Delhi to host Asian AthleticsIJ
New Delhi: With Jharkhand taking a long time in taking a decision whether to host the Asian Athletics Championships or not, the national capital has emerged as a contender for the prestigious event to be held in July. Ranchi was in the reckoning for the July 3-7 event after Tamil Nadu government refused to host the Championships on political grounds. Athletics Federation of India president Adille Sumariwala said that since Jharkhand has been put under President’s Rule, the decision taking process there has been slow and the AFI will have to look for other options. “We have submitted a report to Jharkhand administrators on the feasibility of hosting the Championships in Ranchi. But it has taken long time to take the decision as the state is under the President’s Rule. So, Delhi has become a strong option for us to host the event,” said Sumariwala, who was elected AFI president on Saturday on the first day of the two-day AGM here. “It’s not that we have spoken to Delhi government just now. Even while trying to convince Jharkhand administrators, we had also sounded out Delhi government if they are willing to host the event. The Delhi government has expressed its willingness to host the championships,” he said.
Sania joins ITPA as VP
New Delhi: Star player Sania Mirza has also joined Indian Tennis Players Association (ITPA) as one of its Vice Presidents, it was revealed on Sunday. Sania is now one of the four Vice Presidents of the newly-formed body with leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi and Somdev Devvarman being the other VPs. “Happy to announce that @MirzaSania has consented to be a VP of @TennisITPA and she has been co opted unanimously. Welcome aboard #Sania,” Karti P Chidambaram, who is secretary of ITPA and also AITA Vice President, tweeted. The Association was formed recently and office bearers were announced during India’s Davis Cup tie against Indonesia in Bangalore. Former Davis Cup captain Jaideep Mukherjea was elected as President of the Association.
Pune FC end ONGC’s streak
Bhopal: Pune FC snapped ONGC’s winning streak at the the Ambedkar stadium with a solitary goal in a 24th Round I-league clash here on Sunday. James Moga scored the all-important goal in the added time of the first half. The South Sudanese striker volleyed home after being fed by Douhou Pierre who cut past two defenders to thread the pass. Also, Shillong lajong FC earned three points at home after beating Mumbai FC 2-0. Blackburn forward who played on loan for lajong, Edinho Junior, gave the visitors a headache as he teamed up well with strike partner Sushil Kumar, who himself came close to opening the score for the Reds. Minchol Son glanced a header past the Mumbai custodian in the 33rd minute to send the crowd into ruptures. PNS/Agencies