Prosecutors seek 5 yr-jail for Bayern boss
Munich: German prosecutors demanded five and a half years’ jail on Thursday for Bayern Munich boss Uli Hoeness for evading millions in taxes. Prosecutor Achim von Engel sought the prison term for major tax fraud ahead of a verdict expected after 1300 GMT in a trial that has captivated football-obsessed Germany. Hoeness, 62, has admitted to dodging USD 37.6 million in taxes by hiding his wealth in Swiss bank accounts while obsessively “gambling” on stocks and currencies. However, his defence lawyers have argued he should escape punishment because he turned himself in to authorities in January last year. The key question in the Munich trial is whether the self-reporting was valid and complete and therefore qualifies Hoeness for reduced penalties.
Top-eight finish at WC is a target: Walsh
New Delhi: Indian hockey team’s chief coach Terry Walsh feels that a top-eight finish in the FIH World Cup is a “realistic goal” and any improvement beyond that will be a “bonus” for the team. “Our first target is to set realistic goals for the World Cup and it is to be in the top-eight. Going further from there will definitely be a bonus. The team is looking forward to convert the chances and score. We are giving great emphasis on our defence as that will be the core to win the matches,” Walsh told reporters here on Thursday.
Massa set for Schumacher helmet tribute
Melbourne: Felipe Massa will display a message of support for Michael Schumacher at Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix, the first Formula One race since a skiing accident left the German legend fighting for his life. The Brazilian driver, a former teammate of Schumacher’s with Ferrari, has said he will drive with the initials “MS” emblazoned on his helmet for the season opener in Melbourne. On Thursday Massa, who was a teammate of Schumacher’s during the German’s glory years at Ferrari in the early noughties, paid an emotional tribute to his friend on Twitter. “Michael is always with me !! Be very strong Brother !! love!! #19,” he tweeted, signing off with his car number. “I always think about him every day. I’m praying for him every day,” Massa told an official media conference Thursday. “So I hope everything can go back and he’ll be okay.
Hockey Odisha beat Karnataka 3-1
New Delhi: After suffering a loss in their first game against Uttar Pradesh, Hockey Odisha on Thursday registered their first win by defeating Karnataka 3-1 in the 4th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship. Tamil Nadu too registered their first win in the tournament when they defeated Food Corporation of India (FCI) 4-3 at the Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium in lucknow on Thursday. Hockey Odisha clearly learned from their previous mistakes and played an inspiring game against Karnataka. Amon Mirash Tirkey, Deepak Kullu and Dispan Tirkey scored a goal each in the 12th, 56th and 60th minute.
Special Olympics Bharat organises C’ship
New Delhi: Around 650 athletes from 26 states are participating in the National Athletics Championship, organised by Special Olympics Bharat in association with WWE and NDMC, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here. The opening ceremony of the four-day championship was held on Thursday at the JlN stadium and a torch run was organised from the New Delhi Municipal Corporation headquarter at the Parliament Street. The ceremony was attended by Jalaj Srivastava, chairman, NDMC, Kartikay Saini, chairman Scottish High International School and advisory trustee Special Olympics Bharat, Air Marshal (Retd) Denzil Keelor, chairman, Special Olympics Bharat, former India cricketer Nikhil Chopra, and Carl Sequeira from WWE.
Aman continues to dominate at Delhi NCR Cup
New Delhi: Aman Raj continued to dominate the proceedings as he held a four-shot lead going into the final round of the Delhi NCR Cup here on Thursday. In the third round played today, the Patna lad submitted a card of one-over 73 for a 54-hole total of 216 to emerge as the tournament leader at the Delhi Golf Club. Bangalore lad Udayan Mane shot a third successive 74 to be in hunt with a total of 222. PNS/Agencies