India's U-17 WC matches shifted to Delhi
New Delhi: Heeding to the government's request, football's world governing body, FIFA on Saturday shifted India's group matches of the upcoming U-17 World Cup from Mumbai to the national capital. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) initially wanted Mumbai to host India's matches but later asked FIFA to shift them to New Delhi under pressure from the sports ministry. The government felt it was appropriate that the national capital hosts the home team's matches. "Following a request from the All India Football Federation to hold the group matches of the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 in which India are playing in New Delhi, and the fruitful discussions between the local Organising Committee (lOC) and the local government, FIFA has agreed to amend the match schedule," the local Organising Committee (lOC) said in a statement. As per the amended schedule, Group A, featuring the home team, which is automatically seeded as A1, will be based in New Delhi.
Djoker beats Monfils to win title
EASTBOURNE: Novak Djokovic won his second title of 2017 on Saturday as he cruised to a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Gael Monfils in the Eastbourne International final. The Serb remained unbeaten against Monfils on the ATP tour as he extended his head-to-head advantage over the Frenchman to 14-0 in one hour and 16 minutes. Having ended a trophy-drought stretching back to the Qatar Open in January, Djokovic will begin his Wimbledon campaign on Tuesday full of confidence. Earlier Saturday, third-seeded Karolina Pliskova beat Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark 6-4, 6-4 to win the women's event on England's south coast. Pliskova claimed her third title of 2017 and ninth overall as she broke once in each set to defeat 2009 champion Wozniacki.
Pak athletes to take part in Asian Athletics
new delhi: A six-member Pakistan team will take part in the Asian Athletics Championships to be held in Bhubaneswar from July 6-9 as the Indian government has given visa to them, a development which was welcomed by the Athletics Federation of India. AFI Secretary C K Valson said that Pakistani athletes have got the visas and they are expected to arrive in Bhubaneswar in the next two-three days. "I can confirm that the Pakistani athletes have got the visas. It was a relief for us, we wanted them to take part in the championships," said Valson. The participation of the Pakistanis in the Asian Championships had remained in doubt as their visas were delayed and AFI President Adille Sumariwalla could not last week confirm whether they would take part or not. Due to the worsening relation between the two neighbouring countries, Pakistan could not take part in many competition in India as their players were not given visas .
Messi weds childhood sweetheart
Rosario (Argentina): lionel Messi said "I do" to childhood sweetheart Antonella Roccuzzo in his Argentine hometown Rosario, where footballers and celebrities including pop singer Shakira had gathered for the "wedding of the century." Following the private ceremony the couple appeared happy and relaxed yesterday as they walked a red carpet before hundreds of media at a hotel and casino complex. Shakira and her husband, Messi's teammate Gerard Pique, flew in to join the 260 guests including numerous footballers such as Messi's Barcelona strike partners Neymar and luis Suarez.