Page 77 - Sports

French fans celebrate in Rio's Fan Fest as team book quarter final place

Rio De Janeiro, July 1 (ANI): The FIFA fan fest in Rio de Janeiro was rocked by waves of red, white and blue tricolor flags as Les Bleus took the French soccer team into the quarter finals of the 2014 World Cup. For 55 minutes Nigeria were comfortably keeping France at bay, but then Blaise Matuidi planted his studs on Ogenyi Onazi and their World Cup ambitions were as damaged as the midfielder's ankle.

Germany fans finally get to celebrate in Rio

Rio de Janeiro, July 1 (ANI): It was a tense time for Germany fans in the FIFA Fan Fest on Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana beach. Far from it being a picnic on the beach while die Mannschaft sailed easily into the quarter-finals, it looked at times as if the German fans might be leaving with their heads in their hands. Germany had only their superior fitness and world-class goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to thank for scraping past Algeria 2-1 in extra time to move into the World Cup quarter-finals after doing almost everything wrong over 90 minutes.

Singer Babul Supriyo turns 'Dribbler' with budding footballer in New Delhi

New Delhi, June 30 (ANI): Indian playback singer and Member of Parliament Babul Supriyo played with budding Indian footballers at the Thyagraj Stadium in New Delhi on Monday. With the FIFA World Cup gripping the whole world, Supriyo, being a football enthusiast himself, was not far behind as he played with youngsters of the Hindustan Football Club in the national capital. The singer turned politician said that he felt like he was back at school as he practiced with budding Indian footballers. With India preparing for the Under-17 World Cup to be held in 2017 and the Indian Soccer League coming in this year, the President of the Hindustan Football Club, DK Bose talked about how the sport is gearing up in the nation.

India's first Corporate Football League to kick off in New Delhi

New Delhi, June 29 (ANI): With the FIFA World Cup having captured the world's attention, Indian capital New Delhi is all set to host the nation's first ever Corporate Football League (CFL) 2014. The first match of the CFL would kick-off on Sunday at the Thyagraj Stadium in New Delhi. 25 Corporate teams would be competing with each other and the tournament would conclude on July 13, which is also the day for the FIFA World Cup final in Brazil. During the inauguration of the CFL on Saturday at the Thyagraj Stadium, Director of CFL Sanjay Singhania said that corporate sector and media together can contribute towards the promotion of football in India. Secretary of the Sports Authority of India Neeraj Kansal, who was also present at the inaugural ceremony, said that the corporate should come forward and help take the sport to a greater level in the nation.

Saina Nehwal wins Australian Open Super Series finals, gets wishes from father

Hyderabad, June 29 (ANI): After Indian badminton ace Saina Nehwal bagged the USD 750,000 Australian Open Super Series women's single title as she defeated Carolina Marin in a straight-game victory, her father back in India wished her luck for future. Harvir Singh Nehwal said that the badminton ace was waiting for this for the past 20 months and hoped that she maintains her form for upcoming tournaments. He also said that Nehwal has been out for days now and her family will welcome her back with her favourite dishes.

England fans disappointed as team exit World Cup

Belo Horizonte, June 25 (ANI): England fans left stadium dejected, after the national team finished their World Cup campaign with a disappointing 0-0 draw against Costa Rica. England boss Roy Hodgson made nine changes and fielded the country's second youngest starting lineup at a World Cup in their final match of the tournament after defeats by Italy and then Uruguay had already condemned them to an early exit.

Belgian fans celebrate last minute win over Russia in World Cup

Rio de Janeiro, June 23 (ANI): Belgium fans were relieved as they filed out of Rio de Janeiro's Maracana after their side squeaked by Russia and into the last 16 of the World Cup. Divock Origi struck the game's only goal in the 88th minute securing a 1-0 victory over the Russians in a largely lifeless Group H match at the Maracana. The striker rifled in following great work from Eden Hazard just minutes after Kevin Mirallas crashed a free kick against the base of the Russian post to give Belgium six points from two games. The 73,000 fans that filled the stadium regularly booed both sides in the largely forgettable match, but Belgium fans said they would take the win. At just 19-years-old, Origi became the first teenager to score in the World Cup since Argentina's Lionel Messi in 2006 and is the youngest to find the net at these finals. Despite the slow game on the pitch, the party atmosphere outside the stadium was already picking up as Belgium fans made their way back into the beachsi

