Sports stadia in all blocks, panchayats soon: Haji Nisar

By Staff Reporter • 2008-11-13 • 23 min read

KT NEWS SERVICE SRINAGAR, July 3 : Every Panchayat and block headquarter of the State will have a sports stadium and necessary infrastructure for games said Sports Minister Haji Nisar Ali today.

"In the first phase at least 414 panchayats and 15 blocks would be covered.

The necessary finance for raising grounds would be released at the rate of Rs.1 lakh for each ground at panchayat headquarter and Rs.

5 lakh for block headquarter", he added.

"It is government's endeavour to harness the sports potential of the youth who have been blessed with it in plenty", he maintained and adding that "government's decision will prove to be highly beneficial in this direction".

The Minister also highlighted various achievements made by the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports in various facets including successful organization of the Santosh Trophy.

He said there has been tremendous re-organization in the department which has addressed the long held demands of the employees and which has helped in raising their morales to new thresholds.

He said that at least 1126 posts of physical education masters were created in the department and a further 400 lie in the waiting.

He said that for the first time in the history of the department that a battery of gazetted officers in the form of zonal physical education officers were upgraded.

Earlier, various officers including Director General Youth Services and Sports P.

Gill, Secretary Higher and Technical Education K.

Wani and other senior officers of the department apprised the Minister about the working of their departments and put forth various suggestions before the Minister.

India in Group C of Asia Cup qualifiers DOHA, Jul 3 (UNI): India has been placed in a fairly difficultGroup C along with continental powerhouses Uzbekistan and UAE forthe final qualifying round of the AFC Asian Cup 2011.Malaysia is the other team in the group.

The draw was made at the Aspire Dome here today.

Twenty teams were divided into five groups of four with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the tournament proper along with defending champions Iraq, last year's runners-up Saudi Arabia third placed Korea Republic and winners of Afc Challenge Cup 2008 and 2010.

The draw: Group A: Japan, Bahrain, Hong Kong, Yemen.

Group B: Australia, Indonesia, Oman, Kuwait.

Group C: India, Uzbekistan, UAE, Malaysia.

Group D: Vietnam, China, Syria, Lebanon.

Group E: Iran, Thailand, Jordan Singapore.

Calcutta boy Chirag joins Nottingham Forest NEW DELHI, Jul 3 (UNI): Calcutta boy Chirag Paul has signed a1,500 pound-a-week contract with second tier English club Nottingham Forest.

Chirag is likely to play four to five matches for the reserve team of the first division club during the start of the season and then switch to first-team action, according to indications received by Chirag from club manager Colin Calderwood.

He becomes the first Indian to reach as far as the second tier of English professional football.

Bhaichung Bhutia, the biggest name in Indian football, played for Second Division outfit Bury FC a few years ago.

Siddons takes legal action against Australia SYDNEY, Jul 3 (Reuters): Former Australia assistant coach Jamie Siddons is suing Cricket Australia because he hurt his shoulder throwing cricket balls, local media reported today.

Fox Sports television said Siddons had lodged a writ in the Victorian Supreme Court seeking compensation for the damage to his right shoulder.

Siddons, who was a former first-class batsman, said the injury occurred on Australia's 2005 Ashes tour of England when he was hired as assistant coach to John Buchanan.

Siddons said he had spent hours in the nets practicing with the team and throwing balls on a "constant, repetitive and forceful basis".

A spokesman for Cricket Australia said the governing body was unaware of the writ.

Siddons, who is currently serving as coach of Bangladesh, played one limited-overs international for Australia against Pakistan in 1988 but never played a test.

NZ Junior Athletic trials in Bhiwani CHANDIGARH, Jul 3 (UNI): The Haryana State Amateur Athletic Association (HSAA) will conduct selection trials on July 12 for boys and July 13 for girls in Bhiwani for 20th North Zone Junior Athletic Championship to be held from August 1 to 3 at Lucknow.

The trials will be held at Vaish Senior Secondary School at 0800 hrs for girls and boys in the age group of under 14, under 16, under 18 and under 20.

Only those two athletes for each event will be selected, who will qualify the laid down standards by AFI and HSAA, according to H S Bhadu Secretary HSAA.

The athletes must carry with them the original certificate of date of birth along with the ID card issued by the AFI.

Without original certificate of date of birth athletes will not be allowed to take part in the trials, Bhadu said.

