AIFF U-16 team departs for exposure trip
new delhi: After a successful qualifying campaign for the AFC U-16 Championship, India U-16 head coach Bibiano Fernandes firmly believes the exposure trip to Dubai "will be the perfect way to kick off preparation" for the tournament proper. "The AIFF has planned some exposure trips for the boys, starting with Dubai. I think this will be the perfect way to kick off preparation for the AFC U-16 Championship," said the coach. The exposure trip to Dubai is just the beginning of a series of trips that has been planned by the AIFF for the U-16 team. Elaborating on the topic Bibiano revealed: "After Dubai, we travel to Qatar to play some friendlies. There are also plans to travel to various other countries between January to August."
Eye-catching Saini set to be assessed
Johannesburg: Delhi pace sensation Navdeep Saini has been called to South Africa not just as a net bowler for Indian batsmen but also as a future prospect for the team after his prolific domestic season. Saini and Mumbai's Shardul Thakur have been called up to the Indian team ahead of the third Test in Johannesburg on January 24. The visitors have already lost the series after going down comprehensively in the first two matches in Cape Town and Centurion. "Saini's inclusion is important because it is in keeping with the rotation and intended experimentation in the pace department," a team source said. Saini took over 30 wickets in a sensational Ranji season, the highlight of which was him running through a strong Bengal line-up in the semifinals.
Hosts FC Pune City look to repeat away show
pune: FC Pune City, looking to hold on to the third place, lock horns with defending champions ATK in the Indian Super league (ISl) here on Saturday, as the race for one of the four semi-final spots heats up. Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC and to some extent FC Goa should be happy with their campaign in the first leg that propelled them to the top half of the table. FC Pune City have also done reasonably well but are still to convince that they are the real contenders for a place in the knockout stage. With 16 points from 10 matches, they are currently placed third on the table but will know that there are others circling around to knock them off and occupy that slot.
Want to win as many titles as possible in 2018: marin
chennai: After guiding Hyderabad Hunters to a maiden title win at PBl 3, reigning Olympic champion Carolina Marin has now set her sights on winning as many titles as possible in the new international season. A former World No 1, Marin had lost three finals in successive weeks early last year, which also saw her fighting fitness issues. "I think winning the Olympic gold medal for my country is one thing, which makes me very proud," Marin said. "I have many upcoming tournaments in the year. I want to play good badminton and make my country proud by winning as many tournaments as possible," added the Spaniard, who clinched the Japan Open last year.
Vinesh beats Ritu in UP Dangal's 4-3 win
new delhi: UP Dangal's icon player Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia posted commanding wins to help UP Dangal beat Veer Marathas 4-3 in the Pro Wrestling league at the Siri Fort Indoor Stadium here on Friday. After Vinesh put her team 3-1 up in the tie, Bajrang, the Commonwealth champion, beat compatriot Amit Dhankar 7-2 in the 65 kg category to help UP continue their unbeaten run in the tournament.