Sikhs condemn banning of turban
Jammu: Sikh bodies here on Monday condemned FIBA’s policy of not allowing players wearing turbans to participate in International Basketball Federation Asia Cup tournament in China and asked them to reverse the decision. “We condemn the attitude of FIBA (China) for not allowing the Sikh players wearing turbans in International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asia Cup tournament in Wuhan, China,” said Sukhbir Singh, President, Parbandhak Committee Gurudwara Baba Chanda Singh. Two Sikh players -- Amritpal Singh and Amjyot Singh -- were stopped from entering the court minutes before India were to open their campaign against Japan on July 12 at Fiba Asia Cup in Wuhan in China and were asked to remove their turbans if they were to play.
‘Force India must qualify better’ Monza: Sahara Force India drivers have successfully negated a weak qualifying by delivering points on race day this Formula 1 season but it must get a strong grid position at the high-speed Monza Circuit for the Italian Grand Prix here this weekend. Perez, who finished second on podium in 2012 for Sauber at Monza, said he would “certainly try” to repeat that performance. “I think it’s going to be a good track for us. It’s important to qualify in the top ten to have a chance of scoring good points. It’s difficult to overtake at Monza and if you are out of position it’s hard to recover,” the Mexican said. “It looks simple, but hooking up a quick lap is still a challenge and it’s easy to make mistakes. I expect us to be quite competitive there. It should be better for us than Spa. It’s all about power and top speed and we know the engine will be strong. We also have a new low downforce rear wing that we will use for Monza only. Braking from top speed for the chicanes with a skinny rear wing is always tricky,” he said.
Messi to miss WC final rematch
Madrid: Argentina captain lionel Messi will miss his side’s friendly against world champions Germany on Wednesday due to a groin strain, his club side Barcelona confirmed on Monday. The match offers Argentina an immediate chance for revenge for their agonising 1-0 extra-time defeat to Germany in the World Cup final last month. Messi suffered the injury in Barca’s 1-0 win away to Villarreal on Sunday and will also miss a charity match in Rome on Monday. “leo Messi will remain in Barcelona as a precaution due to a strain in his right adductor,” Barca said in a statement on their website. “Barca’s number 10 will miss the match for peace in Rome this evening and will also not be able to participate in the match between Germany and Argentina.”
Kerala sign up Barisic and Orji
New Delhi: Kerala Blasters on Monday announced signing up Andrew Barisic and Penn Orji, bolstering their frontline attack for the forthcoming Indian Super league. Barisic played for Melbourne Knights in 2004 and then two years later he played for Germany-based Oberliga Nord Club, Arminia Hannover. In December 2007 he signed with his former club Melbourne Knights in the Victorian Premier league, followed by stints with Gold Coast United, Arema Indonesia and East Bengal. He played for Hong Kong First Division league Club South China in the 2013-2014 season. The Canberra-born 28 year old striker is thrilled about playing in the ISl. “I am delighted to be selected for the Kerala Blasters. This is an exciting time in Indian football and I am looking forward to playing back in India again. I feel privileged to bring my passion and determination for success to the Kerala fans and under the watchful eye of such a successful and iconic owner, Sachin Tendulkar. I am determined to work hard and play harder,” Barisic said.
5 medals for Indian body builders New Delhi: Putting up an impressive show, five Indian body builders bagged a bronze medal each in the 48th Asia Bodybuilding Championship and Physique Sports Competition in Macau. Indian Railways’ Bobby Singh and Roop Raju bagged bronze medals in the 75kg and 60kg category respectively. Anoop Raju, Husain Anas and Mustafa Ahmed also bagged bronze medals.