Sports

New Delhi, Sep 15 (IANS) Former Indian captain Bala Devi has backed the host Indian football team to do well in the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India 2022 and urged her fellow country persons to attend and support the event.

The 32-year old feels that the upcoming tournament, set to begin on October 11, is the ideal platform for the younger generations to showcase their talent and carve out a niche for themselves.

"The FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup will feature our U-17 girls, and I want to take this opportunity to invite our friends, parents, and fellow citizens to come to stadiums to watch the World Cup and support our players," Bala Devi said in an AIFF release.

"Yes, of course, India hosting the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup is fantastic news for all of us. Furthermore, Indian players playing alongside some of the best young talents during the World Cup is significant because this event can serve as a springboard for their careers," she added.

The charismatic striker showed her confidence in the team, saying that one day these youngsters will become icons for many.

"I am confident that these girls will make us proud.This is a journey, when I was playing, I had players I looked up to; these players have their own favourites, and one day these U-17 players will be role models for the next generation," said Bala Devi.

The Indian women's team has been drawn in Group A, alongside Morocco, Brazil, and the United States of America (USA). The U-17 Women's World Cup India is scheduled to be held across three venues - Navi Mumbai, Bhubaneswar and Goa. However, the Indian team will play all their group games at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar.


--IANS
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Lausanne, Sep 15 (IANS) The Spanish city in the Alicante region, La Nucía will host IBA Youth Men's and Women's World Boxing Championships 2022 at the Ciudad Deportiva Camilo Cano arena.

The dates are set for November 14-26.

"Many of the fans have witnessed our youth boxers at the various continental tournaments, and it's time they shined on the international stage. Some of the boxers might well become superstars of our sport, and this is a unique moment to see their first steps towards elite boxing. This is a great opportunity to discover new talents and show passion for our sport," IBA president Umar Kremlev said in a statement.

"Spain has many talented young boxers, and this IBA Youth World Boxing Championships will give an impetus to the boxing development in the country. I want to thank Spanish Boxing Federation for their hard work towards making this tournament a success," he added.

Spanish Boxing Federation turns 100 years in 2022, and this championships will become their first-ever world-class event. Before, Spain hosted only continental-level events.
President of the Spanish Boxing Federation Felipe Martinez awaits to welcome athletes from around the world to his home country.

"We are excited about the challenge of hosting such an important competition that has never been held in Spain before. We know that these are going to be intense months, but both my team and I are willing to put the best of ourselves to achieve success as hosts. It should become a great finishing touch for the 100 years of the life of our Federation," Martinez said.


--IANS
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Mumbai, Sep 15 (IANS) The high-octane marquee clash between India and Pakistan on September 4 in 'Super 4' stage of Asia Cup 2022 has become the most watched T20I ever, outside of World Cups.

The official broadcaster of the tournament, Star Sports, had recently announced the India-Pakistan group stage match as the most watched T20I match, outside the World Cup. The record has been surpassed this week as the 'Super 4' stage match played on September 4, 2022, registered 57.4 million AMA- making it the most watched T20I, outside the World Cup.

It truly was one of the most competitive continental tournaments that kept cricket fans across the country engaged as 243 million viewers tuned in to watch the DP World Asia Cup 2022 (excluding the finals). The high-octane tournament clocked a total of 58.8 billion minutes (excluding the finals).

The overall exhilaration for cricket is back in the country, ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, as even the non-India matches through the tournament (excluding the finals) witnessed a massive viewership of 113 million.

With the preparations for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup underway, India now faces the challenge of a 3-T20I series against defending ICC T20 World Cup champions Australia, which gets underway on September 20, LIVE on the Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar.

--IANS
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Bengaluru, Sep 15 (IANS) Experienced midfielder Namita Toppo on Thursday announced her retirement from international hockey, ending a decade-long career with the Indian women's hockey team.

The 27-year-old Namita was part of the Indian team that won a silver medal in the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and the team that bagged a bronze medal in Incheon in 2014.

Hockey India on Thursday congratulated her on an illustrious career with the Indian women's hockey team during which she also won the gold medal in the 2017 Asia Cup in Gifu, Japan and bronze in the 2014 edition in Kuala Lumpur.

A product of the Sports Hostel, Panposh, Rourkela which is located in her native state of Odisha, Namita first represented her state team in 2007 and her performances in the domestic competitions helped her in getting selected for the Girls' U-18 Hockey Asia Cup in Bangkok, Thailand held in 2011 where the Indian team won the bronze medal.

