SILCHAR, Assam, Jan 30 (UNI): Former international and one of the topmiddle order batsmen Ajay Jadeja is confident of coming back to the national team again.
Jadeja, once one of the mainstay of the Indian middle order and banned by the Board of Control for Cricket in India(BCCI) following match-fixing allegation but later allowed by Delhi court to take part in domestic tournaments, said, "yes, I will definietly make a come back in the national side." However, he was not sure whether he would be part of the Indian team that would be touring Pakistan soon.
Jadeja, who was here to lead the North Zone in Deodhar Trophy match against West Zone said this before leaving here yesterday.
"This will depend on the Indian cricket board and the national selectors.
My job at the moment is to play in the domestic meets and I am trying my best to do that," he said.
The former Indian middle order batsman, who also acted in a movie, said he was also involved in a couple of more movies, shooting for which was going on.
"But at the moment I am concentrating mostly on cricket," Jadeja said.
Asked what he felt more difficult - shooting or playing cricket, Jadeja said, "in films one can go for a retake if the first one does not come well.
But in cricket there is no question of a retake.
You have only one chance." However, after his cricket career he would concentrate on the films, Jadeja said and admitted that the present Indian team under Sourav Ganguly's captaincy was playing very well.
"But the thing which I appreciate most rather than winning the matches is that so many young players have got chance in international matches.
This is very encouraging that as many as 19 new players have got chances to represent the country in the international matches after the last World Cup," he said.
Asked to comment on Ganguly's captaincy, Jadeja said, "since team India is playing very well, Sourav definitely is a very good skipper." "But in captaincy, luck is also a factor," Jadeja, who was once tipped by the cricket pundits as a probable Indian captain, said.
Online pharmacies lower bar for steroid users LONDON, Jan 30 (Reuters): Sixteen years after Ben Johnson was stripped of his olympic gold medal, the banned drug that killed his career is widely available on the internet.
Stanozolol is one of a huge number of anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs offered on online pharmacies.
One Taiwan-registered site offers the drug below a speed-blurred photograph of sprinters leaving the starting blocks, recalling the Canadian athlete's disgrace at the Seoul Games.
Two hundred five-Mg tablets of the "popular all-purpose steroid" retail for 95 on this site.
Another, registered in the Czech Republic, has special offers on steroids such as Dianabol, Deca-Durabolin and Parabolan, under the slogan "every man can and must be powerful".
The sites promise to ship orders worldwide, in small unmarked packages designed to evade the attention of customs authorities.
Some use only difficult-to-trace money transfer services.
Others also accept credit cards.
"It's very easy to get steroids, or sell steroids, via the internet," detective inspector Gunnar Hermansson, from the drug sunit of Sweden's national criminal intelligence service, told Reuters.
"It's easier to get in contact with people to buy and sell things." anabolic steroids, synthetic drugs that promote muscle growth by mimicking male sex hormones, are illegal in many countries, including the United States and Britain, and have been banned from competitive sports since the 1970s.
Side-effects can include breast development and genital shrinking in men, masculinisation in women and increased risks of heart attacks, strokes and liver problems.
Nonetheless, they remain popular because of the boost they can give to athletes, particularly bodybuilders.
Some websites acknowledge their downsides _ Ones lovenian-registered website contains detailed information about side-effects such as increased aggression.
However, the site advises customers how to inject steroids and provides answers to questions such as "what accounts for the incredible pump I get while I am using anabolic steroids?" and "do most professional bodybuilders use steroids?" _ the author says 90per cent of national amateur level bodybuilders do.
Two years ago, a report by the British Medical Association (BMA)estimated that as many as 150,000 Britons, roughly four out of every 1,000 adults, abused steroids at dangerous doses.
The same year a British medical journal reported the case of a 30-year-old bodybuilder who suffered blackouts after taking Dianabol, a steroid, and a second drug, bromocriptine, which he said he obtained over the internet.
In a presentation in november 2002, detective inspector Hermansson warned that illegal steroid selling was a huge business that went largely unregulated in most of the world.
"Many of the underground suppliers of anabolic steroids make their business through internet and e-mail orders, which makes it very easy to order and pay, and wait for a quick and discreet delivery at the door," he told a conference in Copenhagen.
"Internet and open borders, especially within Europe, make it easier for black-market actors and more difficult for law-enforcement authorities to stop this trade." Doping expert Ivan Waddington of England's University College Chester said he thought the internet had arrived too late to disrupt well-established methods of distributing steroids.
"I don't know at the moment where to get them but within 24 hours I could find out _ it's that easy," he said.
