woman shooter to clinch a gold medal at the World Championships. Indian-origin wrestlers part of Aus squad
Four Indian-origin wrestlers, including Sandeep Kumar, are part of Australian national squad, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs M S Gill informed Rajya Sabha on Thursday. Replying to supplementaries during Question Hour, Gill said Kumar obtained Australian citizenship and represented the country in the Beijing Olympics. 'India's Olympics bid depends on success of CWG'
Seemingly unimpressed by tardy preparations for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, Australia's Olympic chief John Coates on Thursday said India will have to prepare in a better way if it aspires to host the Olympic Games in future. CWG organisers justify deal with Fast Track
Stung by the CAG's interim report which has found discrepancies in some deals, the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (OC) on Thursday defended its broadcasting rights deal with Fast Track despite a high commission paid to them, saying the UK company had doubled the revenue target.

August 11, 2010

I have been made a scapegoat: Darbari
T S Darbari, the Commonwealth Games' Joint-Director General, who was sacked in the wake of the corruption scandal that has hit October's extravaganza in Delhi, sought to clear himself any wrongdoing on Wednesday, saying he was not involved in any dealing with A M Films and is being made a 'scapegoat'. Aus firm slams CWG OC for terminating contract
Australian firm Sports Marketing and Management (SMAM) on Wednesday hit out at the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee for "wrongfully, viciously and abruptly" terminating its services, saying the OC took the step to deviate attention from the ongoing corruption furore and avoid paying the company. Pallikal knocked out of Australian Open
India's challenge at the 2010 Australian Open Squash Championship came to a premature end on Wednesday after unseeded Dipika Pallikal bowed out in the first round of the tournament in Canberra. Unpaid fine could keep Indian lifters out of CWG
Indian weightlifters remain unsure of their participation at the Delhi Commonwealth Games in October as the country's federation struggles to cover an unpaid fine for repeated doping offences. Indian shuttlers aim for gold in Youth Olympics
Sai Praneeth and H S Prannoy will represent India in the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore and the young shuttlers said they would settle for nothing less than a gold in the inaugural edition of mega-event starting on August 13. Clean shaven Woods eyes tidier start at US PGA
Tiger Woods has set his sights on a much cleaner start at this week's US PGA Championship, having shaven off the goatee he sported last week while producing the worst PGA Tour performance of his career.

August 10, 2010

Kalmadi writes to MPs, defends himself
In a bid to clear his name from any possible corruption taint, Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi wrote a letter to Congress MPs ahead of the debate in Parliament, denying any financial irregularities in conducting the Queen's Baton Relay. Paralysed gymnast to sue 1998 Goodwill organisers
Former Chinese gymnast Sang Lan, who was left paralysed after a fall at the 1998 Goodwill Games, is looking for an American lawyer to help her sue the organisers of the event. Monika, Sarabjit to lead India in C'wealth Games
Dope-tainted Manipuri lifter L Monika Devi and Sarabjit Singh, who broke his own national record in the over 105kg category, will spearhead Indian challenge at the Commonwealth Games from October 3-14. Dikshit wants completion of CWG work before Aug 31
Racing against time to complete the Commonwealth Games projects, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Monday, reviewed progress of various works linked to the event and directed her Cabinet colleagues monitor the unfinished projects on a daily basis.

August 09, 2010

FIH names South African Fairweather as CEO
Kelly Fairweather of South Africa has taken over as the CEO of the International Hockey Federation as successor to Christophe Troendle, who is retiring as FIH's Director General at the end of this month. FIH makes changes in hockey rules
The International Hockey Federation's (FIH) Executive Board has made some changes to the rules of the game which will be implemented from next year. India cling to ninth spot in latest FIH rankings
Eight-time Olympic champions India continued to languish at the ninth position in the latest men's world rankings issued by the International Hockey Federation (FIH). CWG OC sacks Darbari from panel
Acting on the persistent plea of the Sports Ministry, the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee on Monday terminated the services of its tainted Joint Director General T S Darbari in the wake of the corruption scandal that has rocked the event. CWG scam: Enforcement Directorate to quiz Darbari
Suspended Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (CGOC) Joint Director General T S Darbari will appear before the Enforcement Directorate at 11.30 a.m. on Monday and is expected to be quizzed over the financial irregularities case pertaining to the 2010 Games. Jaisha pockets steeple gold with a national record
India's OP Jaisha set a new national record with an effort of 10:03.05 in steeple chase, to win the gold medal on the final day of the National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships in Patiala. Sarabjit sets national records at selection trails
Indian lifter Sarabjit Singh broke four national records as the two-day weightlifing selection trials, part of the test event for Commonwealth Games 2010, concluded at Jawahar Lal stadium on Sunday. Gatlin continues comeback with second win
US sprinter Justin Gatlin clocked 10.17 seconds on Sunday to win his second consecutive 100 metres final since coming back from a four-year doping ban.

August 08, 2010

Sharath emerges champion in TT Championship
Top seed Achanta Sharath Kamal overcame a stiff resistance from unseeded Sanil Shetty of Air India to emerge champion in the Inter Institutional Table Tennis Championship at Ajmer on Sunday. Indian football needs vast improvement: Gill
Sports Minister M S Gill on Sunday praised Bengal football team for their stupendous win against Punjab in the Santosh Trophy final but feels standard of the game in the country needs a lot of improvement. Bengal wins Santosh trophy after 11 years
Kerala lad Denson Devadas struck twice as Bengal made a spectacular comeback to beat Punjab 2-1, ending their 11 years title drought in the 64th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy in Kolkata. Robinson quits England despite friendly call-up
Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Paul Robinson has withdrawn from the England squad to face Hungary and retired from international soccer, the English Football Association (FA) said on Sunday. India finish fifth at World Junior Squash C'ship
India fought back from a match down to beat New Zealand 2-1 and finish fifth at the Men's World Junior Team Squash Championship in the Ecuador capital Quito. Lochte beats Phelps for second time
Ryan Lochte registered his second consecutive victory over rival Michael Phelps at the United States National Championships with a gritty win in the 200 metres backstroke on Saturday. Galacticos bring Galaxy back down to earth
Real Madrid overturned a two-goal deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Galaxy 3-2 in a pre-season friendly at the Pasadena Rose Bowl on Saturday. Indian women archers fail to cross final hurdle
Indian women recurve team on Sunday missed the opportunity to win its first-ever gold medal and had to settle for a bronze at the World Cup Archery Stage III at Ogden (USA). CGF gives venue safety certification deadline
Commonwealth Games Federation has asked the CWG Organising Committee to furnish report from each of government agencies responsible for delivery of competition venues that they have secured certification from regulatory bodies on fire, health and safety of athletes by August 18, its CEO Mike Hooper said today. CWG: Delhi to miss 'final' deadline again?
Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit's promise of completing all Commonwealth Games projects being implemented by her government by the extended deadline of August 31 is appearing to fall flat. Sawant shoots historic gold at World Championships
Tejaswini Sawant scripted history on Sunday by becoming the first Indian woman shooter to clinch a gold medal at the World Championships with a world-record equalling score in the 50m Rifle Prone event in Munich, Germany.

August 07, 2010

Indian women archers in World Cup final
Indian women's recurve archery team comprising Dola Banerjee, L Bombayla Devi and Deepika Mahato has made the final of World Cup Archery Stage-III at Ogden in the US. Anand joins board of Olympic Gold Quest
World chess champion Viswanathan Anand joined the Board of Directors of Olympic Gold Quest, which already has all time great Indian sportspersons like Geet Sethi, Prakash Padukone, P T Usha and Leander Paes, to give a boost to Olympic medal hopefuls. I'm a victim of media campaign: Darbari
Suspended Organising Committee Joint Director General T S Darbari claims he is not involved in the Queen's Baton Relay financial irregularities case and has become a victim of media campaign. Aussie sports administrators back SMAM
Australian consultancy firm SMAM, whose contract was terminated by the Delhi Commonwealth Games organisers for "non-performance", got the backing of top sports administrators here who said the company has been made a scapegoat in the corruption scandals that have rocked the event in India. Lochte defeats Phelps in 200m individual medley
Ryan Lochte defeated Michael Phelps by more than a second in the 200 metres individual medley at the United States national championships on Friday with the year's best time of 1:54.84. Indian wrestlers will win medals at CWG: Sushil
Olympian bronze medallist grappler Sushil Kumar said that Indians are eyeing a rich medal haul in wrestling in the Commonwealth Games later this year. Gay hands Bolt first defeat in 15 100m finals
Tyson Gay handed world and Olympic champion Usain Bolt his first defeat in 15 100m finals at the Diamond League Friday. With the two fastest men in the world facing each other down, Gay emerged victorious in a stadium-record time of 9.84 with Bolt second in 9.97.

August 06, 2010

Kalmadi unveils CWG medals
Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi on Friday unveiled the victory medallions for the Commonwealth Games and hoped that Indian athletes would lay their hands on most of them during the October 3-14 multi-sporting event in New Delhi. If my leaders don't want me, I'll quit: Kalmadi
Suresh Kalmadi ruled out stepping down as Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman in the wake of corruption allegations, but said he will quit if asked to by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh or Sonia Gandhi. He said his first priority is making the Games a success and 'will not run away from responsibility'. Gagan Narang threatens CWG pull-out
Gagan Narang has threatened to pull out of the upcoming Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, after missing out on the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna for the third straight year. Triple jumper Idowu confirms participation in CWG
Some of his illustrious peers might have decided against travelling to India for the upcoming Commonwealth Games, but world and European champion British triple jumper Phillips Idowu has confirmed that he will defend his title at the October 3-14 mega event in Delhi. Armstrong lawyer labels doping probe "un-American"
Lance Armstrong's lawyer has labeled the probe against the seven-times Tour de France winner "un-American" and a waste of money following fresh claims against the cyclist in the US media. Government derecognise Hockey India
The government withdrew the recognition to Hockey India for violating its guidelines, barely a few hours after HI completed its controversial elections.

August 05, 2010

CWG OC suspends three officials
Rocked by corruption allegations, the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee on Thursday cracked the whip on tainted officials by suspending three officials, including T S Darbari, a close aid of embattled chairman Suresh Kalmadi, and terminated a multi-crore contract with an Australian company. The decisions were taken by the OC's all-powerful Executive Board, which met in the wake of the corruption scandals that have engulfed the October 3-14 mega event. Khel Ratna for Saina, Arjuna for Jhulan
Ace shuttler Saina Nehwal's name for Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, the country's highest sports honour, was approved by the government, which announced the list of all the Arjuna and other award winners for the year 2010. Kashyap crashes out of Chinese Taipei Open
Indian shuttler P Kashyap crashed out of the Chinese Taipei Grand Prix Gold badminton tournament after suffering a straight-game defeat against higher-ranked Sony Kuncoro of Indonesia. CWG OC treasurer Anil Khanna resigns
Already engulfed in a series of corruption charges, the CWG Organising Committee faced more problems with its treasurer Anil Khanna resigning in the wake of allegations that his son's firm secured the contract for laying synthetic courts at the tennis stadium. OC sources said Khanna, also the All India Tennis Association secretary, put in his papers on moral grounds in view of the allegations. Govt to probe CWG corruption charges: Gill
Government on Thursday assured the Rajya Sabha that it will look into the charges of corruption in the Commonwealth Games projects in the national capital but ruled out setting up of an apex committee to oversee the Games. Injured Powell pulls out of Stockholm 100m
Jamaica's Asafa Powell has pulled out of Friday's 100 metres showdown with triple Olympic champion Usain Bolt and American Tyson Gay in Stockholm because of injuries, his management company said on Wednesday. CWG OC has not paid anything to the SMAM: Bhanot
Facing allegations of dubious deals in various purchases related to the Commonwealth Games, the Organising Committee dismissed as exaggerated reports about procurement of treadmills and tissue papers and made it clear that no payment was made to an Australian firm for roping in sponsors. I-League to start in late November
An All India Football Federation team to be based in the Capital will be among 14 clubs that will take part in the I-League starting in November. Sports Ministry issues showcause notice to BAI
The Sport Ministry issued a showcause notice to the Badminton Association of India (BAI) asking it to explain within 14 days as to why the government should not derecognise the federation. Corruption allegations could impact Games: Fennell
Fearing that the corruption allegations against Commonwealth Games Organising Committee could impact on the October 3-14 multi-sporting event, CGF chief Michael Fennell demanded immediate attention by the Indian authorities in the matter.

