AIBA FIRES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
lausanne: The International Boxing Association says it has fired executive director Ho Kim with immediate effect. AIBA did not specify in a statement its reason for dismissing the South Korean official. AIBA President C. K. Wu says he wants “the world of boxing to move in the new direction and therefore I feel that new vision and leadership are paramount.” Kim had held the job for eight years. AIBA says Kim has been replaced by his current deputy Karim Bouzidi.
MUMBAI CITY RE-SIGN ANElKA
Mumbai: Mumbai City FC on Tuesday announced French footballer Nicolas Anelka has been signed on again as the marquee player for the second season of the Indian Super league (ISl). Anelka scored twice and provided two assists in the inaugural season. “I am really happy to have Nicolas back for Mumbai City FC. The fact is that he played really well for us last year. While the plan this year is to build a strong squad, it’s important to retain some continuity from last season and Nicolas plays a major role in that plan. I am really excited to have Nicolas back and I’m sure the fans will be as well,” team owner Ranbir Kapoor said. On returning to Mumbai City FC, Anelka said, “I am glad to be back in Mumbai City FC again. I really enjoyed my time there last season and I can’t wait to see Mumbai, India and all you fans again. See you very soon.”
FC GOA ROPE IN lUCIO
Panaji: lucimar Ferreira da Silva, popularly known as lucio, has signed up with FC Goa as a marquee player for the ISl. “lucio who won the World Cup for Brazil in 2002 and was part of 2006 and 2010 finals has been signed for FC Goa as he was strongly recommended by Zico,” stated FC Goa co-owner Shrinivas Dempo. “We have also signed another Brazilian Andreas and are looking forward for more signings that will boost the squad,” said Dempo. The Brazilian defender started his football career in Brazil with Internacional before heading towards Germany where he played for Bayern leverkusen and Bayern Munich and won three Bundesliga titles. lucio also played for Inter Milan where he won Champions league and FIFA Club World Cup in addition to the domestic titles and later had a brief stint at Juventus before heading back to Brazil.
DOCUMENTARY ON RONAlDO’S lIFE
Madrid: Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that a behind-the-scenes documentary on his life is under production. It will document a year in the life of the 30 year-old football icon and is scheduled for release in autumn this year. “I’m happy to confirm that there’s a film being produced about me. Stay tuned for more info,” Ronaldo wrote on Twitter. The striker claimed on Monday that he had “exciting news to share”. “I’m happy to confirm that there’s a film being produced about me. Stay tuned for more info at @RonaldoFilm,” he wrote on Monday on Twitter. According to Spanish daily AS, the production is going to be called “Ronaldo” and will be about “the world’s best footballer”. Award-winning British director Anthony Wonke will direct the film and is likely to project the highs and lows of Ronaldo’s 2014-15 season. He won Ballon d’Or award for the third time in January.
BlAKE MAKES SUCCESSFUl RETURN
Kingston (Jamaica): Former world champion sprinter Yohan Blake took a huge towards his participation in this summer’s World Championships in Beijing when he won his first competitive appearance in nearly a year at the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association All-Comers development series. The injury-plagued 25-year competed in the 200 metres, winning his heat in a cautious time of 21.57 seconds at the National Stadium on Monday. And while the time was just good enough for 13th overall, Blake said the outing had been a vital one as he looked to make a comeback on the international circuit. “It felt different (because) I was really nervous (and) didn’t know what I could do really. But I feel really good to the get the rust off,” he said. With the Jamaica National Championship set to begin on June 25, Blake has his sights trained on qualifying for the World Championships.