You just find out where the local heavy body-builders go and you go to that gym.
"Certainly there is now quite a lot of information on the internet about how to use drugs, how to stack them (use them in combination), and when to come off them before a competition." Wwaddington said online vendors might also appeal to image-conscious teenagers who sought steroids for cosmetic reasons but lacked the contacts to obtain them face-to-face.
"Some of the sources which are available on the internet suggest you can use steroids perfectly safely if you use them in the correct manner." Pperhaps unsurprisingly, the world of online steroids is riven with paranoia, with many sites discussing which other sites are scams that will not deliver the goods as promised.
On one US discussion board, opinion was divided over whether" international pharmacies" could be trusted.
Good luck BRO, Kind a hard to find a legit one out there," one contributor wrote, although others disagreed.
The site provided a forum for its 4,000-odd members to discuss steroid use and techniques, with 15 pages of links to technical discussions about anabolic steroids.
PCB promises safety for Indian cricketers and visitors LAHORE, Jan 30 (UNI): In an effort to disperse the cloud of security concerns hovering over Indian cricket team's Pakistan tour, the Pakistan Cricket Board(PCB) has announced that adequate measures have been taken not only for the cricketers but also for the officials and visitors from India during the tour.
Earlier this week, the Board of Control for Cricket in India(BCCI) had announced that a three-member delegation would be coming to Pakistan to inspect the match venues and assess the security arrangements here.
Meanwhile, smooth arrangements were also being made to help the Indian visitors, PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan told newsmen.
We are anticipating a lot of visitors from across the border for the series, particularly the games in Lahore.
And we have been trying to make special travel arrangements including visa issuance for the Indian visitors," he said.
PCB had been in touch with the foreign and other ministries regarding the tour and arrangements, including the security measures and the tour itinerary and everything were being finalised in consultation with BCCI, he said.
"We realise how significant and vital this series is for promoting healthy and friendly relations between the two countries and for cricket in general," said the PCB chairman.
PCB was working in coordination with various law enforcement and government departments and won't leave anything to chance for the Indian team and officials and even the Indian visitors, the former foreign secretary-turned-cricket administrator reiterated.
Meanwhile, he played down reports about few Indian cricketers' reluctance to make the tour.
"Once they arrive in Pakistan they will be relaxed and fine.
Our players had the same anxiety when we went to India in 1999," he said.
Incidentally Shaharyar Khan was the manager on that tour which was the last occasion when the neighbours met in a test series.
The Indian team is due to arrive in Pakistan to play three tests and five one-day internationals in March-April.
Navratilova-Paes reach second straight Melbourne doubles final MELBOURNE, Jan 30 (DPA): Evergreen legend Martina Navratilova stayed alive in her quest for more glory as she teamed with Leander Paes to mowed down Jonathan Erlich and Liezel Huber 6-4, 6-4, reaching a second consecutive mixed doubles final today at the 14.5-million-dollar Australian Open.
The high-profile pair will square off for the title against the unseeded Nenad Zimonjic of Serbia-Montenegro and Russian Elena Bovina.
Those two advanced by putting out argentine martin Rodriguez and Italy's Rita Grande 6-3, 7-6 (8-6).
Navratilova, 47, and three decades in and out of the game, is on the prowl for more records as she plays her last full season.
After she and Paes lifted the Australian mixed in 2003, she went on to equal Billie Jean King's All England club titles of 20 through another trophy with India's Florida-based Paes.
The queen of the courts owns 173 career doubles titles - including seven at the Australian Open.
Navratilova continues to show a form which belies her age, but has vowed to retire for sure at the end of the season, possibly dabbling in politics in her adopted homeland.
In women's doubles, Spain's experienced Virginia Ruano Pascual and her Argentinian partner, Paola Suarez, claimed their fifth Grand Slam trophy with a victory over fourth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova and Elena Likhovtseva of Russia 6-4, 6-3.
The champions moved through in their tenth final at a Grand Slam and sixth in succession.
The duo kick-started their season a month ago and achieved success with a title on the gold coast in the first week of 2004.
"We are looking to be number 1 at the end of the year plus one and two in the individual rankings," said Suarez.
"That's our goal." Ruano Pascal and Suarez already own a pair each of Roland Qarros and US open trophies.
Bindra shoots air rifle gold at Munich NEW DELHI, Jan 30 (UNI): Ace marksman Abhinav Bindra added yet another feather to his cap as he shot a gold at the international air rifle and pistol shooting championship in Munich yesterday, with less than a point separating the top three.
The 2002 Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna awardee won gold in the air rifle event from among 97 competitors, according to information from the national rifle association of India today.
