Asiad decision on federation: Sania
Hyderabad: Caught in a dilemma over whether to compete in the Asian Games or the WTA tournaments which clash with the event, Sania Mirza on Sunday left it on the All India Tennis Association to take a call on her participation in the continental extravaganza in Incheon, Korea. Sania on Sunday returned to the country after lifting the US Open mixed doubles title on Friday and was quizzed about the Asian Games dilemma after pullouts by Somdev Devvarman and Rohan Bopanna. “There are few problems obviously in Asian Games. Because it is clashing with two other biggest tournaments in Asia, Beijing and Tokyo. I have lot of points to defend in the same two weeks. So, it is a very difficult situation,” Sania told reporters. “But I leave it to the Federation to try and take this decision. Because it is very difficult for me to take this decision right now,” she said.
Kerala signs McAllister, Falvey
Mumbai: Kerala Blasters on Sunday announced the signing of defenders James McAllister, Colin Falvey and Saumik Dey, sprucing their defense for the forthcoming Indian Super league. McAllister will play a dual role as assistant coach and player. Trevor Morgan, coach of Kerala Blasters said, “We are delighted that James, Colin and Saumik have signed up with Kerala Blasters. James will play a critical role in defining the team’s strategy. He will work closely with the players and his insights will be invaluable in building a cohesive unit. He will also bring his vast experience on the field. “Colin has had a very successful tenure with Charleston Battery over the last couple of years and he will add depth to our defense. I have seen Saumik evolve into a solid defense player. His presence will add flair.”
Kashyap hopes for medal at Asiad
Hyderabad: Having won a gold medal in the recent Glasgow Commonwealth Games, ace shuttler Parupalli Kashyap is keen on repeating his superb show in the upcoming Asian Games in Incheon, Korea from September 19 to October 4. “I want to win a medal. I don’t expect anything. I am going to prepare very well. I will try and win a medal. These two weeks are crucial for me,” he said. The Indian shuttlers are likely to leave for the sporting extravaganza in the middle of this month. Kashyap, whose campaign ended in the first round in the World Championship recently, said he would leave it to national coach Pullela Gopichand to point out his mistakes and train him. “I am trying to improve upon certain aspects of the game. I am sure Gopi (Pullela Gopichand) sir can explain you better on what he is thinking. I completely leave it to him to think about my mistakes and train me. My duty is to go and perform. My duty is not thinking too much about coaching. That’s his job,” he said.
lahiri finishes 13th
Crans Montana (Switzerland): India’s Anirban lahiri produced his best on the last day as he signed off with his week’s best score of six-under-par 64 to finish tied 13 at the Omega European Masters, here on Sunday. The 27-year-old Indian was in top form as he ended his Swiss campaign with a flawless round that included one eagle and four birdies en route to closing with a four-day total of 11-under-par 269 at the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club. lahiri finished in a tie for 13th place. David lipsky of the United States, a former winner of the Asian tour Qualifying School, beat Graeme Storm (68) in the first play-off hole for a sensational breakthrough win in his career. With the $504,000 winners’ cheque coming his way, it meant lipsky overtook lahiri at the top of the Asian Tour Order of Merit. lipsky moved up from fourth to top and now has $645,770 while lahiri has 287,873. Jyoti Randhawa, who became India’s first Asian number one in 2002, closed with a 68 to be tied 21st while Rahil Gangjee, who was among the three Indians that featured in the weekend rounds of the Omega European Masters, signed off with a 73 in 76th place. Randhawa was also tied 13th at 11-under but a bogey on 16th saw him slip down.
Swimmer Poncha takes up golf
Chandigarh: After beating adversity to become a champion swimmer, Rehan Poncha now wants to make it big in another sport — golf — hoping to play amateur qualifiers from next year before turning professional. After having proved his mettle in the pool, the 28-year-old Poncha has been focusing on golf for the past two years. Poncha wants to do what very few sportspersons have done — become an Olympian in a completely new sport. “I stopped competitive swimming two years ago, but I always always used to miss that competitive feeling, that rush of racing. “I used to get very nervous, I used to get panic attacks, because for 20 years of my life I had one schedule. Now all of a sudden, it is like somebody turns off the switch and says now you are free, I enjoyed that for about a week or so, but then I had this feeling of emptiness and void,” the Arjuna awardee said here.