Baghdatis pulls out of Davis Cup, cites heavy schedule NICOSIA, Jul 3 (Reuters):Marcos Baghdatis has caused a stir in his home country after informing the Cyprus Tennis Federation (CTF) he will not be representing the island in the Davis Cup games against Portugal between July 18 and 20.

Having previously knocked out Slovenia, Cyprus, who rely almost entirely on the prowess of Baghdatis when they compete in the Davis Cup, will take on favourites Portugal, with a place in the Europe/Africa Zone Group 1 up for grabs.

World number 25 Baghdatis, a 2006 Australian Open finalist and Wimbledon semi-finalist, made an early exit from Wimbledon this week after his defeat by Spaniard Feliciano Lopez.

He was quoted in Cyprus's Politis daily on Thursday as saying he was pulling out of the Davis Cup because of other commitments, but would not be quitting the team indefinitely.

"This difficult decision was taken after serious consideration because of my heavy schedule," the paper said, quoting a written statement from the player.

Baghdatis is due to participate in the US Open, the Beijing Olympics and tournaments in Montreal and Cincinnati.

"I believe that his decision has been the result of his disappointment of having exited Wimbledon in the early stages but also because of his slip down the ATP rankings", said CTF President Filios Christodoulou.

"This is definitely a shock for us because we didn't expect a decision like this from Marcos.

Had we known about this six months ago then we could have maybe arranged other alternatives but with ten days to go before we travel to Portugal, it has definitely come as a blow." "I respect his decision despite the disappointment." Squash to be made TV-friendly CHENNAI, Jul 3 (UNI):Asian Squash Rackets Federation Vice-President and Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) Secretary General N Ramachandran has said squash was being made more television friendly in its quest for inclusion in the Olympic games.

Ramachandran told players and officials, speaking at the inaugural function of the PSA and WISPA Chennai Open international championship for men and women, which began here today, that the changes were being made in the rules mainly.

One such key change was increasing the size of the court for doubles.

He said efforts were also being made to increase the prize money for Chennai Open in future.

"The event is being held to give more exposure to upcoming players in the country against higher ranked overseas players," he pointed out.

Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDATN) Vice-President Kumaraswamy, who was the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony, announced that the Tamil Nadu Government would encourage medal winners from Tamil Nadu in the just-concluded Asian Squash Championswhip with hefty cash awards.

In future also, when squash gains entry into the Olympic games, any player from Tamil Nadu who wins a medal would be rewarded with a hefty cash prize, he said.

Hero Honda Indian Open offers $1 million dollar prize money NEW DELHI, Jul 3 (UNI): The Indian golf will see a mouth watering One million dollar (US) prize money for the 45th edition of the Hero Honda Indian Open that kicks off from October 9 to 12 at the Delhi Golf Club here.

Hero Honda Indian Open, one of the most prestigious event on the Asian Tour, doubled the prize money this time in comparison to last year's prize fund as a result of the growing popularity of the sport in the country.

Last year, India's Jyoti Randhawa won the tournament, thereby becoming only the second player to lift the trophy three times.

The only other player to achieve the 'threepeat' is Australian legend Peter Thomson, who also claimed the inaugural Indian Open in 1964.

Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han lauded the increase in the tournament's prize fund and said, "It is a wonderful reflection of the growth of professional golf in India and across Asia.

"On behalf of our talented players, I would like to extend our fullest appreciation to Hero Honda for their steadfast support towards the Asian Tour, and with enhanced prize money every year.

The Asian Tour's 2008 season is poised for a record year with our schedule offering an all-time high of 29 tournaments and over 38 million dollar (US) in prize money," he added.

Misbah credits team's all-round effort for victory over India KARACHI, July 3 (UNI): Pakistan's stand-in captain Misbah-ul-Haqcredited his team's all-round effort for the convincing victoryover arch rivals India and singled out Saeed Ajmal for hissplendid bowling performance especially against the Indians whoare generally considered to be a great force when it comes toplaying spin.

Pakistan comprehensively defeated India by eight wickets yesterday to stay afloat in the tournament and would look to snap a berth in the final of the Asia Cup but that would depend on the result of India's match against Sri Lanka today.

Misbah, who stood as captain after Shoaib Malik was declared unfit for yesterday's match, said his team showed great fight to pull back India after the visitors were off to a flying start.

"It's a wonderful start for me as a captain.

The credit goes to the team," Misbah said at the post match conference here yesterday.

"The boys came back well after India got off to a good start.

We knew the score was gettable on this track.

I just told them to be positiv," he added.

Pakistan rode on a magnificent century by experienced Younus Khan to make light of a target of 309 set by India and his captain was all praise for him.

