Hosts Egypt were handed a favourable draw for the 2019 Africa Cup on Nations finals on Friday (April 12), but continental powerhouses Morocco, Ivory Coast and South Africa were placed together in a tough group.

Hosts Egypt handed favourable draw for Africa Cup of Nations

SIR CHRIS HOY PREVIEWS LAUREUS AWARDS 2019

<p>With heavy snowfall, this season, winter sports activities have kicked-off in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, where adventure lovers from across the globe have arrived for skiing and snowboarding.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Surrounded by the western Himalayas, Gulmarg is dotted with skiers from across the globe. The place has been called the "Heartland of winter sports" by Indian media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government of India has already invested 420,000 US dollars to transform Gulmarg into a world-class ski destination.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Slopes at Gulmarg are made for experienced as well as those who are new to the sport of skiing.&nbsp;</p>
<img alt="Winter sports activities in J&amp;K. " data-caption="&lt;strong&gt;Winter sports activities in J&amp;amp;K. (Photo by- Ieshan Wani, J&amp;amp;K Correspondent, WION)&lt;/strong&gt;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="562b573a-15f5-4b2d-b4a7-a81c33501943" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Winter%20sports.jpg" />
<p>Around forty thousand tourists have already visited this destination, mainly for skiing and snowboarding and this has got tourism players all excited after dry summer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ranked Asia's seventh best ski destinations ski lovers from Russia, Australia and New Zealand are the frequent visitors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's fantastic to ski in Kashmir. Snow quality is absolutely amazing particularly this season, this is some of the best I have seen in my life. I have been here for 9 years and this is the best," said John, a skier from Hungary.&nbsp;</p>
<img alt="Winter sports activities in J&amp;K." data-caption="&lt;strong&gt;Winter sports activities in J&amp;amp;K. (Photo by- Ieshan Wani, J&amp;amp;K Correspondent, WION)&lt;/strong&gt;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9bdabd17-753f-4c41-98a7-d077022ad04c" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Winter%20sports%20activities%20in%20J%26K.jpg" />
<p>Winter is also considered a perfect time for a vacation in Gulmarg where the temperature&nbsp;can dip up to -15 degrees Celsius. The institute set up by the Government here trains young ski enthusiasts on gentle slopes where you can rent a pair with an instructor and get going.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This season we have received good snow but we need more infrastructure from the Government of India so that people from valley can participate at International level competitions," says Shafat, a young Ski instructor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now the tourism department is eyeing to hold international competitions in the state by developing the new slopes and a proposal has already been cleared by the Government of India.&nbsp;</p>


With heavy snowfall, this season, winter sports activities have kicked-off in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, where adventure lovers from across the globe have arrived for skiing and snowboarding.

With heavy snowfall, this season, winter sports activities have kicked-off in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, where adventure lovers from across the globe have arrived for skiing and snowboarding. Surrounded by the western Himalayas, Gulmarg is dotted with skiers from across the globe. The place has been called the "Heartland of winter sports" by Indian media. The government of India has already invested 420,000 US dollars to transform Gulmarg into a world-class ski destination. Slopes at Gulmarg are made for experienced as well as those who are new to the sport of skiing. Around forty thousand tourists have already visited this destination, mainly for skiing and snowboarding and this has got tourism players all excited after dry summer. Ranked Asia's seventh best ski destinations ski lovers from Russia, Australia and New Zealand are the frequent visitors. "It's fantastic to ski in Kashmir. Snow quality is absolutely amazing particularly this season, this is some of the best I have seen in my life. I have been here for 9 years and this is the best," said John, a skier from Hungary. Winter is also considered a perfect time for a vacation in Gulmarg where the temperature can dip up to -15 degrees Celsius. The institute set up by the Government here trains young ski enthusiasts on gentle slopes where you can rent a pair with an instructor and get going. "This season we have received good snow but we need more infrastructure from the Government of India so that people from valley can participate at International level competitions," says Shafat, a young Ski instructor. Now the tourism department is eyeing to hold international competitions in the state by developing the new slopes and a proposal has already been cleared by the Government of India.

India's 'winter heartland' Gulmarg abuzz with skiers and snowboarders

Andy Murray to retire this year due to pain from surgically repaired hip

<p>For every Sachin Tendulkar, there is an Achrekar coaxing him to greater glory as every sportsman will testify. Team India in the past 15 years have had some good coaches who have helped India attain the No-1 status.</p>

<p>Saina Nehwal and P V Sindhu have had coach Pullela Gopichand pulling their game in the right direction, India's hockey coach Harendra Singh helped the team take on superior opposition in the recently concluded World Cup in Odisha as India's ancient game takes on new wings.</p>

<p>Every player needs a coach but when a player with world-class talent like Tendulkar gets an Achrekar, the result is a blockbuster. A good coach is like a finishing school for a young, inexperienced sportsman.</p>

<p>The impact of a "world class" coach can be seen in the fortunes of the Indian cricket from the turn of the century. After the 90s saw a string of Indian coaches from Ajit Wadekar, Bishen Singh Bedi, Madan Lal and former all-rounder Kapil Dev, the BCCI gave a chance to former Kiwi batsman John Wright to coach Saurav Ganguly's fledgeling Team India.</p>

<p>And what a result John achieved with Sourav in toe - victory against Australia in the historic 2001 series, 2002 Natwest Cup win against England at Lord's, runners-up in the 2003 World Cup in South Africa and Test and ODI series win in Pakistan, a first for any Indian team.</p>

<p>Wright was followed by the dogged coach former South African opener Gary Kirsten who helped Dhoni clinch the World Cup in 2011 at the Wankhede as India recognised the value of a coach even with big stars in its line-up.</p>

<p>The contribution of Pullela Gopichand and Prakash Padukone in the revival of Indian badminton has been similar. India had begun to slip in world badminton with the Chinese and Malaysian holding sway but the former India players brought the country back on the badminton map. Now, with Saina, Sindhu, Srikanth Kidambi&nbsp;regularly winning titles abroad, Indian badminton is in safe hands.</p>

<p>India's lack of world-class coach in other sports, especially in Olympics has been the major reason why the Indian flag has not reached the medal's podium. Hockey throughout the 80s suffered because the coaches and federation failed to address the changes in the game as a result the team suffered and before long Europe held sway on an Indian sport.</p>

<p>India recognises the contribution of a coach with the Dronacharya award, each sports federation should, in fact, look to equally nurture a great coach as it tries&nbsp;to bring up a sportsman because the coach is the engine behind the machine.</p>

<p>The country can perhaps take the example of Nick Bollettieri who founded a world-class tennis academy which&nbsp;was widely responsible for coaching the erratic Andre Aggasi as he grew to become a world champion.</p>

<p>A coach has an equal share in a medal tally or a World Cup victory as does a player, the difference is a coach always stays in the background and the ward does the talking...er winning.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


For every Sachin Tendulkar, there is an Achrekar coaxing him to greater glory as every sportsman will testify. Team India in the past 15 years have had some good coaches who have helped India attain the No-1 status.

For every Sachin Tendulkar, there is an Achrekar coaxing him to greater glory as every sportsman will testify. Team India in the past 15 years have had some good coaches who have helped India attain the No-1 status. Saina Nehwal and P V Sindhu have had coach Pullela Gopichand pulling their game in the right direction, India's hockey coach Harendra Singh helped the team take on superior opposition in the recently concluded World Cup in Odisha as India's ancient game takes on new wings. Every player needs a coach but when a player with world-class talent like Tendulkar gets an Achrekar, the result is a blockbuster. A good coach is like a finishing school for a young, inexperienced sportsman. The impact of a "world class" coach can be seen in the fortunes of the Indian cricket from the turn of the century. After the 90s saw a string of Indian coaches from Ajit Wadekar, Bishen Singh Bedi, Madan Lal and former all-rounder Kapil Dev, the BCCI gave a chance to former Kiwi batsman John Wright to coach Saurav Ganguly's fledgeling Team India. And what a result John achieved with Sourav in toe - victory against Australia in the historic 2001 series, 2002 Natwest Cup win against England at Lord's, runners-up in the 2003 World Cup in South Africa and Test and ODI series win in Pakistan, a first for any Indian team. Wright was followed by the dogged coach former South African opener Gary Kirsten who helped Dhoni clinch the World Cup in 2011 at the Wankhede as India recognised the value of a coach even with big stars in its line-up. The contribution of Pullela Gopichand and Prakash Padukone in the revival of Indian badminton has been similar. India had begun to slip in world badminton with the Chinese and Malaysian holding sway but the former India players brought the country back on the badminton map. Now, with Saina, Sindhu, Srikanth Kidambi regularly winning titles abroad, Indian badminton is in safe hands. India's lack of world-class coach in other sports, especially in Olympics has been the major reason why the Indian flag has not reached the medal's podium. Hockey throughout the 80s suffered because the coaches and federation failed to address the changes in the game as a result the team suffered and before long Europe held sway on an Indian sport. India recognises the contribution of a coach with the Dronacharya award, each sports federation should, in fact, look to equally nurture a great coach as it tries to bring up a sportsman because the coach is the engine behind the machine. The country can perhaps take the example of Nick Bollettieri who founded a world-class tennis academy which was widely responsible for coaching the erratic Andre Aggasi as he grew to become a world champion. A coach has an equal share in a medal tally or a World Cup victory as does a player, the difference is a coach always stays in the background and the ward does the talking...er winning. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Why every sport in India needs a Ramakant Achrekar

Wion Sports Special: Champions of India 2018

Disability no bar for Special Children (WION Sports)

<p>Ask a teenager... Do you have dreams for your life? Do you believe you can achieve them? The teen in all probability will snap back, saying: “Let me follow my dreams. Don’t get so obsessed with what I can achieve.” &nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian Olympic dream is full of such stories. With no past glory to fall back upon, Indian society has constantly pursued any teenager who makes the headlines. This time, it is no different.</p>

<p>The moment one talks about 18-year-old sprinter Hima Das or 15-year-old weightlifter Jeremy Lalrinnunga or shooters Saurabh Chaudhary (16), Shardul Vihan (15), Anish Bhanwala (15) and Manu Bhaker (16), the first question is this: can they win India a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games?&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian athletics arena has never promised so much. Hima, nicknamed the 'Dhing Express’, holds the current Indian national record in 400 metres with a timing of 50.79, which she clocked at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Till 2016, the youngest of five children of a rice farmer Ronjit Das and Jonali, Hima had no intention of being an athlete. In fact, she was playing in the mud fields of her village Dhing. It was her coach Nipon Das who first took her to state championship in Guwahati, where she won a bronze without any training or proper practice.</p>

<p>Hima’s story is akin to many teenagers across India who have been deprived of proper facilities while growing up. Now that she has access to real scientific training, she is living the Olympic dream. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The story of a 15-year-old boy from Mizoram runs on similar lines. The latest Indian weightlifting sensation, Jeremy Lalrinnunga, has bigger things to achieve in less than two years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Mizo teen is being touted as the next best thing in Indian weightlifting. His recent herculean effort in the 62 kg category to help India clinch its first-ever gold medal at the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, has not just revived the dead weigh-lifting federation of our country, but has also made him a certain hope of a medal at Japan and beyond, because age is on his side. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Son of national-level boxer Lalneihtluanga, Lalrinnunga aspired to don the gloves too, but shifted to weightlifting at the tender age of eight, as the power involved in it attracted him more than any other sport.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shooting probably gives India’s sports fans most hopes of a medal. In fact, there seems to be an air of certainty around it, something not enjoyed thus far by any Indian sports squad ahead of 2020 Olympics, since the halcyon golden days of Indian hockey three decades ago, in the 1980s.</p>

<p>With the rise of teenage young guns at the recent Asian Games in Jakarta, jokes are doing the rounds that the Indian government has diluted the 1959 Arms Act and the 1962 Arms Rules, among other things, where a citizen needed to be 21 to get a gun licence.</p>

<p>Four teenage sensations --- 16-year-old Saurabh Chaudhary, 15-year-olds Shardul Vihan and Anish Bhanwala, and 16-year-old Manu Bhaker --- now have the firepower to kill their opponents to bring in gold medals for India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from child prodigy Abhinav Bindra, what has helped is the formulation of a robust junior programme by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), which has ensured a steady supply of ‘finished products’, when it comes to competing internationally in various ranges and conditions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>That is why this fabulous four were picked to train with senior shooters with an eye on Youth Olympics held in Buenos Aires recently. Meerut boy Chaudhary scripted history by winning gold in the 10m Air Pistol shooting event not just in Argentina, but before that at the Jakarta Asian Games.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Born to an engineer from the Merchant Navy and a school principal, Bhaker has always been a natural. The girl added the Commonwealth gold medal in the 10m Air Pistol to the glowing list of achievements in her relatively nascent career. Though it was a heartbreak for her at Jakarta, finishing 6th out of eight qualifiers in the final, her double gold at the ISSF Junior World Cup came good to keep her in high spirits.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vihan and Bhanwala are others in this growing list of youngsters, post-2012, led by NRAI’s system of appointing personalised coaches. For example, Bhaker herself is mentored by multiple CWG gold medallist Jaspal Rana.</p>

<p>The most critical thing now is to find ways to protect these teens from the lure of money and petty politics. Hima’s coaches are praying that their prodigy keep her level-head after the kind of reception she got on her return from Jakarta, while Bhanwala has already been under scanner for disciplinary issues.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a nation starved of sporting glory, it is important to put a tag of “handle with care” around these young prodigies. The sudden flow of money may turn these “fearless souls” into “careless waste”, if not handled properly!<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-fearless-souls-in-line-for-2020-tokyo-olympic-glory-2680687">original article</a>)</em></p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


Ask a teenager... Do you have dreams for your life? Do you believe you can achieve them? The teen in all probability will snap back, saying: “Let me follow my dreams.