August 04, 2010

Kalmadi says ready for probe
Rattled by increasing allegations of corruption in the Commonwealth Games and isolated within his own party, under-fire OC chairman Suresh Kalmadi on Wednesday said that he is ready to face any probe into financial transactions even as fresh scandals hit the mega-event. Tiger Woods gives Florida home to estranged wife
Tiger Woods, as part of a divorce settlement, will reportedly give giving his estranged wife Elin Nordegren their old family home in Windermere near Orlando. I'm confident of doing well in World C'ship: Saina
Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal is hopeful of continuing her red hot form and exuded confidence that she will do well in the upcoming tournaments like World Badminton Championship and Commonwealth Games. Aus firm denies getting commission from CWG OC
The Australian company hired to raise sponsorship for the Delhi Commonwealth Games, on Wednesday, denied receiving any payment for its services so far and said it will "forego" commission from the contribution made by Indian PSUs. Aiyar calls for high-level body to salvage Games
After attacking the holding of the Commonwealth Games, Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar suggested that a high-level committee be formed to ensure that a 'clean and successful' event is held. Explained: Hue and cry over the Commonwealth Games
With just about two months to go, the Commonwealth Games to be hosted in New Delhi is mired in controversy over financial irregularity, missed deadlines and substandard construction. rediff.com's Sahim Salim gives us a low-down on what the issues at stake are. India shouldn't have become CWG host: Bhutia
Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia feels the country would have been better off without hosting the Commonwealth Games given the organisational chaos that has marred the build-up to the October 3 to 14 event in Delhi. Rajasthan HC puts restrains on Verma and Sinha
The Rajasthan High Court has restrained Badminton Association of India president VK Verma from taking any decision as head of the sports body without its prior permission till the next hearing on August 17. 'We cannot allow the Games' image to be damaged'
The embattled Commonwealth Games Organisers received a strong rebuke from CGF chief Michael Fennell who said that the image of the Games "could not be damaged by corruption charges". 'CWG money could have been utilised better'
Advocate and sports enthusiast Rahul Mehra talks about how holding the Commonwealth Games is unnecessary expenditure and Delhi's preparation for the October 3 to 14 extravaganza. Gatlin wins 100m comeback race in Estonia
US sprinter Justin Gatlin overcame a bout of jitters to win his comeback race following a four-year doping ban in 10.24 seconds on Tuesday.

August 03, 2010

101 Indian athletes flunked dope tests this year
The number of sportspersons flunking dope tests in the first seven months this year stands at a whopping 101, the highest in the last four years. The Sport Ministry on Tuesday came out with a report on the number of sportspersons, including powerlifters and bodybuilders, who failed dope test in the last four years. According to the report, the number increased from 44 in 2007 to 69 and 76 in 2008 and 2009 respectively, while this year, till July, it is 101. Advani, Sethi to represent India in Asian Games
Reigning World professional champion Pankaj Advani and veteran Geet Sethi will spearhead India's challenge in the billiards category in this year's Asian Games to be held in Ghungzhou, China from November 12-27. Unsure when I will get my first title: Somdev
He has earned a slice of Indian tennis history by breaking into the top-100 of ATP rankings but rising tennis star Somdev Devvarman remains unsure about when his title-drought on the circuit would end. Sports secy tells Kalmadi to suspend 2 officials
The Centre on Tuesday directed Suresh Kalmadi, convener of the Commonwealth Games, to relieve immediately T S Darbari and Dr Sanjay Mahindroo, senior officials holding high positions in the CWG Organising Committee, on alleged corruption charges. I don't know about 2019 Asiad bid: Gill
Sports Minister M S Gill said he was unaware of any bid for the 2019 Asian Games by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) since his ministry has not yet been approached by the apex sports body.

August 02, 2010

Swapnali Yadav wins US swim meet
The only Indian and youngest in the competition, 11-year-old Swapnali Yadav, won the 10-mile course for female youth (under-18) at the prestigious Kingdom Aquafest that was held on the shores of Lake Memphremagog, in the heart of Northeast Kingdom, Newport, Vermont, USA on Saturday, July 24. Kalmadi's OC colleagues demand emergency meeting
Jolted by alleged corruption scandals in the upcoming Commonwealth Games, an embattled chairman Suresh Kalmadi on Monday faced the heat from key colleagues in the organising committee who have demanded an Commonwealth Games: Meet the security threats
As D-Day approaches, the big questions on the minds of security experts across the country are: Is the Games secure enough? Does the CWG meet the required security standards? Hariom Singh qualifies for London Olympics
Hariom Singh became the second Indian shooter to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics after finishing sixth in the 50m rifle prone event at the ISSF World Championships in Munich, Germany. Malhotra blasts government for CWG corruption
Indian Olympic Association vice-President and BJP leader VK Malhotra on Monday lambasted the Delhi government for the corruption and inordinate delays that have marred the build-up to the Commonwealth Games, saying none of the newly-built stadiums seem ready to host the October 3 to 14 event. Aus netball manager points out flaws in CWG venues
The organisers call it world-class but the netball venue for this year's Commonwealth Games has not impressed the Australian team's manager who has warned that her wards would not play if some of the stadium's flaws are not corrected. CWG corruption furore seems political: Crosswhite
Australian Commonwealth Games Association chief Perry Crosswhite said the Delhi Games have turned into a political battle in India with parties trying to settle scores by raising a furore over alleged corruption and construction delays. Junior Amateur golfer breaks Woods' record
Jim Liu, 14, became the youngest golfer to ever win the US Junior Amateur when he lifted the trophy last Saturday, breaking the mark set in 1991 by Tiger Woods, who was about seven months older than Jim at the time. Weightlifting auditorium inaugurated
The newly-built weightlifting auditorium inside the Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium was inaugurated by Sports Minister M S Gill but water logging and seepage at the venue once again exposed how ill-prepared the Capital is to host the October 3-14 Commonwealth Games. Shooters want their money back, write to NRAI
India's shot gun shooters have shot a letter to National Rifle Association of India, demanding that the money they spent for accommodation during a camp early this year, be reimbursed.

August 01, 2010

Govt assures action in CWG corruption
Hit by allegations of corruption in the Commonwealth Games, the government on Sunday promised to take action against those found guilty even as another venue was inaugurated with a leaking roof. Narang flays Khel Ratna selection committee
Disappointed at not getting the coveted Khel Ratna, ace Indian shooter Gagan Narang on Sunday took a dig at its selection criteria, saying the country's highest sporting honour seems to be decided more on the basis of public and media perception than the athletes' performance. Kalmadi refutes Indian High Commission's denial
Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi on Monday insisted that the UK-based firm at the center of a corruption row that has hit CWG OC was recommended by the Indian High Commission despite an embarrassing denial issued by it. 'Anyone guilty CWG corruption will be punished'
Union Urban Development minister S Jaipal Reddy on Sunday promised action on the Central Vigilance Commission report highlighting rampant corruption in the 0construction of Commonwealth Games stadiums, saying that anyone found guilty will not be spared. Pranab Mukherjee becomes honorary member of EB
Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee was on Sunday conferred the honorary lifetime memebership by football club East Bengal in their 91st Foundation Day function in Kolkata. CWG: Delhi misses stadium completion deadline
Meant to showcase India as a world class sporting venue, the Commonwealth Games could end up being an unforgettable embarrassment for the country given the shoddy build-up which has turned host city Delhi into a giant construction site.

July 31, 2010

Narang shoots bronze in World C'ship
World number two Gagan Narang became the first Indian to qualify for 2012 London Olympics after shooting bronze in the 10 metre air rifle event while compatriot Abhinav Bindra failed to qualify for final round in the 50th World Championship in Munich. Holder Querrey and Murray reach last four in LA
Second seed and champion Sam Querrey overcame an erratic serving display to reach the LA Open semi-finals with a nail-biting 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 victory over German veteran Rainer Schuettler on Friday. OC not crashing by BCCI's refusal: Kalmadi
CWG Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi on Saturday brushed aside BCCI's refusal of an Rs 100 crore donation towards hosting of the Games, saying the OC would not crash following Cricket Board's snub. 'There is no contract between the OC and AM Films'
Under fire over allegations of financial irregularities, Commonwealth Games Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi admitted that there was no contract under which payments were made to a British company, which was roped in "at the last minute". Hockey India to hold elections on August 5
Armed with a Supreme Court ruling, Hockey India announced that it will hold its much-awaited elections, postponed four times in the past for various reasons, here on August 5. BJP for judicial probe into CWG irregularities
Dubbing the ongoing preparations for the Commonwealth Games as a "basket of scandals", BJP on Saturday demanded a judicial probe into the allegations of money laundering and mismanagement after the international even was over. Services beat Karnataka in Santosh Trophy
Services brought their campaign back on track with a 2-1 win over Karnataka in the 64th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday. All allegations are baseless: Kalmadi
Strongly refuting allegations of financial irregularities in the Commonwealth Games, Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi said that there was total transparency in all the deals and "every pie is accounted for". Indian eves win bronze in Asian hockey
Notwithstanding the controversy-ridden run up to the event, Indian eves stunned higher-ranked China 2-1 to win the bronze medal in the inaugural Asian Women Champions Trophy hockey tournament at Busan, South Korea on Saturday. 'All deals related to CWG should be made public'
Sports Minister M S Gill on Saturday promised to take "prompt and appropriate" against corruption cases in the Commonwealth Games and said all deals related to the sporting extravangza should be tabled in Parliament. CWG organising committee refutes corruption charge
'Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi would like to state that we have followed due diligence in making all payments, getting the clearances from the Executive Board and from Reserve Bank of India for incurring the expenditure in foreign currency. All remittances happened Golden sprint double for Lemaitre
Christophe Lemaitre's fairytale European championship continued when he completed a sprint double on Friday and the Olympic stadium finally came to life as the hosts celebrated their first medals. Spain had to wait a little bit longer than anticipated for their first gold of the championships when Russian Yuliya Zarudneva spoilt the script by beating world champion and home favourite Marta Dominguez in the steeplechase final.

July 30, 2010

Rebellin loses appeal over Olympic positive test
Italian cyclist Davide Rebellin has lost his appeal against the stripping of his Olympic silver medal for doping, the Court of Arbitration for Sport said on Friday. Ind finish with 31 medals at All-Star Athletics
Triple jumper and national record holder Renjith Maheswary led the Indian gold medal charge as the home athletes faced little challenge from their opponents on the concluding day of the Asian All-Star Athletics Meet, which was skipped by top continental athletes, in Delhi on Friday. Sandeep Singh, Jhulan nominated for Arjuna
Ace drag-flicker Sandeep Singh, India's women's cricket captain Jhulan Goswami and boxer Dinesh Kumar are among the top sportspersons nominated for the Arjuna award, in recognition of their outstanding achievements during the last year. The National sports awards (Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna and Dhyan Chand) selection committee, headed by P T Usha, met in Delhi on Friday and finalised the list of awardees. Marykom becomes player-cum-coach
After proving her mettle inside the ring, Khel Ratna awardee woman boxer M C Marykom is now busy making a transition to coaching as well by setting up an academy in Imphal even while she guns for a fifth world title herself. Bolt might just spring a surprise at London
If Jennifer, the mother of Usain Bolt, is to be believed the Olympic champion might be trying out something new at London two years from now. Saina Nehwal to get Khel Ratna
India's badminton ace Saina Nehwal will be conferred the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, the country's highest sports honour. CVC refers Delhi Games project to CBI
The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) lifted the hood just a little off the 2010 Commonwealth Games projects to find several cases of corruption and inefficiency by almost all the government agencies related to the event.

July 29, 2010

Tintu Luka shines in Asian All-Star athletics
Legendary P T Usha's protege Tintu Luka stole the limelight on the first day of the Asian All-Star Athletics meet with a personal best timing to win the gold medal in women's 800 metres, in Delhi, on Thursday. Luka bagged the gold with an effort of 2 minutes 01.24 seconds and bettered her earlier best of 2:01.61, which she clocked in May at the National Open in Kochi. Irregularities observed in CWG-related works
An inspection by the Central Vigilance Commission has found serious discrepancies like award of works at higher rates to bidders, poor quality of construction and grant of work to ineligible agencies in different Commonwealth Games-related construction works being carried out by various departments in Delhi. Mike Tyson becomes a vegan
Boxing legend Mike Tyson has become a vegetarian, it was reported on Thursday. 'After CWG, India should bid for Olympics'
Impressed with India's preparedness for the upcoming Commonwealth Games, five-time Olympic gold medallist rower Sir Steve Redgrave on Thursday said the country should take forward the legacy of the October 3-14 mega event and bid for the Olympics in future. Gill claims 16 of 18 CWG venues 'complete'
The continuing construction work might present a grim picture but Sports Minister M S Gill today asserted in the Parliament that 16 of the 18 venues for the Commonwealth Games are "complete". 'Day hockey matches in CWG crazy, disrepectful'
The Indian hockey team's former technical adviser and current Australia coach Ric Charlesworth lambasted the Delhi Commonwealth Games organisers, calling them "crazy" and "disrespectful" for scheduling matches in the middle of the day. Negi signs off with draw in Biel Chess Festival
Grandmaster Parimarjan Negi ended his disappointing campaign with a draw against Maxime Vachier-Lagarave of France in the ninth and final round of the Young Grandmasters tournament, a part of the 43rd edition of the Biel chess Festival. Bolt to face Gay and Powell in Stockholm
Triple Olympic champion Usain Bolt and top sprint rivals Tyson Gay and Asafa Powell will meet for the first time this year in a 100 metres showdown at the Stockholm Diamond League meeting next week. Star pull-outs not a concern: Coe
A few star pull-outs will not affect the charm and sheen of the Commonwealth Games which remains an excellent platform for the young athletes, feel British Olympians Sebastian Coe and Dame Kelly Holmes. Indian challenge ends at Macau Open
Indian challenge at the Macau Open Super Series ended with shuttlers P Kashyap, RMV Gurusaidutt and Aditi Mutatkar losing their respective matches in singles category.