"He (Younis) is a great batsman and proved that yet again today," he said.

He was also pleased with an impressive debut by off-spinner Saeed Ajmal.

"Ajmal's was a wonderful performance, especially against India who play spin very well.

The way he bowled in the death overs was really commendable," Misbah stated.

Pakistan now play Bangladesh in the last match of the super-four stage of the Asia Cup and the hosts should not be much worried about the tie.

"It's very simple against Bangladesh.

We have to just go out there and win comprehensively," he concluded.

Sania, Sunitha grab wild card entries for Beijing Olympics NEW DELHI, Jul 3 (UNI): Sania Mirza and Sunitha Rao will teamup to grab an Olympic medal for India after the two wereawarded wild card entries for the Beijing Games which beginfrom August 8.

Earlier, the All India Tennis Association (AITA) had sought wild card entries for Sania and Sunitha and the governing body was officially informed by the ITF yesterday that the two will play in the Olympics.

An AITA official said, "The ITF has officially informed us through a letter yesterday that Sania Mirza and Sunitha Rao have been given wild card entries for the Beijing Olympics in women's doubles event." While Sania had a strong case and was given a direct entry for the singles event, US based Sunitha's representation in the Olympics was a concern for the AITA officials.

Sania and Sunitha are India's top-ranked women players and the latter represented the country in the Fed Cup.

Players from 21 nations will vie for top honours at the Olympics and the tennis event will be played from August 10 to 17 at the newly built Olympics tennis centre in Beijing.

Bhambri crashes out in doubles at Wimbledon LONDON, Jul 3 (UNI): It was cutains for India's Yuki Bhambri whoalong with his Chinese partner Ze Zhang made a first round exitin the boys' doubles event at the Wimbledon Championships here.

The unseeded Indo-Chinese pair, fought hard against the Australian duo in a rain-affected match but their effort was just not enough as they were beaten 6-7 (6) 6-3 9-11.

Earlier, Yuki was already shown the doors in the singles competition in the first round itself.

Poojashree Venkatesh failed to take the Indian challenge further as she, too, made a first round exit in the girls' singles event.

The 15-year-old Delhi lad's best performance at junior Grand Slams this year remains his singles semifinal appearance at the Australian Open.

Jeev bags sponsorship from Panceltica NEW DELHI, Jul 3 (UNI): A big hit in the Gulf, ace Indian pro Jeev Milkha Singh has snapped up yet another sponsor after the Qatar-based Panceltica took over the naming rights to his bag.

The Asutrian Open winner, will start his final campaign to earn a berth into the British Open.

Jeev will play in the European Open this week and the Scottish Open next week.

A top-5 finish in either will see the Chandigarh pro tee up at Royal Birkdale from July 17.

Jeev, who played all four Majors last year and finished 36th at the Augusta Masters this year, said, "It is always good to get a sponsor like Panceltica and soon after signing up with them I got some great results, including a top-10 at Wales, a win at Austria and a good finish in French Open.' "Hopefully I can carry on the same in European and Scottish Open," the top-ranked Indian golfer added.

Panceltica, a leader in fast track construction in the West Asia, in a major move to rope in sports personalities has also signed up another Indian golfer, SSP Chowrasia, and the Twenty20 World Cup winning team member Robin Uthappa.

We were under pressure by loss of quick wickets: Dhoni KARACHI, Jul 3 (UNI): Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni blamedthe loss of wickets in quick succession for his team's defeatagainst arch rivals Pakistan but did not shy away to praise YounusKhan for his unbeaten century to take his team to a convincingeight-wicket win to stay afloat in the Asia Cup.

"I thought it was a very good batting track and frankly speaking we did try our best but unfortunately nothing worked.

When I and Rohit were batting we were under pressure because of the quick loss of wickets.

On such tracks taking wickets is the key to victory," Dhoni said after the loss here yesterday.

Younus, who scored a brilliant 120 and helped his team go past India's 308, came in for a lot of praise from Dhoni and said his bowlers tried everything against him but nothing could stop him yesterday.

"I think Younus Khan played a brilliant innings.

The bowlers tried everything against him but he was always ahead of them.

He didn't take pressure at all," Dhoni admitted.

India's hopes would now be on today's match against Sri Lanka and Dhoni's boys will have to win that match in order go in to the final for which Mahela Jayawerdene's side has already qualified.

Dhoni, however, said his team will give its 100 per cent to in today's match but the right-hander was a little disappointed with his bowlers who could not fetch him the wickets at regular intervals.

