Rupinder raring to go after returning to the fold
NEW DELHI: Boosted by a strong comeback in the three-match series against New Zealand last week —India won 3-0 — ace dragflicker Rupinder Pal Singh says he is raring to go at the Asiad.
“Personally for me, playing against a quality team like New Zealand who won the silver medal at the Commonwealth Games was important. Since I had missed out all the action during the Champions Trophy, I had to find my rhythm ahead of the Asian Games in Jakarta,” Rupinder said. The Commonwealth Games in April was Rupinder’s last appearance for the Indian team at a major International event. A hamstring injury during the quadrennial event meant that he had to be rested for Champions Trophy where India finished second. While the team was up against the top teams, Rupinder was busy working on his fitness.
“It is frustrating for any player to be watching the team play on TV but it was critical for me to undergo rehab in order to be match-fit and available for the Asian Games selections,” Rupinder expressed after the series win. In order to gain momentum again, Rupinder appeared in four practice matches against Bangladesh earlier this month where he scored 10 goals and played two practice matches against Korea where he scored one goal.
DOPING: ATHLETICS REMAINS A CONCERN
NEWDELHI: Athletics continued to be India’s Achilles’ heel in its anti-doping campaign, accounting for 21 of the 71 positive tests recorded by the National AntiDoping Agency in the last one year, according to the latest WADA report. According to the report, NADA tested 3174 urine and blood samples during the last year.
INDIA BLIND CRICKET TEAM WRAPS UP SERIES
COLOMBO: The India blind cricket team wrapped up the bilateral T20 series against Sri Lanka 4-1. The Indians were leading 2-1 ahead of Tuesday’s last two matches. They sealed the series in the fourth match itself. A 70-run partnership between Ajay Reddy and Durga Rao helped them chase 149 in 15.4 overs.
INDIA ADVANCE IN WORLD JUNIOR SQUASH
CHENNAI: Hosts India, Egypt and England made it to the pre-quarterfinals in the WSF-World Junior Men’s Team championship. All three teams won two matches each in their respective groups. While Egypt and England had it easy, India huffed and puffed to a 2-1 win over Switzerland.