Vijender’s title fight is in India
New Delhi: Unstoppable so far, star Indian boxer Vijender Singh will now gun for his maiden title in the professional circuit when he fights for the WBO Asia belt come June in front of home fans in the national capital. The middleweight boxer, who earned worldwide fame by becoming India’s first Olympic and World Championships medallist at the amateur level, has exhibited rampaging form even in the pro arena. “I am already excited. My first title fight, that too in front of my own people, in my own country. I have no idea who my opponent is going to be but I am sure I will carry on the way I have so far,” Vijender told PTI from Manchester where he is currently training for his March 12 showpiece.
Kolkata may host U-17 WC final
Kolkata: The rights to host the final of the U-17 World Cup in 2017 may be awarded to Kolkata, a delegation of the world football’s governing body FIFA said here on Thursday. India will host the 17th edition of the U-17 World Cup scheduled to take place in September-October 2017. A 10-member Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) team, led by the tournament’s director Javier Ceppi, is currently in India inspecting the six venues identified to host the World Cup matches. “There is a possibility that the final may happen here. But we are not sure yet. There are other cities too where it can take place like the big cities Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi,” Ceppi said on Thursday. Yarza said he hoped when the team would return for the second-round inspection in October, the stadium would be ready.
Force India to unveil new car
Barcelona: Formula 1 team Force India will launch their new car for the 2016 season here on Monday as the Mercedes-powered VJM09 will break cover on the opening morning of the first pre-season test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez remain at the Silverstone-based outfit for a third season as teammates. Force India finished fifth in the constructors’ standings last year despite a delayed start to testing. The VJM09 will be one of several new cars uncovered in the pit lane at the Spanish circuit on the morning of the first day of pre-season testing, reports F1.com.
Nike terminates Pacquiao deal
london: leading sports manufacturer Nike has terminated its contract with eight-time world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao after the latter described homosexuals as “worse than animals”. The 37-year-old is presently contesting for a seat in the Philippines senate, the election for which will be held in May. Nike said on Thursday: “We find Manny Pacquiao’s comments abhorrent. Nike strongly opposes discrimination of any kind and has a long history of supporting and standing up for the rights of the lGBT community. We no longer have a relationship with Manny Pacquiao.”