"We will go in there and give it our best.

But on these pitches you need experienced and quality spinners to tie things up." The Indian captain, though, looked to change his earlier stand which caught him in the middle of controversies as he had came out harshly on international schedule including the Asia Cup.

"Ofcourse, now we will sit down and find out what went wrong.

It is not everyday you play back to back games but we are professional cricketers and we have to manage this," he said.

Olympian Kempaiah passes away BANGALORE, Jul 3 (UNI): Veteran footballer and Olympian M Kempaiah died at a private hospital here last night following a cardiac arrest.

He is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters.

Kempaiah was admitted to the hospital on June 23 last after he complained of chest pain.

The midfielder had represented the country in the 1956 Melbourne and 1960 Rome Olympics.

He had also played for the country in the International Quadrangle Football tournament, played in the now Bangladesh in 1955 and in Asian Games held in Japan in 1958.

Kempaiah had played for Mohan Bagan for several years, before joining LRDE here.

He had played for the organisation and had a stint as a coach, before retiring in 1998.

Karnataka State Football Association president A R Khaleel and Bangalore Football Association president Alva have condoled the death.

According to hospital sources, Kempaiah was suffering from diabetes and both his legs had been amputated due to gangrene.

Bangalore District Football Association President Alva, members of Karnataka State Football Association and football lovers attended his funeral here.

In his condolence message, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa said the death of Kempaiah was a great loss to the country.

Malaysia is the other team in the group.

The draw was made at the Aspire Dome here today.

The draw: Group A: Japan, Bahrain, Hong Kong, Yemen.

Group B: Australia, Indonesia, Oman, Kuwait.

Group C: India, Uzbekistan, UAE, Malaysia.

Group D: Vietnam, China, Syria, Lebanon.

Group E: Iran, Thailand, Jordan Singapore.

Fox Sports television said Siddons had lodged a writ in the Victorian Supreme Court seeking compensation for the damage to his right shoulder.

Siddons, who was a former first-class batsman, said the injury occurred on Australia's 2005 Ashes tour of England when he was hired as assistant coach to John Buchanan.

Siddons said he had spent hours in the nets practicing with the team and throwing balls on a "constant, repetitive and forceful basis".

A spokesman for Cricket Australia said the governing body was unaware of the writ.

Siddons, who is currently serving as coach of Bangladesh, played one limited-overs international for Australia against Pakistan in 1988 but never played a test.

Pak govt to work with PCB to make CT a success: PM KARACHI, Jul 3 (UNI): Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillanihas assured the participating teams in the Champions Trophy togo ahead with the tournament without any fear of violenceand said the government will provide its support to the PCB tomake the biennial event a grand success.

Gillani, who turned up as the chief guest for Pakistan's Asia Cup Super Four game against India yesterady here, said, "We are aware that some of the participating team (of the Champions Trophy) have some concerns." "We are working on further improving the security blanket in a bid to make those teams feel better," he added.

Earlier the PM's advisor on Interior Rehman Malik assured that adequate measures will be taken in the coming weeks to subside fears of teams which will compete in the ICC Champions Trophy.

Malik said the security will be beefed up for all the teams and would be made water tight through a series of concrete measures.

Many players from Australia, New Zealand and England have expressed concerns over the security situation in Pakistan and have hinted that they make boycott the Champions Trophy.

Malik pointed out that the ongoing Asia Cup is just an example how the board has worked out on the security arrangements which will be even stringent for the Champions Trophy in September.

He informed that during his recent visit to Pakistan, ICC president Ray Mali was briefed about the security cover for the Champions Trophy.

"He (Mali) was impressed with the cort of arrangements to be made by us for the security of the Champions Trophy participants," Malik said.

The support form the BCCI has further improved their chances to host the Champions Trophy for which the ICC recently announced South Africa as an alternative venue.

Tiger factor on players' minds at Congressional BETHESDA, Maryland, Jul 3 (Reuters): The absence of tournament host Tiger Woods from this week's AT&T National while he continues his recovery from reconstructive knee surgery has given many of his peers extra incentive.

World number one Woods triumphed four times in just six starts on the PGA Tour before cancelling his playing schedule for the season, automatically providing fresh opportunities for others to visit the winner's circle.

"I think make hay while the weather is good," Australian Stuart Appleby told reporters on the eve of today's opening round at Congressional Country Club.

Asked whether the absence of Woods was significant in itself or simply one less player for the field to beat, Appleby replied: "Both.

