Page 10 - Sports

3rd edition of 'Khelo India Youth Games 2020' begins in Guwahati

Guwahati (Assam), Jan 11 (ANI): The third edition of 'Khelo India Youth Games 2020' kick-started in Assam's Guwahati on January 10. It began in presence of Union Sport Minister Kiren Rijiju at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati. Almost 6,800 athletes from all over the country participated in 'Khelo India'. The opening ceremony was an extravagant event with innovative use of lighting and technology.

We dominated the series: Shikhar Dhawan after victory over Sri Lanka

Pune (Maharashtra), Jan 11 (ANI): After winning the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka India batsman Shikhar Dhawan said they dominated the series while experimenting with different players and batting order. "We dominated the series and if I talk about myself, I had a challenge that I am coming back after an injury and I have to perform. Everyone has different challenges. A lot of players coming in, they have their own challenges," Dhawan said in the post-match press conference.

Young players talented but need mental preparation, says Malinga after defeat in T20 series

Pune (Maharashtra), Jan 11 (ANI): Sri Lanka skipper Lasith Malinga said that his team's young players are talented but they need mental preparation as it is very important for a T20 game. "All the young players, they are talented but they did not know how to handle the situation at the moment and we did not get any partnership in between. They can bat and bowl but mental preparation and thinking pattern is very important for a T20 game," Malinga said in the post-match press conference here. Sri Lanka suffered a 78-run defeat at the hands of India in the third T20I.

In India, you have to be much disciplined with the basics: Aaron Finch

Mumbai, Jan 10 (ANI): Ahead of Australia-India 3-match ODI series starting January 14, Australian skipper Aaron Finch addressed a press conference in Mumbai. Speaking at the PC, he stated that in India one should be much disciplined with the basics. "I think in India, you have to be much disciplined with the basics. A lot of time we get caught up in worrying about things that are not that relevant, all that we need to do is get the basics right," said Aaron Finch.

Will play well to bring smiles on faces of people affected by Australia bushfires: Aaron Finch

Mumbai, Jan 10 (ANI): Ahead of Australia-India 3-match ODI series starting January 14, Australian skipper Aaron Finch addressed a press conference in Mumbai. Speaking at the PC, he spoke on the unfortunate situation at Australia and assured that team will play well to bring smiles on faces of people who are doing very tough job at moment. "It is very unfortunate what's happening back in Australia. I think all we can do is play and bring some good performances and bring smiles on the faces of the people who are doing very tough at the moment in Australia," said Aaron.

Ind vs SL: Sri Lankan cricketers gear up ahead of 3rd T20I

Pune (Maharashtra), Jan 09 (ANI): The third match of T20I series between India and Sri Lanka will be played on Jan 10. Sri Lankan cricketers were seen preparing for the match. Malinga was seen playing at the field along with other players. Three match T20I series began on Jan 05.

To become a sporting nation, we need to invest at grassroots level: Anil Kumble

Bhubaneswar (Odisha), Jan 05 (ANI): Former Indian cricketer, Anil Kumble attended "22nd Odisha Knowledge Hub Series Lecture" in Odisha's Bhubaneswar on January 04. While speaking to media persons after the event, he said, "To become a sporting nation, we need to invest at the grassroots level. This will lead to competition as well as raise the benchmark and help us win medals in the Olympic."

2019 was great for Indian cricket apart from those '30 minutes' in WC semi final: Kohli

Guwahati (Assam), Jan 04 (ANI): India is all set to play against Sri Lanka in a three-match T20Is series. The series will begin from January 05. The first T20I match between India and Sri Lanka will be played at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Assam's Guwahati. While addressing the press conference on January 04, the skipper Virat Kohli spoke about 30 minutes of poor cricket which cost India the ODI World Cup in England during 2019. He said, "I didn't say that it took the sheen of the year as that is a very different way to look at it. I said apart from those '30 minutes' it was a great year for Indian cricket." "As sportsman we understand that it is important to respect that and support to process it in the right direction and also move ahead because all we can do is give our best," Virat added.

If cricketer like Gambhir comes for President's post, everyone will accept it: DDCA General Secretary

New Delhi, Dec 30 (ANI): While speaking to ANI in the national capital on December 30, the General Secretary of Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) Vinod Tihara said, "I got to know through media that he (Gautam Gambhir) wants to be president of Association, most welcome." "He can resign as Member of Parliament (MP), most welcome and I feel if cricketer like him comes for president's post, everyone will accept it," he added.

I expect from seniors that they respect juniors too: Nikhat Zareen on Mary Kom

New Delhi, Dec 28 (ANI): Boxing champion Mary Kom defeated Nikhat Zareen on December 28 in the finals of the ongoing Women's Boxing Olympic trials in the 51-kg weight category. After the bout, Mary Kom didn't shake hands with opponent Nikhat Zareen. Speaking about the incident, Zareen said, "I did not like how she (Mary Kom) behaved with me, because when the decision was announced and I tried to hug her, she did not hug me back. Being a junior I expect from seniors that they respect juniors too, so I felt hurt." After the match, Mary Kom remarked, "Why should I shake hands with her? If she wants others to respect her then she should first respect others. I don't like people with such nature"

Prove your point inside the ring: Mary Kom on not shaking hands with Nikhat Zareen

New Delhi, Dec 18 (ANI): Boxing legend Mary Kom, who defeated Nikhat Zareen 9-1 in the finals of the ongoing Women's Boxing Olympic trials at the Indira Gandhi Stadium on Dec 28, opened up on not shaking hands with the latter after the match ended. "Why should I shake hands with her? If she wants me to respect her then she should first respect me. I don't like people with such nature. Just prove your point inside the ring, not outside," said Mary Kom.

