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Wednesday,
October 24, 2001, Chandigarh, India  
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Connor Williams
included; Dighe recalled India leaving nothing to chance
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‘We peaked at right
time’
Railways eves are
cricket champions |
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England players
to decide on tour Indian boxers bag 2 gold, 1 silver Hisar judokas retain title DU hold GND varsity Inter-university b’ball at Kangra
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Connor Williams included; Dighe recalled Mumbai, October 23 The selection committee which met here today under the chairmanship of Chandu Borde chose a 16-member squad for the tour. One of the biggest surprises was the selection of two wicketkeepers for the tour — Samir Dighe was recalled and Deep Dasgupta — retained. Zaheer Khan and Ashish Nehra, the promising young fast bowlers, have also been included. Their selection became a mere formality once they passed the fitness test conducted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) sports medicine expert Dr Anant Joshi this morning. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Borde said they had decided on two wicketkeepers because the Indian team would be playing five matches, including two side games. “It would be very tiring for one wicketkeeper to keep in all five games. Therefore, we have decided to include two wicketkeepers,” he added. On the performance of Deep Dasgupta, Borde said: “We are grooming him now. His wicket keeping is improving with every match.” Borde praised Williams, saying he had been performing consistently in the domestic circuit. “On top of that, he is a left hander. A left-right combination at the top of the order usually affects the rhythm of the opposition bowlers,” he added. Asked if they had thought of sending a third opener as a back-up, Mr Borde said: “We spoke to the captain Saurav Ganguly and he told us that if the need arose, they could ask Rahul Dravid to open.” Williams’ Baroda teammate Jacob Martin will return to the country after the one-dayers along with Yuvraj Singh, Reetinder Singh Sodhi and Harvinder Singh. The team: Saurav Ganguly (c), Rahul Dravid (v-c), S.S. Das, Connor Williams, Sachin Tendulkar, V.V.S. Laxman, Samir Dighe, Deep Dasgupta, Virendra Sehwag, Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh, Javagal Srinath, Zaheer Khan, Ajit Agarkar, Venkatesh Prasad and Ashish Nehra. Middle-order batsman V.V.S. Laxman has already joined the team in South Africa for the last two one-dayers of the on-going triangular series and is a certainty for the Test series that starts with the first match at Bloemfontein on November 3. Mr Borde said Prasad had been included taking into account the wicket which will be prepared for the Test matches and his years of experience. The other players whose names were considered were Dinesh Mongia, Jacob Martin, Sharandeep Singh and Wasim Jaffer, he said. The team will play three Tests, the first from November 3 to 7 at Bloemofontein. The second Test will be played from November 16 to 20 at Port Elizabeth and the concluding Test from November 24 to 28 at Centurian Park. The team will also play two tour matches — a three-day match with the President’s XI from October 29 to 31 and a four-day match from November 10 to 13 versus South Africa ‘A’ at East London.
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India leaving nothing to chance Paarl (S. Africa), October 23 Though the biggest of margins is no compensation for their shock 70-run loss to the Kenyans, a victory would ensure a place in the final and that is the topmost thing in the mind of the Indians right now. After that disaster in Port Elizabeth, the Indians had requested for batting reinforcements in the form of VVS Laxman and the stylish batsman, who had stayed back due to an injury and was to join only for the Test Series, has already arrived in the country yesterday. Laxman is a certainty for tomorrow’s game as the Indians, who had been guilty of experimenting in the previous game against Kenya, are leaving nothing to chance this time. On the other hand, Kenya also realise that this is a big opportunity for them and if they are able to knock India out of the tournament, it would give a big boost to their international image. India have two victories in the tournament so far while Kenya have one. However, if Kenya manage to win tomorrow, they will make it to the final on account of having defeated India twice in three league encounters. South Africa have already ensured their place in the final which is to be played on Friday. India would like to take a cue from the South Africans who inflicted a crushing 208-run defeat on Kenya last night. A similar victory for India would not help them forget the memories of the past two matches but would also put them in the right frame of mind to take on the South Africans in the final. Indications were that Laxman would be asked to bat at number five after Rahul Dravid and not at his customary number three where Virender Sehwag is likely to be sent in. The idea is to let the top three — captain Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar and Sehwag — gather quick runs and in case of early loss of wickets, Dravid can always be expected to play the role of a sheet anchor. The inclusion of Laxman in the side means either Shiv Sunder Das or Jacob Martin — both of whom have failed to make a big impression in the opportunities provided to them — would have sit out. India would certainly like to bat first and make a big score. The key really would be Ganguly and Tendulkar who are now the most successful opening pair in the world. In fact, these two have been doing their job quite consistently but the later order batsmen have failed to capitalise on the sound foundations laid by them. It is the last 10 overs that have been troubling India and they would be looking to set the record straight here. Laxman is capable of big hitting and Yuveraj Singh needs to prove his worthiness for a place in the national side. India would no doubt go with the same attack that played in the last game against South Africa — the pace attack of Javagal Srinath and Ajit Agarkar to be complemented by the spin duo of Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. Teams (from): India: Sourav Ganguly (capt), Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Virendra Sehwag, Shiv Sunder Das, Jacob Martin, Yuveraj Singh, V V S Laxman, Deep Dasgupta (wk), Ajit Agarkar, Venkatesh Prasad, Javagal Srinath, Reetinder Singh Sodhi and Harbhajan Singh.
