Archive For The “Sports” Category

Pant reveals reason behind accident as Dhami calls

Dehradun, Jan 1 : Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met cricketer Rishabh Pant at Max Hospital in Dehradun on Sunday.

The 25-year-old cricketer had met an accident after his Mercedes car lost control while he was driving from Delhi to Roorkee on December 30.



The Chief Minister said that there is a lot of improvement in Pant's health.

During the meeting, Pant pointed out that the cause of the accident was a pothole or some black thing on the road.



Earlier reports suggested that the accident happened because Pant fell asleep at the wheel.

Regarding his further treatment, the wicketkeeper batsman said that the decision has to be taken by the BCCI and the doctors.



"Only they (BCCI and doctors) will decide what to do," Pant said, adding that he is satisfied with ongoing treatment and there is improvement in his health now.



Chief Minister Dhami also met the doctors treating the cricketer to enquire about his condition.



The Chief Minister later met Pant's family at the hospital, and assured them of all support by the state government for the treatment.

--IANS

smita/sha.



Source: IANS

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National Youth Festival logo and Mascot released in K’taka

Bengaluru, Jan 7 : Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai released a logo and mascot of the National Youth Festival to be held in Hubballi-Dharwad from January 12.

In a function held virtually on Saturday, Bommai thanked the Government of India for allowing Karnataka to host this year's National Youth Festival and Khelo India University Sports meet.

The state has made all arrangements to host the Youth Festival on a grand scale.

On the occasion, a discussion on the arrangements for the event was held, and it was decided to hold a meeting of young legislators, MPs and other elected representatives.

The Railway Board agreed to attach special coaches for the youths coming to Hubballi-Dharwad from different parts of the country.

Union Minister Anurag Thakur appreciated design of the Youth Festival's logo and mascot through the competition.



The logo prepared by Bansilal Ketki of Odisha was selected and she will get a cash prize of Rs 50,000.

This national flower, Lotus inspired her to prepare the logo which will convey nationalism, selfless service, unity and cooperation.

It will also represent India's progress in economy, foreign affairs, the upgradation of the Indian army, G-20, and the chairmanship of the United Nations Security Council.

Similarly, Inbam of Bengaluru who has created 'Champi Chikka', was selected as the mascot and he will get a cash prize of Rs 50,000.

This has the design of an elephant and it will show that Karnataka has the highest number of elephants in the country.



It will also showcase global climate change, achieving the goal of sustainable development, and world peace, and the rapid strides of India and its youths in the fields of sports, startups, creativity, and education.

The theme of this year's Youth Festival is 'Vikasit Yuva, Vikasit Bharath', and over 7500 delegates from all over the country are expected to participate in this event.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will open this festival in Hubballi on January 12 to coincide with the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.

Apart from Anuraj Thakur, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, Karnataka Minister for Youth Empowerment and Sports C.

Narayanagowda and noted Kannada actor Tara Anuradha were also present at the function.

--IANS

mka/uk/.



Source: IANS

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‘Teaching is an art,’ says Dhoni at Kerala professor’s book launch

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 9 : Iconic cricketer M.S.Dhoni said that he has always been a big fan of teachers, as he released the autobiography of techno-educationalist, Prof K.

K. Abdul Gaffar's 'Njaan Sakshi'(me as the witness) that reveals many interesting details.

Expressing gratitude to his teachers, Dhoni said that the autobiography will provide an insight into Prof Gaffar's journey and how education and students have changed over the years.

"As a teacher, you have to make it as simple as possible for the students to understand.

In a class, you have to consider every student as all of them have different IQ levels. So I feel teaching is not only a profession, it is an art where you discipline students and also tell them about their strengths and weaknesses to groom them.

So, I have always been a big fan of the teachers I had throughout my schooling. I have never been to a college, but I think I did quite well," said Dhoni who came all the way from his hometown Ranchi to Kasargod - the northern most tip of Kerala.

Marwan Al Mullah, the CEO of Dubai health authority (DHA), received the first copy from Dhoni.

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, in a video message said that Prof Gaffar's autobiography highlights his life, knowledge, and dedication.

According to the Governor, this work will serve as inspiration for everyone.

In addition to teaching at REC Kozhikode and TKM Engineering College Kollam, Prof Abdul Gaffar served as the principal of the Engineering College in Bhatkal, Karnataka.

Incidentally, the book includes the infamous disappearance of P.

Rajan, an engineering student from Kozhikode REC, during the emergency period and recalls the pressure put on him on behalf of the government and the police to influence him as a witness in the case.

He was the last person who saw Rajan before the latter was taken into custody by the police from the REC hostel on March 1, 1976.

According to Prof Gaffar, he had met Rajan and his friends at his place as they were coming back after winning the university youth festival.