Watch: Mary Kom defeats Nikhat Zareen in Women's Boxing Olympics trials

New Delhi, Dec 28 (ANI): Boxing legend Mary Kom defeated Nikhat Zareen on December 28 in the finals of the ongoing Women's Boxing Olympic trials in the 51-kg weight category at the Indira Gandhi Stadium. The six-time world champion defeated Zareen 9-1 in the much-talked-about bout. The trials for the women boxers are underway and will conclude today while the men's trials will take place from December 29 to 30.

It's actual face of Pakistan: Gautam Gambhir on Danish Kaneria's discrimination

New Delhi, Dec 27 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former cricketer Gautam Gambhir slammed Pakistan after ex-cricketer Danish Kaneria's statement on discrimination in his country that 'life is not in a good shape'. Gambhir said, "This is the actual face of Pakistan. On the other side, we have got people like Mohammad Azharuddin captaining India for such a long time, despite being a minority."

Pakistan needs to educate their players: Madan Lal on ex-Pak cricketer Danish Kaneria row

New Delhi, Dec 27 (ANI): Pakistani former cricketer Danish Kaneria opened up about how Pakistani players discriminated him for being Hindu during his cricketing days. In a viral video, former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar supported Danish and said that players refused to eat food with him just because he was Hindu. Speaking on it, former Indian cricketer Madan Lal said, "If Shoaib Akhtar had said this, then it would have been right because he played with Danish. Shoaib Akhtar is also known for straight forward talks. If this happened to Danish Kaneria, then it is very saddening. He had been a great bowler. His life had been full of controversies. In Indian dressing room, we also had players from different religion but we never did something like that and respected each other. " He further said, "Pakistan board could not take any step now but they can educate their players. Pakistan really needs to educate their players."

Will be remembered for 2018 World Boxing Championship: Mary Kom

New Delhi, Dec 24 (ANI): While speaking to ANI in the national capital on December 24, the popular Indian woman boxer Mary Kom spoke on her journey in sports. She said, "After many years, I am fighting for my country and especially in boxing field my career has been very good as I have performed very well." "2018 was one of the years when I have given my remarkable performance. After having a child and so many other responsibilities to keep performing is not easy," she added. "I will always be remembered for gold medal of 2018 World Boxing Championship as it was a great moment for me," Mary Kom further stated.

'Over-50s Cricket World Cup' is an inspiration, encouragement for kids: Suniel Shetty

Mumbai, Dec 24 (ANI): Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty attended the announcement of Indian Cricket Team for 'Over-50s Cricket World Cup'. The tournament will be held from March 09 to 25 in South Africa's Cape Town. Speaking about the selected team, Shetty said, "They are very passionate and are very good players. Indians from all over the world have come here which is unbelievable. I am happy that people still believe in sports and for kids, it is an inspiration and encouragement. "

Not only Dhoni's fans but whole country is waiting for him to be back on field: Virat Kohli's coach

New Delhi, Dec 23 (ANI): MS Dhoni has completed 15 years in Indian Cricket Team. He had debuted in the team on Dec 23, 2004 against Bangladesh. On being asked about how Virat Kohli's coach Rajkumar Sharma would summarize Dhoni's journey, he said that his achievements are wonderful. He also hoped that Dhoni will be back with a bang. "He is a great player and a great captain. In my point of view, he is one of the best Indian captains till date. His achievements are wonderful. I would like to salute him for his performance and the way he led the team, is his achievement only. Very big congratulations to him for completing 15 years and I hope, he'll be back with a bang." He further said that not only Dhoni's fans but the whole country is waiting for him to be back on field.

Ind vs WI Final: Plan was to bat till very end, says Jadeja

Cuttack (Odisha), Dec 23 (ANI): India won the series against West Indies by chasing West Indies' total of 315 in Cuttack. After openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul gave the right direction to India's inning, skipper Virat Kohli took the charge. After Kohli's dismissal Jadeja and Shardul Thakur took India to finishing line with ease. Ravindra Jadeja said India sticked to the plan to bat till the very end to chase the total as wicket was good for batting.

Ind vs WI: Fans celebrate India's victory in Cuttack

Cuttack (Odisha), Dec 23 (ANI): India managed to seal the series after winning the exciting final against West Indies in Cuttack. Fans celebrated India's victory outside stadium. Virat Kohli led the team from the front to chase West Indies' total 315. Rohit Sharma won the man of the series.

Ind vs WI Final: We fought hard, but India was better, says Pooran

Cuttack (Odisha), Dec 23 (ANI): West Indies batsman Nicholas Pooran said that team was very close to winning both the series against India but India proved to be better. "Definitely we build in, India is the definitely one of the strongest teams of the world. We could have easily won the series T20 and also ODI, but India was stronger, this shows we are fighting," said Pooran. India won the final match of the series by chasing West Indies' total of 315.