‘Top-5 is a real possibility’
New Delhi: Recuperating from an ankle injury, Parupalli Kashyap’s confidence seems to be only heading north as India’s top male shuttler aims to break into the top-5 in world rankings, calling it a “real possibility”. “Yes, that’s a real possibility, especially after the win against world No 3 in the World Championships. That has given me a lot of confidence. I think I am almost there, it’s very difficult,” Kashyap said here on Sunday. Kashyap is in the capital for the 35th PSPB Inter-Unit Badminton tournament, though his participation remains in doubt due to the injury. “let’s see. There will always be little doubts in my mind due to injury. It’s a little right now and there is a bit of weakness. Right now my foucs in on the injury,” the 27-year-old Hyderabadi said.
Eng to pick Ashes squad today
london: England know the bulk of a squad due to be announced on Monday for a tour of Australia that will see them try to win a fourth straight Ashes series for the first time since the 19th Century. The fact England, who beat arch-rivals Australia 3-0 in a Test series on home soil to retain the urn, rested regular captain Alastair Cook, batsman Ian Bell and bowlers James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann from the subsequent 2-1 one-day series loss was testament to the importance they place on the Ashes. But while the first-choice XI, with star batsman Kevin Pietersen set to play his 100th Test in November’s opener in Brisbane, largely picks itself, the choice of back-up squad members is likely to have led to some prolonged discussions for a selection panel led by ex-England off-spinner Geoff Miller.
India draw with Tajikistan
Kuwait City: Putting up a spirited performance, the Indian under-16 football team rallied to hold Tajikistan to a 1-1 draw in its opening match of the AFC Qualifiers at the Ali Sabah Al-Salem Stadium here. Prosenjit Chakraborty converted from the spot in the 56th minute after Saidov Karomatullo had put Tajikistan in the lead in the 36th minute. Represented by All India Football Federation’s Regional Academy boys, the Indian colts took some time to settle down. Analysing the performance, head coach Goutam Ghosh said, “Our boys can play better. We played very well in the second half and created a lot of opportunities from which we could score. But this was our first match and we will try to rectify on our mistakes.” It was the first match of the AFC Championship and the first International match for the Indians but they were not overawed by the occasion.
I-league: United beat Rangdajied
Kolkata: Cash-strapped United SC overcame all the off-field hardships as their committed players put up a well-knit effort for a 2-0 win over debutants Rangdajied United FC in their I-league opener, here on Sunday. last two season’s top scorer Ranti Martins (65th) gave the lead with a header, while ONGC recruit Eric Brown (75th) struck a stunner after a goalless first-half to give United SC full three points to start the season. After their title sponsors disappeared in the Bengal financial scam, the Kolkata team failed to woo a new sponsor to put together the team. But the players including high-profile Ranti and Dutch coach Eelco Schattorie remained united to their club as they had only 21 days of practice to start the season.
Yuki runner-up in 2 categories
Kaohsiung (Taiwan): Yuki Bhambri’s terrific run at the ATP Challenger tournament ended with runners-up finishes in both singles and doubles events, here on Sunday. Yuki, who had qualified for the singles, played three matches on Sunday as rain had washed out Saturday’s singles semifinals. The 21-year-old first knocked out second seed and world number 88 American Jack Sock 6-7 (10) 7-5 6-3 in the semifinal, which lasted two hours 49 minutes. After that energy sapping semifinal, Yuki was up against top seed and world number 64 Yen-Hsun lu of Chinese Taipei in the title clash. One needs to recover well before playing against such a tough opponent and perhaps it affected Indian youngster as he lost the final rather tamely 4-6 3-6 after one hour and six minutes. Nevertheless Yuki earned valuable 75 ranking points and $10,600 as prize money for his efforts. Playing his third match of the day, Yuki and his Taipei partner Chieh-Fu Wang lost the summit clash 2-6 4-6 to top-60 doubles Colombian players CABAl, Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah after one hour and seven minutes.
India 2nd in Asian School C’ship
New Delhi: India on Sunday finished a remarkable second in the first Asian School Track and Field Championships in Kuantan, Malaysia with an impressive medal tally of 29, including 12 gold. At a time when Indian athletes were barred from taking part in international events under the national flag, the school children participated in the championships under the tri-colour at the Malaysian city.
India beat England 2-1
Johor Bahru (Malaysia): India started their campaign in The Sultan of Johor Cup Under-21 hockey tournament on a perfect note, defeating England 2-1 in their opening round-robin match here on Sunday. The Indians scored a goal each, both from field efforts, in both the halves to pocket full three points from the encounter. Ramandeep Singh gave India the lead in the 18th minute before Talwinder Singh doubled the lead for his side in the 50th minute. Sam French pulled one back for the Englishmen, converting a penalty corner in the 67th minute. Despite the victory, the Indians looked far from convincing in the match and did just enough to secure the victory.
ACA condoles lele’s demise
Visakhapatnam: The Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) on Sunday condoled the death of former BCCI Secretay Jaywant lele, who passed away on Thursday night. ACA president D V Subba Rao recalled lele’s contribution towards cricket. “The BCCI lost a good adviser and well-wisher,” a press release quoted Rao as saying. ACA General Secretary Dr G Ganga Raju said lele’s demise was a great loss, not only to the Baroda Cricket Association, from where he represented BCCI, but also for the Indian cricket as a whole. “lele established high standards in administration and his service to the game can never be forgotten,” he added. PNS/Agencies