Soccer fans celebrate thrilling USA v/s Portugal match at Rio's Fan Fest

Rio de Janeiro, June 23 (ANI): Thousands of soccer fans gathered in Rio de Janeiro's FIFA Fan Fest on the city's landmark Copacabana, where they were given an exciting show as the USA and Portugal came out of their Group G match with a drama-filled 2-2 draw. Supporters cheered and jumped as each side scored their goals, with Portuguese substitute Silvestre Varela grabbing the dramatic stoppage-time equalizer to secure the draw and keep his team's hopes alive. Just as it looked as though the Americans had secured a come-from-behind victory to qualify for the second round, Varela scored with a flying header from a Cristiano Ronaldo cross. The result means that after two games the U.S. are in second place, level with Germany on four points.

FIFA World Cup 2014: Nigeria holds on for 1-0 win over Bosnia

Brazil, June 22 (ANI): Nigeria beat Bosnia 1-0 to record their first World Cup finals victory since 1998 and condemn the European team to an early exit in their first appearance at the tournament. 's 29th-minute goal lifted the African champions to four points from two games, two less than Argentina who they meet in the final Group F match on Wednesday with top spot at stake.

MS Dhoni inaugurates cricket country club in hometown Ranchi

Ranchi, June 22 (ANI): Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni inaugurated the Cricket Country Club in his hometown Ranchi in Jharkhand. Addressing the inaugural function in Ranchi Dhoni said that he was enthralled to be a part of it and to come back to the place where he belongs. Meanwhile, Dhoni said that JSCA Stadium has given Ranchi recognition in the world. President Choudhary present on the occasion told mediapersons that apart from the already functional academy for lawn tennis and indoor facility for net practice, the stadium will soon throw open the gym, library, museum, restaurants, bar, billiards room and swimming pool for use by its members.

2014 FIFA World Cup: Germany fans bask in glory of their 4-0 win over Portugal

Salvador, June 17 (ANI): German soccer fans left Salvador's Fonte Nova arena in the best of moods after their team opened their 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 4-0 win over Portugal. The Germans ignored the sizzling Salvador heat to deliver a scintillating attacking display, including a hatrick from Thomas Mueller, that ensured the game was over as a contest by halftime. Portugal could not cope with their opponents' pace and movement and were 3-0 down by the interval as Mueller scored either side of a thumping Mats Hummels header. Portugal fan Miguel Violand tried to stay positive about his team improving its performance in time for the next games.

2014 FIFA World Cup: USA bags 2-1 victory over Ghana while Nigeria and Iran play out dour draw

Brazil, June 17 (ANI): US fans were all cheer after they had 2-1 victory against Ghana in the Group G opener for both teams at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. It also marked the USA's first international win against Ghana, which defeated the country in the two previous World Cups. Meanwhile, what became the first draw match in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Nigeria and Iran played out a turgid 0-0 draw in Curitiba, squashing the expectations of their fans. The result especially stings for Nigeria, who has visions of moving through to the knockout stage. That chance is still very much in play, but now they'll have to beat Bosnia-Herzegovina.

2014 FIFA World Cup: Argentina fans enjoy 2-1 victory over debutantes Bosnia and Herzegovina

Rio De Janeiro, June 16 (ANI): Argentina fans filing out of Rio de Janeiro's Maracana were all smiles after securing a 2 -1 win in their first 2014 World Cup match against debutantes Bosnia and Herzegovina. Though happy to get the 3 points to start the tournament, Argentina supporters weren't thrilled with their team's performance saying they will have to do better against tougher teams if Lionel Messi and crew expect to advance. All the same, Ignacio, an Argentina fan, said that he anticipates his team will return to the iconic stadium for the final on July 13. Lionel Messi scored a stunning second-half goal to push staggering Argentina to a 2-1 victory over Bosnia in the Group F opener for both teams.