July 28, 2010

British delegation briefed on Delhi Games
A high level British delegation led by Jeremy Hunt, England's Secretary of State for Sports, was on Wednesday briefed by the 2010 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee on India's preparation for the quadrennial sporting extravaganza starting from October 3-14. Kaniskina leads Russian sweep of Euro 20-km walk
Olympic and World champion Olga Kaniskina led a Russian sweep of the medals in the women's 20-km walk at the European championships on Wednesday. Kaniskina led compatriot Anisya Kirdyapkina by 10 seconds at the halfway mark and continued to pull away from the field to win in a time of one hour, 27 minutes and 44 seconds. Sports Minister MS Gill mum on Aiyar outburst
Sports Minister M S Gill on Wednesday refused to join issues with his predecessor Mani Shankar Aiyar, who had criticised the hosting of Commonwealth Games as waste of money, merely saying that he was happy with the pace of work allotted to his ministry. NZ dismisses Aiyar's CWG bribe allegations
New Zealand Olympic Committee has dismissed allegations by former Indian Sports Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar that it accepted $100,000 'bribe' from Delhi Commonwealth Games organisers, saying the money was sanctioned by CGF under normal practice. World Cup star Forlan to mesmerize Kolkata
Uruguayan star Diego Forlan, who weaved his magic at the recently concluded football World Cup, is all set to spell his magic in this football-crazy city when he visits Kolkata for a three-day trip beginning July 30.

July 27, 2010

Delhi beat Chhattisgarh 6-5, enter quarters
Delhi had to sweat it out to get the better of a resilient Chhattisgarh 6-5 (2-2) in the penalty shootout to advance into the quarter-final league of the 64th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy at Howrah Stadium in Kolkata on Tuesday. Gill, Dikshit inaugurate Jawaharlal Nehru stadium
After several missed deadlines, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the main venue for the Commonwealth Games, was finally inaugurated by Sports Minister M S Gill and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Tuesday. Aiyar's statement is anti-national: Kalmadi
Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi on Tuesday hit back at former Sports Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar for his scathing criticism of the upcoming event, saying the senior Congress leader's comments are "irresponsible" and "anti-national". Govt won't approve Federations violating rules'
Furious with National Sports Federations for not complying with its tenure and age limitation guidelines, the Sports Ministry on Tuesday threatened to deny annual recognition to NSFs which refuse to fall in line. Aiyar will be unhappy if CWG is a success
Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on Tuesday said he will be "unhappy" if the Commonwealth Games are a success, and only "evil" will patronise them, remarks which were quickly dismissed by both his party and the BJP. Asian Games medalist Mane passes away
Asian Games gold medal winner and former Rajyasabha MP Maruti Mane passed away on Tuesday at a hospital in Miraj due to prolonged illness, family sources said. Armstrong in trouble over Tour clothing breach
Lance Armstrong and his team RadioShack will face disciplinary proceedings for breaching riders' clothing regulations during the Tour de France, the International Cycling Union (UCI) said in a statement on Monday. Gatlin to make comeback in Estonia next month
US sprinter Justin Gatlin will return from a four-year doping ban with two races in Estonia next month, he said on Monday.

July 26, 2010

BAI secretary deplores Azhar-Gutta romance talk
Badminton Association of India secretary-general Vijai Sinha has alleged that certain individuals within the federation are fuelling rumours about star shuttler Jwala Gutta's link-up with former India skipper Mohammad Azharuddin. He called upon the officials and members of the BAI to stand alongside players under attack and foil the ill attempts being made against them. R K Khanna Tennis Complex ready for C'Wealth Games
A refurbished R K Khanna Tennis Complex was formally handed over to Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi on Monday, at a ceremony attended by Union Minister of Urban Development S Jaipal Reddy and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. Unlike other stadia, upgradation of which is being undertaken by government agencies like the DDA and NDMC, the tennis venue was completed by the All India Tennis Association (AITA). Lorenzo wins US MotoGP, Pedrosa crashes
Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo benefited from a spectacular crash by compatriot Dani Pedrosa to win the US Grand Prix on Sunday, a fourth victory in the last five races extending his world championship lead. "Hurricane" Wiggins blew winds of change
Alex "Hurricane" Higgins, the twice world snooker champion who died Saturday aged 61, dragged a staid and stuffy sport into the modern era with his outrageous talent and scandalous behaviour. I haven't misbehaved with any lifter: Malhotra
Suspended coach Ramesh Malhotra on Monday maintained that he never "misbehaved" with women weightlifters during his career and is confident of being "absolved" of sexual harassment charges by the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF) inquiry committee. Junior boxers clinch gold at international tourney
Inspired by Mike Tyson and Mohammad Ali, eight Indian junior boxers made quite an impression in their maiden international assignment, clinching a couple of gold, a silver and a bronze medal at the 25th Ahmed Comert Cup in Istanbul, Turkey. Manipur eves dominate National Youth Boxing C'ship
Manipur dominated the proceedings at the sixth National Youth Women's Boxing Championships, clinching with three gold medals in Guwahati. 'Harassment cases will be dealt with impartially'
Sports Minister M S Gill on Monday assured that the cases of sexual harassment that have plunged hockey and weightlifting into a moral crisis would be dealt with in a 'professional and impartial way'. Sex scandals in sports scary, shameful: Mary Kom
The sex scandals that have rocked hockey and weightlifting are 'scary and shameful', says Khel Ratna awardee woman boxer M C Mary Kom, who feels male coaches should be kept away from female athletes at all times other then training.

July 25, 2010

Former snooker world champion Alex Higgins dies
Former world snooker champion Alex 'Hurricane' Higgins has died at the age of 61, the BBC reported on Saturday. Sexual harassment allegations are false: Malhotra
Suspended weightlifting coach Ramesh Malhotra on Sunday denied charges of sexual harassment levelled against him by Olympic bronze medallist Karnam Malleswari, saying the allegations are 'false and malicious'. Malleswari calls for sacking of IWF secretary
After Ramesh Malhotra's suspension on charges of sexual harassment, the Indian Weightlifting Federation on Sunday headed towards a bitter showdown among its top brass with Olympic bronze medallist Karnam Malleswari demanding the sacking of secretary Sahdev Yadav for ignoring complaints against the disgraced coach.

July 24, 2010

IWF suspends coach on harassment allegations
Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF) on Saturday suspended SAI coach Ramesh Malhotra after Sydney Olympic bronze medallist Karnam Malleswari alleged sexual harassment by him on junior lifters. Allegations against Kaushik credible: Hockey India
The sexual harassment case in women's hockey took a new turn on Saturday with Hockey India referring the complaint of player Ranjita Devi against coach M K Kaushik to Delhi Police as it involves allegations of outraging the modesty of a woman. I saw Lance Armstrong using drugs: Landis
Taking his accusations against cycling ace Lance Armstrong to the airwaves for the first time, Floyd Landis slammed the seven-time Tour de France champion with his most blunt attack yet. Pallikal, Suchde crash out of Malaysian Open
India's challenge at the Malaysian Open Squash championship came to a premature end after qualifiers Dipika Pallikal and Siddharth Suchde bowed out in the first round of the tournament in Kuala Lumpur. Parimarjan draws with Truong Son
World's second youngest Grandmaster ever Parimarjan Negi played out a draw with Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son of Vietnam in the fifth round of the Young Grandmasters tournament, apart of the 43rd Biel chess festival in Biel. Canadian Open: Jeev, Atwal make cut
Jeev Milkha Singh slipped 16 places to tied 53rd after returning a modest even-par 70 while Arjun Atwal also just about managed to make the cut with an identical card in the second round of the RBC Canadian Open golf tournament at Ontario.

July 23, 2010

Michael Johnson urges Bolt to run 400m
The American sprint legend says the 400m challenge could provide the Jamaican the motivation to keep running beyond the 2012 Olympics. Boxer Jitender recommended for Arjuna award
Beijing Olympics quarter-finalist Jitender Kumar and former women's world champion Lekha K C are among the three pugilists recommended by the Indian Boxing Federation for this year's Arjuna awards. Gay disappointed after meet record in Monaco
Tyson Gay was disappointed with his performance after winning the 200 metres in a meeting record 19.72 seconds at the Monaco Diamond League event on Thursday. Armstrong confident investigation will go his way
Lance Armstrong is confident the ongoing federal investigation into alleged doping will go his way, the seven-times Tour de France champion said on Thursday. The American rider has hired criminal defence attorney Brian Daly, a former US federal prosecutor, following allegations made by fellow countryman and ex-team mate Floyd Landis.

July 22, 2010

Schleck wins Tourmalet stage, Contador leads
Andy Schleck snatched his second stage win of the Tour de France on the last mountain leg of the race on Thursday as leader Alberto Contador took a big step towards clinching a third overall victory. P T Usha happy on being named selection panel head
Former sprint queen P T Usha, who was named chairperson of the selection committee for this year's National sports Awards, on Thursday expressed happiness on being chosen to head the panel. India in semis of Asian Jr TT
India's young assured themselves a medal by entering the semi-finals of the Junior Asian Table Tennis Championships in Bangkok for the first time in the history of the game. The entry to the last-four stage has not only assured the four-member Indian team a bronze medal but also a straight entry into the World Junior Championships, to be held in Slovakia in December. PT Usha heads Khel Ratna, Arjuna awards panel
Sprint legend P T Usha was on Thursday named chairperson of the selection committee for this year's national sports awards, while hockey icon Ashok Kumar was appointed head of the panel to pick the Dronacharya awardees. The 17-member panel to select the winners of the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna and Dhyan Chand awards also includes tennis ace Leander Paes and Olympic bronze medallist weightlifter Karnam Malleswari.

July 21, 2010

Tiger still 'America's Favorite Sports Star'
His reputation might be in tatters after revelations of extra-marital affairs but America still loves ace golfer Tiger Woods, who jointly topped a sports popularity chart.

July 20, 2010

Krishan included in CWG boxing core grp
All of 18, World Youth champion Vikas Krishan (60kg) has become the youngest member of the reshuffled core group of Indian boxers for the Commonwealth Games from which nine were axed after failing to impress in the just-concluded National Championships in New Delhi. IWF's deadline for fine payment extended
In a respite to cash-strapped Indian Weightlifting Federation, the international body has extended the deadline for payment of the last two installments of a doping fine amounting to a whopping $3,75,000. Pendleton joins Hoy in ditching Commonwealth Games
World and Olympic champion Victoria Pendleton became the latest British athlete to withdraw from this year's Commonwealth Games on Monday in favour of the European Championships, which carry Olympic qualifying points.

July 19, 2010

Schleck's chain malfunction hands Contador lead
A chain malfunction in the last climb of the 187.5-kms 15th stage derailed Andy Schleck's Tour de France chances and allowed rival Alberto Contador to grab the yellow jersey on Monday. Messi to start his own clothing range
Footballer Lionel Messi is all set to take over the fashion world, as he is planning to launch his own clothing range. Erratic Jeev ends tied 55th at Reno-Tahoe Open
Jeev Milkha Singh dropped six bogeys in a wretched front nine to return his worst card of the week -- a five-over 75 -- and sign off a disappointing tied 55th in the Reno-Tahoe Open golf tournament in Reno. India beat France 4-3 in hockey Test
Ace drag-flicker Sandeep Singh continued his red-hot form and struck twice as India defeated France 4-3 in the keenly-contested first hockey Test at the National Institute of Sport and Expert Performance (INSEP) in Paris. I've lost a lot more than I've won: Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods was delighted with his performance from tee to green and in despair over his putting after the British Open final round on Sunday. Pedrosa wins German MotoGP, Rossi 4th
Spaniard Dani Pedrosa denied compatriot Jorge Lorenzo a fourth win in a row at the German MotoGP on Sunday while world champion Valentino Rossi narrowly missed a podium finish on his return from a broken leg. Oosthuizen claims crushing St Andrews victory
South African Louis Oosthuizen kept his cool to claim a first major title with a crushing seven-stroke victory in the British Open at the home of golf on Sunday.