Namita's hard work and dedication in the national camps and consistent performances in the domestic circuit saw her getting selected to represent the senior India team in 2012 when she participated in the FIH Champions Challenge I in Dublin, Hockey India informed in a release on Thursday.

The following year, she was part of the Indian junior women's hockey team, which won the bronze medal at the FIH Hockey Junior World Cup Women 2013 held in Mönchengladbach, Germany.

There was no looking back for Namita after that as she took part in major tournaments like FIH Women's World League Round 2 in 2013 where India won the gold medal, 3rd women's Asian Champions Trophy in 2013 where India won the silver medal, 8th Women's Asia Cup 2013, 20th Commonwealth Games 2014, 17th Asian Games 2014 where India won the bronze medal, 2016 Rio Olympics, the team's silver medal victory at the 9th Women's Asia Cup 2017 and the 18th Asian Games 2018 where the national team clinched the silver medal.

"The last 10 years have definitely been the best years of my life. I had a dream to play for my country at the biggest stages and I am so happy that I have been able to achieve my dreams. I hope I have made a huge impact and I am very thrilled to see the way the Indian Women's Hockey Team has progressed in the last decade," Namita Toppo was quoted as saying in a release by Hockey India.

"I will keep cheering and supporting for the team while I move on to a new chapter in my life. I could not have achieved this without the support of my teammates, and the Odisha State Government who have backed us unconditionally. They have recognised our achievements every step of the way," she added.

"I thank the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik sir and the Departments of Sports and Youth Services. I also thank Hockey India, SAI, and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for their unparalleled support for women's hockey. I also thank all the coaches I have trained under," said Namita Toppo.

Meanwhile, the Indian women's hockey team chief coach Janneke Schopman said, "Namita has made a humungous contribution to Indian hockey. Apart from giving everything on the field, Namita has also been a perfect role model for the youngsters in the team."

"Not many players get a chance to play 168 matches for their national teams and Namita has earned each one of those caps. Apart from being a great hockey player, Toppo is one of the kindest people I know. She is very thoughtful and she always put the team first. I would like to wish her all the very best for the future," said the chief coach.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 15 (IANS) Former India captain Virat Kohli on Thursday walked down memory lane to recall funny street cricket slang used during his childhood time in a video uploaded on his social media accounts.

Cricket is full of offbeat terms and expressions and a successful player ought to know his game-glossary well. To prove this point and to provide some relief to the sport's fans ahead of the serious business of the T20 World Cup, Kohli brought out this video in association with PUMA.

The video, titled Do You Know Your Cricket Slang, put the spotlight on Kohli as the batting icon explained the meanings of popular local slang used in Indian street cricket such as 'Batta' and 'Baby Over'.

Kohli couldn't hold back the laughter as he narrated the instances in response to local cricket terms, according to a release by his sponsors.

"Batta is a desi and rugged word for chucking," Kohli said in his response to the term as he spent some light moments off-the-field in a short fun video clip made in association with sportswear brand PUMA, which is the official kit partner of IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore.

The amusing video clip brings out the 33-year-old passionate cricketer's off-the-field personality.

Kohli performed exceedingly well in the recently-concluded Asia Cup 2022 in UAE, slamming a much-awaited 71st century as well as two half-centuries to conclude the tournament as the second-highest run-getter.

--IANS

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Sydney, Sep 15 (IANS) Australia vice-captain Rachael Haynes has announced her retirement from international cricket, making it clear that the upcoming eighth edition of the Women's Big Bash League will be her last outing.

Haynes confirmed she has also played her last domestic match for New South Wales, while WBBL|08 will be her last for the Sydney Thunder.

"Not only one of the greatest players of her generation, @RachaelHaynes has been an outstanding contributor to the culture of our team. Congrats on an incredible career, Rach. We'll miss you," said the official handle of the Australian Women's Cricket Team.

In a career spanning more than a decade, Haynes played 84 Twenty20 Internationals, 77 One-Day Internationals and six Tests.

A top-order batter, Haynes scored nearly 3,818 international runs across all three formats, including 98 on her Test debut against England in 2009, two ODI centuries and 19 half-centuries. The left-hander also claimed 13 wickets and is also a good fielder.

Haynes first captained Australia during her second stint in the side, leading the team at the 2017 ICC Women's World Cup with Meg Lanning battling a shoulder issue, said a report in cricket.com.au.