French fans at Sao Paulo fan fest rejoice 3-0 victory over Honduras

Sao Paulo, June 16 (ANI): Soccer fans at the FIFA Fan Fest in downtown Sao Paulo witnessed a strong opening performance on the part of France as the European nation defeated Honduras in their first match of the 2014 World Cup. A moment of madness in the first half and a landmark goal line technology ruling in the second helped France to a 3-0 victory over Honduras in their Group E clash. Benzema made it three with a piledriver in the 72nd minute to complete the win that put France top of their group on goal difference ahead of top seeds Switzerland. A group of French fans and interns working in Sao Paulo were ecstatic to see their country's team return to form.

Do Indian football federations lack promotion skills

New Delhi, June 12 (ANI): With the soccer World Cup kicking-off on June 12 in Brazil, fans across the globe are gearing up for the mega event. FIFA has indeed marketed the sport so well that it currently is a favourite with the public. Even, Indians are not far behind in being hit by World Cup fever. However, with the BCCI promoting cricket on a bigger scale, the promotion of football in India pales in comparison. President of the Hindustan Football Club D.K. Bose talked about how BCCI has established cricket as a dominant sport in India. The AIFF needs to pick up lessons from the BCCI on how to promote football, and ensure improved spectator turnouts and interest.

What is stopping Indian Football?

New Delhi, June 11 (ANI): With the world gearing up for FIFA 2014, Indian football still remains an enigma. As even after being the most watched sport in the country, Indian football has still not been able to make its mark globally. Speaking exclusively to ANI, President of Hindustan Football Club, Mr. D.K Bose gave a detailed description of various problems faced by local players and why are they lagging behind? With India hosting the under 17 World Cup in 2017, let's hope all these problems get solved soon!

Shahrukh Khan celebrates his cricket team's grand win in Kolkata

Kolkata, June 4 (ANI): Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan in grand celebration revelled in the victory of his team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in seventh season of Indian Premiere League (IPL 7) amid packed stands of famed Eden Gardens stadium. While about 60,000 people managed to enter the stadium thousands of cricket fans jostled outside the venue to catch a glimpse of the star studded event.

Indian football makers cash in on FIFA World Cup

Jalandhar /Meerut, May 25 (ANI): Indian football makers are working fervently to meet the rising demand of balls and merchandise as soccer mania grips the world ahead of FIFA World Cup. A leading force in world cricket, India is ranked just 131st in the FIFA world ranking. But soccer ball manufacturing factories are part of a long tradition in Jalandhar. Jalandhar, the hub of sports goods in India, is witnessing an upsurge in demand as football craziness takes over the cricket-obsessed country. India is not an official exporter of the soccer balls and its nuclear-rival Pakistan bagged the FIFA soccer balls manufacturing contract after World Cup's Chinese supplier Adidas failed to fulfill demand of balls in Rio de Janeiro, but, it is still receiving orders from all over the world to manufacture promotional balls.

Badminton fraternity proud to host Thomas and Uber cup finals in New Delhi

New Delhi, May 15 (ANI): The proud Badminton fraternity in the country looks forward to a grand event as India gears up to host the Thomas and Uber Cup finals for the first time ever in the country. The Thomas and Uber Cup tournament is scheduled to take place at the Siri Fort Sports Complex in the national capital from May 18 to May 25. India's leading shuttler Parupalli Kashyap is the captain of the Men's team for the Thomas Cup and Saina Nehwal is captain of the Women's team for the Uber Cup. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has already done away with qualifiers and the teams have qualified on the basis of the player's rankings. Chief national Badminton coach, Pullela Gopichand, expressed his excitement over India hosting the prestigious biennial event. President of Badminton Association of India (BAI), Akhilesh Das Gupta said that all top countries of the world will be participating in the tournament.

IPL spot fixing: Order on Mudgal's IPL probe reserved by SC

New Delhi, April 29 (ANI): The Supreme Court on Tuesday reserved the order on constituting probe panel to investigate allegations against BCCI ex president N Srinivasan and 12 cricketers in IPL betting and spot-fixing scandal.