Pak upset with FTP
Karachi: Pakistan has expressed its displeasure over the nation getting lower share of matches in the new proposed ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP). In the new tentative four-year FTP discussed recently at the ICC chief executives meeting in Singapore, Pakistan have been alloted just 28 Tests, the joint-lowest of the established Test sides alongside New Zealand, with only Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Ireland playing fewer games. In comparison, India play 37 Tests, England play 46 and Australia play 40. Even Bangladesh, still considered as one of the minnows by many, play 35 Tests — 25 per cent more than Pakistan. Pakistan has also got just 38 ODIs in the new FTP as it is the lowest of all teams, even lower than that of Afghanistan (41), Zimbabwe (40) and Ireland (42). India in comparison play 61 ODIs, West Indies which are yet to qualify for the next World Cup play 62 and Sri lanka play 48.
Rs 5 lakh for Kaur sanctioned
New Delhi: Sports Minister Col Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore on Wednesday sanctioned Rs 5 lakh to Asian Games gold medallist Kaur Singh to help the former boxer meet his medical expenses. The announcement came after Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh sanctioned Rs 2 lakh from his Chief Minister's relief fund. "The sports minister has directed that the cheque be delivered to him by an office of Sports Authority of India (SAI) tomorrow," a ministry official told PTI on Wednesday. Singh was reportedly struggling to repay a loan of Rs 2 lakh which he had borrowed from a private financer to fund his treatment for cardiac problems. Singh is best remembered for taking the ring against the legendary Muhammad Ali in an exhibition bout in New Delhi in 1980. He won gold in the Asian Games in 1982. He was conferred with the Arjuna Award in 1982.
Batra set to be elected IOA chief
New Delhi: International Hockey Federation (FIH) chief Narinder Batra is set to be elected as the president of Indian Olympic Association (IOA) during its Annual General Body Meeting, here on Thursday. Besides Batra, incumbent secretary general Rajeev Mehta is to be re-elected for a second term. Batra's election to the top post for a four year term will be a formality though technically there will be a contest against former All India Tennis Association (AITA) president Anil Khanna, who withdrew from the poll after the due date.