Rogge clears air on Beijing
The head of the International Olympic Committee said on Saturday that Beijing's poor air quality will not endanger the health of athletes competing in the games in August, but it may affect their performance.
"The health of the athletes is absolutely not in danger," Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee said in Singapore.
PCB warning to coach Lawson
Demanding an explanation for his statements on the ban imposed on fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, the Pakistan Cricket Board has warned Chief coach Geoff Lawson against making further comments on issues which were “not in his domain”, reports PTI from Karachi.
“We have told Lawson we would like him to concentrate on his job and leave administrative matters to the Board in future. He has great responsibility on his shoulders and shouldn’t be commenting on such issues,” a senior official said.
Lawson had said that Shoaib’s ban was sad and that the fast bowler had lot of potential but lacked responsibility. He had also said Shoaib’s ban was a loss to Pakistan cricket.
Mithali to lead Indian eves
Mithali Raj will lead a 15-member Indian team in the women’s Asia Cup cricket tournament to be held in Sri Lanka from April 27 to May 12, reports PTI from New Delhi.
The squad: Mithali Raj (Capt), Jhulan Goswami (Vice-Capt), Jaya Sharma,Karuna Jain (w-k), Rumeli Dhar, Amita Sharma, Deveika Palshikaar, Thirushkamini M D, Neetu David, Seema Pujare, Snehal Pradhan, Priyanka Roy, Anagha Deshpande, Ashah Rawat, Gouhar Sultana.
Kartik checks in at NCA
Left-arm spinner Murali Kartik, who injured his ankle a couple of weeks ago and was ruled out of the first two Tests against South Africa, reported to the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore on Saturday.
Paul Chapman, the strengthening and conditioning coach, and physio Vaibhav Daga monitored his fitness levels at the academy on Saturday. "I am feeling much better and obviously I am hoping that I will be fit in time for the third Test,” said Kartik.
Canadian PM to skip Beijing fete
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has announced that he will not attend the 2008 Olympic opening ceremonies in Beijing, reports UNI from Toronto. Harper announced his decision while speaking to reporters on April 3, in Bucharest, Romania where a key NATO summit is taking place.
Pune FC rally to hold ONGC
Pune FC played out a 1-1 draw with ONGC, Mumbai, in a crucial second division I-League match in Pune on Saturday, reports PTI.
CN Henry put ONGC ahead and Pune side’s Nigerian import Emeka Hyginus scored the equaliser.
Yuki to lead junior team
Teen sensation Yuki Bhambri will lead the junior Davis Cup team while Rashmi Teltumbde will be the captain of the Fed Cup team in India’s Asia/Oceania qualifying rounds to be played in New Delhi (April 28-May 3) and Bangkok (May 5-10) respectively.
The teams:
Davis Cup: Yuki Bhambri Samip Mehta, Saurabh Singh. Reserves: Rohit Bisht, S V Abhishek.
Fed Cup: Rashmi Teltumbde, Rishika Sunkara, Ratnika Batra. Reserves: Shweta C Rana and Gopika Kapoor.
Indian men still in contention
Indian men kept themselves in medal contention despite losing in the semifinals in the recurve team event at Meteksan Archery World Cup in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, reports PTI from New Delhi.
The Indian team, comprising Jayanta Talukdar, Rahul Banerjee and Mangal Singh Champia, were beaten by Australia 211-217 in the semifinals. In the third place play-off, India will take on Italy on Sunday.
India, who received a bye in the first round, past France 224-219 to book a berth in the semis.
CITY SPORT
FOOTBALL: Prasanna Kumar memorial tournament, BUFC vs Universal, Bangalore Football stadium, 3.30 pm.
BASKETBALL: ‘A’ Division League, Sree Kanteerava stadium, 4.30 pm.