Ask a teenager... Do you have dreams for your life? Do you believe you can achieve them? The teen in all probability will snap back, saying: “Let me follow my dreams. Don’t get so obsessed with what I can achieve.” The Indian Olympic dream is full of such stories. With no past glory to fall back upon, Indian society has constantly pursued any teenager who makes the headlines. This time, it is no different. The moment one talks about 18-year-old sprinter Hima Das or 15-year-old weightlifter Jeremy Lalrinnunga or shooters Saurabh Chaudhary (16), Shardul Vihan (15), Anish Bhanwala (15) and Manu Bhaker (16), the first question is this: can they win India a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games? The Indian athletics arena has never promised so much. Hima, nicknamed the 'Dhing Express’, holds the current Indian national record in 400 metres with a timing of 50.79, which she clocked at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia. Till 2016, the youngest of five children of a rice farmer Ronjit Das and Jonali, Hima had no intention of being an athlete. In fact, she was playing in the mud fields of her village Dhing. It was her coach Nipon Das who first took her to state championship in Guwahati, where she won a bronze without any training or proper practice. Hima’s story is akin to many teenagers across India who have been deprived of proper facilities while growing up. Now that she has access to real scientific training, she is living the Olympic dream. The story of a 15-year-old boy from Mizoram runs on similar lines. The latest Indian weightlifting sensation, Jeremy Lalrinnunga, has bigger things to achieve in less than two years. The Mizo teen is being touted as the next best thing in Indian weightlifting. His recent herculean effort in the 62 kg category to help India clinch its first-ever gold medal at the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, has not just revived the dead weigh-lifting federation of our country, but has also made him a certain hope of a medal at Japan and beyond, because age is on his side. Son of national-level boxer Lalneihtluanga, Lalrinnunga aspired to don the gloves too, but shifted to weightlifting at the tender age of eight, as the power involved in it attracted him more than any other sport. Shooting probably gives India’s sports fans most hopes of a medal. In fact, there seems to be an air of certainty around it, something not enjoyed thus far by any Indian sports squad ahead of 2020 Olympics, since the halcyon golden days of Indian hockey three decades ago, in the 1980s. With the rise of teenage young guns at the recent Asian Games in Jakarta, jokes are doing the rounds that the Indian government has diluted the 1959 Arms Act and the 1962 Arms Rules, among other things, where a citizen needed to be 21 to get a gun licence. Four teenage sensations --- 16-year-old Saurabh Chaudhary, 15-year-olds Shardul Vihan and Anish Bhanwala, and 16-year-old Manu Bhaker --- now have the firepower to kill their opponents to bring in gold medals for India. Apart from child prodigy Abhinav Bindra, what has helped is the formulation of a robust junior programme by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), which has ensured a steady supply of ‘finished products’, when it comes to competing internationally in various ranges and conditions. That is why this fabulous four were picked to train with senior shooters with an eye on Youth Olympics held in Buenos Aires recently. Meerut boy Chaudhary scripted history by winning gold in the 10m Air Pistol shooting event not just in Argentina, but before that at the Jakarta Asian Games. Born to an engineer from the Merchant Navy and a school principal, Bhaker has always been a natural. The girl added the Commonwealth gold medal in the 10m Air Pistol to the glowing list of achievements in her relatively nascent career. Though it was a heartbreak for her at Jakarta, finishing 6th out of eight qualifiers in the final, her double gold at the ISSF Junior World Cup came good to keep her in high spirits. Vihan and Bhanwala are others in this growing list of youngsters, post-2012, led by NRAI’s system of appointing personalised coaches. For example, Bhaker herself is mentored by multiple CWG gold medallist Jaspal Rana. The most critical thing now is to find ways to protect these teens from the lure of money and petty politics. Hima’s coaches are praying that their prodigy keep her level-head after the kind of reception she got on her return from Jakarta, while Bhanwala has already been under scanner for disciplinary issues. In a nation starved of sporting glory, it is important to put a tag of “handle with care” around these young prodigies. The sudden flow of money may turn these “fearless souls” into “careless waste”, if not handled properly! (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Fearless souls in line for 2020 Tokyo Olympic glory

<p>Sports federations have a vital role to play in an evolving Indian environment where ideologies such as sport for the masses and “Khelo India” initiatives are being vigorously promoted across all socio-economic classes. There has indeed been a long and none-too-glorious tradition of sports federations in the country singularly failing to instal a sports ethos and culture in the minds of the people.</p>

<p>There are isolated instances where individual guts and dogged determination, rather than institutionalised and sustained methods, have resulted in unprecedented glory for India both in the team and solitary sport. A Prakash Padukone did become the badminton world champion and world number one nearly four decades ago, more through sheer dint of personal effort and attitude than the efforts of any federation or sports body. The lamentable part is that recent achievers and path-breakers like the exceptional Dipa Karmakar in gymnastics, or a Sania Nehwal in badminton, have hardly meant a sporting wave across the masses. The reasons are many. And the best news is that it seems fixable.</p>

<p>The key to fixing the many glitches and generating a sporting wave, if not a tsunami, across the country, is in getting the right individuals to take over the reins of our sports federations. The honchos sitting at the heads of the federations and their band of buddies are instrumental in making sports popular among the masses and achieving international sporting acclaim. It is an imperative – the control and functioning of sports federations must be taken out of the hands of politicians and business people with vested interests and put in the hands of professional sports administrators. Once a sport is played and watched by millions of Indians across the nation, medals and money will come in. And sometimes it is the odd championship or medal which drives popularity and power. Cricket stands testimony to this.</p>

<p>India has unique sporting challenges because of the changes not only in modern sports but in our own economic and social resurgence. Many see sports as a means of livelihood, indeed a way out of poverty. Many a parent in India continues to see sports as a hobby, hardly a profession. What might these challenges be then?</p>

<p>No sport is a law unto itself. The requirement is to cooperate, collaborate, interact and integrate with new partners in the private and public domains. The imperativeness of attracting new groups and classes of the public to sports is staring us in the face. A service-oriented approach towards diverse constituents such as the government, public, national and international associations, and sponsors is a basic necessity. Funding becomes fundamental. And several new skills and orientations need to be acquired.</p>

<p>The path to redemption and sporting success is through introducing contemporary management structures once our old archaic ways have been dumped. Modern methods, which incorporate programmes tailored to a complex and dynamic Indian environment, will do the sporting trick. There are many international success, like the German football association, from which we can learn and tailor to unique Indian circumstances.</p>

<p>Exit the archaic federation volunteer-honcho. Enter the professional paid-manager. Individual skills such as marketing, event organising, fundraising, collaborating, communicating, and promoting are what the modern paid-manger in a sport typically possesses. These essential ingredients are buttressed by strategic capabilities and inter-personal skills.</p>

<p>Transparency and reporting are crucial, and modern sport management accounting and reporting systems are an absolute must. Planning, budgeting and time-tested but modern methods are what the professional manager brings. Some of our sports federations are bereft of such thorough systems and procedures either by design or because of their lack of knowledge and skills. This dynamic change requires to take place under the supervisory gaze of a well-thought-out governance structure.</p>

<p>Sports management is distinct from coaching and teaching. The perpetually acrimonious matter of team selections is a bird of an entirely different feather. But unless we get the fundamentals of sports management in place, remove the old and bring in the new professional paid-manager, the bygones of Indian sport will continue to haunt us.</p>

<p>The shackles of the age-old control and leadership structures must be broken. Only professional sports managers who are properly paid and rewarded on performance can lead this seismic change. Until professionalism is ingrained into our sports systems and administrations, neither will India become a sport-minded country nor will the Olympic medals come.<br />
<br />
<em>(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-indian-sports-need-professional-managers-not-politicians-2670852">original article</a>)</em></p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


Sports federations have a vital role to play in an evolving Indian environment where ideologies such as sport for the masses and “Khelo India” initiatives are being vigorously promoted across all socio-economic classes.

Sports federations have a vital role to play in an evolving Indian environment where ideologies such as sport for the masses and “Khelo India” initiatives are being vigorously promoted across all socio-economic classes. There has indeed been a long and none-too-glorious tradition of sports federations in the country singularly failing to instal a sports ethos and culture in the minds of the people. There are isolated instances where individual guts and dogged determination, rather than institutionalised and sustained methods, have resulted in unprecedented glory for India both in the team and solitary sport. A Prakash Padukone did become the badminton world champion and world number one nearly four decades ago, more through sheer dint of personal effort and attitude than the efforts of any federation or sports body. The lamentable part is that recent achievers and path-breakers like the exceptional Dipa Karmakar in gymnastics, or a Sania Nehwal in badminton, have hardly meant a sporting wave across the masses. The reasons are many. And the best news is that it seems fixable. The key to fixing the many glitches and generating a sporting wave, if not a tsunami, across the country, is in getting the right individuals to take over the reins of our sports federations. The honchos sitting at the heads of the federations and their band of buddies are instrumental in making sports popular among the masses and achieving international sporting acclaim. It is an imperative – the control and functioning of sports federations must be taken out of the hands of politicians and business people with vested interests and put in the hands of professional sports administrators. Once a sport is played and watched by millions of Indians across the nation, medals and money will come in. And sometimes it is the odd championship or medal which drives popularity and power. Cricket stands testimony to this. India has unique sporting challenges because of the changes not only in modern sports but in our own economic and social resurgence. Many see sports as a means of livelihood, indeed a way out of poverty. Many a parent in India continues to see sports as a hobby, hardly a profession. What might these challenges be then? No sport is a law unto itself. The requirement is to cooperate, collaborate, interact and integrate with new partners in the private and public domains. The imperativeness of attracting new groups and classes of the public to sports is staring us in the face. A service-oriented approach towards diverse constituents such as the government, public, national and international associations, and sponsors is a basic necessity. Funding becomes fundamental. And several new skills and orientations need to be acquired. The path to redemption and sporting success is through introducing contemporary management structures once our old archaic ways have been dumped. Modern methods, which incorporate programmes tailored to a complex and dynamic Indian environment, will do the sporting trick. There are many international success, like the German football association, from which we can learn and tailor to unique Indian circumstances. Exit the archaic federation volunteer-honcho. Enter the professional paid-manager. Individual skills such as marketing, event organising, fundraising, collaborating, communicating, and promoting are what the modern paid-manger in a sport typically possesses. These essential ingredients are buttressed by strategic capabilities and inter-personal skills. Transparency and reporting are crucial, and modern sport management accounting and reporting systems are an absolute must. Planning, budgeting and time-tested but modern methods are what the professional manager brings. Some of our sports federations are bereft of such thorough systems and procedures either by design or because of their lack of knowledge and skills. This dynamic change requires to take place under the supervisory gaze of a well-thought-out governance structure. Sports management is distinct from coaching and teaching. The perpetually acrimonious matter of team selections is a bird of an entirely different feather. But unless we get the fundamentals of sports management in place, remove the old and bring in the new professional paid-manager, the bygones of Indian sport will continue to haunt us. The shackles of the age-old control and leadership structures must be broken. Only professional sports managers who are properly paid and rewarded on performance can lead this seismic change. Until professionalism is ingrained into our sports systems and administrations, neither will India become a sport-minded country nor will the Olympic medals come. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Indian sports need professional managers, not politicians

<p>Renowned sports commentator Jasdev Singh passed away on Tuesday after battling a prolonged illness. He was 87.</p>

<p>Jasdev had covered nine editions of the Olympic Games from Helsinki (1968) to Melbourne (2000) and is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter.</p>

<p>He also reported from six Asian Games and several hockey World Cups.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Condoling his demise, Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore tweeted: "It is with deep sadness that I note the demise of Jasdev Singh, one of our finest commentators.</p>

<p>"A veteran of Akashvani and DD National, he covered nine Olympics, six Asian Games and countless Independence Day and Republic Day broadcasts. His demise is truly the end of an era," he said.</p>

<p>Jasdev Singh also gave running commentary on the Republic Day parades for 48 long years from 1963.</p>


Renowned sports commentator Jasdev Singh passed away on Tuesday after battling a prolonged illness. He was 87. Jasdev had covered nine editions of the Olympic Games from Helsinki (1968) to Melbourne (2000) and is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter.