Bindra, who has already qualified for the 2004 Athens olympics, went into the finals with a score of 597 and in seventh place.
He then put up a brilliant display to shoot 104 in the finals and take the gold with a cumulative score of 701 points, pushing American Ryan Tanoue (700.8) to second place by a margin of just 0.2 points.
Molobavahu of Romania scored 700 points to take the bronze.
Winter Games Ex-servicemen to clash in ice hockey finals GULMARG, Jan 30 (UNI):The Army and Ex-servicemen overcame the hosts' challenge in the ice hockey semifinals today to set up a title clash on the concluding day of the Fourth National Winter Games here tomorrow.
While the army team beat Jammu and Kashmir (Blue) 4-1, the Ex-servicemen pipped Jammu and Kashmir (Red) 1-0.
Army skipper Phongsong scored a brace, while Dorgay and Song netted once each, while Sonam reduced the margin for the Jammu and Kashmir(Blue) in the first semifinal.
In the second semis, Namgayal scored the winner for the Ex-servicemen.
Even though Jammu and Kashmir (Red) made a number of good moves they failed find the to equaliser.
The two teams from Jammu and Kashmir will now clash in the third place playoff.
Earlier, today's competitions were delayed by an hour because of about one feet of fresh snowfall.
In the 1,000 meter speed skating event for men, Mohammad Aijaz, T Durjay, Bombo Tashi, N Stopdom of Jammu and Kashmir, Angat Banga of Himachal Pradesh and Army's Gayalson qualified for tomorrow's finals.
Director general of tourism, Mohammad Saleem Beig said five more teams _ Rajasthan, Bengal, Orissa and Maharashtra had also arrived to participate in the remaining competitions.
He said Rajasthan was participating in the competition for the first time.
With this a record number of 132 players from ten states are competing in the games.
Kapil praises Irfan's attitude, fitness KOLKATA, Jan 30 (UNI): India's World Cup winning team's captain Kapil Dev today praised rookie pacer Irfan Pathan for the maturity and attitude he displayed on his maiden tour to Australia.
The teenaged pacer who got a call up directly from the U-19 side has shown a quite confidence during the tour and have emerged as an integral part of India's scheme of things in the bowling department.
"I like his attitude and confidence.
This is what a bowler should always have," the Indian pace icon said here.
"He plays with a lot of passion and has loads of talent.
Another important thing about him is that he is very fit.
He works on his fitness," Kapil said pointing out that fitness was the most important thing of pace bowling.
Kapil, who himself had been extremely fit till the very end of his cricketing career, said "fitness is the key factor.
Its good that the Indian bowlers are working on it." He also praised Balaji for his performance down under.
Sania storms into quarters HYDERABAD, Jan 30 (UNI):Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza defeated Tetiana Luzhanska of Berlarus 6-2, 6-0 and entered the quarterfinals of the Bocaraton ITF Women's World ranking tennis tournament, according to information received here today.
Luzhanska, who had shocked fifth seed Tessy Van De Ven of the Netherlands earlier, caved in meekly, finding Sania's power game too hot to handle.
To cap a fine day, Sania teamed up with Natalia Dziamidzenka of Belarus, to beat the American pair of Beau Jones and Shikha Uberoi,6-1, 6-1, on way to the semis Pak bowlers may find Indian batting hot: Kapil KOLKATA, Jan 30 (UNI):In a battle of Rhetorics, legendary pace bowler Kapil Dev reacted to Imran Khan's comments saying Pakistani tear a ways pacers could find Indian batting too hot to handle.
Pakistani legendary Pacester Imran Khan had said that the Indians might find it difficult to tackle the country's fiery pace attack.
Kapil said, "it will be an exciting contest during the series.
The comments made by Imran are his personal views and it may be quite the reverse.
The Pakistani bowlers might find it difficult to bowl to the Indian batsmen displaying ominous form in Australia." India is scheduled to tour Pakistan after 14 years that will signal the resumption of bilateral test cricket.
India-Pakistan are due to play three tests and five ODIs during the series.
The "Haryana hurricane,", meanwhile, said, "we have done exceptionally well in Australia.
No body expected us to play so well.
But the players played through their skin.
This was a pleasant surprise and going on their current form I am sure we are in for an absorbing series." "It will be an evenly poised series where both the sides will test and match each other's strengths," he added.
Talking about the gains from the Australian tour, Kapil said," the biggest change in India for the last one odd year is we have learnt to depend on our pacers.
This is a big thing.
Even a few years back we were largely dependent on spin attack.