His emotional account of Rajan waving at him as he walks into the night is one of the most heart-warming passages of the book.

The book has a lot of such details about the case, both known and unknown to Kerala society.

--IANS

sg/kvd.



Source: IANS

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Former IPL Chairman Lalit Modi on 24×7 external oxygen after contracting Covid

New Delhi, Jan 13 : Former IPL Chairman Lalit Modi on Friday revealed that he is on 24x7 external oxygen after contracting Covid-19 twice in two weeks and deep pneumonia.

The 59-year old took to social media to give updates about his health, saying that he was airlifted to London from Mexico after three weeks of confinement.



"After 3 weeks in confinement with a double Covid in 2 weeks accompanied by influenza and deep pneumonia - and post trying several times to leave.

Finally landed via air ambulance accompanied by two doctors and superstar super efficient son who did so much for me back in london," wrote Lalit in his instagram post along with his picture from the hospital bed.



"The flight was smooth. Unfortunately still on 24/7 external oxygen. Thank u to all at @vistajet for going the extra mile. I am extremely grateful to all. Love to all. Big hug," he added.

In another post, he also mentioned about saviours -- two doctors-- who took care of him.

"With my two saviours. The two Drs seriously for 3 weeks monitored me treated. Me 24/7. 1 Mexico City based whose care I was under and the second my London Dr who specifically flew in to Mexico City to accompany me back to London.

I have no words to describe of they sacrificed there time etc to get me out. Still need time to recover. Currently on 24/7 external oxygen," wrote Modi along with pictures of two doctors.

"I was I thought touch and go. But my children and thief friends and my close friend @harish_salve_ who were all with me 2 out of my three weeks fully by my side.

They are all my family and part of me. God bless. Jai hind. Not to forget the @vistajet crew. Who were better then par excellence. Thank u my friend @thomasflohrvista," he added.

Last year, the businessman had made his relationship with Sushmita official on social media, with a note and an array of photos.

However, the duo haven't been spotted much post making their relationship public, leading to various speculations.



--IANS

ak/.

Source: IANS

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Hockey fans from around the world flocking to Odisha for World Cup

Bhubaneswar, Jan 15 : Hockey lovers from different parts of India and also countries like France, Germany and Japan have reaching Odisha to witness the 2023 Men's FIH Odisha Hockey World Cup Bhubaneswar-Rourkela.

The host venues are the iconic Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar and the 'Mecca of Indian Hockey', Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela.

Nearly every match in the World Cup has been played in front of a full house so far, across both the venues.

This is no small feat considering that the Kalinga Stadium can seat over 15,000 people while the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium is the largest field hockey stadium in the world with a capacity exceeding 20,000.

The streets are filled with fans from all over, often dressed in their team's colours and brandishing flags and banners.

The atmosphere is electric, and the overwhelming response from the locals and fans alike is a great sign for sports in Odisha and India.

Bhubaneswar, the capital Odisha, is known for its rich cultural heritage and is often referred to as the temple city of India.

The ancient temples and monuments in the city have been beautifully illuminated for the event, adding to the already vibrant atmosphere.

The streets are adorned with colorful murals celebrating the event, creating a truly convivial and celebratory atmosphere.

Rourkela, on the other hand, is a bustling industrial city and Hockey pocket known for its steel plant.

The cities underwent an aesthetic transformation for the event, with several fan parks and screenings being set up to provide an immersive experience for fans.

Besides, the deep love of hockey that is ubiquitous amongst the people of Odisha.

The great response can partly be attributed to the numerous fan experiences on offer.

Amongst those is Olly Land, a themed fan experience based on the mascot for Odisha sports, Olly.

Olly Land comprises many features to captivate visitors, including stunning display of lights in the form of art installations that pay homage to the culture of Odisha.

They feature the Sambar Deer, the Rath wheel (an iconic symbol of the sacred Konark temple), the coveted World Cup trophy, and a hockey stick.

The fan parks in both cities are bustling with activity, providing an opportunity for fans to engage in a variety of activities and games.

The screens set up for live screenings of the matches are also, providing an opportunity for fans to come together and cheer on their teams.

The fan parks have several food and drink stalls selling delicious local delicacies, adding to the overall experience.

In addition to the sporting action, there are also several cultural events taking place in both cities.

For example, Dot Fest, is an event in Bhubaneswar, which runs from January 15 to 29, will feature an assortment of entertainment activities such as traditional dance performances to music concerts, there is something to engage fans of all ages.

The cultural events are taking place in the evenings, providing an opportunity for fans to relax and enjoy the local culture after a day of exciting sporting action, and soak in the pleasant winter breeze.

The event has attracted fans from all over the world, and the host cities have been beautifully curated to provide an unforgettable experience.

As Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, "I would like to welcome the delegates, fans and athletes from all over the world.

Odisha has long been known for its hospitality and I am sure everybody will take home a little part of Odisha."

With so many fan experiences on offer and cultural events taking place, there is something for everyone to enjoy, regardless of age, gender or interest.

--IANS

bbm/vd.



Source: IANS

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Leander Paes joins Trinamool in Mamata’s presence in poll-bound Goa (ld)

Panaji, Oct 29 : Indian tennis ace and Olympic medal winner Leander Paes joined the Trinamool Congress in a formal induction ceremony in Goa in the presence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

"I now live in Goa as well.

So my home is here. I was born in Bengal, but at the end of the day, I am a very patriotic Indian. For me, whether it is in Bengal or whether it is in Goa, or whether it is playing at Wimbledon. For me it is about doing India proud and in that, now living in Goa I would like to make a difference in my roots," Paes told reporters after his formal induction.

He, however, did not take a question from the media as to whether he would be contesting the 2022 state Assembly polls from Goa.

Though born in Kolkata, Paes' father, Vece, is of Goan origin.

Paes said that India is the largest democracy in the world and added that "there is a great vision that Didi has to make sure that it is a very successful nation that we have".

The tennis star said that Banerjee had backed his career in tennis right from the first time he and his father had approached her for support, when she was the country's Sports Minister and he was a 14-year-old "embarking to be a tennis player for our country".

"For me it is about democracy, it is not about colour, religion, or culture or caste.

For me it is a democratic country. For me it is the largest and fastest growing democratic country in the world and I would like to be a part of it and make a difference as I can," he also said.

Commenting on Paes' induction, Banerjee said: "I am very happy to announce that Leander Paes, he is just like my younger brother.

I know him since I was a sports Minister of India".

"Leander was too small, but he came to me because of his game, sports and all this.

I am too happy that I have got my younger brother, my sweet and cute brother, with Trinamool Congress.

It will be very encourageable for the young generation," the West Bengal Chief Minister also said.

The induction of the high profile sportsman comes at a time when the Trinamool Congressis gearing up to contest the 2022 state Assembly polls.

--IANS

maya/dpb.



Source: IANS

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Will Modi government condemn those trolling Shami, asks Owaisi

Hyderabad, Oct 25 : AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday asked BJP government at the Centre if it condemns those trolling Indian pacer Mohammad Shami on social media following India's defeat at the hands of Pakistan in Sunday's Twenty20 World Cup match.

Terming the trolling unfortunate and shameful, the Hyderabad MP said it shows how communalism, radicalisation, and hatred against Muslims has spread in the country.

"There are 11 players in the team and there is only one Muslim but you are still targeting him.

A win or a loss is part of the game. A team wins and another team loses but the way a player is being trolled on social media and the kind of rubbish being said about him shows how communalism and hatred has spread.

Who is responsible for this," he asked during an interaction with media persons.

Owaisi recalled that he had urged the Modi government that India should not play the match against Pakistan as our soldiers are dying in Kashmir and the reason for their killings are terrorists coming from the neighbouring country.

He alleged that the Modi government has no action plan to stop the killings in Jammu and Kashmir.

He pointed out that during the last few days more than 25 civilians were killed.

A civilian also died in cross-firing in Poonch.

Owaisi also slammed the seizure of two-wheelers in the valley and checking of the bikes of school-going students.

"What's so great about it," he remarked when asked to comment on Home Minister Amit Shah removing bullet-proof shields while addressing a public meeting in Srinagar.

He recalled there were no bullet-proof vehicles when he visited Kashmir twice as part of the delegations sent by the Centre.

On India achieving the milestone of administering 100 crore doses of Covid doses, the MP said China crossed 200 crore vaccines in September.

Noting that only 31 per cent Indians have received double dose, he claimed that the Modi government lied to the nation that the entire population will get double dose by December 31, 2021.

At this pace, double dose to all people can be achieved only in March-April 2022.

"There is also no truth in the government's Make in India claim as 90 per cent of the doses administered so far were of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine made in Britain," he said.

Asked how many seats All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) will be contesting in the upcoming Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Owaisi said that a decision was yet to be taken.

"Our party's (UP) president Shaukat Ali said the party is preparing to contest 100 seats. We will sit and decide," he said.

--IANS

ms/vd.

Source: IANS

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Puducherry coach booked for sexually harassing girl cricketer

Puducherry, Oct 21 : A senior cricket player cum coach of Puducherry, Thamaraikannan was booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act and the Mettupalayam police have started investigation into the case.

The case was booked following a complaint by an aspiring 16-year-old girl cricketer who complained to the Childline that Thamaraikkannan, who was coaching her, misbehaved with her.