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Chandhok crowned Asian Formula champion Chennai, October 23 Addressing a press conference here, Vicky Chandhok, a veteran of many laurels in the national scene and father of 17-year-old Karun, said his son had been adjudged as the ‘Most Promising Rookie in Asia’, and invited to compete in the Macau World Cup on November 18. He said full grid of 31 Formula Asia 2000CC cars would be vying for honours in Macau and Karun’s car had been tested successfully yesterday for the event. Apart from Karun, Asif Nasir of Mumbai, who finished runner-up to Karun in the Formula Asia Championship, had also been invited to compete at Macau, the toughest ‘stand alone’ event, he said. Karun, who had been roped in to drive in British F-3 Championship by the world’s leading team, Carlin MotorSport, would have 30 tests before the actual events start from March next year. The first leg of the 22-event of F-3 would commence in Brand Hatch on March 31, 2002. Vicky said his son was young and depending on his success in F-3 championships, Karun would graduate to Formula One in another three years. “This is the target we have set and we will not like to rush up things”, he said. In the Formula Asia Championship, Karun tallied 245 points followed by Asia Nazir (227-India), Denis Lian (108-Singapore) and Meckel Ali (90-Indonesia). Vicky said in all nine countries, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, England, Hong Kong and China, competed in Formula Asia Championship from April 7 to October 21 under the 14-leg format. Karun, who had to drive a borrowed car as his own was not cleared in time by the custom authorities for various reasons, had finished third in the first race and won the second race. The Indian dominance was prounced as amongst the 14 events, Karun had won eight and Asif Nazir, seven and between these two, they had on 13 occasions occupied the pole positions.
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‘We peaked at right time’ Mumbai, October 23 “It was an exciting experience and I think losing to Australia 1-2 in league stage was some sort of a wake-up call for us and we really won the battle of nerves in the final”, he told reporters on arrival of the team here. “It was good to be together and we played to a plan. In fact, the whole team performed well and it is a fantastic feeling to win a big tournament”, skipper said. “The winning has been so exciting that the 18-hour journey has not dampened us and none of us look worn out despite the long journey”, Gagan Ajit added. The coach Rajinder Singh praised the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) chief K.P.S. Gill’s efforts to give more exposure to youngsters “which has resulted in the junior team’s fine performance”. Singh said winning the Junior World Cup was a good sign and the Indian hockey has got a shot in the arm. “With this win I can confidently say there is a bright hope for the game in future and the IHF will capitalise on this”. Gagan Ajit said that before the final he had told the boys that a silver was not good enough. “We have come this far (to the final) and only winning the gold was fitting reward”, he told the boys and “they obliged with a big win” (6-1) against Argentina. “We struck early blows in the final but they put pressure on us in the second half with a goal and I thought we were in for a tough fight. However, we counter-attacked their moves and converted the opportunities and won handsomely in the end”, the skipper added. Gagan Ajit said the morale of the team was high throughout the tournament and they played with good team spirit. “I think if the senior team also play with the same spirit they too will come up triumphant”, he added. Rajinder Singh was all praise for Gagan Ajit for his fine captaincy and said Deepak Thakore, Bimal Lakra, Prabhjot Singh, Jugraj Singh and Ignace Tirkey are the players to watch for the future. “After we lost to Australia 1-2, the youngsters showed their fighting qualities and improved in every match. The margin of victory in the final shows the amount of confidence the youngsters had in themselves”, Rajinder Singh added. In 1997 edition, India had made it to the final but lost to Australia 2-3.