Renowned sports commentator Jasdev Singh passed away on Tuesday after battling a prolonged illness. He was 87. Jasdev had covered nine editions of the Olympic Games from Helsinki (1968) to Melbourne (2000) and is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter. He also reported from six Asian Games and several hockey World Cups. Condoling his demise, Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore tweeted: "It is with deep sadness that I note the demise of Jasdev Singh, one of our finest commentators. "A veteran of Akashvani and DD National, he covered nine Olympics, six Asian Games and countless Independence Day and Republic Day broadcasts. His demise is truly the end of an era," he said. Jasdev Singh also gave running commentary on the Republic Day parades for 48 long years from 1963.

Renowned Sports commentator Jasdev Singh passes away 

<p>The annual Forbes list of highest-paid athletes reveals that for the first since its inception no female sports stars have made their cut in the list. Last year, Serena Williams, who was the only female athlete to make the 2017 list, fell out of the top 100 for 2018 after missing much of the year to give birth to her first child, Alexis.</p>

<p>Forbes' earnings figures include all prize money, salaries and bonuses earned between June 1, 2017, and June 1, 2018. Endorsement incomes for the same period are then added on.</p>

<p>It is a very sad truth that women-oriented sports does not attract the sponsors and advertisers. Women sports person don't earn as much as their male counterparts.</p>

<p>There is no evidence that boys are more athletically-inclined than girls. It's about the perception and mindset of common people that has led to a reduction in girls overall interest in sports.</p>

<p>There are other factors also, like lack of opportunity and encouragement and majorly disparity in income between men and women athletes. The disparity in the wage rate is one of the reasons for this "testosterone-heavy" Forbes list of highest paid athletes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Serena's exit from the list is also throwing light on the female athletes who fail to return to their game after giving birth.</p>

<p><em>Here are some incidents that will throw lights on gender discrimination in sports:</em></p>

<p>1- Recently, prize money disparity between men and women cricketers was at the display when player Mithali Raj got $250 as a prize money for being the player of the match at the Women’s Asia Cup T20.</p>

<p>2- The lastest payscale of BCCI, in which the wages parity is beyond comparison. Grade C men players to receive INR 1 cr each and grade C women players to receive INR 10 lacs each.</p>

<p>3- When it comes to sports, income disparity is not limited to the Indian context, a few months back, 59-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova revealed that she was paid at least 10-times less than her fellow Wimbledon pundit John McEnroe by BBC for their broadcasting roles at Wimbledon.</p>

<p>She accused the British broadcaster when they published the salaries of their highest-paid stars last July, in brackets of £50,000.</p>

<p>After analysing the salary brackets, she realised that her fellow presenter McEnroe's pay packet was between £150,000 and £199,999 which was comparatively more than her.</p>

<p>Not only that women athletes have been facing other issues which are far more consequential than income disparity, for example, the recent case when US gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar was charged with sexual abuse of some elite female gymnasts. He assaulted victims during treatment for injuries.</p>

<p>In today's scenario, it is important to end this anti-women culture in sports because sports&nbsp;can act as a catalyst to amplify women's voices against gender barriers and discrimination.</p>


Serena Williams was the only woman on the list last year

The annual Forbes list of highest-paid athletes reveals that for the first since its inception no female sports stars have made their cut in the list. Last year, Serena Williams, who was the only female athlete to make the 2017 list, fell out of the top 100 for 2018 after missing much of the year to give birth to her first child, Alexis. Forbes' earnings figures include all prize money, salaries and bonuses earned between June 1, 2017, and June 1, 2018. Endorsement incomes for the same period are then added on. It is a very sad truth that women-oriented sports does not attract the sponsors and advertisers. Women sports person don't earn as much as their male counterparts. There is no evidence that boys are more athletically-inclined than girls. It's about the perception and mindset of common people that has led to a reduction in girls overall interest in sports. There are other factors also, like lack of opportunity and encouragement and majorly disparity in income between men and women athletes. The disparity in the wage rate is one of the reasons for this "testosterone-heavy" Forbes list of highest paid athletes. Serena's exit from the list is also throwing light on the female athletes who fail to return to their game after giving birth. Here are some incidents that will throw lights on gender discrimination in sports: 1- Recently, prize money disparity between men and women cricketers was at the display when player Mithali Raj got $250 as a prize money for being the player of the match at the Women’s Asia Cup T20. 2- The lastest payscale of BCCI, in which the wages parity is beyond comparison. Grade C men players to receive INR 1 cr each and grade C women players to receive INR 10 lacs each. 3- When it comes to sports, income disparity is not limited to the Indian context, a few months back, 59-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova revealed that she was paid at least 10-times less than her fellow Wimbledon pundit John McEnroe by BBC for their broadcasting roles at Wimbledon. She accused the British broadcaster when they published the salaries of their highest-paid stars last July, in brackets of £50,000. After analysing the salary brackets, she realised that her fellow presenter McEnroe's pay packet was between £150,000 and £199,999 which was comparatively more than her. Not only that women athletes have been facing other issues which are far more consequential than income disparity, for example, the recent case when US gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar was charged with sexual abuse of some elite female gymnasts. He assaulted victims during treatment for injuries. In today's scenario, it is important to end this anti-women culture in sports because sports can act as a catalyst to amplify women's voices against gender barriers and discrimination.

World's highest-paid athletes: Not 1 woman on the list. Here's why

<p>David Moyes has left West Ham following the end of his short-term contract, the Premier League club announced on Wednesday.</p>

<p>The 55-year-old former Everton and Manchester United boss arrived at London Stadium in November, with the sole objective of ensuring the Hammers' top-flight status, which he achieved.</p>

<p>"I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to David Moyes and his staff for achieving the target of keeping West Ham United in the Premier League," said joint-chairman David Sullivan.</p>

<p>"When David and his team arrived, it was the wish of both parties that the focus be only on the six months until the end of the season, at which point a decision would be made with regards to the future," he added.</p>

<p>"Having taken stock of the situation and reflected now the campaign is complete, we feel that it is right to move in a different direction."</p>

<p>Sullivan said the club, who finished 13th in the Premier League, aims to appoint a "high-calibre" successor within the next 10 days.</p>


David Moyes has left West Ham following the end of his short-term contract, the Premier League club announced on Wednesday

David Moyes has left West Ham following the end of his short-term contract, the Premier League club announced on Wednesday. The 55-year-old former Everton and Manchester United boss arrived at London Stadium in November, with the sole objective of ensuring the Hammers' top-flight status, which he achieved. "I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to David Moyes and his staff for achieving the target of keeping West Ham United in the Premier League," said joint-chairman David Sullivan. "When David and his team arrived, it was the wish of both parties that the focus be only on the six months until the end of the season, at which point a decision would be made with regards to the future," he added. "Having taken stock of the situation and reflected now the campaign is complete, we feel that it is right to move in a different direction." Sullivan said the club, who finished 13th in the Premier League, aims to appoint a "high-calibre" successor within the next 10 days.

David Moyes leaves West Ham, club seek 'high-calibre' successor

<h2>WION's pick of the week</h2>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics:-champions-manchester-city-celebrate-with-epl-trophy-135146#photo-135140">Champions Manchester City lift EPL trophy</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="Manchester City (8)_0.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/Manchester%20City%20(8)_0.jpg" width="770" /></p>

<p title="Opinion: MS Dhoni's return to form is major takeaway from IPL 2018"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/opinion-ms-dhonis-return-to-form-is-major-takeaway-from-ipl-2018-134604">Opinion: MS Dhoni's return to form is major takeaway from IPL 2018</a></strong></p>

<p title="IPL players who deserve a chance in Indian Cricket Team "><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-players-who-deserve-a-chance-in-indian-cricket-team--134966">IPL players who deserve a chance in Indian Cricket Team</a></strong></p>

<p title="Manchester City players show how NOT to celebrate after winning EPL"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-players-show-how-not-to-celebrate-after-winning-epl-135231">Manchester City players show how NOT to celebrate after winning EPL</a></strong></p>

<p>When the mid-fielder Yaya Toure arrived on the stage to collect the trophy, his fellow teammates jumped on him and a blooper happened</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My favorite video from yesterday's presentation. City players drop the PL trophy and react as if someone dropped a bomb. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MCFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MCFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/NYhegUdPJm">pic.twitter.com/NYhegUdPJm</a></p>
— Adil (@adilkhalil_) <a href="https://twitter.com/adilkhalil_/status/993334268700045317?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/turkey-football-fan-banned-from-stadium-rents-crane-to-watch-game-133692">Watch: Ban can't deter this Turkey football fan, rents crane to watch </a></strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/turkey-football-fan-banned-from-stadium-rents-crane-to-watch-game-133692"><strong>game</strong></a></p>

<p>A football fan banned from the Denizli Atatürk Stadium in Denizli, Turkey rented a crane to watch a match<br />
<br />
<strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/el-clasico-not-so-classic-list-of-incidents-where-referee-got-it-wrong-135194">'El Clasico' not so classic: Other times the referee got it wrong</a></strong></p>

<p>The Barcelona-Real clash Sunday night saw 28 fouls, one grabbing of the neck, one red card, and eight yellows</p>

<hr />
<hr />
<h2>IPL 2018</h2>

<p title="Watch: Another fan breaches security to meet MS Dhoni, touches feet"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-another-fan-breaches-security-to-meet-ms-dhoni-touches-feet-134946">Watch: Another fan breaches security to meet MS Dhoni, touches feet</a></strong></p>

<p>MS Dhoni's fans and followers never fail to show their love and affection and recently an incident happened that will prove that fans' love for MSD is unconditional</p>

<p><img alt="ms dhoni.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/ms%20dhoni.jpg" width="720" /></p>

<p title="IPL 2018: Lasith Malinga given ultimatum to leave IPL and return home "><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-lasith-malinga-given-ultimatum-to-leave-ipl-and-return-home--134257">IPL 2018: Lasith Malinga given ultimatum to leave IPL and return home</a></strong></p>

<p>The pacer stated that he would not be returning to the island until the end of the IPL 2018</p>

<p title="IPL 2018: Big-money players disappoint with small performances"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-big-money-players-disappoint-with-small-performances-134212">IPL 2018: Big-money players disappoint with small performances</a></strong></p>

<p>Several players have not stood up to their billing this season</p>

<p title="IPL 2018: Like football, IPL gets mid-season transfer window"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-like-football-ipl-gets-mid-season-transfer-window-133839">IPL 2018: Like football, IPL gets mid-season transfer window</a></strong></p>

<p>The transfer window allows teams from different leagues to buy and sell players</p>

<p title="Watch: Dhoni, Ambati Rayudu's comical run-out during Chennai vs Delhi clash
"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-dhoni-ambati-rayudus-comical-run-out-during-chennai-vs-delhi-clash-134018">Watch: Dhoni, Ambati Rayudu's comical run-out during Chennai vs Delhi clash</a> </strong></p>

<hr />
<hr />
<h2>FIFA 2018</h2>

<h2><img alt="fifa 2018 Russia_0.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/fifa%202018%20Russia_0.jpg" width="770" /></h2>

<p title="FIFA 2018 | Schedule, venue, timings, participating countries, squad list"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2018--schedule-venue-timings-participating-countries-squad-list-134023">FIFA 2018 | Schedule, venue, timings, participating countries, squad list</a></strong></p>