July 18, 2010

Big names pull out won't affect CWG 2010: Kalmadi
The government is worried about the pullout of star players from the Commonwealth Games but the Organising Committee (OC) says one or two withdrawals would not make any difference. Magic putter deserts frustrated Woods
Standing over the hole to tap the ball in after yet another missed putt was a pose all too frequent for a frustrated Tiger Woods during another tough round in the British Open third round on Saturday. Player, Els set Oosthuizen on his way to major win
Louis Oosthuizen's fans were out in number around the Old Course at the British Open on Saturday, but no messages of support were more welcome than those of multiple major winners Gary Player and Ernie Els. Golf: Moment of truth arrives for Oosthuizen
Unheralded South African Louis Oosthuizen stands on the brink of a first major victory on Sunday after finishing the third round of the British Open with a healthy four-shot cushion. Big name pullouts from CWG 2010 a blow: Gill
Sports minister of India Manohar Singh Gill on Saturday expressed regret over a series of pullouts from this year's Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, a day after British cyclist Chris Hoy announced his withdrawal.

July 17, 2010

Somdev progresses to semis of Aptos Challenger
Putting up his one of the best performances in the recent past, Somdev Devvarman entered the singles semifinals of the ATP Challenger event in Aptos, USA after a hard earned win over Alex Bogdanovic. Santosh Trophy: Maharashtra down Andhra 4-1
Maharashtra beat Andhra Pradesh 4-1 to keep their unbeaten record intact and inch closer to a pre-quarterfinal berth in the 64th Senior National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy on Saturday in Kolkata. Rogge wants loopholes closed
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) wants to introduce stricter new rules preventing athletes from keeping their medals when one of their team-mates commits a doping offence.

July 16, 2010

Olympic gold medallist Hoy to miss C'Wealth Games
Quadruple Olympic gold medallist Chris Hoy has withdrawn from this year's Commonwealth Games because of a clash with the European championships, which carry Olympic qualification points, organisers said on Friday. India beat Belgium in second hockey Test
Sandeep Singh struck twice and custodian Bharat Chetri saved a penalty stroke to steer India to a 3-2 win over hosts Belgium in the second hockey Test in Antwerp. Rooney defeats multi-million pound lawsuit
Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney has defeated attempts by his former management agency to sue him for �4.3 million, labelling their claim "a joke" and an attempt to exploit him. World champion Semenya wins comeback race
South Africa's world 800 metres champion Caster Semenya won her comeback race on Thursday after an enforced break of almost a year following controversial gender tests.

July 15, 2010

MotoGP: Rossi cleared to race in Germany
MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi has been cleared to race in this weekend's German Grand Prix, six weeks after breaking his leg, his Yamaha team said on Thursday. The 31-year-old Italian was examined by circuit chief medical officer Huber Fischer at the Sachsenring and deemed fit enough to compete. 'Egypt Open win is the best in my whole career'
Having won a Commonwealth Games gold four years ago, he became the flag-bearer of Indian table tennis. Now, with two straight title triumphs -- at the US Open and Egypt Open -- in as many weeks, Achanta Sharath Kamal has announced he is in good shape and ready to defend his crown at October's Commonwealth Games in the country. Saina Nehwal rises to world No 2 ranking
Ace Indian badminton player Saina Nehwal has become the World No 2 according to the lastest rankings and is just behind current World No 1 Yihan Wang of China.

July 14, 2010

Diwakar, Amandeep in semis of Boxing Nationals
Olympian Diwakar Prasad and Commonwealth champion Amandeep Singh assured themselves of a medal with contrasting triumphs even as a couple of upsets highlighted the quarterfinals of the 57th Senior Men's National Boxing Championships in New Delhi. Sania's family slams media over Shoaib's exclusion
The media report alleging that Shoaib Malik was left out of the Pakistan cricket team for roaming around London with wife Sania Mirza at the cost of practice sessions has left the family of the tennis player upset. Record boxing entries for Commonwealth Games
Home advantage notwithstanding, Indian boxers will have their task cut out when they take the ring in this year's Commonwealth Games as a record 304 international pugilists are set to participate in the October 3 to 14 megaevent. Tiger Woods' caddie set to walk out on him?
World No 1 golfer Tiger Woods goes into The Open at St Andrews amid speculation that his caddie Steve Williams could be about to walk out on him. Woods aiming to become better father
Disgraced golfer Tiger Woods has admitted that he's trying to become a better person as well as the best father. Saina ready for Chinese challenge at World C'ship
After winning three successive international tournaments, badminton maven Saina Nehwal is confident of conquering next month's World Championship in Paris. South Africa to bid for 2020 Olympic Games
South Africa is set to bid for the 2020 Olympic Games after successfully hosting the football World Cup, governing Olympic body chief Tubby Reddy said on Tuesday.

July 13, 2010

Comprehensive document needed for Asiad bid: Govt
The Sports Ministry has given the Indian Olympic Association time till Thursday to submit a comprehensive document with all the financial details if it wants to get the government's permission to bid for the 2019 Asian Games. Bolt says 100m in Paris will be fastest this year
Triple Olympic champion Usain Bolt believes his first meeting of the season with compatriot Asafa Powell in Paris on Friday will produce the fastest 100 metres of the year. Indian players to lose on home advantage: Malhotra
Delay in the completion of the the Commonwealth Games venues will rob the Indian athletes of the crucial home advantage as the players are losing out on getting a hang of the stadiums, Archery Association of India President V K Malhotra said on Tuesday.

July 11, 2010

Sharath Kamal wins Egypt Open TT
India's Achanta Sharath Kamal came up with a splendid performance to shock top seed Li Ching of Hong Kong and win the Egypt Open Table Tennis Championships in Cairo on Sunday. The sixth seeded Indian Olympian won 11-5,11-6,14-16,12-10,11-9 to claim his second successive title in as many weeks, having won the US Open last Sunday, beating Keineth Thomas of Slovakia in Michigan. Sharath Kamal enters Egypt Open final
Olympian Achanta Sharath Kamal on Sunday closed in on his second successive international title when he defeated Jiang Tianyi of Hong Kong 4-1 to storm into final of the Egypt Open table tennis championships in Cairo.

July 10, 2010

Olympic champ Allen Johnson announces retirement
Former world and Olympic 110 metres hurdles champion Allen Johnson announced his retirement from athletics at the age of 39 on Saturday. Favourites sail on opening day of Boxing Nationals
Asian Youth silver medalist Devendro Singh sensationally out-classed his rival within the first three minutes of his bout while former Commonwealth champion Sunil Kumar toiled hard for his opening win in the 57th Senior Men's National Boxing Championships in New Delhi. Sharath in Cairo Open quarters
Olympian Achanta Sharath Kamal faced some stiff resistance before getting the better of Mikhail Gladyshev 4-1 and stormed into the men's singles quarter-finals of the Egypt Open table tennis championships while all his compatriots crashed out in Cairo on Saturday. Sahara propels Queen's Baton into controversy
The Queen's Baton might have traversed 170,000 Km across the globe without raising a speck of dust, but a barely 24 hour halt in Lucknow propelled the prestigious Commonwealth Games symbol into the thick of a controversy with none other than the Sahara India group in the eye of the storm. Q3 eludes Force India, Sutil to start 11th
Adrian Sutil will start Sunday's British Grand Prix 11th on the grid, four places ahead of team-mate Vitantonio Liuzzi as none of the Force India drivers could make it to the third qualifying session (Q3) in Silverstone on Saturday. Indian paddlers off to mixed start in Egypt Open
Olympian Achanta Sharath Kamal, Soumyadeep Roy and A Amalraj entered the men's singles second round but it was curtains for their women counterparts in the opening round itself as India made a mixed start at the Egypt Open table tennis tournament in Cairo. Jeev lone Indian to make cut at Scottish Open
Jeev Milkha Singh managed to make the cut despite returning a four-over 75 but fortune of the other Indians in fray took a massive tumble as they fell by the wayside after the second round of the Barclays Scottish Open golf tournament here.

July 09, 2010

Isinbayeva to miss entire outdoor season
Olympic pole vault champion and world record holder Yelena Isinbayeva will not compete this season but hopes to come back stronger next year, her coach said on Friday. Olympic champ Fraser tests positive
Jamaica's Olympic and world 100 metres champion Shelly-Ann Fraser has tested positive, her track club (MVP) president Bruce James said. LeBron James to play for Miami Heat
LeBron James announced on Thursday he was leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers to join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh at the Miami Heat next season, ending one of the biggest transfer sagas in U.S professional sports.

July 08, 2010

Semenya to run in Finland next week
South African world 800 metres champion Caster Semenya will return to competition next Thursday in the Finnish town of Lappeenranta, after an enforced break due to controversial gender tests, her agent said. Rossi rides again, hopes for early return
Injured MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi is hoping to return to racing this month, far earlier than expected, after getting back on two wheels on Wednesday for the first time since he broke his leg. His Yamaha team said in a statement that the 31-year-old completed 26 laps of Italy's Misano circuit on a Yamaha superbike but reported pain in his leg and shoulder.

July 07, 2010

Bolt's 200 metres season may be in jeopardy
Triple Olympic champion Usain Bolt's remaining 200 metres season may be in jeopardy because of a strained Achilles tendon, the Jamaican said on Wednesday. LeBron James finally decides to join Twitter
LeBron James has made at least one decision, just not the one the basketball world had been waiting for. 'Moral victors' Ghana get $20,000 cash bonus
Ghana's national soccer team won a $20,000 cash bonus per player on Tuesday and were hailed moral victors by former U.N. chief and countryman Kofi Annan after losing out on a World Cup semi-final place.

July 06, 2010

South African Semenya cleared to return
South African world 800 metres champion Caster Semenya was cleared on Tuesday to compete as a woman, nearly a year after controversial gender tests put her career on hold. Bolt to be ambassador at Youth Olympic Games
Olympic 100m champion and world record holder Usain Bolt has agreed to be an ambassador at the August 14-26 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore. Women's Olympic champion to skip CWG
After men's Olympic Champion Usain Bolt, women's Olympic gold medallist Shelly-Ann Fraser has also decided to opt out of this year's Commonwealth Games. Chavanel seizes Tour lead as rain causes havoc
Sylvain Chavanel's Tour de France chances were nearly ruined by a crash two months ago but more drama on the same Belgian roads gave him the race leader's jersey after the second stage on Monday.

July 05, 2010

Coe wants vuvuzela-free Games in London
Sebastian Coe wants a vuvuzela-free London Olympics in 2012, the Games chief said on Monday. Sharath wins US Open TT title
Olympian Achanta Sharath Kamal notched up the biggest title of his career when he clinched the US Open Table Tennis Championships crown, beating Keineth Thomas of Slovakia at Michigan.

July 04, 2010

Germany beat India 5-3 in Hamburg Masters
The Indian hockey team fought hard but eventually ran out of steam against Olympic champion Germany to go down 3-5 in its second match of the BDO Hamburg Masters tournament at Uhlenhoster Club, Hamburg. CWG athletes most vulnerable in transit
With less than 90 days left for the Commonwealth Games, a leading US-based strategic think tank has warned that athletes will be most vulnerable to terrorist attacks while in transit to and from the venues.

July 03, 2010

CWG Baton Relay gets cold response in Chandigarh
Despite the presence of legendary sprinter Milkha Singh, cricketer Kapil Dev and Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra, the Queen's Baton Relay for the Commonwealth Games received a cold response in Chandigarh, on Saturday.

July 02, 2010

First Look: Beckham at Wimbledon to cheer Murray
England football ace David Beckham was at Wimbledon on Friday to support Andy Murray in his semi-final against Rafael Nadal. Woods confirms meeting authorities about doctor
Tiger Woods has been interviewed by US authorities investigating Canadian doctor Anthony Galea, who is charged for unlawfully treating athletes with human growth hormone, the golfer said on Thursday. Paes, Black in Wimbledon mixed doubles semis
India's Leander Paes and his mixed doubles partner Zimbabwean Cara Black advanced to the Wimbledon's semi-finals on Thursday. Injured Henin to miss US Open
Justine Henin has ruled herself out of this year's US Open after discovering that an elbow injury she suffered at Wimbledon was worse than initially thought.

June 30, 2010

Vijender wants CWG Baton to make Bhiwani stopover
As the Queen's Baton Relay for the Commonwealth Games continues its 100-day journey through the country, Olympic bronze medallist boxer Vijender Singh on Wednesday demanded that it should also make a stopover in his hometown Bhiwani. List of Tour de France winners
Tour de France winners since the event was first staged in 1903. Contador finds Armstrong in his way, again
Once again, Alberto Contador is the Tour de France favourite and, once again, Lance Armstrong stands in his way. Although Luxembourg's Andy Schleck seems to be his main challenger, Armstrong will lead a very strong RadioShack team that could, if they do not help their man to win the Tour, cause havoc in the three-week race and deny Contador a third title.