In 2018 Haynes was named Australian vice-captain, playing pivotal roles in Australia's ICC Women's T20 World Cup victories in 2018 an 2020, Women's World Cup win in 2022 and historic Commonwealth Games gold medal run in July, the report added.

Haynes thanked all those who played a role in her success as a cricketer.

"Playing at this level isn't possible without the support of many people. From clubs, states, coaches, family and friends, I'm so grateful to those who helped me along the way. In particular, I want to thank my parents Ian and Jenni, and partner Leah for their unwavering support," Haynes said after announcing her decision.

"To all the teammates across my career, you are the reason I've played as long as I have. You've inspired me to be better every day. I've learnt something from all of you, on and off the field. You've challenged me as a player, helped me grow as a person and most importantly, made cricket fun," she said.

"One of the great things about having a long career is watching those around you develop. I'm extremely proud of the way this team has brought players in and nurtured their development. The ability to help players transition smoothly has been instrumental to our team's success. To be a leader within this environment has been the greatest privilege of my career," she added.

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer, Nick Hockley said: "On behalf of everyone at Cricket Australia I'd like to congratulate Rachael on an amazing career and also recognise the outstanding contribution she has made off the field.

"Rachael's calm and assured leadership has played a key role in Australia becoming one of the most successful sporting teams in history. She will go down as a great of the game.

"Rachael has been an inspirational figure for kids coming into the game and to her many teammates and has played an integral part in the advancement of cricket as a sport for women and girls, both here in Australia and around the world," he was quoted as saying in a release.

Hockley hoped that Haynes will maintain her close connection with the game ever after her retirement.

"We look forward to watching Rachael in the WBBL this season and hope she maintains a close connection to the game in coming years," he said.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) plea in connection with the amendments proposed to its constitution to relax the cooling-off period requirement.

Accordingly, the cooling-off period for office-bearers will kick in after two consecutive terms at either the BCCI or at the state association level. So the office-bearers can now have a maximum of 12 years at one go: Two three-year terms at the state association level and two three-year terms at the BCCI, and after this, the cooling-off period will be applicable.

The decision will allow the current set of office-bearers led by BCCI President Sourav Ganguly and Secretary Jay Shah to be in office until 2025. Ganguly and Shah had already served one term each at the state and BCCI level and would have been disqualified under the existing rule.

However, they can now serve an additional term at the BCCI.

The whole conflict between the BCCI and Supreme Court had started long ago and has seen a lot of twists and turns.


Here is a timeline of how things unfolded over the last nine years:

2013 - Spot Fixing

In May, three Rajasthan Royals players -- S. Sreesanth, Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandila -- were arrested on spot-fixing charges, which revealed a nexus between franchise members, players and bookies. A follow-up probe then led to the arrest of Gurunath Meiyappan, team principal of Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Thereafter in October, the Supreme Court appointed a committee headed by Justice Mukul Mudgal to look into the spot-fixing scandal.

2014 - Mudgal Committee Findings

In November, the Mudgal Committee found IPL chief operating officer Sundar Raman, Meiyappan and Rajasthan Royals owner Raj Kundra guilty of betting. The Committee's report also pointed fingers at then BCCI chief N. Srinivasan, the father-in-law of Meiyappan.

2015 - Lodha Panel

In January, the apex court appointed a panel headed by retired justice R.M. Lodha to suggest reforms for BCCI as well as determine punishments for those guilty in the IPL spot-fixing case.

After six months, the Lodha panel suspended CSK and Rajasthan Royals for two years and handed a lifetime ban to their owners. However, the players of the two franchises were allowed to be auctioned/played for other franchises.

2016 - Complete Overhaul

In January, the Lodha panel recommended a complete overhaul of the BCCI structure. Apart from that, other major recommendations included one-vote-one-state criteria, limiting tenure of office-bearers, separate players' association for men and women, and barring ministers over 70 from holding any position in the board or state associations.

The panel also gave BCCI time till January 31 to come back with suggestions. But no response from the board forced the panel to approach the Supreme Court. In the very next month, the apex court gave BCCI the deadline of March 3 to respond to Lodha panel's suggestions and the BCCI filed its response and objections to the report in a 55-page counter-affidavit.

In April, the Supreme Court questioned BCCI's method of disbursing funds to state associations and later called the board's constitution non-transparent.

