Page 6 - Sports

25 percent participation of women athletes, 85 specially-abled participated in Delhi Marathon: Sachin Tendulkar

New Delhi, Feb 23 (ANI): Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar flagged off Delhi Marathon at JLN Stadium on February 23. Speaking at the event, Tendulkar appreciated the increased awareness among Delhites. He said, "This edition of marathon has been a huge success. We have 20, 000 athletes participating. The pleasing thing about today's marathon was 25 percent participation of women athletes, which clearly shows the awareness. There were 85 specially-abled athletes."

Sachin Tendulkar flags off 'New Delhi Marathon'

New Delhi, Feb 23 (ANI): Cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar flagged off 5th edition of 'New Delhi Marathon' at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on February 23. The Marathon was organised by IDBI Federal Life Insurance New Delhi. Thousands of people thronged the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to participate in the Marathon.

Ind vs NZ: Fans gather to enjoy 3rd day of Wellington test as Kiwis take lead

Wellington (New Zealand), Feb 23 (ANI): First test match between India and New Zealand entered its third day with the Kiwis taking lead of over 40 runs at the end of day 2 after finishing the 'Men in Blue' on 165 runs in the first innings. Cricket fans were seen cheering for the Indian team ahead of third day of the first Test match in Wellington. Fans flocked Basin Reserve stadium to enjoy third day of Wellington Test match.

Spinner Pragyan Ojha announces retirement from all forms of cricket

New Delhi, Feb 21 (ANI): Left-arm Indian spinner Pragyan Ojha has announced retirement from all forms of cricket on February 21. He played 24 Tests, 18 ODIs and 6 T20Is during his 16-year-long career in professional cricket before retiring. Pragyan Ojha made his international debut in 2008 and played professional cricket for 16 years. He was playing domestic cricket until 2019. The 33-year-old last played for India in 2013 during Sachin Tendulkar's farewell test against the West Indies in Mumbai. He took 113 wickets in 24 Test matches from 2009 to 2013. Pragyan Ojha posted a long message on Twitter in which he mentioned-"It's time I move on to the next phase of my life. The love and support of each and every individual will always remain with me and motivate me all the time."

Fans cheer for Indian team ahead of 1st Test match against New Zealand

Wellington (New Zealand), Feb 21 (ANI): Cricket fans cheered for the Indian team ahead of first Test match on February 21 against New Zealand in Wellington. Fans were seen sporting Indian jerseys, holding flags. They were hooting for their team as they flocked sports stadium.

'Kiwis' all set to challenge 'Men in Blue' in Test series

Wellington (New Zealand), Feb 20 (ANI): Kiwis were seen sweating ahead of the first Test Match against India in New Zealand's Wellington. The first Test match will be played in Wellington at Basin Reserve from February 21 to February 25. The second Test match will be played in Christchurch at Hagley Oval from February 29 to March 04.

'Men in Blue' preps to lock horns with 'Kiwis' in 1st Test match

Wellington (New Zealand), Feb 20 (ANI): Team India was seen practicing at nets on the cricket ground of New Zealand's Wellington. Head Coach Ravi Shastri was also seen at the stadium during practice session. The 'Men in Blue' will lock horns with 'Kiwis' on February 21. India had lost ODI series to New Zealand with 3-0.

It will be very exciting challenge to compete with New Zealand: Rahane

Wellington (New Zealand), Feb 20 (ANI): Indian cricketer, Ajinkya Rahane on the upcoming 2-match Test series between New Zealand and India stated that it will be a very exciting challenge to compete with New Zealand. "It will be a very exciting challenge to play with New Zealand. It is not going to be easy, New Zealand is a very good team. So it is about going out there and giving your best. Yes, my record in New Zealand is very good. I would like to start fresh and give best for my team," said Ajinkya Rahane.

Trying to assist conditions as best as we can for better results: Kane Williamson

Wellington (New Zealand), Feb 20 (ANI): Ahead of 1st Test match with India, Kiwis' skipper Kane Williamson addressed media and said, "India has a world class side, pace attack. They have performed in all conditions. Really exciting opportunities for our team, but once again it's trying to assist the conditions as best we can and commit to our implant which ultimately gives us the best chance of good results."

Indian High Commission in New Zealand hosts reception for Indian cricket team

Wellington (New Zealand), Feb 19 (ANI): Indian High Commission in New Zealand hosted a reception for the Indian cricket team. Skipper Virat Kohli arrived with the entire team. The team met dignitaries at the reception. High Commissioner to New Zealand Muktesh Pardeshi gave a welcome speech in honour of the Indian cricketers. Addressing the event, skipper Virat Kohli said, "We are very honoured to be here invited by the High Commissioner. We want to thank you for that. Of all the tours that we have, coming to the Indian High Commission is a very special evening. Because we get to spend time with a lot of people from India, but we also get to meet a lot of people from a country that we are in."