June 29, 2010

Sulky Van Persie defends rant at Dutch coach
Netherlands striker Robin van Persie's petulant reaction to his substitution in their World Cup second-round victory on Monday could be the first hairline crack in the united front so far presented by the squad. Thieves grab seven replica World Cups in FIFA raid
Burglars made off with seven replicas of the golden World Cup trophy after breaking into FIFA's offices in South Africa, police said on Tuesday. Vijender, Sushil foresee medals galore for India
Olympic bronze medalists Vijender Singh and Sushil Kumar on Tuesday said Indian athletes are preparing hard for the fast-approaching Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games and the country can expect a rich medal haul in the twin events. India's 2019 Asian Games bid in jeopardy?
With just 24 hours to go and the Sports Ministry yet to grant approval, India's bid for the 2019 Asian Games now looks in jeopardy. Saina hoping to stay fit in build-up to CWG
Going through a purple patch, Saina Nehwal has nothing to complaint about her form and all the ace shuttler now wants is to steer clear of injuries so that she can give her best in the Commonwealth and Asian Games later this year. Squash: Dipika crashes out of World Juniors
Dipika Pallikal's dream of winning the World Junior Squash Championship title went up in smokes after the Indian suffered a 13-15, 9-11, 9-11 defeat at the hands of fourth seed Nour El Tayeb of Egypt in the semi-final at Cologne, Germany on Monday. Exclusive: How North Korea perceives its WC team
John Duerden, football correspondent of the Pyongyang-based Korean Herald, who is covering the World Cup in South Africa, writes an exclusive for rediff.com on the fortunes and future of the North Korean team. Saina eyes world number one ranking
After notching up an incredible hat-trick of international titles, ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal on Tuesday said she is confident of becoming the world's number one player soon. Armstrong says 2010 Tour will be his last
Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong has announced that he is making his final appearance in the Tour next month. The 38-year-old American, two years into a second comeback, revealed the news through his Twitter website just days before he begins his campaign for an unprecedented eighth victory in the gruelling event.

June 28, 2010

Pak suspends two athletes for flunking dope test
The Pakistan Sports Board on Monday suspended two female athletes, including an Olympian, for two years after they flunked dope tests during a national training camp for the Delhi Commonwealth Games and Asian Games in China later this year. SA bars 613 foreign visitors during World Cup
South African immigration officials have stopped 613 "undesirable" people from entering the country ahead of and during the World Cup, the department of home affairs said. Latest updates from the Football World Cup
Updates from Monday's World Cup matches. Dipika enters semis in World Junior Squash
Indian ace Dipika Pallikal is on course for her maiden World Junior Squash Championship title as she stormed into the semi-finals after defeating Kanzy El Dafrawy of Egypt in Cologne, Germany. CWG: Queen's Baton Relay enters Jammu and Kashmir
The Queen's Baton Relay for the 2010 Commonwealth Games on Monday entered Jammu and Kashmir from Punjab after it was received by state's Sports Minister R S Chib at Lakhanpur -- 90 kms from Jammu.

June 27, 2010

'Saina has already achieved targets for 2010'
With a hat-trick of international titles and a career-best world ranking of number three, ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal has already achieved the targets that she had set for 2010, a jubilant national coach Pullela Gopichand said on Sunday. Indian women lose to Australia 2-6
After holding Germany to a draw in their opening fixture, Indian women caved in tamely to Australia, suffering a 2-6 defeat in the four-nation Hockey tournament at Essen in Germany on Sunday. PM congrats Saina for Indonesia Open victory
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday congratulated badminton sensation Saina Nehwal for winning the Indonesian Open Super Series at Jakarta, her third international title on a row. Latest updates from the Football World Cup
Updates from Sunday's World Cup matches. First Look: Prince Harry tosses ceremonial pitch
Prince Harry plays competitive polo and showed on Saturday he could also throw a useful baseball pitch. Lahm practiced penalties with his mother
German skipper Philipp Lahm practiced penalties with his mother since he was a kid, and may reap the results if the clash with England goes the same way as the previous two meetings at major tournaments. Congratulate Saina Nehwal
Saina Nehwal continued her irresistible form to claim her third straight title in as many weeks. The Indian ace won the Indonesia Open badminton Super Series in Jakarta on Sunday, beating Japan's Sayaka Sato 21-19, 13-21, 21-11 in the final. Join us in congratulating the rising star of Indian sport. Scintillating Saina wins Indonesia Open
Saina Nehwal continued her irresistible form to claim her third straight title in as many weeks. The Indian ace won the Indonesia Open badminton Super Series in Jakarta on Sunday, beating Japan's Sayaka Sato 21-19, 13-21, 21-11 in the final.

June 26, 2010

Lorenzo takes fourth win of season
MotoGP championship leader Jorge Lorenzo of Spain enjoyed his fourth win of the year with victory in the Dutch TT race at Assen on his Yamaha on Saturday. Latest updates from the Football World Cup
Live updates of Saturday's World Cup matches. Saina in Indonesian Open final
Defending champion Saina Nehwal dished out yet another dominating performance, routing Japan's Eriko Hirose 21-9, 21-10 to storm into the final of the Indonesian Open Super Series badminton tournament in Jakarta on Saturday. Saina thus earned a shot at her second successive Super Series title, having won the one in Singapore last week.

June 25, 2010

CWG 2010: Queen's Baton Relay arrives in India
Starting the 100-day countdown to this year's Commonwealth Games, the Queen's Baton Relay arrived in India from Pakistan through the historic Wagah Border in Amristar, on Friday. Chairman of the CWG Organising Committee Suresh Kalmadi, received the baton from Pakistan Olympic Association president Lt Gen Syed Arif Hassan at the international border, where the Commonwealth Games Federation chief Mike Fennell was also present.

June 24, 2010

Saina storms into Indonesia Open quarters
Defending champion Saina Nehwal remained on course for her second successive Super Series title by advancing to the quarterfinals of the Indonesia Open in Jakarta. Saina zooms to career-best third in rankings
Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal on Thursday took a giant stride towards realising her goal of becoming the world's numero uno player as she jumped three places to a career-best third in the latest international rankings.

June 23, 2010

Ritwik for Otters Open squash
Ritwik Bhattacharya and India No. 2 Harinderpal Singh Sandhu will be the star attractions in the prestigious Otters Devotie Squash Open 2010 that will be organized and hosted by Otters Club in Mumbai from June 26 to July 3. First Look: Bad boy's out in rebranding of Nadal
Shakira leans over and croons to Rafael Nadal "I'm a gyspy, are you coming with me? I might steal your clothes and wear them if they fit me." South Korea's mastery of new ball pays dividends
Long hours practising set pieces with the new World Cup soccer ball paid huge dividends for South Korea on Tuesday after the Asian side qualified for the second round with a 2-2 draw with Nigeria. Domenech refuses to shake hands with Parreira
France concluded a disastrous World Cup campaign with one more controversy on Tuesday when coach Raymond Domenech refused to shake hands with his opposite number after South Africa's 2-1 victory. Messi inspires Argentina to victory
Lionel Messi, who turns 23 on Thursday, captained his country for the first time on Tuesday and gave another virtuoso performance as Argentina beat Greece 2-0 to reach the second round of the World Cup. Italy's Cannavaro under pressure as stakes rise
World champions Italy need a win against Slovakia on Thursday to ensure they stumble into the World Cup second round and all eyes will be on captain Fabio Cannavaro after mistakes in the first two matches led to goals. South Korea advance after Nigeria draw
South Korea drew 2-2 in a tense Group B match with Nigeria to advance to the second round of the World Cup on Tuesday. Messi captains Argentina for first time
Lionel Messi became Argentina's youngest World Cup captain when he led his country for the first time two days before his 23rd birthday against Greece in Group B on Tuesday.

June 22, 2010

IOC says Ministry-IOA row 'settled'
The Sports Ministry-IOA row over the tenure limit guidelines has been settled and both have agreed to "work together with mutual respect and understanding", the International Olympic Committee said in a statement. Latest updates from the Football World Cup
Get the latest updates from all the action in South Africa. Evra out of South Africa match
French captain Patrice Evra, leader of a revolt that has brought his side close to disintegration and caused an outcry at home, was not included in the team to face hosts South Africa on Tuesday, in which both nations need a miracle result to salvage some honour. Some France rebels may not want to play against SA
Some of the France players may not want to face South Africa in their final World Cup Group A game on Tuesday following a row over the expulsion of striker Nicolas Anelka, beleaguered coach Raymond Domenech said. Capello criticises outspoken Terry
England's John Terry made "a very big mistake" talking to the media about player unrest in the squad, hardline coach Fabio Capello said. Switzerland laments Chile's on-pitch theatrics
Switzerland cried foul over Chile's Arturo Vidal's theatrical performance on Monday that saw their team reduced to 10 men and led to their 1-0 Group H World Cup defeat. Villa double gives Spain win over Honduras
Striker David Villa hit two stunning goals -- and missed a penalty -- as Spain returned to form with a 2-0 victory over Honduras at the World Cup on Monday.

June 21, 2010

First look: Murray's doubts over curtsy and bow
Andy Murray is not sure whether to bow or not but Serena Williams is taking no chances -- she is busy practicing her curtsy. 'No rest for Messi who loves to play'
Lionel Messi will play against Greece in an Argentina team full of changes for their final World Cup Group B match on Tuesday, coach Diego Maradona said. Portugal hammer seven past N Korea
Portugal enjoyed their biggest ever World Cup victory when they overwhelmed North Korea 7-0 in Group G on Monday to end the Asian side's hopes. First Look: 'Fabiano goal not Hand of God'
Luis Fabiano's second goal against Ivory Coast at the World Cup was not with the Hand of God as the Brazilian claimed, Diego Maradona said on Monday. Zidane rebuke for France over training boycott
France's World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane rebuked his compatriots on Monday for refusing to train after striker Nicolas Anelka was thrown out of the camp for insulting the coach. Latest updates from the Football World Cup
Get the latest updates from all the action in South Africa.

June 20, 2010

Congratulate Saina Nehwal!
Congratulate Saina Nehwal on her success at Singapore. Factory test causes boom heard at WC stadium
A blast was heard across Johannesburg on Sunday followed by a plume of smoke, visible from the Soccer City where World Cup matches are being played, but South African police said it was a routine test. Sharath Kamal crashes out of Indian Open
Top Indian Achanta Sharath Kamal received a mauling from Dimitrij Ovtcharov in a lopsided semi-final and the German then downed Korean Seo Hyun Deok to lift the men's singles title in the ITTF Indian Open Pro Tour Table Tennis tournament, which concluded on Sunday. Nigeria's Kaita gets death threats after red card
Nigeria midfielder Sani Kaita has been inundated with death threats from home after he was sent off in the Super Eagles' 2-1 loss to Greece in their Group B World Cup match on Thursday. Murray offers sympathy to under-fire Rooney
Andy Murray knows a thing or two about shouldering a nation's expectations, particularly during Wimbledon fortnight, so he was well placed to offer some sympathy to England striker Wayne Rooney on Saturday. Tiger tames Pebble to challenge leader Johnson
Tiger Woods stormed into contention at the U.S. Open with a sizzling back nine on Saturday that put him five shots behind fellow-American Dustin Johnson with one round to go at Pebble Beach. Aussie Kewell gets one match ban for sending off
Australian forward Harry Kewell was suspended for one match by FIFA's disciplinary panel on Sunday following his red card against Ghana on Saturday, FIFA said in a statement. Saina wins Singapore Open Super Series crown
Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal clinched her second Super Series title, winning the Singapore Open with a straight-game triumph over qualifier Tzu Ying Tai in the final on Sunday. The top seed Indian ace needed just 33 minutes to beat Chinese Taipei's Tai 21-18, 21-15 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Sharath Kamal in Indian Open TT semis
Top seed Achanta Sharath Kamal laboured to the semi-finals of the men's singles in the NCC Indian Open ITTF Pro Tour tournament with a hard-earned win over Young Sik Jung of Korea in Delhi on Saturday. Saina rallies to enter Singapore Open final
Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal is in line for a second Super Series title after scoring a come-from-behind victory over Lan Lu of China in the semi-finals of the Singapore Open on Saturday. The top-seeded Indian, currently ranked sixth in the world, rallied from a game down to beat her fourth-seeded opponent 8-21, 21-17, 21-8 in 49 minutes to storm into the final of the tournament at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Chambers breaks 10-second barrier again
Britain's Dwain Chambers clocked a championship record 9.99 seconds to win the men's 100 metres at the European team championship in Bergen on Saturday. Chambers held off Frenchman Christophe Lemaitre, who finished second in 10.02 seconds, and Italy's Emanuele Di Gregorio, third in 10.20.