But now we are depending on the pace bowlers, which is very heartening." However, while praising the new breed of bowlers like Irfan Pathan and Balaji, the former all-rounder made it clear that there was a long way to go for them.
Asked if the appointment of Bruce Reid as the bowling coach for a brief sting was responsible for the change in the sharpness of Indian bowling attack, Kapil said, I cannot comment on this.
But at the same time I feel nobody can change things overnight.
The new breed of bowlers have talent and are quite mature in their approach.
This cannot be denied." Quizzed on Wasim Akram's giving tips to Irfan Pathan, Kapil said," those who are creating such a lot of noise regarding Akram's giving tips to Irfan are actually insulting the great Pakistani bowler.
He has years of success and experience behind him and has every right to give tips to anybody who approached him.
There should not be any controversy regarding this." On whether he had any intention of joining politics, Kapil said," I have never been inclined to politics.
Till date I have no information of joining politics." Kapil Dev was here as part of a promotion programme of a private television channel and played with the kids of La Martinere School.
Ponting decides to recharge his batteries before finals By Brett Lee Captain Ricky Ponting will be taking a well-earned rest during the Perth one dayer against India.
He was not well when the tournament began, and it has been a hectic time for him so he finally decided to recharge his batteries, before the finals, with a few days off.
Adam Gilchrist will lead the side in his absence, while Simon Katich comes in to take his place.
The other change, this time forced by injury is the inclusion of Micheal Hussey.
He replaces Michael Bevan who has fracture his rib.
As far as the pace bowlers are concerned, the Waca wicket generally has all of us lining up to bowl.
Though the wicket has slowed down a bit over the last couple of years, it still has enough bounce and carry to excite pace bowlers the world over.
Having said that, there is a good chance that I might get a game off.
I do not really want it, but the Physio and team management will have the last word on the issue.
The last game against India will remain with me for a long time to come.
I had changed my grip at the start of domestic season, and the change was working because I got a couple of 50s for New South Wales, During that last over Balaji, plenty of thoughts were flooding my mind; should I back my strength and hit straight or should I just try for twos and threes till the last ball.
With eight required from the last ball, I suddenly decided to got back to my old grip.
When the ball was bowled I swung, shut my eyes, and prayed, What followed was unreal feeling, because this was the first time I had turned things round in the last over with my bat.
During the VB series last year, I had taken the last four wickets when England need 14 runs at a run a ball.
My last over six no ranks right up three with that spell, aiming my best memories in one -day cricket.
Looking ahead, the Perth game is being viewed as a crucial one by out side since we would like to carry on building momentum till the finals come.
It has been a tough month for me since I lost my grandmother and then we all were gutted by the news of David Hookes' passing away.
Cricket kept my mind away from these setbacks, and I know that if I bowl straight and fast, I will do well.
The rained off game in Melbourne gave all the bowlers a chance to get some rest, so I am actually feeling preety fresh right now.
However, it's upto the captain and management.
The Indians will be coming from a weeklong break, and I expect them to play this game with great intensity even though the finalists been decided.
The bowlers, Balaji in particular, will be hurting from close match in Sydeny.
It is going to be a tough game, with a full house at the Waca.
It might not be the finals, but it will certainly be a great dress rehearsal before the finals.
Clijsters out to ditch 'choke' tag in final MELBOURNE, Jan 30 (Agencies) : Kim Clijsters is determined to ditch her 'serial-choker' tag when she takes on compatriot Justine Henin-Hardenne at the Australian Open in yet another all-Belgian Grand Slam final tomorrow.
Pipped by world number one Henin-Hardenne at last year's French and US Opens, 20-year-old Clijsters is chasing her first Grand Slam crown after defeats in three finals so far.
The losing record has left second seed Clijsters with a point to prove as she prepares to face Henin-Hardenne at the Rod Laver Arena in the latest instalment of a rivalry that stretches back to childhood.
In head-to-head meetings Clijsters just leads, with nine victories to Henin-Hardenne's eight.
But Henin-Hardenne has a far better record when the two have met when it mattered most, leading 6-2 in finals.
Clijsters, who has shown remarkable courage in winning through to tomorrow's final despite carrying an ankle injury, is dismissive at any notion of Henin-Hardenne enjoying a pscyhological stranglehold over her.
"That's always something they're gonna keep saying if you lose against her," said Clijsters, the darling of fans in Melbourne thanks to her romantic involvement with Australia's Lleyton Hewitt.
"I definitely don't think I have a problem.
In those matches I knew where the problem was, and I knew it wasn't psychological." Even so, Henin-Hardenne unarguably has the better record when it comes to winning tight matches.