Defending champ Pallikal pulls out of squash nationals due to ankle strain
GREATER NOIDA: An ankle strain has forced defending champion Dipika Pallikal to pull out of the 74th Senior National Squash Championship at the last minute, dealing a blow to the premium domestic event to be held in Greater Noida this week.Pallikal decided against playing her first round match on Wednesday, fearing an aggravation of the injury ahead of the pro season opener China Open from August 29 to September 3. VIJENDER PREDICTS MORE THAN ONE MEDAL
NEW DELHI: Eight years ago, he scripted history by opening the country’s account in amateur boxing’s marquee event and Vijender Singh feels India might just go one better on that during the 19th World Championship, starting August 25 in Hamburg. “It is a mature bunch of boxers. I have been in teams that had Shiva (Thapa), Vikas (Krishan) and Manoj (Kumar). So, I know some of them well. They have the ability to ensure that India ends up with more than one medal,” Vijender said in an interview. HI APPOINTS FELIX AS COACH FOR JR TEAM
NEW DELHI: Hockey India (HI) appointed former India captain Jude Felix Sebastian as coach for the junior men’s team. The 33-member junior men’s core group will train under Felix as they prepare for defending their title of Junior Men World Champions, HI said. “Jude Felix brings with him vast experience as former India captain as well as a highly reputed coach,” said David John.