June 19, 2010

Bolt to skip Commonwealth Games
Jamaican triple Olympic champion Usain Bolt will not compete in the New Delhi Commonwealth Games from Oct 3-14, coach Glen Mills told Reuters on Saturday.

June 18, 2010

Sharath Kamal in Round 2 of Indian Open TT
Top seed Achanta Sharath Kamal advanced to the second round of men's singles in the NCC Indian Open ITTF Pro Tour tournament after an easy win over Ji Min Han of Korea in Delhi on Friday. The Indian ace defeated Ji Min 11-9, 11-6, 5-11, 11-8, 11-4 at the Yamuna Sports Complex. Saina, Kashyap in Singapore Super Series semis
Top seed Saina Nehwal and P Kashyap entered the semi-finals of the women's and men's singles respectively in the Singapore Open Super Series badminton tournament in Singapore on Friday. Lakers win NBA title in Game Seven thriller
The Los Angles Lakers rallied from a big early deficit to win their second successive NBA championship with a cliff-hanging 83-79 Game Seven victory over the Boston Celtics on Thursday. Jabulani ball creators under fire for goal drought
Jabulani, the ball for 2010 FIFA World Cup has landed its makers, Britain's Loughborough University, in trouble after one of the dullest and lowest scoring starts to the tournament in living memory. Woods shoots 74 in frustrating Pebble Beach return
Tiger Woods, who demolished the opposition by a record 15 strokes at the 2000 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, made a less than triumphant return to the Pacific coast layout on Thursday with a three-over-par 74.

June 17, 2010

10 Indians in main draw of Indian Open TT
Ten Indians, including four women, made it to the main singles draw of the NCC Indian Open ITTF Pro Tour 2010 after the qualifying round at the Yamuna Sports Complex in Delhi, on Thursday. In the men's singles, Abhishek Ravichandran, Anirban Nandi, Sanil Shetty, Subhajit Saha, Amalraj Anthony Arputharaj and Sourav Chakraborty will join top seeded Indian Sharath Kamal in the main draw of 32 players.

June 16, 2010

Don't write off Federer yet!
He has not won any tournament since the Australian Open in January. Last week, he even lost on grass. Will it be a different story at Wimbledon?

June 15, 2010

BJP calls for transparency in CWG expenditure
Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, senior vice-president of the Bhartiya Janata Party, has alleged that in the name of developing Delhi for the Commonwealth Games in October later this year, the development of certain individuals is becoming more visible. Speaking to rediff.com, Naqvi said the Government of India should step in and control the needless expenditure being incurred. Tiger poised for US Open resurgence, says Atwal
Tiger Woods will start this week's US Open with major question marks hovering over his likely form but Indian Arjun Atwal believes the American world number one is "very close" to his best. The two golfers are near neighbours in Windermere, Florida, where they regularly play practice rounds together and Atwal has been amazed by the rapid improvement shown by Woods in recent weeks.

June 13, 2010

BAI election was neither free nor fair: Azharuddin
Mohammed Azharuddin's last-minute backing out rendered Sunday's Badminton Association of India (BAI) elections in Chennai a one-horse race and the former cricket captain said he decided to skip it after failing to get a stay order on the contest. Bolt likely to make comeback in two weeks
Triple Olympic champion Usain Bolt is on the road to recovery from a sore Achilles that kept him off the track for two weeks, the Jamaican said on Saturday. Azhar backs out, Verma re-elected BAI president
The much-anticipated face off between Mohammad Azharuddin and V K Verma ended in a damp squib on Sunday after the former cricketer backed out of the Badminton Association of India (BAI) elections, clearing the decks for a fourth term for the incumbent president.

June 12, 2010

Best buddies Querrey and Fish in Queen's final
Best buddies Sam Querrey and Mardy Fish will have to put friendship aside for an hour or so after reaching the Queen's Club grasscourt final. Indian Open: Saina enters final, Chetan ousted
Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal defeated Indonesian Aprilia Yuswandari 21-17, 21-11 to set up a women's singles summit-clash with second seed Mew Choo Wong of Malaysia at the Yonex-Sunrise Indian Open Grand Prix badminton tournament in Chennai. Impressive Sharapova powers into Edgbaston final
Maria Sharapova will have the chance to turn the tables on China's Li Na on Sunday when they clash in the final of the Edgbaston grasscourt tournament. Journalists' robbers jailed in swift justice
A South African court handed rapid punishment to two men who robbed World Cup journalists from Portugal and Spain, sentencing them to 15 years in jail, police said on Saturday. I won't contest HI elections: Bose
Following in the footsteps of IHF chief KPS Gill, Indian Women Hockey Federation secretary Amrit Bose too on Saturday backed the government's contentious tenure limitation guidelines and made it clear that she will not contest the much-awaited elections of the national body. South Korea get off to flying start
South Korea made an explosive start to their World Cup campaign with a fluent 2-0 win over Greece in their Group B opener on Saturday. Man convicted of stalking Olympian Shawn Johnson
A Florida man was convicted on Friday of stalking Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson at the time she was starring on reality television show Dancing With the Stars. World Cup too dear say two-thirds of fans: poll
Two-thirds of soccer enthusiasts in 23 nations feel the first World Cup finals on African soil has become too expensive for fans to enjoy, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. Italy's Gattuso to quit national team after Cup
Italy midfielder Gennaro Gattuso will quit the national side after the World Cup.

June 11, 2010

Court rejects Azhar's plea, BAI election on Sunday
Former India cricket captain Mohammed Azharuddin's bid to unseat Badminton Association of India's long-standing president V K Verma received a setback on Friday after an Andhra Pradesh court refused to grant a stay on BAI's election in Chennai on Sunday. Chetan, Saina in India Open semis
Ace Indian shuttlers Chetan Anand and Saina Nehwal made it to the semi-finals of the men's and women's singles respectively in the India Open Grand Prix with contrasting victories in Chennai on Friday. While top seed Chetan beat unseeded giant-killer Chun Seang Tan of Malaysia 21-15, 19-21, 21-16, world number six Saina thrashed compatriot Sayali Gokhale 21-4, 21-8 in the quarter-finals. Allegri closer to becoming AC Milan coach
Massimiliano Allegri is on course to become AC Milan's next coach despite a hold up over his contract at former club Cagliari. Blatter joins Twitterati in time for World Cup
FIFA president Sepp Blatter will be giving his thoughts on football in slightly shorter bursts than usual after opening up a Twitter account just in time for the World Cup in South Africa. Greek players, Chinese reporters robbed
Three Greek World Cup players had money stolen from their hotel rooms and Chinese journalists were robbed at gunpoint, officials said on Thursday. Six injured at Cape Town Cup fan zone
Six people were injured in a crowd crush at Cape Town's main World Cup fan zone on Thursday when thousands of fans attempted to get into the venue, a city spokesman said. India win gold in World Cup archery
The Indian trio of Rahul Banerjee, Mangal Singh Champia and Jayanta Talukdar clinched the men's team recurve gold medal with a 218-214 win over the US in the final of the World Cup archery (Stage II) in Antalya, Turkey. Back problem keeping Gay off the track
An old back problem is keeping world 100 metres silver medallist Tyson Gay off the track when he should be training and racing, the American said on Thursday. Ronaldo hands Portugal shirt to Nelson Mandela
Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo and coach Carlos Queiroz visited former South African president Nelson Mandela and offered him a team shirt with his name on the back, the Portuguese Football Federation said on Thursday.

June 10, 2010

Verma ineligible for BAI election: Azhar
Projected as an outsider by the ruling camp, cricketer-turned-politician Mohammad Azharuddin on Thursday fired a salvo at Badminton Association of India president VK Verma, saying the BAI chief is not eligible for re-election and should gracefully walk after having played a "long innings".

June 09, 2010

India Open: Saina, Chetan reach pre-quarters
Top seeds Saina Nehwal and Chetan Anand cruised to the pre-quarterfinals even as three other top Indian shuttlers bite the dust at the India Open Grand Prix Gold badminton tournament in Chennai on Wednesday. First Look: Italian PM meets French Open champion
Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi met French Open champion Francesca Schiavone as an appreciation of her success at the Roland Garros.

June 08, 2010

Gay likely to miss New York meet
Former world champion Tyson Gay's fitness level is likely to keep him out of Saturday's New York Diamond League meeting, his agent said on Monday. First Look: Brian Lara catches the football fever
Brian Lara was back on the field. But, this time round, not with a bat or ball in hand. In fact, he was on a football field, testing his footballing skills, during a match between the Rest of the World and an England Eleven at Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium. The teams were a mix of professional footballers and celebrities.

June 07, 2010

I worried for Rafa during slump, says uncle Toni
He was all smiles on Sunday but there were times earlier this year when Rafael Nadal's uncle and coach Toni feared his nephew was struggling to recover from the darkest period of his career. Wlodarczyk breaks own women's hammer world record
Polish world champion Anita Wlodarczyk broke her own women's hammer world record with a throw of 78.30 metres in Bydgoszcz, Poland on Sunday, the IAAF reported. At least 15 hurt in stadium stampede
At least 15 people were injured on Sunday when fans tried to push their way into a local stadium to watch a pre-World Cup match between Nigeria and North Korea only five days before the tournament gets underway.

June 05, 2010

Karthikeyan finishes 11th in NASCAR race
Narain Karthikeyan, after his exceptional showing in Charlotte previous month, brought the momentum with him to the Texas Motor Speedway, finishing 11th in the WinStar World Casino 400 here to register season-best performance. Pacquiao named fighter of the decade
Manny Pacquiao has been named fighter of the decade by the Boxing Writers Association of America on top of his third fighter of the year award. Rossi breaks shin bone, out for 2 months
MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi fractured his right shin bone in a crash during practice and has been ruled out of Sunday's Italian Grand Prix. Randhawa misses cut at Celtic Manor Open
Indian golfer Jyoti Randhawa turned in a disastrous six-over 77 in the second round to miss the cut at the Celtic Manor Wales Open. Asafa Powell sprints to victory, Kluft struggles
Former world record holder Asafa Powell took advantage of the absence of rivals Usain Bolt and Tyson Gay to comfortably win the men's 100 metres at the Diamond League Bislett Games on Friday.

June 04, 2010

IOC invites Sports minister for meeting on June 18
The International Olympic Committee has invited Sports Minister MS Gill for a meeting on June 18 in Switzerland to discuss the contentious tenure limitation guidelines while insisting that the regulations should not be implemented till then. CWG tickets launched in Capital
Price ranging from a modest Rs 50 to a whopping Rs 50,000, tickets for this year's Commonwealth Games went on sale on Friday with sports enthusiasts having the option of booking them online or through call centres.

June 03, 2010

'No money in Asiad, so BCCI is not interested'
IOA president Suresh Kalmadi slammed the Board of Control for Cricket in India on Thursday for not sending teams to the Asian Games in China, saying it is not interested because the multi-sport event offers no money. 'It has become commercial� cricket has become very commercial. (in the Olympics and Asian Games) There are only medals, no money. So I don't think anybody from the cricket world will be interested in taking part,' Kalmadi told reporters. Bookies favour Stosur to lift French Open crown
Australian tennis ace Samantha Stosur is the new favourite among bookies to lift the French Open women's singles trophy despite having never reached a Gand Slam final before.

June 02, 2010

Balancing motherhood and boxing is tough: Mary Kom
Four-time world champion boxer MC Mary Kom says balancing motherhood and boxing is a tough task. Nicklaus to compete with Tiger in Memorial Game
Jack Nicklaus will compete with Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson in a Skins Game on the eve of this week's Memorial tournament, organisers said on Tuesday. Rich medal haul for Indian athletes at Asian GP
Hosts India bagged three gold, five silver and five bronze medals with the women making a clean sweep in the discus throw event in the rain-interrupted first leg of the Asian Grand Prix at Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune on Tuesday.

June 01, 2010

'England's Caribbean triumph was very un-English'
The ambassador for the forthcoming HSBC Asian 5-Nations tournament in New Delhi, rugby legend Rory Underwood spoke exclusively to rediff.com about England's rise as a rugby super power, the state of the sport in India and, of course, England's triumph in the World T20 in the West Indies. Tendon injury forces Bolt out of NY meeting
Usain Bolt has withdrawn from the June 12 New York Diamond League meeting with a stiff Achilles tendon, but the triple Olympic champion hopes the setback will not impact the rest of his season, his agent said on Monday.

