Mary wants to inspire women
Mumbai: Ace boxer and Olympic bronze medallist M C Mary Kom, whose life is the stuff of legends, wants other women to take inspiration from her just-released autobiography ‘Unbreakable’ and realise their dreams. “The whole world knows about the struggles I went through. I have narrated everything that I had to in the book. All I hope for now is that other women take inspiration from the book and overcome challenges to achieve their dreams in any sphere of their lives,” the five-time world champion said at the launch of her autobiography ‘Unbreakable’ here last night. Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, present at the event, said, “It gives me immense pleasure and honour to stand beside a lady who is an idol to many. I feel privileged to launch the book and wish her the very best in life.”
ACl: Pune FC face Vietnam side
New Delhi: Pune FC will play against Vietnam champion Hanoi T&T at home in their first round match of the AFC Champions league play-off competition on February 2. If Pune FC get past the first hurdle, they play against Muangthong United of Thailand in the second round on February 8 in Bangkok. If the Indian side also win the second round match, they will play against Melbourne Victory of Australia in Melbourne on February 15 for a berth in the main round of AFC Champions league, where they will be clubbed alongside Al Ain (UAE), Al Ittihad (Saudi Arabia) and Tractorsazi Tabriz (Iran) in Group C. The schedule of the play-off matches was announced at the draw ceremony of the AFC Champions league as well as AFC Cup in Kuala lumpur on Tuesday. Pune FC were handed the opportunity to feature in the AFC Champions league play-offs as I-league champions Churchill Brothers are yet to fulfil AFC Club licensing criteria. Pune FC, who finished second in the last season’s I-league, were in fact the lone club in the country to fulfil AFC Club licensing criteria.
Country’s best in ADHM
New Delhi: last year’s winners, Rahul Kumar Pal and Sudha Singh will return to defend their titles among Indians at the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon to be held here on Sunday. Training at the Army Sports Institute, Pune, Rahul won in a relatively slow time of 66.12 minutes in hot and humid conditions and will be looking forward to better his personal best of 65 minutes. Sudha, currently the best distance runner in the country, having added the half marathon crown at the Mumbai Marathon to her kitty earlier this year, will also be looking to better her last year’s timing of 79.34 minutes. Both athletes will also be looking to lower the course records, which carry a bonus of Rs 1 lakh, in addition to the winner’s purse of Rs 2.5 lakhs. The course record of 64 minutes for men stands in the name of Deepchand Shaharan, set in 2009, while for women its 77.12 minutes, set by Kavita Raut in 2008.
Salgaocar look to bounce back
Mapusa: After three successive defeats, Salgaocar FC is looking to bounce back when they take on East Bengal on Wednesday in the Airtel I-league match here. Salgaocar started their campaign well sitting pretty at the top, until three successive defeats saw them going down to the fourth position with 18 points from 12 matches. Their defence lost concentration at crucial moments and midfield also lacked creativity. Coach Derrick Pereira has now worked hard in training sessions to put their campaign back on track. Salgaocar has the reputation of playing well against strong opponents, especially the Kolkata side, and Pereira is hopeful that his wards will give their best in tomorrow’s game. On the other hand, East Bengal, coming here with a win after their surprise defeat against Mumbai FC, have 14 points from 9 matches. Coach Armando Colaco, playing his first match in Goa after taking over the reigns of East Bengal, is looking forward to a win against a side who is low on confidence.
‘Politicos have captured sports’
Panaji: Politicians and people with money have captured sports associations in India and this was harming sports, India’s star athlete of yesteryears Milkha Singh said here Tuesday. Singh was speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the unveiling of the mascot for the lusofonia Games in Panaji. “Politicians and people with money have captured sports associations. That is why there is no progress,” said Singh, who is often referred to as the “Flying Sikh”, a tribute to his athletic capabilities.
DiCaprio ventures into racing
Monaco: Venturi Automobiles has announced a joint venture with award winning actor and environmental activist leonardo DiCaprio to enter a team in the new FIA Formula E Championship - the world’s first fully electric race series beginning in September 2014. Based in Monaco, the new Venturi Grand Prix Formula E Team has been co-founded by DiCaprio and Gildo Pallanca Pastor, founder of pioneering EV manufacturer Venturi Automobiles, together with Bert Hedaya and Francesco Costa. Formula E is a new FIA Championship using electric single seater race cars capable of speeds in excess of 225km/h.