Maharashtra vies for Khelo India hosting rights
Just two days before the 2018 World Cup, Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales decided to sack coach Julen Lopetegui after the latter was appointed as Real manager. Former Spain defender
Enrique’s appointment after the World Cup was greeted with mixed emotions with many doubting his methods. But Spain’s thumping display vindicated Enrique's selection.
After Enrique’s appointment it was feared that that he might exclude players from Real, having played for and managed at Barcelona. The after-effect of that though, has been a deep contrast to these assumptions. Fernando Hierro was brought in as the replacement despite his lack of experience. Eventually, Spain edged out Portugal to top their group but crash out against hosts Russia in the round of 16. The famous tiki-taka style of play had become all too predictable. Under Enrique, La Roja look faster, more direct and less predictable in the final third. Even with the likes of Gerard Pique, Andres Iniesta and David Silva retiring in the summer, their absence is yet to be felt.
Sergio Busquets was the only Barca player to be included against Croatia. It’s in stark contrast to the Spain team of 2010 World Cup and 2012 Euro which had six Barca players. Against Croatia, six Real players were in the playing XI for the first time in 16 years.
Real players Dani Ceballos, Marco Asensio (left), Sergio Ramos, Dani Carvajal, Isco and Nacho were all starters against Croatia. Asensio was the star of the show with two venomous strikes — the second was officially given as an own goal to goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic — besides assisting in three goals. NEWDELHI: The second edition of the Khelo India Games will be held outside Delhi. Three states — Maharashtra, Assam and Jharkhand — are vying for the Games to be held from January 9-20, 2019.
Like an Asian Games or an Olympics, Maharashtra, Assam and Jharkhand showcased their strengths to sports ministry and Sports Authority of India officials on Wednesday. A decision on the host state is expected in the next few days.
The sports ministry may even name the host state for the 2020 Games. “It will give that state a year’s time to prepare and host a multi-discipline Games,” said Sports Authority of India director general Neelam Kapur.
The first edition of the Games were held in January 2018. More than 730 children were included under the Khelo India Talent Identification Scheme and received training, education allowance as well as monthly allowance of Rs 10,000.
In the inaugural edition of the games, students competed for 209 gold medals across 16 sports. Badminton, boxing and basketball had maxiumum number of gold medal events (26). The participating school kids were below 17 years of age.
“There is considerable interest among states and these Games can actually boost infrastructure and organisational capability in regions outside Delhi,” added Kapur.
‘SKIPPING WC WILL HURT OLYMPIC CHANCES’
NEWDELHI: With uncertainty hovering over India’s participation in next month’s Artistic Gymnastic World Championship, top gymnast Rakesh Patra feels not taking part in the competition will affect the country’s preparations for the Tokyo Olympics.
Indian gymnasts were left in the lurch after reports emerged that the sports ministry refused to clear the team for the World Championship since the Gymnastic Federation of India is de-recognised and stands suspended as per the national sports code. The 48th Artistic Gymnastics World Championships will be held in Doha from October 25 to November 3.
Patra, who had finished fourth at the FIG World Challenge Cup , said if India can’t participate it will be a huge blow to their preparation for the Olympics.
MOHUN BAGAN CLINCH CFL AFTER EIGHT YEARS
KOLKATA: Mohun Bagan blanked Calcutta Customs 2-0 Wednesday to clinch the local league title for the first time since 2010, and end arch-rivals East Bengal’s eightyear reign at the top.
Henry Kisekka struck twice in the 4th and 45th minutes as Mohun Bagan sealed the issue with an unassailable 26 points with a match to spare on way to their 30th Calcutta Football League Premier Division A title at their home ground.
Having suffered back-to-back defeats, 39-time defending champions East Bengal have 20 points with a match to go.
In front of a packed home crowd, Mohun Bagan looked in complete control right from the start, determined to wrap up the league title before their final league match against Mohammedan Sporting on September 18.
The Ugandan forward beautifully chest-trapped Arijit Bagui’s long ball from the right flank to give Mohun Bagan the early lead.
INDIAN ARMY DEFEAT ONGC IN GOLD CUP
CHENNAI: Indian Army posted a 3-2 win over defending champions ONGC in a Pool ‘A’ match in the 92nd All-india Mcc-murugappa Gold Cup hockey tournament here Wednesday.
In the day’s other matches, Chennai Hockey Association was held to a 2-2 draw by Bengaluru Hockey Association while Central Secretariat outclassed Mumbai HA 2-0 in Pool ‘A’.