Follow Japan: Zico to india
Panaji: Brazilian legend Zico, the most high-profile coach in the upcoming Indian Soccer league, wants the ‘Japan model’ to be followed by India in order to improve the standard of the game in a country of 1.4 billion people. “If football needs to grow in India, one needs collective effort just like it happened in Japan,” said Zico, who will be in charge of ISl franchise FC Goa. “When I first went to Japan (1991), there was no professional set-up but the biggest advantage was the intent and collective effort by the Japanese people to raise the standard of their game in the country,” said Zico, who had scored 48 international goals in 71 appearances for Brazil. “In India, if you want football to grow, it will depend on Indian players and how hard people here are willing to work for the betterment of the game. I am not bothered if you have amateurs or professionals but my job is to help with my expertise but intent is in your hands. From my end, I assure my co-operation and experience,” he said.
‘Indonesian Masters title special’
Hyderabad: Young Indian shuttler H S Prannoy is relieved to have ended his title drought with victory at Indonesian Masters. “This is very special. After 2010 Summer Youth Olympics, I had not won any major title. You cannot replace a title with anything. So, this is very special,” Prannoy, who returned to Hyderabad early told PTI. Prannoy had won a silver medal in the Boys’ singles at 2010 Summer Youth Olympics. He clinched the maiden title of his career after winning the USD 1,25,000 Indonesian Masters Grand PrixGold, following his straight-game victory over local favourite Firman Abdul Kholik in the finals at Palembang in Indonesia on September 14. Recalling that his ranking slipped during June-July this year, Prannoy said he wanted to do well and trained hard for success.
Ganguly calls for support
Kolkata: Showcasing his football skills, Sourav Ganguly struck three goals from the spot as he urged fans to turn up in huge numbers and support the city’s newest team Atletico de Kolkata when the ISl kicks off here on October 12. “You have turned up in huge numbers for East Bengal and Mohun Bagan matches. Now I urge you to come and support Atletico in the same way and watch some quality football,” the ATK co-owner said during the half time of the title deciding East Bengal-Tollygunge Agragami local league clash. “Every team is quite competitive. There will be legendary like Zico (Goa coach) and we will have luis Garcia. The standard will be very high and we will have the opportunity to see high quality football of speed and agility. Football in India will get a huge boost.”
AIBA asks BI to take membership
New Delhi: After granting provisional recognition to Boxing India, the International Boxing Association (AIBA) has now asked the newly-elected body to apply for IOA membership while making it clear that it would no longer deal with the ad-hoc committee which had been appointed for the sport. “As of today, the Ad Hoc Committee established by the Indian Olympic Association will no longer be representing boxing in India and all boxing related matters including managing all level of competitions will be managed by Boxing India in full cooperation with AIBA,” the world body said in a statement. “AIBA also wishes that Boxing India applies for a membership of IOA and receive its recognition following the IOC Charter in the very near future,” it added.
New Mumbai HIl Franchise named
New Delhi: ockey India league on Tuesday announced that the Mumbai franchise has been taken up by DoIT Sports Management (India) Pvt. ltd., a creative sports entity championing "Rurban" Indian sporting ventures, making it the sixth franchise that will compete in the prestigious international event, held every year in January — February. Speaking on the announcement Hockey India Secretary-General and Hero Hockey India league Chairman Dr. Narinder Batra said, "We welcome DoIT Sports Management on board the Hockey India league. As they already have immense knowledge in the sports arena, we are confident that they will have a positive impact on this season's Hockey India league. They are a young and creative company with exciting new ideas for the region and are looking to contribute towards the development and growth of Hockey in the country."