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Railways eves are
cricket champions Faridabad, October 23 In reply to the 82-run Railways’ lead Air-India girls could muster only 190 runs in the second innings. Railways easily managed to score the required runs losing one wicket in 37 overs. Rajini Venugopal of Railways was declared the best player Mitali Roy and Neetu David were adjudged player of the match and best bowler, respectively. Score Board: Air-India (Ist innings): 132 Railways (Ist innings): 214 for 7 (decl) Air-India 2nd (innings): Anju Jain run out 41, Purnima Rao b Neetu David 49, Anjum Chopra b Deepa Kulkarni 10, Rumeli Dhar c & b Neetu 3, Sunaina not out 47, Mangla b Neetu 16, Mamta Kanojia st Sulakshna b Neetu 13, Shilpa run out 0, Jhulan Goswami run out 6, Usha Bogade not out 2. Fall of
wickets:- 1/88, 2/99, 3/104, 4/106, 5/132, 6/158, 7/164, 8/168, 9/179. Bowling:- Sunita 3-0-13-0, Kavita 3-0-16-0, Rupanjali 11-0-41-0, Neetu David 17-2-74-5, Deepa 11-1-44-1. Railways (2nd innings): Rajini Venugopal run out 40, Vanita Viola not out 50, Mitali not out 15, Extras 4. Total: 109 for one in 37.3 overs. Fall of wicket: 1/77. |
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England players
to decide on tour London, October 23 “As things stand today there is no reason for the forthcoming tour not to go ahead as planned.... But we would respect any decision the players make,” Lord Maclaurin, Chairman of the English and Wales Cricket Board, told reporters here after a two-hour meeting with players and officials including British High Commissioner in India Sir Rob Young. Lord MacLaurin said “the players have until Friday to decide whether to travel and can still choose to opt out on individual basis. If they opt out, it will not hit their chances of future selection.” Skipper Nasser Hussain, fast bowler Andy Caddick and all-rounder Craig White had earlier expressed their apprehensions about the tour. “We’ve heard a lot about security and we have now more information than before,” one of the players Mark Butcher said after the meeting. White said, “We’ve listened to what they had to say and they have listened to us. We’ve got to discuss this now with our families and friends and we’ve got time to come to a decision”.
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Indian boxers bag 2 gold, 1 silver Chandigarh, October 23 India took the third spot bagging two gold medals, one silver and two bronze at the four-day meet which concluded on October 21, an Indian Amateur Boxing Federation press release said here today. Mohammad Ali Qamar (Railway Sports Promotion Board) and Rama Nand (Service Sports Control Board) bagged the gold medals in light fly and light weight categories, respectively. While S. Suresh Singh (CISF) earned the silver medal in fly weight category, Durjai Shastri and Harpreet Singh (both of RSPB) won the bronze medals in light middle and light heavy categories, respectively. Rama Nand was declared as best technical boxer of the tournament and awarded a trophy, the release said. |
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Hisar judokas retain title Kurukshetra, October 23 International judoka Narinder Singh earned win within two minutes in 81 kg category to win the gold. Another international Ravinder of Hisar beat all his rivals within three minutes to snatch the gold while national gold
