Kila Raipur Games from Jan 30, no bullock-cart races

Ludhiana: The stage is set for the 79th edition of the MRF-Kila Raipur Games that begin on January 30. However, the bullock-cart races, which made these games popular the world over, will not be organised this year. “Following the ban imposed by the Supreme Court, the sports lovers would not be able to enjoy this spectacular event at these games,” said Gursandeep Singh Grewal, president of the organizing club Grewal Sports Association. Nevertheless, sports such as hockey, athletics and kabaddi in addition to rare seen events like horse races, tractor races, feats by baazigars will be organised during this sports extravaganza to be held from January 30 to February 1. — TNS

BCCI needs to be accountable: Sonowal

New Delhi: Expressing the government’s desire to bring the BCCI under the ambit of the RTI Act, Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today reiterated the Centre’s stance following the Supreme Court ruling that the private cricketing body performs a public function and is amenable to judicial law and review. “This is a public body as observed by the honourable Supreme Court, so definitely it is accountable to make their day to day activity more transparent to the people,” said Sonowal. 

WICB asks BCCI to hold discussions

Jamaica: The president of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Dave Cameron has urged the BCCI to sort the issue of West Indies’ pullout from the India tour midway into the series last year, through a bilateral discussion or a third-party mediation over the next two months. The WICB has also sought the intervention of the ICC in the matter and requested the BCCI not to drag them into the Indian courts.

Ronaldo handed two-match ban for kicking opponent

Madrid: Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo has been given a two-match ban following his dismissal for kicking out at an opponent during their La Liga clash with Cordoba last Saturday, the Spanish league said on Wednesday. Ronaldo was unable to make an impact in the match and his frustration saw him first lash out with his hand at Jose Crespo, which the referee missed, and then minutes later kick out at Edimar for which he was sent off. Real won 2-1 thanks to a late Gareth Bale penalty and Ronaldo apologised on Twitter after the game. — Agencies