Ranchi to host semifinal, final of HIl 2016
New Delhi: Defending champions Ranchi Rays will play host to the semifinals and final of the fourth edition of the Coal India Hockey India league on February 20 and 21 respectively at the Birsa Mumnda hockey stadium. The Hockey India league (HIl), the flagship event of Hockey India, is scheduled to be played across six venues in the country starting January 18. The opening match of the tournament will be played between Kalinga lancers and Uttar Pradesh Wizards. The tournament opener will be staged in Bhubaneshwar. Defending champions Ranchi Rays will open their campaign against last year’s runners-up Jaypee Punjab Warriors in Chandigarh on January 19.
Santosh out of Dakar Rally
Jujuy (Argentina): The 2016 Dakar Rally campaign of CS Santosh came to an abrupt end when the navigation tower on his Suzuki 450 Rally bike broke just after the first waypoint in Thursday’s special stage. Despite the handicap, Santosh rode for more than 150km holding the navigation instrument cluster with one hand to complete the Jujuy-Jujuy marathon stage. After he managed to cross the final time control of the special stage, the entangled wires short- circuited the bikes electricals causing terminal stalling of his bike. “It was not in my imagination to end the Dakar this way. It’s real shame that it happened. I was riding well before the navigation tower broke and was hoping to make some more places on today’s stage,” said Santosh.
Vijender eyes knockout
Manchester: Star Indian boxer Vijender Singh on Thursday said it would be a dream come true to fight his fourth professional bout in liverpool, the birthplace of his music heroes — The Beatles. Undefeated so far with three knockout wins, Vijender fight his first bout of the year at the liverpool Echo Arena and is looking to put up another explosive performance. “I can’t wait to get to liverpool, I’ve never fought in the city before as an amateur so now I will get my chance to get down to the Cavern Club finally. Madison Square Garden may be the home of boxing, but for me I have to get to the Cavern Club,” he added.
Januzaj returns to United from Dortmund
DORTMUND: Belgium winger Adnan Januzaj was returning to Manchester United on Thursday after his one-year loan spell at Borussia Dortmund was cut short after half a season.The Bundesliga side confirmed that the clubs agreed on “an immediate return,” and that the “last contractual details between the parties are being sorted out.” The 20-year-old joined Dortmund at the end of last transfer period but failed to make his mark with the side. He played just 166 minutes as a substitute in six games, managing four shots at goal, and scoring none. He played two full games in five Europa league appearances for Dortmund but again didn’t score. Meanwhile, liverpool has recalled center back Tiago Ilori and forward Sheyi Ojo from loan spells with Aston Villa and Wolverhampton , respectively, to ease its growing injury crisis. Agencies