In a plea to the Supreme Court, the panel then asked for replacing BCCI top bosses and a bench headed by then Chief Justice T.S. Thakur also slammed the board's attitude. In a special general meeting in October, BCCI deliberated on the Lodha panel recommendations but made no mention of key reforms such as age and tenure of office-bearers or the one-state-one-vote policy in its statement.

The Supreme Court then decided to pass an order on the issue of implementation of directions of the Lodha panel after BCCI declined to give an unconditional undertaking. However, the BCCI remained defiant on implementing the key reforms.

On December 15, 2016, the top court said there is, on first impression, a charge of perjury that can be laid against then BCCI President Anurag Thakur and the board's General Manager for game development, Ratnakar Shetty, for lying under oath.

2017 - Anurag Thakur's Removal

On January 2, the Supreme Court removed BCCI President Anurag Thakur and Secretary Ajay Shirke from their posts.

On January 30, the court appointed four eminent personalities from varying backgrounds to oversee the running of the BCCI until the board can hold fresh elections for office-bearers as per the Lodha committee's recommendations.

The panel consisted of historian and cricket writer Ramachandra Guha, former Indian women's team captain Diana Edulji, EX-CAG of India Vinod Rai, and Vikram Lamaye, CEO and Managing Director of IDFC (Infrastructure Development Finance Corporation).

2018 - Newly-drafted Constitution (Cooling-off)

The BCCI adopted a newly-drafted constitution, which was finalised post the court's judgement by Justice Chandrachud that an office-bearer who has held any post for two consecutive terms (six years) either at a state association or in the BCCI, or a combination of both, shall not be eligible to contest any further election without completing a cooling-off period of three years.

During the cooling-off period, the person cannot serve in any capacity at both the BCCI or state level.

2019 - Ganguly, Jay Shah Get Top Posts

In October, former India captain Sourav Ganguly was elected as BCCI President and Jay Shah as Secretary, ending the 33-month reign of the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators. Arun Dhumal was elected as Treasurer while Jayesh George took charge as Joint Secretary.

The BCCI administration approached the court seeking several significant amendments to the board's constitution, which would roll back the sweeping reforms passed by the court in 2016 on the basis of the Lodha panel's recommendations.

The changes sought by the BCCI included tweaking the cooling-off period of office-bearers, modifying the disqualification criteria, giving unprecedented power to the BCCI Secretary, and stopping the court from having any say if the board wants to alter the constitution.

As per BCCI, the existing cooling-off period was a "restriction", which was "proving to be a big blow to selecting talented and experienced hands". The BCCI said the cooling-off period must be applied only after the individual has finished six years at one place - the BCCI or the state association - separately.

2020-21 - Case pending in Supreme Court for hearing

2022 - Ganguly, Jay Shah get extension

A two-judge bench of Justices D.Y. Chandrachud and Hima Kohli passed orders to this effect on Wednesday, modifying its 2018 judgement.

The court agreed to tweak the existing rule on the cooling-off period by allowing an office-bearer to hold office for two terms at one place - the state association or BCCI - while removing the clause of combination of both.

--IANS
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New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) Former India opener Robin Uthappa on Wednesday announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket.

Uthappa shared a heartfelt post announcing his retirement from all forms of cricket on social media.

The right-handed batter said it has been "greatest honour" to represent India and Karnataka during this illustrious career.

"It has been my greatest honour to represent my country and my state, Karnataka. However, all good things must come to an end, and with a grateful heart, I have decided to retire from all forms of Indian cricket. Thank you all," Uthappa said on the Koo app.

Uthappa played the 2004 Under-19 World Cup. He made his international debut two years later and featured in 46 ODIs and 13 T20Is for India.

"It's been 20 years since I started playing professional cricket, and it has been the greatest honour to represent my country and state, Karnataka- wonderful journey of ups and downs; one that has been fulfilling, rewarding, enjoyable and has allowed me to grow as a human being," Uthappa further said in the post.

The stylish batter was a part of the Indian side which lifted the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 in South Africa. The batter from Karnataka has won two IPL trophies-- one for KKR and one for CSK in 2014 and 2021 respectively.

--IANS
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Bengaluru, Sep 14 (IANS) Indian Premier League (IPL) side Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) congratulated Dinesh Karthik on his inclusion in the India side for the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia next month, saying the franchise "couldn't be more happy".

"We couldn't be more happy for you, @DineshKarthik! Special comeback from a special player," tweeted RCB and posted a short video with the caption, "Dreams do come true".

