Gopi, Sudha to run in Mumbai marathon
Mumbai: Last year's top Indian finishers, T Gopi and Sudha Singh, and holder of the course record among home country men, Nitendra Singh Rawat, are all set to steal the show in the Tata Mumbai Marathon on January 20. Asian champion Gopi and Rawat will face tough challenge in the men's race from Karan Singh, the best Indian finisher in 2014 and 2015, race organisers, Procam International, announced on Friday. The women's contingent will be led by 2018 Asiad steeplechase Silver medalist Sudha Singh and two-time top Indian finisher, Jyoti Gawte. In half marathon category, the men's group will be led by Kalidas Hirave and Man Singh. While in women’s category, Manju Yadav and Saigeeta Naik are among the primary contenders for a podium finish.
Monaco splash out to sign Toure
Monaco: Thierry Henry's struggling Monaco have moved to further strengthen their defence in the January transfer window with the signing of France under-21 international left-back Fode Ballo-Toure from Ligue 1 rivals Lille. Ballo-Toure, 22, leaves the team in second place in France's top flight for a Monaco side who lie second from bottom. Sources in the principality say Monaco have agreed to pay 11 million euros ($12.6 million) plus bonuses for the player who began his career at Paris Saint-Germain. "Thierry Henry will help me progress as a player, that helped convince me to come," said Ballo-Toure in an interview clip posted on Monaco's Twitter account. He has signed a contract until 2023 and is the club's third January recruit.
charlie Austin banned for 2 games
Southampton: Star striker Charlie Austin has been suspended for two matches after making an offensive gesture towards Manchester City fans. Austin admitted making the two-fingered action as he was substituted in the second half of Southampton's 3-1 defeat against City at St Mary's in December. "The striker admitted his gesture in or around the 68th minute of the game against Manchester City on 30 December 2018 was abusive and/or insulting," an FA statement read. Austin's absence will be a blow to struggling Southampton as they battle to avoid relegation. In 2013, Jack Wilshere, then playing for Arsenal, showed the middle finger to Manchester City fans in a 4-2 defeat at the Etihad Stadium, resulting in a two-game ban.
Bayern appeal for Mueller suspension
Mumbai: Bayern Munich said on Friday they will appeal the two-match Champions League suspension handed to Thomas Mueller which means the Germany international will miss both legs of their last-16 tie against Liverpool. European football's governing body UEFA handed Mueller a two-match ban on Friday following his sending-off in the 3-3 draw away to Ajax in their final group game last month. Mueller was shown the first straight red card of his career for kicking Ajax defender Nicolas Tagliafico in the head. The 29-year-old will definitely miss the away leg at Anfield on February 19, but Bayern hope a successful appeal would mean Mueller could play the return at the Allianz Arena on March 13. Mueller apologised following the sending-off, insisting he meant to kick the ball.
Kohli, Shastri receive SCG membership
Sydney: India skipper Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri on Friday received the honorary membership of the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) for their contribution to the sport of cricket. "The SCG congratulates Team India for securing its first Test series win on Australian soil. It is wonderful to see the world's largest cricketing nation putting its focus firmly on Test cricket - a step that will reinforce the pre-eminence of Tests in the global cricketing landscape," SCG Chairman Tony Shepherd was quoted as saying on their official website.