May 31, 2010

World TT: Singapore stun Chinese women
Chinese fans were left in shock after their women paddlers failed to win the gold medal at the World Team Table Tennis Championships for the first time since 1991. The Chinese trio of Ding Ning, Liu Shiwen and Guo Yan fell to their Singaporean counterparts 3-1 in the final in Moscow on Sunday as the Southeast Asian city-state claimed their first title in the event. Real Madrid unveil new coach Mourinho
Real Madrid unveiled Jose Mourinho as their new coach at a news conference on Monday. The Portuguese has signed a four-year contract with the Spanish giants following his move from European champions Inter Milan. Jeev slips to 99th in golf rankings
Jeev Milkha Singh remained the highest-ranked Indian golfer in the world but the seasoned pro was on the verge of slipping out of top-100 after going down 10 places to 99th in the latest list issued on Monday.

May 30, 2010

Mary Kom, Sarita strike gold at Asian boxing
Four-time world champion M C Mary Kom notched up her third Asian title while L Sarita Devi clinched her fourth, as Indian boxers finished fourth in the event with two gold, a silver and five bronze medals in Astana, Kazakhstan on Sunday. Kalmadi fine with Queen skipping CWG
The Organising Committee of the Commonwealth Games is fine with Queen Elizabeth II skipping the event in October and is ready to welcome Prince Charles as a representative of the royal family, OC Chairman Suresh Kalmadi said on Sunday. Queen Elizabeth to skip Delhi Commonwealth Games
For the first time in 44 years, Queen Elizabeth II will miss the Commonwealth Games owing to 'heavy workload', leaving it to Prince Charles to represent the British Royal family in Delhi this October. My 10-year-old cue stick is my lucky charm: Advani
Through seven World and five Asian titles and across 30 countries one thing has remained unchanged in Billiards wonder boy Pankaj Advani's life - his lucky cue. Mary Kom cruises into Asian Championship final
Four-time world champion M C Mary Kom got a walkover after her semi-final opponent failed to turn up, while two others notched up contrasting wins to make the finals on a mixed day for Indian boxers in the Asian Women's Championship in Astana, Kazakhstan.

May 29, 2010

Indian trio misses cut at Madrid Masters
Form deserted Indian golfers at the Madrid Masters and the trio of Shiv Kapur, Jyoti Randhawa and SSP Chowrasia missed the cut after returning over-par cards in the second round of the European Tour event.

May 28, 2010

Asian women's boxing: India assured of 8 medals
Former World Championships silver medallist N Usha suffered a shock quarter-final defeat even as India were assured of eight medals in the Asian Women's Boxing Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan. Usha, who was expected to have it easy against Chorieva of Tajikistan, a country participating for the first time in the event, was knocked out in the lightweight 60kg category. I was a victim of sabotage: Ben Johnson
Disgraced former sprinter Ben Johnson, who had his 100m gold and world record at the 1988 Olympics stripped after testing positive for steroids, has claimed a book due in September will provide new evidence that he was a victim of sabotage. Powell runs year's fastest 100
Former world record holder Asafa Powell clocked the fastest time of the year when winning the 100 metres in 9.83 seconds at the Ostrava Golden Spike meeting on Thursday.

May 27, 2010

Mary Kom, Sarita in semis of Asian women's boxing
Four-time World champion M C Mary Kom (46kg) and L Sarita Devi (51kg) are assured of at least a bronze medal each after easing into the semi-finals of the Asian Women's Boxing Championship in Astana, Kazakhstan. Mary Kom defeated Sri Lanka's Anushka 6-3, while Sarita thrashed Ri Hyang Mi of North Korea 10-1 amid protests from the rival camp, which alleged unfair scoring. Singaporean shuttler denied C'Wealth chance
Singapore's top badminton player will miss her chance to compete at this year's Commonwealth Games after being slapped with a suspension for bad behaviour, the sport's chief in the city-state said on Thursday. Mickelson eyes top ranking
Phil Mickelson, eager to bury memories of last year, has every reason to look forward to this week's Colonial Invitational with the world number one ranking within fingertip reach. UP-born baseballers meet Obama at White House
It was a weekend to remember for Uttar Pradesh-born US baseball league players Rinku Singh and Dinesh Patel as they met US President Barack Obama and Brazilian soccer star Ronaldinho at the White House in Washington DC. UCI ask federations to probe Landis's doping claim
The International Cycling Union (UCI) has asked several national federations to investigate doping-related allegations made by disgraced rider Floyd Landis.

May 25, 2010

FIH won't extend date for Hockey India election
The FIH too a dig at Hockey India for expressing its inability to conduct the much-awaited elections before May 31 and said FIH cannot grant any further extension as requested by the Indian body. Indian men maintain winning run at World TT
The Indian men maintained their winning spree despite their spearhead Achanta Sharath Kamal losing a tie, while the women suffered their third successive defeat in the World Team Table Tennis Championships in Moscow on Tuesday. India defeated Argentina 3-1 to register their third win on the trot in the men's section while their women, after losing to Denmark and Malaysia earlier, went down to group leaders Turkey 1-3. Sports Ministry to meet IOC chief on tenure issue
With time running out and the threat of India's ouster from the Olympic family looming large, the Sports Ministry on Tuesday sought an early meeting with IOC President Jacques Rogge to solve what it described as a 'false situation of crisis' created by the IOA officials. Mary Kom in Asian C'ship quarter-finals
Four-time world champion M C Mary Kom stormed into the quarter-finals with a thumping first-round triumph on an all-win day for the Indians at the fifth Asian Women's Boxing Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan. Tiger to make return at Memorial, says report
Tiger Woods will return to competition at next week's Memorial Tournament after a layoff due to a neck injury, the Golf Channel reported on Monday.

May 24, 2010

Five Indians qualify for Youth Olympic Games
Five Indian athletes have qualified for the inaugural Youth Olympic Games to be held in August in Singapore after their impressive performance in the Asian Area Qualification Championships. Chinappa wins German Ladies Open
Joshna Chinappa tamed giant-killer Gaby Schmohl of Switzerland in straight sets to win the US $9,200 German Ladies Open and earn her fourth WISPA Tour title at Saarbrucken-Gudingen. The second seeded Chinappa won 11-6, 11-7, 11-6 in a 22-minute final on Sunday. World TT Championships: Sharath wins, women falter
Olympian Achanta Sharath Kamal's impressive form helped Indian men register their second successive victory, while their women counterparts continued their dismal performance in the World Team Table Tennis Championships in Moscow on Monday. Lorenzo stretches lead with French GP win
Spain's Jorge Lorenzo won the French MotoGP at Le Mans on Sunday to extend his world championship lead over Yamaha team-mate Valentino Rossi to nine points. Security will not be a concern during CWG: Gill
Countries participating in this year's Commonwealth Games, scheduled to be held in Delhi, should not worry about security, said Sports Minister M S Gill on Monday, assuring that India will deliver an incident-free event. 'Woods not automatic pick for Ryder Cup'
Tiger Woods is not guaranteed a spot on the US Ryder Cup team and will have to play his way on like every other player, skipper Corey Pavin said on Sunday. Atwal finishes commendable tied 7th in Irving
Arjun Atwal announced his return to form by securing his career's second best finish in a US PGA Tour event, signing off tied seventh with an even-par 70 in the final round of the HP Byron Nelson Golf Championship in Irving, US.

May 23, 2010

Blackpool seal dream rise to Premier League
Blackpool, in the bottom tier of the football league 10 years ago, secured a place in the Premier League with a 3-2 Championship playoff final triumph over Cardiff City at Wembley stadium on Saturday. Bolt cruises to victory on China return
Usain Bolt celebrated his return to China for the first time since his Beijing Olympic heroics with a comfortable victory in the 200 meters at the Shanghai Diamond League meeting on Sunday.

May 22, 2010

IOC rejects Sports Ministry arguments
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Suresh Kalmadi and other sports administrators received a shot in the arm after the International Olympic Council (IOC) rejected Sports Ministry's argument for a tenure limitation regulation, warning such a move might result in India being thrown out of the Olympic family next month. Tribal boy from Bengal set to play rugby in UK
tribal boy from West Bengal has received a scholarship to a college in Gloucestershire renowned for its sporting prowess and has qualified to play rugby for Gloucestershire side Longlevens RFC. 20-year-old Sailen Tudu was spotted playing rugby barefoot on wasteland in Kolkata and has won a scholarship to a college in Gloucestershire. Indian Open granted Super Series status
Badminton in the country received a massive fillip on Saturday with Indian Open granted a Super Series status for a three-year period starting next year. So far a Grand Prix event, the tournament staved off the challenge from Swiss Open to bag the honour, riding on the support it got from non-European countries in the World Badminton Federation (WBF) Executive Council meeting in Kuala Lumpur. Armstrong hits back at Landis over doping claims
Lance Armstrong fired back at former team mate Floyd Landis, who has publicly accused him of using performance enhancing drugs, following reports he is now working with law enforcement agencies. Armstrong's lawyers issued a statement on the cyclist's team's website countering Landis' claims that Armstrong cheated during his seven Tour de France wins.

May 21, 2010

Australian sports form anti-corruption alliance
Australian sports have formed an alliance to share information that could help guard against corruption arising from the burgeoning sports gaming industry. SSP Chowrasia tied third at BMW PGA C'ship
Indian golfer SSP Chowrasia showed glimpse of vintage form and fired a blazing four-under 67 to lie tied third after the opening round of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. National Open Athletics, a disappointing show
Yet another meet has come and gone with nothing much to shout about as the 50th National Open Athletics Championship did not rise to the expected level, with the Commonwealth Games round the corner. Armstrong dismisses Landis doping claims
Seven-times Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong has dismissed claims by former team-mate Floyd Landis that he used performance-enhancing drugs. 'Semenya's return to be announced soon'
South African world 800 metres champion Caster Semenya's return to competitive athletics should be announced in less than a month, SAPA news agency reported on Thursday.

May 20, 2010

Landis admits doping during Tour: report
Disgraced Tour de France winner Floyd Landis has sent a series of e-mails to cycling officials and sponsors admitting to the use of performance enhancing drugs, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday. The report said the American's e-mails detailed his systematic use of the drugs during his career. India in tough pool in women's hockey World Cup
An uphill task awaits India in this year's women's hockey World Cup in Argentina where they have been clubbed alongside reigning World and Olympic champions the Netherlands and formidable teams like Germany and Australia. Bolt runs year's fastest 100 metres in Daegu
Jamaican triple Olympic champion Usain Bolt opened his 100 metres season with the year's fastest time, clocking 9.86 seconds in Daegu, South Korea on Wednesday.

May 19, 2010

Vijay Singh drops out of top 50 in world rankings
Ace golfer Vijay Singh dropped out of top-50 for the first time in nearly 18 years. The Fiji golfer slipped to No 51 after failing to qualify for the final 36 holes at the Texas Open -- first time since 1992. 'Tenure rule approved by Parliament: Gill
Sports Minister M S Gill on Monday wondered why the IOA and sports bosses were objecting to his tenure limiting guideline after it was approved by the Parliament and directed implementation by Delhi High Court.

May 18, 2010

Vijender retains top spot in AIBA rankings
Olympic and World Championship bronze medal winning boxer Vijender Singh (75kg) continued his reign at the top, while Asian silver medallist Thokchom Nanao Singh (48kg) rose a couple of rungs to fourth in the latest AIBA rankings. IOA rejects tenure regulations
A defiant Indian Olympic Association on Tuesday spurned the Sports Ministry's tenure limitation guidelines even though there was a voice of dissent against its president Suresh Kalmadi's "dictator-like" functioning. Kavita Raut shatters 10000m meet record
Maharshtra's Kavita Raut stunned National and Meet record holder Preeja Sreedharan (Railways) in the 10000m women's event to clinch the gold with a new record in the 50th National Open Athletic Championship in Kochi on Tuesday.

May 17, 2010

Bhupathi, Bopanna meet Force India drivers
International tennis star and Indian doubles champion Mahesh Bhupati and India's Davis Cupper Rohan Bopanna visited the Force India Formula One team in Monaco prior to the Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday. Ghosal staying focused before Delhi CWG
With eyes firmly set on this year's Commonwealth Games, India's ace squash player Saurav Ghosal has decided to cut down on international tournaments to remain injury-free before the October 3-14 quadrennial event in New Delhi.