<p>All you need to know about FIFA World Cup 2018</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/hands-up-for-your-colors-represent-your-country-raise-your-flag-says-the-anthem-of-fifa-2018-133851">'Hands up for your </a></strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/hands-up-for-your-colors-represent-your-country-raise-your-flag-says-the-anthem-of-fifa-2018-133851"><strong>colours</strong></a><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/hands-up-for-your-colors-represent-your-country-raise-your-flag-says-the-anthem-of-fifa-2018-133851">... raise your flag,' says FIFA 2018 anthem</a></strong></p>

<p>The song 'Colors' is written by an American singer-songwriter, Jason Derulo. The song is serving the purpose of anthem for FIFA 2018</p>

<hr />
<hr />
<h2>Football</h2>

<p title="Gerard Pique asked Barca staff members to give guard of honour as Real Madrid snubbed"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/gerard-pique-asked-barca-staff-members-to-give-guard-of-honour-as-real-madrid-snubbed-135216">Gerard Pique asked Barca staff members to give </a></strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/gerard-pique-asked-barca-staff-members-to-give-guard-of-honour-as-real-madrid-snubbed-135216"><strong>guard</strong></a><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/gerard-pique-asked-barca-staff-members-to-give-guard-of-honour-as-real-madrid-snubbed-135216"> of </a></strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/gerard-pique-asked-barca-staff-members-to-give-guard-of-honour-as-real-madrid-snubbed-135216"><strong>honour</strong></a><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/gerard-pique-asked-barca-staff-members-to-give-guard-of-honour-as-real-madrid-snubbed-135216"> as Real Madrid snubbed</a></strong></p>

<p>Recently, Zinedine Zidane said that Real Madrid will not give La Liga champions Barcelona a guard of honour when the sides meet in El Clasico</p>

<p><img alt="barcelona.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/barcelona.jpg" width="720" /></p>

<p title="Arsenal thrash Burnley 5-0 to win Wenger's final home game"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/arsenal-thrash-burnley-5-0-to-win-wengers-final-home-game-135092">Arsenal thrash Burnley 5-0 to win Wenger's final home game</a></strong></p>

<p>Arsene&nbsp;Wenger received&nbsp;the kind of tribute he would have wanted in his final home game after 22 years in charge</p>

<p title="El Clasico: Real Madrid, Barcelona tie ends in ill-tempered draw"><img alt="el classico.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/el%20classico.jpg" width="720" /></p>

<p title="El Clasico: Real Madrid, Barcelona tie ends in ill-tempered draw"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/clasico-real-madrid-barcelona-tie-ends-in-ill-tempered-draw-135039">El Clasico: Real Madrid, Barcelona tie ends in </a></strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/clasico-real-madrid-barcelona-tie-ends-in-ill-tempered-draw-135039"><strong>ill-tempered</strong></a><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/clasico-real-madrid-barcelona-tie-ends-in-ill-tempered-draw-135039"> draw</a></strong></p>

<p>Suarez appeared to have fouled Raphael Varane in the build-up to Messi's goal and the Uruguayan forward had a goal ruled out for offside three minutes later</p>

<p title="Diego Simeone calls on UEFA to change away-goals rule"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/diego-simeone-calls-on-uefa-to-change-away-goals-rule-134835">Diego Simeone calls on UEFA to change away-goals rule</a></strong></p>

<p>Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has called on UEFA to change the away-goals rule, suggesting sides playing the second leg away have an unfair advantage under current regulations</p>

<p title="Steven Gerrard named manager of Scottish club Rangers"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/steven-gerrard-named-manager-of-scottish-club-rangers-134685">Steven Gerrard named manager of Scottish club Rangers</a></strong></p>

<p>Scottish club Rangers named former Liverpool and England midfielder&nbsp;Steven&nbsp;Gerrard as their manager on a four-year deal</p>

<p><img alt="StevenGerrard_0.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/StevenGerrard_0.jpg" width="720" /></p>

<p title="Europa League: Wenger denied final flourish as Atletico Madrid's Costa outlasts Arsenal"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/europa-league-wenger-denied-final-flourish-as-atletico-madrids-costa-outlasts-arsenal-134491">Europa League: Wenger denied final flourish as Atletico Madrid's Costa outlasts Arsenal</a></strong></p>

<p>Atletico victory was sweeter as coach Diego Simeone sat out the match after being banned for his rant</p>

<p title="Champions League: Real Madrid beat Bayern Munich to reach final for third year in a row"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-real-madrid-beat-munich-to-reach-final-for-third-year-in-a-row-134109">Champions League: Real Madrid beat Bayern Munich to reach final for </a></strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-real-madrid-beat-munich-to-reach-final-for-third-year-in-a-row-134109"><strong>third</strong></a><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-real-madrid-beat-munich-to-reach-final-for-third-year-in-a-row-134109"> year in a row</a></strong></p>

<p>Real Madrid will meet either Liverpool or AS Roma in the final in Kiev on May 26</p>

<p title="Champions League: Liverpool edge out AS Roma, to meet Real Madrid in final"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-liverpool-edge-out-as-roma-to-meet-real-madrid-in-final-134295">Champions League: Liverpool edge out AS Roma, to meet Real Madrid in final</a></strong></p>

<p>Liverpool last won the coverted trophy in 2005 and made it to the finals in 2007</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9w-fJDLrPFo" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/salah-voted-englands-footballer-of-the-year-134003">Mohamed Salah voted England's Footballer of the Year</a></strong></p>

<hr />
<hr />
<h2>Cricket</h2>

<p title="Replace Rohit Sharma with KL Rahul as opener in Indian Cricket team, demand fans "><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/replace-rohit-sharma-with-kl-rahul-as-opener-in-indian-cricket-team-demand-fans--135204">Replace Rohit Sharma with KL Rahul as </a></strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/replace-rohit-sharma-with-kl-rahul-as-opener-in-indian-cricket-team-demand-fans--135204"><strong>opener</strong></a><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/replace-rohit-sharma-with-kl-rahul-as-opener-in-indian-cricket-team-demand-fans--135204"> in Indian Cricket team, demand fans</a></strong></p>

<p title="Shreyas Iyer to replace Virat Kohli for India-Afghanistan Test 
"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/shreyas-iyer-to-replace-virat-kohli-for-india-afghanistan-test--135213">Shreyas Iyer to replace Virat Kohli for India-Afghanistan Test</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/worried-about-banned-steve-smith-david-warner-and-cameron-bancroft-darren-lehmann-135003">Worried about banned Smith, Warner </a></strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/worried-about-banned-steve-smith-david-warner-and-cameron-bancroft-darren-lehmann-135003"><strong>and</strong></a><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/worried-about-banned-steve-smith-david-warner-and-cameron-bancroft-darren-lehmann-135003"> Cameron: Darren Lehmann</a></strong></p>

<p>Former Australian coach Darren Lehmann said that all&nbsp;three players are fantastic and have paid the price for their deeds</p>

<p><img alt="Darren Lehmann.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/Darren%20Lehmann.jpg" width="720" /></p>

<p title="Virat Kohli signs up with Surrey for county cricket ahead of India series in England"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-signs-surrey-in-english-county-ahead-of-india-series-in-england-134461">Virat Kohli signs up with Surrey for county cricket ahead of India series in England</a></strong></p>

<p>The India captain will feature in three County Championship matches and three one-day cup game</p>

<p title="Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik to represent ICC World XI in Lord's"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/hardik-pandya-dinesh-karthik-to-represent-icc-world-xi-in-lords-134407">Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik to represent ICC World XI in Lord's</a></strong></p>

<p>The ICC World XI is set to take place on May 31st in Lord's stadium, London</p>

<p title="Justin Langer to be new coach of Australia"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/justin-langer-to-be-new-coach-of-australia-134298">Justin Langer to be </a></strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/justin-langer-to-be-new-coach-of-australia-134298"><strong>new</strong></a><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/justin-langer-to-be-new-coach-of-australia-134298"> coach of Australia</a></strong></p>

<p>Langer's first coaching test will begin next month when Australia takes on England at home in an ODI series next month.</p>

<p title="India consolidate top spot in ICC Test team rankings"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-consolidate-top-spot-in-icc-test-team-rankings-133983">India consolidate top spot in ICC Test team rankings</a></strong></p>

<p>In the ICC's annual update, the series results from 2014-15 are removed and outcomes from the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons are weighted at 50 percent</p>

<hr />
<hr />
<h2>Others</h2>

<p title="Petra Kvitova beat Mihaela Buzarnescu to win first Prague title"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/petra-kvitova-beat-mihaela-buzarnescu-to-win-first-prague-title-134841">Petra Kvitova beat Mihaela Buzarnescu to win first Prague title</a></strong></p>

<p>Petra Kvitova won her third title of the year as she fought back from a set down to beat Romanian Mihaela Buzarnescu 4-6 6-2 6-3 in the Prague Open</p>

<p><img alt="Petra Kvitova (2).jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/Petra%20Kvitova%20(2).jpg" width="720" /></p>

<p title="Formula One approves aerodynamic rule changes for 2019"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-approves-aerodynamic-rule-changes-for-2019-133996">Formula One approves aerodynamic rule changes for 2019</a></strong></p>

<p>The measures include a simplified front wing with a larger span, front brake ducts without winglets and a wider and deeper rear wing</p>

<hr />
<hr />
<p>&nbsp;</p>


Weekly compilation of sports and other related news (April 30 to May 6)

WION's pick of the week Champions Manchester City lift EPL trophy Opinion: MS Dhoni's return to form is major takeaway from IPL 2018 IPL players who deserve a chance in Indian Cricket Team Manchester City players show how NOT to celebrate after winning EPL When the mid-fielder Yaya Toure arrived on the stage to collect the trophy, his fellow teammates jumped on him and a blooper happened My favorite video from yesterday's presentation. City players drop the PL trophy and react as if someone dropped a bomb. #MCFC pic.twitter.com/NYhegUdPJm — Adil (@adilkhalil_) May 7, 2018 × Watch: Ban can't deter this Turkey football fan, rents crane to watch game A football fan banned from the Denizli Atatürk Stadium in Denizli, Turkey rented a crane to watch a match 'El Clasico' not so classic: Other times the referee got it wrong The Barcelona-Real clash Sunday night saw 28 fouls, one grabbing of the neck, one red card, and eight yellows IPL 2018 Watch: Another fan breaches security to meet MS Dhoni, touches feet MS Dhoni's fans and followers never fail to show their love and affection and recently an incident happened that will prove that fans' love for MSD is unconditional IPL 2018: Lasith Malinga given ultimatum to leave IPL and return home The pacer stated that he would not be returning to the island until the end of the IPL 2018 IPL 2018: Big-money players disappoint with small performances Several players have not stood up to their billing this season IPL 2018: Like football, IPL gets mid-season transfer window The transfer window allows teams from different leagues to buy and sell players Watch: Dhoni, Ambati Rayudu's comical run-out during Chennai vs Delhi clash FIFA 2018 FIFA 2018 | Schedule, venue, timings, participating countries, squad list All you need to know about FIFA World Cup 2018 'Hands up for your colours... raise your flag,' says FIFA 2018 anthem The song 'Colors' is written by an American singer-songwriter, Jason Derulo. The song is serving the purpose of anthem for FIFA 2018 Football Gerard Pique asked Barca staff members to give guard of honour as Real Madrid snubbed Recently, Zinedine Zidane said that Real Madrid will not give La Liga champions Barcelona a guard of honour when the sides meet in El Clasico Arsenal thrash Burnley 5-0 to win Wenger's final home game Arsene Wenger received the kind of tribute he would have wanted in his final home game after 22 years in charge El Clasico: Real Madrid, Barcelona tie ends in ill-tempered draw Suarez appeared to have fouled Raphael Varane in the build-up to Messi's goal and the Uruguayan forward had a goal ruled out for offside three minutes later Diego Simeone calls on UEFA to change away-goals rule Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has called on UEFA to change the away-goals rule, suggesting sides playing the second leg away have an unfair advantage under current regulations Steven Gerrard named manager of Scottish club Rangers Scottish club Rangers named former Liverpool and England midfielder Steven Gerrard as their manager on a four-year deal Europa League: Wenger denied final flourish as Atletico Madrid's Costa outlasts Arsenal Atletico victory was sweeter as coach Diego Simeone sat out the match after being banned for his rant Champions League: Real Madrid beat Bayern Munich to reach final for third year in a row Real Madrid will meet either Liverpool or AS Roma in the final in Kiev on May 26 Champions League: Liverpool edge out AS Roma, to meet Real Madrid in final Liverpool last won the coverted trophy in 2005 and made it to the finals in 2007 × Mohamed Salah voted England's Footballer of the Year Cricket Replace Rohit Sharma with KL Rahul as opener in Indian Cricket team, demand fans Shreyas Iyer to replace Virat Kohli for India-Afghanistan Test Worried about banned Smith, Warner and Cameron: Darren Lehmann Former Australian coach Darren Lehmann said that all three players are fantastic and have paid the price for their deeds Virat Kohli signs up with Surrey for county cricket ahead of India series in England The India captain will feature in three County Championship matches and three one-day cup game Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik to represent ICC World XI in Lord's The ICC World XI is set to take place on May 31st in Lord's stadium, London Justin Langer to be new coach of Australia Langer's first coaching test will begin next month when Australia takes on England at home in an ODI series next month. India consolidate top spot in ICC Test team rankings In the ICC's annual update, the series results from 2014-15 are removed and outcomes from the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons are weighted at 50 percent Others Petra Kvitova beat Mihaela Buzarnescu to win first Prague title Petra Kvitova won her third title of the year as she fought back from a set down to beat Romanian Mihaela Buzarnescu 4-6 6-2 6-3 in the Prague Open Formula One approves aerodynamic rule changes for 2019 The measures include a simplified front wing with a larger span, front brake ducts without winglets and a wider and deeper rear wing

