Tokyo 2020 official mascots unveiled
tokyo: The official mascots for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics were unveiled at a ceremony in downtown Tokyo on Sunday. The mascot for the Olympics is named Miraitowa while the Paralympic mascot will be known as Someity. Miraitowa is a combination of the Japanese words for future and eternity while Someity comes from a popular cherry blossom variety "Someiyoshino" and echoes the English phrase "so mighty." The two mascot designs were selected by elementary school children across Japan. "These mascots are your friends," Tokyo 2020 organizing committee president Yoshiro Mori said at the ceremony. "You have helped to pick them and across the country, I believe, 5 million children helped to pick this. And the name is also something we have picked together. So this Olympics belongs to everyone." Organizers say the pair of futuristic characters combine tradition and innovation. The Tokyo Olympics are scheduled for July 24 to Aug. 9, 2020.
SAI selects 734 athletes for Khelo India
new delhi: The Sports Authority of India (SAI) on Sunday cleared 734 athletes for a scholarship programme under Khelo India Talent Identification Development scheme, through which they will get training at government-accredited residential academies. An annual stipend of Rs 1.2 lakh will be given to each player on a quarterly basis to meet their out of pocket expenses, treatment of injuries and other expenses. The athletes will be put up at various Khelo India accredited academies which will take care of the training, boarding and tournament expenses of the athletes. A release from the Sports Ministry said, "For the first time ever, in order to create a strong ecosystem for nurturing talent, various private, state and SAI academies have been accredited. A High Powered Committee accredited 21 non-SAI academies as well. The plan is to develop more such academies so that young athletes can get access to the best training without having to travel long distances."
U-17 women's football team lose to China
new delhi: The Indian U-17 women's football team lost 1-2 against China in its last match of the BRICS tournament in Johannesburg on Sunday. According to information received here, two goals by China late in the second half nullified India's early lead. Manisha had put the Indians ahead in the 25th minute when she capitalised on a rebound off a free-kick. The Indian women had a chance to double their lead before half-time in the 42nd minute but failed to make the most out of it as the shot was placed wide of the goal. In the second half, Indian custodian Archana made some good saves to keep China at bay but her citadel was finally breached in the 74th minute from the penalty spot to level the scores. Eight minutes later, the Chinese found the net once again, which eventually turned out to be the winner.