Maldives beat Bhutan 3-1
Thiruvananthapuram: Maldives notched up a comfortable 3-1 victory over Bhutan to open their campaign on a winning note in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championships here on Thursday. The former champions shot into lead when Ahmed Imaaz scored in the ninth minute of the game at the Trivandrum International Stadium. Tshering Dorji drew parity with a strike on the 20th minute through. However, Assadhulla Abdulla once again put the winners of the 2008 edition in front when he netted in the 31st minute of the match. Even as Bhutan, ranked 188 in the world, hoped to get an equaliser in the second half, it were the Red Snappers who found the back of the net through the prolific Ali Ashfaq. Meanwhile, India will open their campaign by taking on Sri lanka on Friday.
Kirmani to get lifetime Award
New Delhi: Former wicket-keeper batsman Syed Kirmani was nominated for this year's Col. C.K. Nayudu lifetime Achievement Award. The Awards Committee met on Thursday at Cricket Centre, BCCI headquarters — Mumbai and unanimously nominated Kirmani for Award for 2015, according to a BCCI release. The committee consists of BCCI President Shashank Manohar, Secretary Anurag Thakur and N Ram, former Editor-in-chief of The Hindu Group. The Award comprises a trophy, citation and cheque for Rs. 25 lakhs. Kirmani, who made his Test debut in 1976 against New Zealand, kept wickets against India's famous spin quartet and did the job remarkably well.
Wushu Ntn’l C'ship to start today
New Delhi: The Delhi Amateur Wushu Association of Indian has selected 29 players to participate in the 24th Senior National Wushu Championship. Besides, two coaches and managers, one technical official will also be travelling from here to participate in the event that will be held at Chandigarh from 25th to 30th December. More than 900 Wushu athletes from around 40 teams, namely SSCB, CRPF, All India Police, ITBP etc. will participate in this championship. From this championship the selection committee of Wushu association of India will select the Indian Wushu team for 12th SAF Games 2016 to be held in February 2016, added a release from Delhi Amateur Wushu Association.
Anderson out of Eng's first test
DURBAN: James Anderson will miss England's first test against South Africa in Durban with a right calf injury. The England and Wales cricket board confirmed Anderson's absence on Thursday, after the bowler underwent scans on Tuesday. The ECB says Anderson, who is England's leading test wicket-taker, "will do some light fitness work in the coming days" and that he "is hoping to be fit for the second test in Cape Town on Jan. 2." The first of four tests between England and top-ranked South Africa starts on Saturday.
Tomar to trail at Stellazzurra
Bengaluru: Through the course of India's campaign in Jakarta, Indonesia last month, quite a few players stood out for their performances. But one youngster in particular caught the attention of international scouts in attendance - the strapping 6ft 7 inch Harshwardhan Tomar. The 14-year-old, who hails from Madhya Pradesh's Bhind district, has been given a three month tryout period with the Stellazzurra Academy in Rome, Italy to play basketball and for studying as well. If he does well, Tomar could land a full scholarship at the Academy. Tomar flew out of India on Wednesday afternoon. He will be playing in some unofficial matches to gain exposure.