WION Sports News: Top sports results this week

<p>Kolkata have moved up on the IPL league's table after registering a comfortable win against then table-toppers Chennai.&nbsp</p>

<p>Young cricket talent Shubham Gill and skipper Dinesh Karthik dominated the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led Chennai while chasing a target of 176.&nbsp</p>

<p>Dinesh Karthik played a skipper's knock and scored 45 runs off 18 balls to earn two crucial points for the team and led from the front to take his team to the victory side.</p>

<p>After receiving the "Man of the Match" for his splendid innings, Dinesh Karthik went to meet a very special fan to share his winning moments.&nbsp</p>

<p>Karthik met a wheelchair-bound young man Harshul Goenka who has cerebral palsy. Harshul is a die-hard fan of Kolkata team and does not miss a single match.</p>

<p>He usually accompanied by his mother Rajani and watches all the matches of Kolkata which are scheduled to take place at Kolkata's home ground, Eden Garden stadium.&nbsp</p>

<p>Co-owner of Kolkata and Bollywood's leading actor Shah Rukh Khan once surprised Harshul by spending time with him.</p>

<p>Shah Rukh also ensures that tickets are sent to Harshul so that he never misses out on a single match.</p>

<p>​​​​​​<em>Watch the video here:</em></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKolkataKnightRiders%2Fvideos%2F10156364143869490%2F&show_text=0&width=560" style="border:noneoverflow:hidden" width="560"></iframe></div>
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<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Skipper <a href="https://twitter.com/DineshKarthik?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DineshKarthik</a> shares a moment with <a href="https://twitter.com/harshulgoenka1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@harshulgoenka1</a>, our Special KnightRider! ?<br />
<br />
#KKRHaiTaiyaar#KorboLorboJeetbo <a href="https://t.co/cngGEexYpM">pic.twitter.com/cngGEexYpM</a></p>
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKRiders/status/992109698743595010?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Kolkata have played nine matches so far and out of which they have won five. With ten points, team Kolkata is currently sitting at third places of the points table.</p>


Dinesh Karthik played a skipper's knock and scored 45 runs off 18 balls to earn two crucial points for the team

Kolkata have moved up on the IPL league's table after registering a comfortable win against then table-toppers Chennai. Young cricket talent Shubham Gill and skipper Dinesh Karthik dominated the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led Chennai while chasing a target of 176. Dinesh Karthik played a skipper's knock and scored 45 runs off 18 balls to earn two crucial points for the team and led from the front to take his team to the victory side. After receiving the "Man of the Match" for his splendid innings, Dinesh Karthik went to meet a very special fan to share his winning moments. Karthik met a wheelchair-bound young man Harshul Goenka who has cerebral palsy. Harshul is a die-hard fan of Kolkata team and does not miss a single match. He usually accompanied by his mother Rajani and watches all the matches of Kolkata which are scheduled to take place at Kolkata's home ground, Eden Garden stadium. Co-owner of Kolkata and Bollywood's leading actor Shah Rukh Khan once surprised Harshul by spending time with him. Shah Rukh also ensures that tickets are sent to Harshul so that he never misses out on a single match. Watch the video here: × Skipper @DineshKarthik shares a moment with @harshulgoenka1, our Special KnightRider! ? #KKRHaiTaiyaar#KorboLorboJeetbo pic.twitter.com/cngGEexYpM — KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) May 3, 2018 × Kolkata have played nine matches so far and out of which they have won five. With ten points, team Kolkata is currently sitting at third places of the points table.

Kolkata skipper Dinesh Karthik meets his 'special fan'

<p>Anirban Lahiri had a disastrous finish as he dropped four shots in closing three holes to end at 5-over 76 on the opening day of Wells Fargo golf tournament here.&nbsp</p>

<p>The ordinary meant he will need a very low second round to ensure he stays on for the weekend. Lahiri, now lying T-128, continued to miss short putts. On Thursday, he missed at least four putts inside six and a half feet and a few others between 10-15 feet.</p>

<p>Lahiri bogeyed the second and eighth hole and dropped another shot on 11th as he was 3-over through the first 12 holes. Birdies on 13th from 21 feet and 15th from 11 feet seemed to have salvaged the round.&nbsp</p>

<p>And then came the last three as he bogeyed 16th when he missed a five-footer par putt and then on and 17th he missed an 11-footer for par. On Par-4 18th, he had a tough shot from the bunker and went beyond. Then he missed a six-footer for bogey and ended with a double.</p>

<p>John Peterson, 29, made back-to-back eagles on Par-5 seventh and Par-4 eighth and added three more birdies on back nine for a splendid 6-under 65. He bogeyed the fifth. Peterson has declared that he will walk away from golf if he doesn't earn enough money to keep his card in three events.</p>

<p>Tiger Woods returned to Quail Hollow after a six-year absence and shot a modest 71, that pegged him at T-34th. Woods had back-to-back birdies on the holes where Peterson made his eagles, getting him to 1 under. But he hit a poor wedge that led to bogey on the par-5 10th. He had a birdie on the par-5 15th, only to give back that shot with a three-putt bogey from 15 feet on No. 16.</p>

<p>Peterson holed a bunker shot from just under 60 feet on the par-5 seventh and then holed a 56-degree wedge from 107 yards in the fairway for eagle on the next hole, the par-4 eighth.</p>

<p>Peterson has never led after any round in 89 starts on the PGA TOUR. He has declared that he wants to win the Wells Fargo Championship or the two tournaments he has left. Because of surgery on his left hand two years ago, Peterson started the year needing to make $375,165 in eight tournaments to keep his card.&nbsp</p>

<p>Five events later, he still needs $318,096. He has two starts remaining at the FedEx St. Jude Classic and Travelers Championship.</p>

<p>In case he does not make his card, Peterson is ready to get into real estate development with friends in Texas and give up pro golf.</p>

<p>Johnson Wagner, a member at Quail Hollow, also had back-to-back eagles when he drove the green on the par-4 14th to 6 feet, and then hit the green on the par-5 15th hole and made a 45-foot putt. He is in a group of five at 67 that included Tyrrell Hatton.</p>

<p>Rory McIlroy, a two-time winner at Wells Fargo, was among 10 players at 68. Paul Casey and Jason Day were among seven players at 69.</p>


Anirban Lahiri had a disastrous finish as he dropped four shots in closing three holes to end at 5-over 76 on the opening day of Wells Fargo golf tournament

Anirban Lahiri had a disastrous finish as he dropped four shots in closing three holes to end at 5-over 76 on the opening day of Wells Fargo golf tournament here. The ordinary meant he will need a very low second round to ensure he stays on for the weekend. Lahiri, now lying T-128, continued to miss short putts. On Thursday, he missed at least four putts inside six and a half feet and a few others between 10-15 feet. Lahiri bogeyed the second and eighth hole and dropped another shot on 11th as he was 3-over through the first 12 holes. Birdies on 13th from 21 feet and 15th from 11 feet seemed to have salvaged the round. And then came the last three as he bogeyed 16th when he missed a five-footer par putt and then on and 17th he missed an 11-footer for par. On Par-4 18th, he had a tough shot from the bunker and went beyond. Then he missed a six-footer for bogey and ended with a double. John Peterson, 29, made back-to-back eagles on Par-5 seventh and Par-4 eighth and added three more birdies on back nine for a splendid 6-under 65. He bogeyed the fifth. Peterson has declared that he will walk away from golf if he doesn't earn enough money to keep his card in three events. Tiger Woods returned to Quail Hollow after a six-year absence and shot a modest 71, that pegged him at T-34th. Woods had back-to-back birdies on the holes where Peterson made his eagles, getting him to 1 under. But he hit a poor wedge that led to bogey on the par-5 10th. He had a birdie on the par-5 15th, only to give back that shot with a three-putt bogey from 15 feet on No. 16. Peterson holed a bunker shot from just under 60 feet on the par-5 seventh and then holed a 56-degree wedge from 107 yards in the fairway for eagle on the next hole, the par-4 eighth. Peterson has never led after any round in 89 starts on the PGA TOUR. He has declared that he wants to win the Wells Fargo Championship or the two tournaments he has left. Because of surgery on his left hand two years ago, Peterson started the year needing to make $375,165 in eight tournaments to keep his card. Five events later, he still needs $318,096. He has two starts remaining at the FedEx St. Jude Classic and Travelers Championship. In case he does not make his card, Peterson is ready to get into real estate development with friends in Texas and give up pro golf. Johnson Wagner, a member at Quail Hollow, also had back-to-back eagles when he drove the green on the par-4 14th to 6 feet, and then hit the green on the par-5 15th hole and made a 45-foot putt. He is in a group of five at 67 that included Tyrrell Hatton. Rory McIlroy, a two-time winner at Wells Fargo, was among 10 players at 68. Paul Casey and Jason Day were among seven players at 69.

Anirban Lahiri disappoints; modest start for Tiger Woods

<p>Tennis&nbspfaces "very significant" integrity problems caused by the sharp increase in internet betting, an independent report concluded in its interim finding on Wednesday with one investigator describing it as a "tsunami" at its lower levels.</p>

<p>The Interim Report of the Independent Review of Integrity said its two-year investigation had not revealed widespread corruption at the highest levels of the professional game globally although "there is nonetheless evidence of some issues at these levels".</p>

<p>The Review was commissioned by the sport's major bodies (the ATP, WTA, ITF and Grand Slam Board) in 2016 following a report by the BBC and BuzzFeed News which claimed 16 players ranked in the world's top 50 had been flagged to the&nbspTennis&nbspIntegrity Unit (TIU) over suspicions that matches had been thrown.</p>

<p>However, the panel chairman, Adam Lewis, said: "Match-fixing is unlikely at the level of grand slam. All the indicators are clear the problem is low."</p>

<p>Among the report's recommendations are&nbspa greater monitoring of the lower levels of the game, with one investigator saying there is a "tsunami" of problems, plus a review of appearance fees and the ranking system.</p>

<p>The report also called for greater education among players, the elimination of gambling sponsorships, changes to integrity rules and for the TIU to be beefed up and be truly independent.</p>

<p>"The integrity problems are greatest where prize money relative to costs, prospects of advancement, pubic interest and attention, and financial resources of tournaments are lowest," it said.</p>

<p>Tennis&nbspoperates under a pyramid system with young players competing in Futures and then Challenger tournaments of increasing value under the main tour.</p>

<p>The panel said the advent of online betting and the sale of official live scoring date have greatly exacerbated the problem and recommends that the ITF ends its data sale agreement at $15,000 Futures events, and probably at other ones as well.</p>

<p>The report dates many of the problems to the 2011 agreement between the ITF and data company Sportradar for the sale of live scoring data. A further agreement followed in 2015.</p>

<p>The panel recognised that any change in the system would financially penalise the ITF, which it said should be compensated for by the other governing authorities.</p>

<p>The report added that there are no simple solutions but called on the sport "to address and limit the betting markets that ultimately drive, and give expression to, the problem and to improve the systems of preventing and disrupting breaches of integrity, and for detecting and sanctioning them when they occur."</p>

<p><strong>Match-Fixing</strong></p>

<p>The report paints a picture of financial privation among many of the sport's 15,000 professionals, with many at the lowest level struggling to cover the costs of competing.</p>

<p>This, the report said, made betting on matches more attractive to players, many of whom admitted knowledge of match-fixing.</p>