Karthik, who made another India comeback with his stellar run in the IPL 2022, has been playing the role of a finisher for RCB and the national team. Given his impressive strike rate and finishing prowess, the All-India Senior Selection Committee picked the veteran cricketer in India's 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup.

The 37-year-old has also been added to the squad announced to play the home series against Australia and South Africa. He had earlier mentioned that the motivation to play for India remains as strong as ever.

In response to RCB's appreciation on social media, Karthik gave a big 'thank you' to the franchise.

"Thanks @RCBTweets for being an integral part of the journey and helping me achieve my dream. Most importantly to all the RCB fans who chant RCB, RCB even when am in my blues representing team INDIA, I LOVE YOU GUYS. THANKS @malolanr @CoachHesson, SANJAY BANGAR, @basu2013, S SRIRAM," tweeted Karthik.

--IANS

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Dubai, Sep 14 (IANS) Star India batter Virat Kohli has risen 14 spots to 15th overall on the ICC T20I batter rankings due to his efforts in the recently-concluded Asia Cup in the UAE. Kohli scored his first international century in almost three years -- against Afghanistan -- and scored 276 runs in the continental showpiece event.

Kohli has some way to go before he is back into contention for the top ranking for T20I batters, but he is at least moving in the right direction now after returning to form during the Asia Cup.

The champion right-hander was the big mover near the top of the T20I batter rankings, with India team-mate KL Rahul (up seven places to 23rd) and Sri Lanka star Bhanuka Rajapaksa (up 34 spots to 34th) also making good ground on those players near the top.

Sri Lanka all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has also been rewarded for his dominant performances at the Asia Cup, while a new No.1 all-rounder has been crowned in the shortest format of the game.

Sri Lanka match-winner Hasaranga improved three places to sixth on the bowler rankings and seven spots to fourth on the all-rounder list after he was adjudged 'Player of the Tournament' at the Asia Cup.

The Sri Lanka all-rounder picked up nine wickets for the tournament -- including three in the final against Pakistan -- and his form was a big reason why the island nation was able to claim a sixth Asia Cup title.

Hasaranga could be eyeing a top spot in both ranking lists should he be able to replicate his current form during the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia later this year. The 25-year-old is now just 100 rating points behind Australia's Josh Hazlewood on the list for T20I bowlers, while the gap at the top is even less on the all-rounder rankings.

Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan is the new No.1 ranked T20I all-rounder after he overtook Afghanistan veteran Mohammad Nabi following the Asia Cup.

But Hasaranga's rapid recent rise sees him move to a total of 184 rating points, with both Shakib (248) and Nabi (246) well within his sights.

Pakistan veteran Mohammad Rizwan maintains his lead at the head of the T20I batter rankings, while South Africa's Aiden Markram jumps in front of Babar Azam to claim second place in a tight battle for top billing.

On the list for T20I bowlers, India pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar (up four spots to seventh) and Pakistan duo Haris Rauf (up nine places to equal 25th) and Mohammad Nawaz (up seven spots to 34th) were among the biggest movers after strong performances at the Asia Cup.

There was no movement inside the top 10 on the latest Test player rankings, but there were some big jumps made by England and South Africa players following the completion of their recent three-match series.

England right-hander Ollie Pope moved up 17 places to 29th overall on the list for batters, while team-mate Ollie Robinson jumped 11 spots to 15th on the bowler rankings following his five-wicket haul in the first innings in the third and deciding Test at The Oval.

While South Africa fell to a 2-1 series defeat against Brendon McCullum's side, they will be buoyed by the performance of pacer Marco Jansen in the final Test of that series. Jansen collected a five-wicket haul of his own and moved up eight spots to 26th on the Test bowler rankings and six places to equal 12th on the list for all-rounders on the back of his efforts.

Australia's 3-0 series sweep during the recently completed Chappell-Hadlee series saw some minor change on the latest ODI player rankings, with veteran duo Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc the main beneficiaries.

Smith was the leading run-scorer for the series with 167 runs and he was rewarded by jumping 13 spots to 10th overall on the batter rankings.

While Starc's rise wasn't quite as dramatic, the experienced left-armer will be pleased with his three-place jump to ninth overall on the list for ODI bowlers.

Kiwi pacer Trent Boult maintains his lead on the ODI bowler rankings after he finished the series against Australia as the leading wicket-taker with 10 scalps.

--IANS

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