Kiwis sweat on net ahead of 1st Test Match against India

Wellington (New Zealand), Feb 19 (ANI): Kiwis were seen sweating ahead of the first Test Match against India on February 21. Kane Williamson led New Zealand cricket team will be facing Men in Blue in Wellington. Fast bowlers Trent Boult and Tim Southee practiced hard in the nets ahead of the first test battle. The first Test match will be played in Wellington at Basin Reserve from February 21 to February 25. The second Test match will be played in Christchurch at Hagley Oval from February 29 to March 04.

Cricket is not a job, it's something I love doing: Ross Taylor

Wellington (New Zealand), Feb 19 (ANI): The star batsman of New Zealand Cricket Team Ross Taylor became 3rd player to reach the 100-match mark in T20Is. While addressing a pre-match press conference in New Zealand's Wellington on February 19, Ross Taylor spoke about his career and cricket journey. He said, "I played my first game of T20I in 2005 and for me cricket is not a job it is something that I love to do." "I would like to thank all the people who have played influential role in my life and career," the Kiwi player added.

Ind vs NZ: Skippers pose with Test match trophy in Wellington

Wellington (New Zealand), Feb 19 (ANI): Ahead of the first Test match between India and New Zealand captains of both team posed with the trophy. Indian cricket team Skipper Virat Kohli and Kiwi Captain Kane Williamson posed with trophy in New Zealand. The event took place in Wellington on February 19. The first Test match will be played in Wellington at Basin Reserve from February 21 to February 25. The second Test match will be played in Christchurch at Hagley Oval from February 29 to March 04.

Men in Blue gear up ahead of 1ST test match against New Zealand

Wellington (New Zealand), Feb 19 (ANI): Men in Blue were seen practicing ahead of their first Test match against New Zealand on February 21. Virat Kohli led the team to improve their skills after receiving clean sweep in ODI against New Zealand. The second test will be played on February 29.

Indian team can compete against anyone, anywhere in the world: Virat Kohli

Wellington (New Zealand), Feb 19 (ANI): Indian skipper Virat Kohli said that Indian Cricket Team can compete against anyone, anywhere in the world. "We focus on our strength, doesn't matter how much patience the opposition has. I think, we have prepared in a manner where our fitness and concentration level are such that we can now compete against anyone, anywhere in the world," said Indian skipper.

Tendulkar's victory lap post 2011 WC win named Laureus Sporting Moment of past 2 decades

New Delhi, Feb 18 (ANI): Former Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar's famous lap around the Wankhede Stadium after the 2011 World Cup win, titled 'Carried on the Shoulders of a Nation', was voted the greatest Laureus Sporting Moment of the last twenty years. Accepting the award in Berlin on Monday, Tendulkar said that the iconic moments like these are reminders of "how powerful a sport is" and the magic it brings to lives. The Laureus Sporting Moment Award celebrates the moments where the sport has unified people in the most extraordinary way. This campaign had shortlisted 20 sporting stories from the last 20 years that have left their mark on the world.

Messi, Hamilton named joint winners of Laureus World Sportsman of the Year

New Delhi, Feb 18 (ANI): Argentinian footballer Lionel Messi and six-time Formula 1 World champion Lewis Hamilton were declared the joint winners of Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award on Monday. The pair pipped three-time Laureus award winner and world number one tennis star Rafael Nadal, six-time World MotoGP champion Marc Marquez, golf legend Tiger Woods, and Eliud Kipchoge, the first athlete to run a marathon in under two hours. The Laureus World Sports Awards, which recognise sporting achievement during 2019, are the premier honours on the international sporting calendar. The winners are voted for by the 68 members of the Laureus World Sports Academy.

Talent identification programme important to generate more athletes: Michael Johnson

Berlin (Germany), Feb 17 (ANI): On being asked to create more sprinters in Asia pacific region, four-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson said, "Coach Education programme is important to develop athletes and also need talent identification programme to develop more athletes."

Indian cricket team culture is beyond junior and senior: Mayank Agarwal

Hamilton (New Zealand), Feb 16 (ANI): While speaking to media ahead of India-New Zealand test series in Hamilton on February 16, Indian batsman Mayank Agarwal said, "Whatever needs to be communicated between us we do that. This team culture is beyond junior and senior and the number of matches we have played." The first test match will be played at Wellington from February 21-February 25.

Ind vs NZ: 'Men in Blue' stretch muscles ahead of 1st test

Hamilton (New Zealand), Feb 16 (ANI): Team India sweated it out ahead of the first test match against New Zealand, on February 16. The first test match will be played at Wellington from February 21-25. While speaking to media ahead of India-New Zealand test series in Hamilton on February 16, Indian batsman Mayank Agarwal spoke about his performance. He said, "I have worked with the coach in which all areas we need to work and whatever I have worked is coming good now so I am happy."