<p>A survey of 3,200 players found that 16 percent indicated they had first-hand knowledge of players betting on matches, 11 percent knew of inside information being provided and 14.5 percent of match-fixing. Of these, 35 percent said they had knowledge of more than one instance.</p>

<p>But Lewis said that in many cases the scale of the betting was small, with players seeking the cost of a flight or with relatives, who often double as financial backers, seeking to offset costs.</p>

<p>The three-person panel took statements from 200 key stakeholders, conducted more than 100 interviews and collected more than 3,200 survey responses.</p>

<p>The panel did not look at whether any individual player breached integrity and only players who were subject to the disciplinary process are named in its report.</p>

<p>Tennis' governing bodies have committed to implementing the report's final findings after a period of consultation until the end of June. The final report will be published later this year.</p>


Tennis faces "very significant" integrity problems caused by the sharp increase in internet betting, an independent report concluded in its interim finding on Wednesday with one investigator describing it as a "tsunami" at its lower levels

Tennis&nbspfaces "very significant" integrity problems caused by the sharp increase in internet betting, an independent report concluded in its interim finding on Wednesday with one investigator describing it as a "tsunami" at its lower levels. The Interim Report of the Independent Review of Integrity said its two-year investigation had not revealed widespread corruption at the highest levels of the professional game globally although "there is nonetheless evidence of some issues at these levels". The Review was commissioned by the sport's major bodies (the ATP, WTA, ITF and Grand Slam Board) in 2016 following a report by the BBC and BuzzFeed News which claimed 16 players ranked in the world's top 50 had been flagged to the&nbspTennis&nbspIntegrity Unit (TIU) over suspicions that matches had been thrown. However, the panel chairman, Adam Lewis, said: "Match-fixing is unlikely at the level of grand slam. All the indicators are clear the problem is low." Among the report's recommendations are&nbspa greater monitoring of the lower levels of the game, with one investigator saying there is a "tsunami" of problems, plus a review of appearance fees and the ranking system. The report also called for greater education among players, the elimination of gambling sponsorships, changes to integrity rules and for the TIU to be beefed up and be truly independent. "The integrity problems are greatest where prize money relative to costs, prospects of advancement, pubic interest and attention, and financial resources of tournaments are lowest," it said. Tennis&nbspoperates under a pyramid system with young players competing in Futures and then Challenger tournaments of increasing value under the main tour. The panel said the advent of online betting and the sale of official live scoring date have greatly exacerbated the problem and recommends that the ITF ends its data sale agreement at $15,000 Futures events, and probably at other ones as well. The report dates many of the problems to the 2011 agreement between the ITF and data company Sportradar for the sale of live scoring data. A further agreement followed in 2015. The panel recognised that any change in the system would financially penalise the ITF, which it said should be compensated for by the other governing authorities. The report added that there are no simple solutions but called on the sport "to address and limit the betting markets that ultimately drive, and give expression to, the problem and to improve the systems of preventing and disrupting breaches of integrity, and for detecting and sanctioning them when they occur." Match-Fixing The report paints a picture of financial privation among many of the sport's 15,000 professionals, with many at the lowest level struggling to cover the costs of competing. This, the report said, made betting on matches more attractive to players, many of whom admitted knowledge of match-fixing. A survey of 3,200 players found that 16 percent indicated they had first-hand knowledge of players betting on matches, 11 percent knew of inside information being provided and 14.5 percent of match-fixing. Of these, 35 percent said they had knowledge of more than one instance. But Lewis said that in many cases the scale of the betting was small, with players seeking the cost of a flight or with relatives, who often double as financial backers, seeking to offset costs. The three-person panel took statements from 200 key stakeholders, conducted more than 100 interviews and collected more than 3,200 survey responses. The panel did not look at whether any individual player breached integrity and only players who were subject to the disciplinary process are named in its report. Tennis' governing bodies have committed to implementing the report's final findings after a period of consultation until the end of June. The final report will be published later this year.

Tennis has 'significant' integrity problems, says report

<p>There used to be the regular advertisement on TV a few years back, which says it all. In this advertisement, umpire rules Sachin out and then a line is flashed ‘one raised finger can break a billion hearts’.</p>

<p>As the great man turns 45 today, I fondly recall that how true that advertisement was. For years together (or say decades), the umpire’s raised finger ruling Tendulkar out was no less than a national calamity for the Indians. This one raised finger had the power to turn a noisy billion people into the utter quiet.</p>

<p>Shane Warne has described this phenomenon in his book quite nicely “the only thing which Tendulkar knows for the past 20 years is pressure. The pressure of expectations of a billion people”.</p>

<p>When I walk down to memory lane while recalling my idol, I go back to 1986-87, when I first heard of Sachin. It was ‘Eyecatcher’ column of ‘India Today’ after his record-breaking monumental partnership with Vinod Kambli in school Cricket.</p>

<p>Then I recall his swashbuckling ton in Irani trophy during the first week of Nov. 89 just before the team for the tour to Pakistan was announced. With this century 16 years old Tendulkar made it clear that he was all set for the national duty and he was picked for the series in Pakistan.</p>

<p>The journey which started in 1989, continued for 24 years and by the time he hanged his boot in 2013, Tendulkar had become an enigma, a legend beyond any heights and imagination.</p>

<p>Numbers has its own tales to narrate about the little master – that Tendulkar is the only man the planet to play 200 Test matches – that Tendulkar is the only man to score 100 international centuries – that Tendulkar played in record six edition of World Cups – that Tendulkar scored more Test and ODI runs than anybody else in the history – and many many more.</p>

<p>But trust me that these numbers are meaningless if the man in contention is Sachin Tendulkar. His greatness was way beyond these numbers and these numbers are just icing on the cake</p>

<p>All through his career, he was the epitome of dedication, discipline and his pure willpower. He would know that how to rise to the occasion when the situation was adverse.</p>

<p>I remember that during that tour to Australia in 2003-04, Sachin was having a problem playing away going deliveries and he was nicking the ball while trying to play the cover drive. And guess what he did in the last match at Sydney. He simply did not play a single cover drive, which actually is bread and butter for a batsman. He went on to score magnificent 241 not out in the first innings and scored 60 not out in second innings.</p>

<p>He always realised that he meant for the nation. In 2003 World Cup, India put up a poor show in first two matches. There was serious outrage back home in India. Tendulkar realized that and he himself assured the nation that team would not let the fans down.</p>

<p><strong>He kept his words</strong></p>

<p>India played outstanding Cricket from third game onward with Sachin being the leading scorer at the top of the order. India won eight games in a row before losing to Australia in the final. Tendulkar who was the overall top run-getter in the World Cup scored one century and five half-centuries during the tournament.</p>

<p>Tendulkar had guts to take the tough call. In 2000, when he was not even 27 years of age, he realised that captaincy was not his cup of tea he gave that up. He played for last 13 years as a player. He played under Dhoni, who was just eight years old when Tendulkar made his debut in 1989. But you ask Dhoni and he would tell you that Tendulkar never threw his weight on Dhoni. He was as dedicated a solder as a newcomer under Dhoni.</p>

<p>That was his class actually. People were awestruck to see how he used to toil on the net even in last year of his career. Even after scoring 15000 international runs, Tendulkar would run between the wickets as if a debutant his running for his first run or for his first century.</p>

<p>Tendulkar commanded all round respect from the fraternity. Opponent knew that how fatal Tendulkar could be. In a World Cup match against Pakistan in 2003, a difficult catch was dropped by a Pakistani fielder. Wasim Akram was livid. He told the fielder "do you know who have you just dropped he will not give you second chance”. Akram was spot on Tendulkar scored 98 in just 75 balls and sealed the match.</p>

<p>As the great man turned 45 today, we bow in sheer respect.</p>

<p>Would sum this up with a famous quote of Australian batsman Matthew Hayden about Sachin “I have seen the god. He bats at number four for India”.</p>

<p>Happy Birthday God!!!</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


The journey which started in 1989, continued for 24 years and by the time he hanged his boot in 2013, Tendulkar had become an enigma, a legend beyond any heights and imagination

There used to be the regular advertisement on TV a few years back, which says it all. In this advertisement, umpire rules Sachin out and then a line is flashed ‘one raised finger can break a billion hearts’. As the great man turns 45 today, I fondly recall that how true that advertisement was. For years together (or say decades), the umpire’s raised finger ruling Tendulkar out was no less than a national calamity for the Indians. This one raised finger had the power to turn a noisy billion people into the utter quiet. Shane Warne has described this phenomenon in his book quite nicely “the only thing which Tendulkar knows for the past 20 years is pressure. The pressure of expectations of a billion people”. When I walk down to memory lane while recalling my idol, I go back to 1986-87, when I first heard of Sachin. It was ‘Eyecatcher’ column of ‘India Today’ after his record-breaking monumental partnership with Vinod Kambli in school Cricket. Then I recall his swashbuckling ton in Irani trophy during the first week of Nov. 89 just before the team for the tour to Pakistan was announced. With this century 16 years old Tendulkar made it clear that he was all set for the national duty and he was picked for the series in Pakistan. The journey which started in 1989, continued for 24 years and by the time he hanged his boot in 2013, Tendulkar had become an enigma, a legend beyond any heights and imagination. Numbers has its own tales to narrate about the little master – that Tendulkar is the only man the planet to play 200 Test matches – that Tendulkar is the only man to score 100 international centuries – that Tendulkar played in record six edition of World Cups – that Tendulkar scored more Test and ODI runs than anybody else in the history – and many many more. But trust me that these numbers are meaningless if the man in contention is Sachin Tendulkar. His greatness was way beyond these numbers and these numbers are just icing on the cake All through his career, he was the epitome of dedication, discipline and his pure willpower. He would know that how to rise to the occasion when the situation was adverse. I remember that during that tour to Australia in 2003-04, Sachin was having a problem playing away going deliveries and he was nicking the ball while trying to play the cover drive. And guess what he did in the last match at Sydney. He simply did not play a single cover drive, which actually is bread and butter for a batsman. He went on to score magnificent 241 not out in the first innings and scored 60 not out in second innings. He always realised that he meant for the nation. In 2003 World Cup, India put up a poor show in first two matches. There was serious outrage back home in India. Tendulkar realized that and he himself assured the nation that team would not let the fans down. He kept his words India played outstanding Cricket from third game onward with Sachin being the leading scorer at the top of the order. India won eight games in a row before losing to Australia in the final. Tendulkar who was the overall top run-getter in the World Cup scored one century and five half-centuries during the tournament. Tendulkar had guts to take the tough call. In 2000, when he was not even 27 years of age, he realised that captaincy was not his cup of tea he gave that up. He played for last 13 years as a player. He played under Dhoni, who was just eight years old when Tendulkar made his debut in 1989. But you ask Dhoni and he would tell you that Tendulkar never threw his weight on Dhoni. He was as dedicated a solder as a newcomer under Dhoni. That was his class actually. People were awestruck to see how he used to toil on the net even in last year of his career. Even after scoring 15000 international runs, Tendulkar would run between the wickets as if a debutant his running for his first run or for his first century. Tendulkar commanded all round respect from the fraternity. Opponent knew that how fatal Tendulkar could be. In a World Cup match against Pakistan in 2003, a difficult catch was dropped by a Pakistani fielder. Wasim Akram was livid. He told the fielder "do you know who have you just dropped he will not give you second chance”. Akram was spot on Tendulkar scored 98 in just 75 balls and sealed the match. As the great man turned 45 today, we bow in sheer respect. Would sum this up with a famous quote of Australian batsman Matthew Hayden about Sachin “I have seen the god. He bats at number four for India”. Happy Birthday God!!! (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Blog: If cricket is a religion, then Sachin is its god

<p>In the game of Cricket, few knocks are so big in the magnificence that they become an epic to narrate to the future generations. Let's take a look at few of such heroics - Kapil's 175 in the 1983 World Cup, Laxman's 281 against Australia in 2001 Kolkata Test, Dravid double century in Adelaide Test in 2003.</p>

<p>Our master blaster Sachin Tendulkar played two such back to back knocks, exactly 20 years back in Sharjah against Australia during an ODI triangular series. These were two whirlwind centuries, first on 22nd April 1998 and other on 24th April 1998.</p>

<p>Those two knocks were destructive, alluring, spectator's delight and they comprehensively decimated Australians. They became immortal and till date considered as two of best ever ODI knocks.</p>

