‘like to perform when faced with challenges’
Mumbai: Ravindra Jadeja has been the most consistent all-rounder for India in the recent times and with the Sri lankan Test tour around the corner, he says he likes to perform when faced with challenges. India are set to tour Sri lanka later this month and Jadeja will be a key member of the team along with off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Asked about the tour, he said, "I like to perform when there are challenges. In cricket when you get easy performances or easy wickets then it's no fun, but when you have to fight and perform in challenging conditions then that feeling is something else." The left-handed batsman was speaking after unveiling the Castrol Super Mechanic Trophy. The player, who played for the Gujarat lions, said T20 was a good platform for youngsters. "I think T20 is a good platform for youngsters. When I played in the IPl in 2008 for Rajasthan Royals, it was a good platform for me to showcase my talent.
Goel asks PCI to submit report in 10 days
New Delhi: Asserting that funds were released by the government on time for para-athletes, Sports Minister Vijay Goel on Wednesday sought a report from the Paralympic Committee of India on how para-swimmer Kanchanmala Pande was left to fend for herself without money in Berlin. Visually challenged Pande, who took part in the Berlin Para Swimming Championships with five others, was forced to borrow money in Berlin from a friend and was reportedly fined for travelling without a ticket on public transport after she was not given enough money by the PCI. Terming the incident as unfortunate, Goel on Wednesday asked PCI to submit a report within ten days. "The Ministry through SAI released Rs. 3.21 lakhs as 75 percent of dues as advance payment to Para Olympic Committee of India (PCI) in time and arranged tickets etc," the ministry said in a release.
Ronaldinho to visit Mumbai on Friday
New Delhi: Former FIFA World Player of the Year Ronaldinho will visit India on Friday and explore his future with Premier Futsal, a variation of football played indoors. The World Cup-winning Brazilian football great, a Ballon d'Or winner, will be in Mumbai where he will make an announcement regarding Premier Futsal. Ronaldinho was forced to quit Premier Futsal last year after just two matches. He returned to his homeland as 'Brand Ambassador' for the Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro after scoring five goals on his debut for the Goa franchise against Paul Scholes's Bangalore 5's. On his upcoming visit to India, Ronaldinho said, "My association with Premier Futsal has been a fruitful one. It was a great experience to be in India and play in front of local crowds last year and I look forward to another warm welcome from this sports loving country."
FC Goa sign Spanish midfielder Arana
Panaji: FC Goa on Wednesday announced the signing of winger Manuel Arana on a one-year contract for the upcoming Indian Super league season. Arana, who largely operates from the right wing, last played for Brisbane Roar in the A-league and Asian Champions league last season where he racked up five assists and made 24 appearances. The Spaniard comes with plenty of experience in the top two divisions of Spain where he has turned out for a host of clubs with a combined total of over 230 appearances and 40 goals to his name. The Seville native was a product of the Betis youth system before moving to Castellon and then Santander.