"I'm trying to post a low score and win and maybe that puts me four shots in front or maybe that puts me five behind, one week to the next.

"Having Tiger here, there is a fractional percentage of he's now potentially winning it (the tournament).

Without him, it makes my life a little bit easier." American world number seven Steve Stricker agreed the absence of Woods was a major benefit to the rest of the field.

"I guess we've all got the opportunity to take this and run with it if we can play well," the four-times PGA Tour winner said.

"It's up to the guy who is going to play well." However, Stricker said he would not change his approach to the week simply because Woods was not in the field.

"I just try to worry about my own game and try to pay attention to myself and play as best as I can," added Stricker who was voted the 2007 PGA Tour comeback player of the year for the second season in a row.

"It's not very often that you can beat him but you can beat him every once in a while.

You have to play well to win here no matter who is up there, whether it's Tiger or anybody else." Tour veteran and Maryland native Fred Funk conceded this week's event would have a very different feel for the players.

"There's a different focus when he's there," the 52-year-old American said.

"I would say almost every guy down the field will want to be curious on what Tiger shot during the day or how he's doing during the round.

"The atmosphere, because of the attention the media draws or that Tiger draws with the media and the public, it's a much bigger deal when he's there.

"One thing that's a little different with this one is Tiger is the host and you know he wants to win his own tournament.

It was hard for him to hand the trophy over to K J last year.

I think he's going to come back with a vengeance next year." South Korean Choi clinched the inaugural AT&T National by three shots before receiving the winner's trophy from Woods.

Kapugedera guides Sri Lanka to 308 karachi, July 3 (Agencies): While Sri Lanka's openers have grabbed much of the limelight in the tournament so far, it was the turn of their other batsmen to shine.

Chamara Kapugedera, Mahela Jayawardene and Chamara Silva all made half-centuries as Sri Lanka amassed 308 for 8, aided by shoddy fielding by India, after choosing to bat.

India, left with a huge target to secure a berth in the finals, will take heart from the ease with which such totals have been chased down in the tournament.

India started off well as the new-ball bowlers turned in a much-improved performance to keep Sri Lanka quiet, so much so that the first convincing boundary came only in the seventh over.

Ishant Sharma was the pick of the bowlers, exploiting the variable bounce in the pitch and effectively using the slower ball to trouble the batsmen.

Sanath Jayasuriya and Jayawardene survived close lbw against him and several mis-hits just eluded the hands of the fielders.

In one of cricket's typical quirks, amid an excellent spell, Ishant picked up his wickets off two of the worst deliveries he sent down - both short and down the leg side.

His opening partner RP Singh was also economical and Sri Lanka were limited to 39 for 1 after eight.

The introduction of Irfan Pathan, though, let them off the hook.

Jayasuriya repeatedly waltzed down the track to cart him square of the wicket, and with Jayawardene feasting on the leg-side offerings, 26 came off Irfan's two overs.

Jayasuriya had already switched to fifth gear before gloving one to Mahendra Singh Dhoni off Ishant to reduce Sri Lanka to 71 for 2.

With the pitch easing up, Jayawardene and Kapugedera collected the singles against the spinners while punishing the loose deliveries from the faster bowlers to stitch together a valuable partnership of 78.

Kapugedera, in particular, was impressive with a series of classical off-driven boundaries early on.

Jayawardene went on to his half-century with risk-free batting but perished soon after as he stepped out and chipped Pragyan Ojha straight to long-off.

India went in with four fast bowlers but with both Irfan and Praveen Kumar making poor starts, Dhoni decided to gamble on his part-time spinners - including Rohit Sharma - but they didn't make any impact either.

Chamara Silva, who used the cut and sweep shots well against the spinners, put on 68 before Kapugedera was trapped lbw by Praveen.

Silva maintained the scoring-rate with superb placement in his strokes before succumbing to another poor delivery - a short ball on leg was hit straight to RP at fine leg.

Cameos from Kaushalya Weeraratne and Thilan Thushara, who helped take 14 off Irfan's final over, pushed Sri Lanka beyond 300.

India's cause wasn't helped by their fielding, which has been below par right through the Asia Cup - catches were misjudged, dives at the boundary rarely plugged the boundaries and several run-out opportunities were spurned.

India now face the same target that Pakistan overhauled with ease yesterday, and they will need one of their batsmen to repeat Younis Khan's heroics to make it to the final.

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Sports stadia in all blocks, panchayats soon: Haji Nisar

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