May 16, 2010

Triesman steps down as England 2018 chief
England's hopes of hosting the 2018 World Cup were rocked on Sunday when bid chief David Triesman stood down following a newspaper report in which he appeared to make bribery allegations against rival bidders. China thrashes Indonesia to retain Thomas Cup
Badminton powerhouse China resumed normal service on Sunday by thrashing Indonesia 3-0 to retain the Thomas Cup and erase the disappointment of their women's shock final loss to South Korea in the Uber Cup. South Korea stun champions China to win Uber Cup
South Korea stunned champions China 3-1 to win their first Uber Cup on Saturday and snap a run of five final losses to the badminton powerhouse. Atwal tied 22nd, Jeev misses cut at Texas Open
Arjun Atwal returned a subdued even-par 70 to slip to tied 22nd but it was curtains for Jeev Milkha Singh as he missed the cut despite an improved show in the second round of the Valero Texas Open golf tournament in San Antonio, Texas. First look: Jones makes no impact on WNBA debut
Disgraced former American Olympian Marion Jones made her professional basketball debut for the Tulsa Shock on Saturday. World Cup organisers apologise to Indian shooters
Bowing to pressure, the organisers of the ISSF World Cup in Dorset (UK) on Sunday apologised to the Indian shooters who were harassed by their transport staff. Real Madrid fan Nadal distracted by La Liga climax
Real Madrid fan Rafa Nadal may be distracted by the thrilling climax to the soccer season during his Madrid Open final with arch rival Roger Federer on Sunday. Harassment will affect our performance: Manavjit
Commonwealth Games gold medallist Manavjit Singh Sandhu on Sunday feared that the harassment of Indian shooters at the ISSF World Cup in Dorset (UK) will affect their performance in the prestigious event.

May 15, 2010

Indian shooters harassed in Dorset ISSF World Cup
In a shocking incident, the Indian shooting contingent was harassed by the organisers of the ISSF World Cup in Dorset, UK, which forced the team manager M Padmanabhan to shot off a letter to the High Commission in London.

May 14, 2010

Lahiri breaks PGTI, course record on way to win
Anirban Lahiri registered an impressive six-stroke victory at the PGTI Players Championship, presented by Aamby Valley Golf Course, on Friday after he posted an immaculate five under 67 in the final round. He finished the tournament with a total of 24 under 264, thus breaking the PGTI record of 22 under for four rounds, set by Jyoti Randhawa in 2007. Phelps to make long-course return in Charlotte
Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps is scheduled to make his first long-course appearance of the season at the Charlotte UltraSwim meet. Sushil wins gold in Asian Wrestling
Olympic bronze medallist Sushil Kumar lived up to his reputation as he bagged a gold in men's 66kg freestyle on the second day of the Senior Asian Wrestling Championships in New Delhi.

May 13, 2010

Lahiri on top at PGTI Players Championship
Anirban Lahiri continued to dominate the PGTI Players Championship presented by Aamby Valley Golf Course as he posted a clinical five under 67 in round three on Thursday. Lahiri's total now stands at 19 under 197 and he heads into the final round with a comfortable six stroke lead. Shamim Khan is second at 13 under 203. Intl Junior shooting: Asher Noria clinches gold
Young Indian shooter Asher Noria fired his way to a gold medal for the second successive time at the International Junior Shooting Competition in Suhl, Germany. Exclusive: 'Anand showed lot of mental toughness'
Aruna Anand on her husband's World Championship triumph in Sofia and the build-up to it. AFC Cup: Churchill Brothers go down to Al Qadsia
Churchill Brothers put up a spirited fight before crashing out of the AFC Cup after losing 1-2 to Kuwaiti powerhouse Al Qadsia in the single-leg pre-quarterfinal match in Kuwait City.

May 12, 2010

Respect national sentiment, Sports Ministry to IOC
Determined to go ahead with the regulation to limit the tenure of sports bosses, the Sports Ministry on Wednesday requested International Olympic Committee (IOC) to respect India's "national sentiments" and help the government give the country a "better deal". India out of Thomas, Uber Cup
The Indian men's and women's badminton teams crashed out of the Thomas and Uber Cup finals after suffering identical 0-3 defeats to Indonesia and China respectively in the quarter-finals in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Wednesday. India's top shuttlers Parupalli Kashyap and Saina Nehwal gave a scare to higher-ranked opponents Taufik Hidayat and Yihan Wang before eventually going down 12-21, 21-10, 17-21 and 21-14, 11-21, 18-21 respectively. Vishy Anand speaks exclusively to Rediff.com
World champion Anand spoke exclusively from Sofia after beating Veselin Topalov 6.5 to 5.5 to retain the title he won in 2008. Anand's win is very special , say parents
Elated after their son retained his World Chess Championship title, Viswanathan Anand's parents on Wednesday said the win is very special as the Indian tamed challenger Veselin Topalov of Bulgaria in his own backyard. V Anand: From chess prodigy to World Champ
After playing exhaustive chess for over three decades, Viswanathan Anand has assured himself a place in the league of all time greats as he retained the World Championship crown with consummate ease against Veselin Topalov in his own den in Sofia, Bulgaria on Tuesday.

May 11, 2010

Thomas Cup: India trounce Australia
P Kashyap and Arvind Bhat did the star turn as India trounced Australia 4-1 and advanced to the last eight stage of the Thomas Cup finals even as the women's team went down 1-4 to Korea despite Saina Nehwal's thrilling win over Seung Hee Bae in the Uber Cup, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Tuesday. Tiger Woods's coach Haney quits: report
Hank Haney has ended his six-year working arrangement with World No1 Tiger Woods, the swing coach said in a statement on Monday. Snooker: Higgins claims innocence in fixing row
Snooker champion John Higgins has claimed innocence against allegations that he agreed to fix a match.

May 10, 2010

Thomas Cup: India trounced by Indonesia
Arvind Bhat pulled off a stunner and P Kashyap played his heart out but that couldn't save India from succumbing to a 1-4 defeat to Indonesia in their first Group D match of the Thomas Cup finals in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Monday. WADA Exec Committee supports 'whereabouts' clause
The Executive Committee and Foundation Board of the World Anti-Doping Agency have endorsed the current system of athlete whereabouts requirement, rejected by the Indian Cricket Board, at its meeting over the week-end in Montreal. Woods out of Players C'Ship with neck injury
Tiger Woods's woes continued on Sunday when he pulled out of the Players Championship after completing six holes of his final round, citing a painful neck.

May 09, 2010

Westwood leads at Sawgrass, Woods fades
Lee Westwood, ice-cool down the closing stretch, took advantage of a stumbling finish by American Heath Slocum to regain a one-shot lead at the Players Championship in Saturday's third round. I'm destitute and broke: Mike Tyson
Former boxing champion Mike Tyson says he is "totally broke" after years of excessive spending but still leads a happy life.

May 08, 2010

Kapur, Randhawa miss cut at Italian Open
Indian golfers Shiv Kapur (71) and Jyoti Randhawa (74) missed the cut for the second successive week, crashing out of the BMW Italian Open after contrasting second-round cards in Turin. While Kapur turned in an improved one-under 71, Randhawa could not raise his game and stuttered to a second successive 74 in the second round.

May 07, 2010

Bhullar wins PGTI Players Championship
Gaganjeet Bhullar bagged his eighth career title after a spectacular four under 66 in the final round in the PGTI Players Championship, presented by the Bombay Presidency Golf Club, on Friday. Bhullar totaled seven under 273 to finish one stroke ahead of his nearest rivals, Shamim Khan and Mohd. Siddikur Rahman. Houghton will remain India coach, insists Patel
All India Football Federation president Praful Patel on Friday conceded there were "certain issues" between AIFF and Bob Houghton but asserted that the Englishman remains the national coach and will guide the team in next year's Asian Cup in Doha. Delhi to have 15000 radio cabs before CWG 2010
It will be a smooth ride for tourists and citizens during the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi as Delhi government estimates that around 15,000 radio taxis will be on the roads by October. Woods recovers form at Sawgrass championship
Six days after missing the cut by eight shots at the Quail Hollow Championship, Tiger Woods recovered from a shaky start to card a two-under-par 70 in the opening round at the TPC Sawgrass. Ex NFL star Taylor charged for sex with minor
Former NFL great Lawrence Taylor was charged on Thursday with third-degree rape of a 16-year-old girl brought to him in a New York suburb by a pimp, and could face up to four years in prison.

May 05, 2010

Kothari stuns Advani for MIG snooker title
Sourav Kothari caused the biggest upset of the tournament, beating Pankaj Advani in the final, to win the Rs 3,10,000 Nahar-MIG All India Invitation Snooker Championship 2010 in Mumbai on Wednesday. Govt official to visit IOC over new tenure policy
Toughening its stance on the tenure limitation of sports bosses in the country, the Government on Wednesday proposed to send a senior official to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters in Switzerland to sort out the matter. IOA, NSF officials meet PM to discuss tenure issue
Indian Olympic Association officials along with a delegation of the National Sports Federations are meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Parliament on Wednesday to discuss the issue of new guidelines that seek to limit the tenure of sports administrators. Woods unfazed by threat to number one ranking
World No 1 Tiger Woods, who missed the cut at last week's Quail Hollow Championship, said he will not be fazed if his 258-week reign at the head of the rankings is ended by Phil Mickelson on Sunday.

May 04, 2010

Sporting rally from behind to down Mahindra
Sporting Clube de Goa fought back strongly in the second half to beat Mahindra United 3-2 and kept their hopes of avoiding relegation alive in a round 24 I-League match at Nehru Stadium in Margao on Tuesday. Govt interference could lead to sanctions: IOA
The simmering row between the government and sports federation bosses over tenure limitations on Tuesday intensified with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) saying the Sports Ministry's attempt to erode their autonomy could lead to sanctions against the country. I want to be India's best sportsperson: Advani
His feat of becoming a three-time Asian billiards champion going virtually unnoticed amid the IPL hype, ace Indian cueist Pankaj Advani rued that his failures make more news than his triumphs. Sports chiefs want unlimited tenure: Gill
Sports Minister MS Gill on Tuesday said the new regulation that seeks to limit the tenure of sports administrators has the backing of all political parties and is in fact a softer version of the original 1975 guideline. Woods likely to lose No 1 ranking to Mickelson
Tiger Woods's 258-week reign as World No 1 could be ended by fellow American Phil Mickelson on Sunday.

May 03, 2010

Kalmadi, NSF chiefs vow to protect autonomy
The government's bid to limit the tenure of sports administrators met with stiff resistance on Monday, with Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi and other angry bosses of sports bodies vowing to do everything to protect their autonomy. World Youth Boxing: Vikas wins gold, Shiva silver
Vikas Krishan (60 kg) picked his second successive international gold medal, while Shiva Thapa (54 kg) settled for a silver as India rounded off its World Youth Boxing Championship campaign with two medals, in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Monday. The games politicians play
While the government is applying pressure to change BCCI now, the attempt to reform India's sports federations is a battle that's been fought right since 1975, and with little success. It is a battle that Sports Minister MS Gill is personally interested in. CoCom team satisfied with CWG progress
Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi on Monday assured the members of the Coordination Commission (CoCom) of the Commonwealth Games Federation that considerable progress has been made in all areas towards successfully hosting the 2010 Delhi Games. Tiger Woods set to divorce estranged wife: Report
Tiger Woods seems to have finally realized his marriage is over. The scandal-ridden golfer, who cheated on wife Elin Nordegren with dozens of different women, recently met with divorce lawyer Jeff Fisher. Indian fencers clinch 15 medals in Thailand
Indian fencers produced their best ever performance and clinched a total of 15 medals, including two gold, in the International Thailand Fencing Championship at Pattaya. NSF chiefs slam govt over new tenure regulation
National Sports Federation (NSF) chiefs were up in arms on Sunday against the Government regulation to limit their tenure, saying they would move Supreme Court to thwart the move. System crash costs Bindra gold at European Cup
Ace Indian shooter Abhinav Bindra produced a clinical performance but unfortunately missed the gold after the computer system crashed at the European Cup International Championship in Hanover, Germany on Sunday. New regulation will make sports transparent: Gill
The new government regulation, limiting the tenure of sports administrators, will lead to transparency and professionalism, Sports Minister MS Gill said on Sunday. Higgins suspended over match-fixing claims
World snooker champion John Higgins was suspended by the sport's governing body on Sunday after a newspaper reported he had agreed to take a bribe to lose frames.

May 02, 2010

Dipika, Ghosal storm into Asian Squash semis
World junior number one Dipika Pallikal and third seed Saurav Ghosal kept alive Indian hopes sailing into the women's and men's semi-inals respectively in the 15th Asian Squash Championship in Chennai on Sunday. Sports Ministry limits tenure for Kalmadi & Co
In a bid to crack down on National Sports Federation (NSF) heads who have been occupying the posts for too long, the Sports Ministry on Sunday said NSF chiefs in office for more than a decade will have to step down after their current term expires. Bolt opens season with fourth-fastest 200m
Triple Olympic and world champion Usain Bolt ran the fourth-fastest 200 metres of all-time with a blistering 19.56 second sprint in front of his home fans at the Jamaica International Invitational on Saturday.

May 01, 2010

Woods misses cut at Quail Hollow
Tiger Woods, his game imploding with every wayward shot, missed the cut for only the sixth time as a professional on Friday after a woeful second round of 79 at the Quail Hollow championship.