medallist Poonam Kaushik also put down all her opponent within one minute to capture the gold. Mohan Singh of Kurukshetra created the new record in 40 km Time Trial race clocking 56:03:96 minute. Sirsa emerged champion in table tennis in both men and woman categories. In men’s section Faridabad got second and Haryana Police finished third while in Women’s category Rewari came runner up and Rohtak remained third. The results are: Athletics Shot Put Women: 1 Rita Rani (Pkula), 2 Poonam (Hisar), 3 Aplesh (Bhiwani). Men 110 Hurdles: 1 Mukesh (Ambala), 2 Surender Singh (Hisar), 3 Govind (Bhiwani). Javelin: Men: 1 Ramesh, 2 Bhagirth, Sunil. 400 M Hurdle Men: 1 Govind (Bhiwani), 2 Vinod (Mgarh), 3 Naseeb Singh (Hisar). Pole Vault Men: 1 Rajesh (Hisar), 2 Digvijay (Bhiwani), 3 Sanjeev (Sonepat). 110 mtr Hurdle Men: 1 Mukesh (Ambala), 2 Surender Singh (Hisar), 3 Govind (Bhiwani). Archery: women: 70 m 1. Pooja (M. Garh), 2. Maya (M. Garh), 3. Mini Nehra (Sirsa) 600 m: 1. Renu (F. bad), 2. Mini Nehra, (Sirsa), 3. Pooja (M’garh). 50 m: 1. Mini Nehra (Sirsa), 2. Manju (M’garh), 3 Niketa (M’garh). All round best archer: Mini Nehra (Sirsa) Mohindergarh team champions, Faridabad runners-up, Sirsa third. Volleyball: women: Kurukshetra beat Karnal by 25-13, 25-10, 25-11. Men: HP beat Gurgaon by 25-2, 25-18, 25-18. Circlekabaddi: men: 1. Jind beat Jhajjar by 53-43, Rohtak beat Bhiwani 16-6, Women: Jind beat Bhiwani by 37-33. Kabaddi national-style: women: Rohtak beat Sonepat by 32-10, Men: Haryana Police beat Rohtak by 45-25. Football: women: Karnal beat Hisar by 6-0. Weightlifting: men: 71 kg-1 Rajesh (Bhiwani), 2. Hari Chand, (Faridabad), 3. Balbit Singh (HP). Fencing: women-Epee: 1. Nitu (Karnal), 2 Promila (Sonepat), 3. Monika (Karnal) and Sunita (Jind). Foil: 1. Monika (Karnal), 2. Monika (Y’nagar), 3. Neetu (Karnal) and Prem Vati (Rohtak). Boxing: lightweight: Joginder Singh, Jind beat Sanjiv Kumar, K’tre, Naveen P’kula beat Anil (HAU), Deepak (F’bad beat Virat Shastri (Rohtak). Light middle weight: 1. Rohtash (HAU) beat Tara Chand (F’bad) Sunil (HAU) beat Sumit Aggarwal (P’kula), Sanjay (Bhiwani) beat Ravinder (Y’nagar). Light heavy weight: 1. Raj Kumar (Rohtak) beat Pardeep Kumar (F’bad), Vivek (Jind) beat Gurwinder Singh (Y’nagar). Hockey: men: semifinal: Sonepat beat Kurukshetra by 3-2, Women: semifinal — Kurukshetra beat Jind by 4-0, Sonepat beat Gurgaon by 2-0 goals. Badminton team event: semifinal: women: Panchkula beat Faridabad by 2-0, Bhiwani beat Karnal by 2-0, Semifinal men: Bhiwani beat Ambala by 2-0, Sonepat beat Panchkula by 2-1. |
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DU hold GND varsity Amritsar, October 23 The first league match between last year’s champions GND University and Delhi University ended in a 1-1 draw. Hot contenders Delhi gave a tough fight to the defending champions as they were on the offensive from the start. GND varsity made counter attacks and their efforts bore fruit in the 17th minute when they were awarded penalty corner, which was converted by Amandeep. GND varsity were leading by 1-0 at half time. Another keenly contested league match of the day between Punjabi University, Patiala and Kerala University finished in a goal-less draw. |
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Inter-university b’ball at Kangra Kangra, October 23 Mr S.K. Sharma, Principal, MCM DAV College and convenor of the championship, disclosed this while talking to mediapersons here. He said the championship being held in Himachal Pradesh for the first time would be played on knock-out-cum-league basis. He said nearly 600 women would participate. Mr Sharma said four winners each of the Northeast Zone and Southwest Zone would clash on the league basis here from November 8. The final of the championship would be played here on November 12. |
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