<p>It was an ODI triangular series between India, Australia and New Zealand in Sharjah during April 1998. On 22nd April 1998, last league match was played between India and Australia. By then Australia had already qualified for the final. India on other hand had a task in hand to surpass New Zealand on the net run rate in the final match to reach final.</p>

<p>Australia batted first and scored a mammoth 284 runs in 50 overs. India had to score a minimum 254 runs in the second innings to beat New Zealand on run rate. In response, India struggled and lost four wickets by 29th over and the score was 138. VVS Laxman joined Tendulkar after the fall of 4th wicket. At this moment, the match was interrupted by a dust-storm. India's innings was shortened by four overs and India’s target became even more stringent.</p>

<p>But then Tendulkar unleashed himself. Once match resumed after the dust-storm, Tendulkar started smashing each of the Australians bowlers. India qualified for the final. The dominance of Tendulkar's knock can be gauged from the fact that he scored 143 out of the team's total of 250 and Nayan Mongia with 35 was the second highest scorer for India.</p>

<p>Two days later on 24th April 1998, final was played between India and Australia. Australia batted first and scored 272 runs. India started the chase and Tendulkar resumed his onslaught. He scored a swashbuckling 134 and India chased the total with immaculate ease.</p>

<p>Here it is also important to know a bit of few other events proceeding April 1998. Tendulkar replaced Azhar as Indian captain in 1996. He was the heir apparent for years before he got the baton from Azhar in 1996. Sachin's success as captain, however, was rather tepid. India lost the Test series in South Africa and in West Indies.</p>

<p>Tendulkar was sacked from the captaincy towards the end of 1997. Tendulkar was taken aback he was disappointed.</p>

<p>Years later Tendulkar confessed his disappointment unequivocally in his biographical film Sachin: A Billion Dreams. Sachin was hurt, pained and all that was vented out through his bat during 1998. Moreover, he was free from the pressure of captaincy.</p>

<p>Coming back to April 1998 in Sharjah. It was ruthless hitting at Sharjah by Tendulkar. The important thing was that Tendulkar scored those centuries with the strike rate of more than 100 but he wasn’t really slogging. He was hitting 4s and 6s via genuinely brilliant cricketing shots. The memorable thing is that how Tony Grieg was going bonkers in the commentary box every time Tendulkar dispatched ball over the rope.</p>

<p>1998 was actually the best year of Sachin’s career. The whole world was in awe of him during that year and those two knocks were icing on the cake.</p>

<p>There are interesting anecdotes endorsing the cult status during that period.</p>

<p>Great Australian bowler, Dennis Lillee told something very interesting about that carnage at Sharjah. Australian fast bowler Michael Kasprowicz went to the great Lillee for some tips to get Tendulkar out early in the innings. Lillee told him point-blank "Dude, the kind of form Tendulkar is in, you shouldn’t even think of getting him out. All you can afford is to plan to control the deluge of runs a bit".</p>

<p>A few years later in an interview, Indian coach during 1998 Anshuman Gaikwad spoke about Tendulkar in 1998. He said that during the last league match on 22nd April when there was the interruption in the match due to sand-storm Gaikwad disappointing sensing an inevitable ouster of his team from the tournament. Sachin went over to Gaikwad and said, "Don’t worry coach. Let the game resumed. For sure I am going to pull this one for the side".</p>

<p>So Tendulkar has not only scoring runs, he also knew that he was going to score them. That was the level of his self-confidence.</p>

<p>20 years have gone past since that desert-storm called Sachin at Sharjah, but class act of great man enthrals fans like me even today.</p>

<p><em>Watch the video here:</em></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sachin Tendulkar- <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DesertStrom?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DesertStrom</a>?️ 143 v <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Aus?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Aus</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sharjah?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sharjah</a> 22nd April 1998?? *Pure Gold* One of The Greatest. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SachinTendulkar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SachinTendulkar</a> & Tony Grieg Commentary. The little man has hit the big fella for Six! He's half his size!<br />
Whadda Player, Whadda Wonderful Player <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sachin_rt</a><br />
CC- Fox Sports <a href="https://t.co/lMrCxmf1SO">pic.twitter.com/lMrCxmf1SO</a></p>
— Sachin Tendulkar ?? FC (@CrickeTendulkar) <a href="https://twitter.com/CrickeTendulkar/status/987888726226464769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar played two such back to back knocks, exactly 20 years back in Sharjah against Australia during an ODI triangular series. These were two whirlwind centuries, first on 22nd April 1998 and other on 24th April 1998.

In the game of Cricket, few knocks are so big in the magnificence that they become an epic to narrate to the future generations. Let's take a look at few of such heroics - Kapil's 175 in the 1983 World Cup, Laxman's 281 against Australia in 2001 Kolkata Test, Dravid double century in Adelaide Test in 2003. Our master blaster Sachin Tendulkar played two such back to back knocks, exactly 20 years back in Sharjah against Australia during an ODI triangular series. These were two whirlwind centuries, first on 22nd April 1998 and other on 24th April 1998. Those two knocks were destructive, alluring, spectator's delight and they comprehensively decimated Australians. They became immortal and till date considered as two of best ever ODI knocks. It was an ODI triangular series between India, Australia and New Zealand in Sharjah during April 1998. On 22nd April 1998, last league match was played between India and Australia. By then Australia had already qualified for the final. India on other hand had a task in hand to surpass New Zealand on the net run rate in the final match to reach final. Australia batted first and scored a mammoth 284 runs in 50 overs. India had to score a minimum 254 runs in the second innings to beat New Zealand on run rate. In response, India struggled and lost four wickets by 29th over and the score was 138. VVS Laxman joined Tendulkar after the fall of 4th wicket. At this moment, the match was interrupted by a dust-storm. India's innings was shortened by four overs and India’s target became even more stringent. But then Tendulkar unleashed himself. Once match resumed after the dust-storm, Tendulkar started smashing each of the Australians bowlers. India qualified for the final. The dominance of Tendulkar's knock can be gauged from the fact that he scored 143 out of the team's total of 250 and Nayan Mongia with 35 was the second highest scorer for India. Two days later on 24th April 1998, final was played between India and Australia. Australia batted first and scored 272 runs. India started the chase and Tendulkar resumed his onslaught. He scored a swashbuckling 134 and India chased the total with immaculate ease. Here it is also important to know a bit of few other events proceeding April 1998. Tendulkar replaced Azhar as Indian captain in 1996. He was the heir apparent for years before he got the baton from Azhar in 1996. Sachin's success as captain, however, was rather tepid. India lost the Test series in South Africa and in West Indies. Tendulkar was sacked from the captaincy towards the end of 1997. Tendulkar was taken aback he was disappointed. Years later Tendulkar confessed his disappointment unequivocally in his biographical film Sachin: A Billion Dreams. Sachin was hurt, pained and all that was vented out through his bat during 1998. Moreover, he was free from the pressure of captaincy. Coming back to April 1998 in Sharjah. It was ruthless hitting at Sharjah by Tendulkar. The important thing was that Tendulkar scored those centuries with the strike rate of more than 100 but he wasn’t really slogging. He was hitting 4s and 6s via genuinely brilliant cricketing shots. The memorable thing is that how Tony Grieg was going bonkers in the commentary box every time Tendulkar dispatched ball over the rope. 1998 was actually the best year of Sachin’s career. The whole world was in awe of him during that year and those two knocks were icing on the cake. There are interesting anecdotes endorsing the cult status during that period. Great Australian bowler, Dennis Lillee told something very interesting about that carnage at Sharjah. Australian fast bowler Michael Kasprowicz went to the great Lillee for some tips to get Tendulkar out early in the innings. Lillee told him point-blank "Dude, the kind of form Tendulkar is in, you shouldn’t even think of getting him out. All you can afford is to plan to control the deluge of runs a bit". A few years later in an interview, Indian coach during 1998 Anshuman Gaikwad spoke about Tendulkar in 1998. He said that during the last league match on 22nd April when there was the interruption in the match due to sand-storm Gaikwad disappointing sensing an inevitable ouster of his team from the tournament. Sachin went over to Gaikwad and said, "Don’t worry coach. Let the game resumed. For sure I am going to pull this one for the side". So Tendulkar has not only scoring runs, he also knew that he was going to score them. That was the level of his self-confidence. 20 years have gone past since that desert-storm called Sachin at Sharjah, but class act of great man enthrals fans like me even today. Watch the video here: Sachin Tendulkar- #DesertStrom?️ 143 v #Aus #Sharjah 22nd April 1998?? *Pure Gold* One of The Greatest. #SachinTendulkar & Tony Grieg Commentary. The little man has hit the big fella for Six! He's half his size! Whadda Player, Whadda Wonderful Player @sachin_rt CC- Fox Sports pic.twitter.com/lMrCxmf1SO — Sachin Tendulkar ?? FC (@CrickeTendulkar) April 22, 2018 × (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Relive the Master Blaster's two master knocks against the Aussies 20 years ago

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hasan Ali being Hasan Ali during the flag-lowering ceremony at the Wagah border <a href="https://t.co/sQuiwthVLb">pic.twitter.com/sQuiwthVLb</a></p>
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNcricinfo/status/987701265651126276?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Passing by a game of cricket while driving, <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sachin_rt</a>'s friends dared him to get out and face a few balls.<br />
<br />
The result: a few lucky ones ended up having the night of their lives playing gully cricket with the Master.<br />
<br />
(Video courtesy: Atul Ranade) <a href="https://t.co/JG2Khrqh9g">pic.twitter.com/JG2Khrqh9g</a></p>
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNcricinfo/status/986163421572890624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">How to stop <a href="https://twitter.com/ABdeVilliers17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ABdeVilliers17</a> <a href="https://t.co/DivGdgh36Q">pic.twitter.com/DivGdgh36Q</a></p>
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Weekly compilation of sports and other related news (April 16 to April 22)

WION'S PICK OF THE WEEK Opinion: Why Arsene Wenger deserves a farewell that matches his feat at Arsenal? Watch: Preity Zinta shouts at fans during Punjab's match against Chennai in IPL, reveals truth Hasan Ali gatecrashes Wagah ceremony, faces flak from twitterati BSF to lodge protest Hasan Ali being Hasan Ali during the flag-lowering ceremony at the Wagah border pic.twitter.com/sQuiwthVLb — ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) April 21, 2018 × Watch: Bear 'performs' at soccer match, causes worldwide outrage Watch: How Antonio Conte's wife interrupts press conference Watch: Sachin Tendulkar's comeback in 'gully cricket' Passing by a game of cricket while driving, @sachin_rt's friends dared him to get out and face a few balls. The result: a few lucky ones ended up having the night of their lives playing gully cricket with the Master. (Video courtesy: Atul Ranade) pic.twitter.com/JG2Khrqh9g — ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) April 17, 2018 × IPL 2018 Happy birthday IPL: 2008 to 2018 Pollard seeks advice from media to outdo Mumbai's current form IPL 2018: Watch, DJ Bravo impresses again with his dance moves Opinion: Curious case of Bangalore and IPL IPL 2018: Hardik Pandya apologises to Mumbai teammate Ishan Kishan Why IPL superstar Gayle is world's most valuable T20 player IPL 2018: How to stop AB De Villiers from scoring, reveals Ben Stokes How to stop @ABdeVilliers17 pic.twitter.com/DivGdgh36Q — Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) April 21, 2018 × FOOTBALL Manchester City win EPL. Start of a dynasty? How Pep Guardiola's signings turned Manchester City from nearly men into champions Throwback: This is what Lionel Messi did 11 years ago for FC Barcelona Ibrahimovic says he is going to World Cup but won't say if he will play Arsene Wenger to step down as Arsenal manager Salomon Rondon's 88th-minute goal helps West Brom to draw against Liverpool Barcelona thrash Sevilla to win King's Cup for record 30th time FC Barcelona: Star kids add cuteness to King's Cup FC Barcelona: Star kids add cuteness to King's Cup Alexandre Lacazette shines in concluding minutes as Arsenal thrash West Ham Fans did not give image of unity, that was hurtful: Arsene Wenger OTHERS Commonwealth Games: India's champion shooters speak to WION Blog: Virat Kohli is new leading run-scorer in IPL, surpasses Raina Not insulted, I sat on the ground on my own: CWG gold medallist Manu Bhaker BCCI should come under RTI, recommends Law Commission of India Minor tweaks to team culture needed for Australia: Tim Paine, Australia's test captain Coach to be named 'in coming weeks': Cricket Australia Cricket Australia blooper: Banned Steve Smith, David Warner still on official Twitter handle 'Informed Ganguly about Greg Chappell's mail to BCCI,' reveals Sehwag Petra Kvitova outplays Kerber to send Czechs into Fed Cup final In pics: Meet the next Australia cricket coach possible contenders Yuvraj Singh to retire after 2019 World Cup?