In the complaint, the girl cricketer said that the coach sent several messages to her saying that he loved her and threatened that he would not coach her if she does not reciprocate his love.

She also complained that the coach cum cricketer had harassed her by touching her shoulder, back, and chest several times even after she had raised objections to the same.

Four office bearers of the Cricket Association of Puducherry (CAP) were also booked under Pocso Act after the girl cricketer complained that she had brought the matter before the association and no action was taken by the office-bearers.

Cricket Association of Puducherry (CAP) secretary Chandru said that the girl had not lodged any complaint of sexual harassment against anyone.

He however said that the girl's mother had lodged a complaint that Thamaraikkannan had misbehaved with her daughter.

He also said that the association had conducted an inquiry and suspended Thamaraikkanan for one year.

The Childline had forwarded the complaint of the girl to the Mettupalayam police that registered a case under Pocsco Act and commenced investigation.

--IANS

aal/skp/.



Source: IANS

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Delhi HC blocks ‘rogue websites’ broadcasting ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

New Delhi, Oct 20 : As many as seven 'rogue websites' broadcasting ICC Men's T20 World Cup-2021 by infringing the rights of official broadcaster Star India Pvt Ltd have been blocked by the Delhi High Court.

While granting the interim injunction as a relief to Star India Ltd, Justice Sanjeev Narula has restrained the seven websites from hosting, reproducing, streaming, broadcasting, rebroadcasting, retransmitting, exhibiting, or making available for viewing and downloading or providing access through the Internet to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021.

These websites are -- filmyclub.wapkiz.com, ipl.hitcric.tv, doratv-ipl.wapkiz.com, tamilblasters.win, thdtvworld.xyz, uptomovie.xyz and zolhdtv.com.

The court asked the Internet Service Providers to block access to them in its directions dated October 12.

It also directed the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Ministry of Electronics and Information to issue notifications calling upon the Internet and telecom service providers to block access to these networks.

Advocate Amit Sibal, who appeared for Star India, submitted that they have observed that the exclusive rights in the sporting events including 'Vivo IPL 2021' -- have also been earlier infringed by these 'rogue websites.'

These rights include the live, delayed, highlights, clips, and repeat exhibition of various sporting events, over which Star India Ltd has digital rights, through various digital transmission platforms for viewing on various devices such as televisions, computers, laptops, mobile phones, tablets, etc.

The court will take up the matter further on February 28, 2022.

--IANS

jw/dpb.



Source: IANS

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‘Pak playing T-20 in J (and) K’: Owaisi slams Modi govt over match

Hyderabad, Oct 19 : AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi on Tuesday slammed the Narendra Modi government for allowing the Indian cricket team to play a T20 match with Pakistan at a time when "our soldiers are being killed in Kashmir".

India is scheduled to play the first match of T20 World Cup against Pakistan in Dubai on October 24.

Addressing a public meeting on the eve of Eid Milad-un-Nabi at AIMIM headquarters Darussalam, he said: "Pakistan is playing T20 with Indian lives in Kashmir.

How can we play a match against them amid regular terror attacks there?"

He recalled how Prime Minister Modi had criticised then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh "for sharing biryani with the Pakistan PM when Indian jawans were being killed on the borders".

Owaisi also alleged that the targetted killings in Kashmir were a result of lack of policy of terrorism by the Modi government, and questioned the government's claim that problems in Kashmir have ended with the repeal of Article 370.

Referring to the death of labourers from Bihar in Kashmir, he wondered what the intelligence agencies and Home Minister Amit Shah were doing.



The AIMIM leader also lashed out at PM Modi for his silence on petrol and diesel prices.

"He is silent on skyrocketing fuel prices. The cost of petrol and diesel have hit the century mark, yet he has not commented on it."

Owaisi also questioned the Prime Minister on his silence over Chinese Army entering and occupying the Indian territory.

"Why is he afraid of even taking the name of China," he asked.

The AIMIM also voiced concern over the situation faced by Muslims in the country.



Quoting a 27-year-old lawyer to describe the current situation, he said: "A Muslim is living under the threat of someone attacking his shop or a mob lynching him.

He feels helpless. They (the government) have criminalised triple talaq, they have criminalised religious conversions and they are trying to bring Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) through backdoor.

If I protest, they book me under UAPA or NSA."

At the press meet, he also discussed how there are lack of opportunities and no inter-mobility among Muslims.

According to him, because of Hindutva, his Hindu friends and business partners have distanced themselves from him.

Owaisi, however, advised Muslims not to lose hope.

He said they should keep their spirits up and face the situation with courage.

He also urged the youth to self-introspect and keep themselves away from all societal evils by offering prayers, building character, desisting from taking dowry and helping the poor and needy, irrespective of their community.

--IANS

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Source: IANS

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