<p>SS Napoli defeated Juventus in a dramatic fashion as Kalidou Koulibaly scored with a header in the 89th minute and stunned Serie A leaders Juventus on Sunday at Allianz Arena, Munich.</p>

<p>When the match started, players from both the team had red stripes on their cheek. Not only Juventus and Napoli players, but this trend was actively promoted this weekend by all Serie A players.</p>

<p>When the players entered the field with red marks on their face then the fans and spectators were surprised but after some time, the commentators revealed that it is a part of a social media campaign to create awareness against violence to women.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The players are sporting red marks on their face in support of a campaign against domestic violence<br />
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?? <a href="https://twitter.com/SerieA_TIM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SerieA_TIM</a> <a href="https://t.co/aH6DrKQeWG">pic.twitter.com/aH6DrKQeWG</a></p>
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<p>The players were expressing solidarity with victims of domestic abuse.</p>

<p>We World Onlus, a humanitarian organisation teamed up with Serie A players to promote the campaign worldwide. So far, the campaign has been very successful in reaching worldwide audiences.</p>

<p>Also, the players should be applauded for taking part&nbspand encouraging the campaign even in the crucial matches.</p>


Seria A teams took part in a social media campaign to create awareness against violence to women

SS Napoli defeated Juventus in a dramatic fashion as Kalidou Koulibaly scored with a header in the 89th minute and stunned Serie A leaders Juventus on Sunday at Allianz Arena, Munich. When the match started, players from both the team had red stripes on their cheek. Not only Juventus and Napoli players, but this trend was actively promoted this weekend by all Serie A players. When the players entered the field with red marks on their face then the fans and spectators were surprised but after some time, the commentators revealed that it is a part of a social media campaign to create awareness against violence to women. The players are sporting red marks on their face in support of a campaign against domestic violence ?? @SerieA_TIM pic.twitter.com/aH6DrKQeWG — Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) April 22, 2018 × The players were expressing solidarity with victims of domestic abuse. We World Onlus, a humanitarian organisation teamed up with Serie A players to promote the campaign worldwide. So far, the campaign has been very successful in reaching worldwide audiences. Also, the players should be applauded for taking part&nbspand encouraging the campaign even in the crucial matches.

Here is why Buffon, Dybala and other players were playing with red mark on their cheeks

<p>A flash of attacking brilliance from Olivier Giroud and an emphatic header from substitute Alvaro Morata earned&nbspChelsea&nbspa 2-0 win over struggling Southampton at Wembley on Sunday and an FA Cup final date with Manchester United next month.</p>

<p>Giroud muscled and dribbled past three defenders and flailing keeper Alex McCarthy seconds into the second half to poke the ball home from a pass by the ever-busy Eden Hazard.</p>

<p>"I love to play here (Wembley) and I have been unbeaten here so hopefully for the final we are going to keep it up," Giroud, whose Arsenal side beat&nbspChelsea&nbspin the final last year, told BT sport.</p>

<p>Morata, who came on for Giroud, made it two in the 82nd minute, nodding Cesar Azpilicueta's cross into the net.</p>

<p>Relegation-threatened Southampton were outplayed for most of the match but defended manfully during a dour first half, during which&nbspChelsea&nbspforward Willian hit the crossbar.</p>

<p>The Saints were forced to move out of their half after Giroud's goal and came close to equalising in the 72nd minute when&nbspChelsea&nbspkeeper Willy Caballero's save kept out Nathan Redmond's rasping shot.</p>

<p>They also had a possible goal not given when Charlie Austin was judged to have fouled the keeper. Austin then hit the post in the dying minutes of the game.</p>

<p>Chelsea&nbspwill meet Jose Mourinho's United at Wembley on May 19 after the Manchester side beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in the first semi-final on Saturday.</p>

<p>The clash will have added spice because of the tension between former&nbspChelsea&nbspboss Mourinho and current coach Antonio Conte.</p>

<p>Hazard, who has played under both managers, said: "We gave everything, we played very good football especially in the second half and controlled the game.</p>

<p>"Now we go to the final and for the championship (Premier League) again and then we can think about the final against Manchester United."</p>

<p>Chelsea&nbspare fifth in the league but Hazard said they had not given up hope of making the top four and getting a Champions League spot as well as winning the FA Cup.</p>


Chelsea will meet Jose Mourinho's United at Wembley on May 19 in the finals of FA Cup

A flash of attacking brilliance from Olivier Giroud and an emphatic header from substitute Alvaro Morata earned&nbspChelsea&nbspa 2-0 win over struggling Southampton at Wembley on Sunday and an FA Cup final date with Manchester United next month. Giroud muscled and dribbled past three defenders and flailing keeper Alex McCarthy seconds into the second half to poke the ball home from a pass by the ever-busy Eden Hazard. "I love to play here (Wembley) and I have been unbeaten here so hopefully for the final we are going to keep it up," Giroud, whose Arsenal side beat&nbspChelsea&nbspin the final last year, told BT sport. Morata, who came on for Giroud, made it two in the 82nd minute, nodding Cesar Azpilicueta's cross into the net. Relegation-threatened Southampton were outplayed for most of the match but defended manfully during a dour first half, during which&nbspChelsea&nbspforward Willian hit the crossbar. The Saints were forced to move out of their half after Giroud's goal and came close to equalising in the 72nd minute when&nbspChelsea&nbspkeeper Willy Caballero's save kept out Nathan Redmond's rasping shot. They also had a possible goal not given when Charlie Austin was judged to have fouled the keeper. Austin then hit the post in the dying minutes of the game. Chelsea&nbspwill meet Jose Mourinho's United at Wembley on May 19 after the Manchester side beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in the first semi-final on Saturday. The clash will have added spice because of the tension between former&nbspChelsea&nbspboss Mourinho and current coach Antonio Conte. Hazard, who has played under both managers, said: "We gave everything, we played very good football especially in the second half and controlled the game. "Now we go to the final and for the championship (Premier League) again and then we can think about the final against Manchester United." Chelsea&nbspare fifth in the league but Hazard said they had not given up hope of making the top four and getting a Champions League spot as well as winning the FA Cup.

FA Cup: Chelsea beat Southampton 2-0 in semi-final

<p>Chelsea coach Antonio Conte said he and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho had settled their differences ahead of next month's FA Cup final between the two clubs.</p>

<p>Conte, who won the title with Chelsea last season, and Mourinho, the London club's most successful ever manager, have clashed on several occasions.</p>

<p>In January, Conte called Mourinho "a little man" after Mourinho made a pointed comment about match-fixing, a reference to Conte's four-month suspension for failing to report match-fixing while a manager in Italy. Conte was later cleared by an Italian court of any wrongdoing.</p>

<p>The Italian was quick to try to bury the hatchet on Sunday after Chelsea secured their place in the final on May 19 by beating Southampton 2-0 in the semi-final at Wembley.</p>

<p>"I think with Jose we have clarified the situation and that is the most important thing. There is not a problem between him and I," Conte said. "I think that this final is a game between two great teams."</p>

<p>Conte said Manchester United, who sit second in the English Premier League, would go into the final as favourites against fifth-placed Chelsea.</p>

<p>"I think this season we arrive not as favourite but as you know last season we lost the final despite being favourite against Arsenal," Conte said.</p>

<p>Southampton manager Mark Hughes said he was disappointed that referee Martin Atkinson had not chosen to use the Video Assistant Referee system when he awarded a foul after Chelsea goalkeeper Willy Caballero failed to catch a high ball which appeared to cross the line with Chelsea 1-0 up.</p>

<p>"Clearly it was a match-defining moment," Hughes said. "Why it hasn’t been referred, I have no idea."</p>


Chelsea coach Antonio Conte said he and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho had settled their differences ahead of next month's FA Cup final

Chelsea coach Antonio Conte said he and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho had settled their differences ahead of next month's FA Cup final between the two clubs. Conte, who won the title with Chelsea last season, and Mourinho, the London club's most successful ever manager, have clashed on several occasions. In January, Conte called Mourinho "a little man" after Mourinho made a pointed comment about match-fixing, a reference to Conte's four-month suspension for failing to report match-fixing while a manager in Italy. Conte was later cleared by an Italian court of any wrongdoing. The Italian was quick to try to bury the hatchet on Sunday after Chelsea secured their place in the final on May 19 by beating Southampton 2-0 in the semi-final at Wembley. "I think with Jose we have clarified the situation and that is the most important thing. There is not a problem between him and I," Conte said. "I think that this final is a game between two great teams." Conte said Manchester United, who sit second in the English Premier League, would go into the final as favourites against fifth-placed Chelsea. "I think this season we arrive not as favourite but as you know last season we lost the final despite being favourite against Arsenal," Conte said. Southampton manager Mark Hughes said he was disappointed that referee Martin Atkinson had not chosen to use the Video Assistant Referee system when he awarded a foul after Chelsea goalkeeper Willy Caballero failed to catch a high ball which appeared to cross the line with Chelsea 1-0 up. "Clearly it was a match-defining moment," Hughes said. "Why it hasn’t been referred, I have no idea."

Mourinho spat is over ahead of FA Cup final, says Antonio Conte

<p>If this proves to be the first of many goodbyes for Andres Iniesta, it is a fantastic way to bow out.</p>

<p>Barcelona's captain was the man of the match on Saturday as he put on a dazzling display to help his side waltz past Sevilla in a 5-0 victory, winning the King's Cup for the fourth season in a row.</p>

<p>Iniesta will make a decision over his future next week, with the 33-year-old mulling a move to the Chinese Super League, and reports in Spain say he will end a hugely successful era at Barcelona to try his luck in the Far East.</p>

<p>The captain cried during the final minutes of the game after being taken off to rapturous applause and his name being chanted by both sets of fans.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0 padding:0 4px"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bh3j8bigadC/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">An absolute genius midfielder? Unfortunately he's out of the CL.? - Follow @worldcupessentials for more ? - ?: @433</a></p>

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<p>"This week I will make my decision public," said Iniesta. "What makes us happy are days like today. I really wanted today to go well and from the first minute, it did.</p>

<p>"It was a great night in all senses, on a team and personal level. This is a title that we love and we will try to add the league title to finish the season on a high note."</p>

<p>This was the sixth time Iniesta has lifted the King's Cup, along with eight La Liga titles, which will become nine if Barcelona do the double by earning three more points from their last five games. He has also won four Champions League trophies.</p>

<p>Against Sevilla Iniesta was at his finest, helping Barcelona exhaust their opponents by moving the ball quickly and accurately, not letting the Andalusians breathe.</p>

<p>Goalscoring is not his forte with just one in all competitions before he netted Barcelona's fourth, rounding Sevilla goalkeeper David Soria and converting from a tight angle.</p>

<p>"Andres is a spectacle," said Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde. "Watch him and enjoy him."</p>

<p>After the disappointment of Barcelona's Champions League quarter-final exit against AS Roma, throwing away a three-goal first leg lead, Iniesta was glad to give the fans something to smile about.</p>

<p>"The team and the fans deserve 10 out of 10. There are a lot of emotions, a lot of feelings and a lot of moods. I am happy, happy we can show our best and for the title.</p>

<p>"Although we're all thinking about the game in Rome, the fans deserved this."</p>


Iniesta will make a decision over his future next week, with the 33-year-old mulling a move to the Chinese Super League

If this proves to be the first of many goodbyes for Andres Iniesta, it is a fantastic way to bow out. Barcelona's captain was the man of the match on Saturday as he put on a dazzling display to help his side waltz past Sevilla in a 5-0 victory, winning the King's Cup for the fourth season in a row. Iniesta will make a decision over his future next week, with the 33-year-old mulling a move to the Chinese Super League, and reports in Spain say he will end a hugely successful era at Barcelona to try his luck in the Far East. The captain cried during the final minutes of the game after being taken off to rapturous applause and his name being chanted by both sets of fans. An absolute genius midfielder? Unfortunately he's out of the CL.? - Follow @worldcupessentials for more ? - ?: @433 A post shared by World Cup - Essentials (@worldcupessentials) on Apr 22, 2018 at 2:44am PDT × "This week I will make my decision public," said Iniesta. "What makes us happy are days like today. I really wanted today to go well and from the first minute, it did. "It was a great night in all senses, on a team and personal level. This is a title that we love and we will try to add the league title to finish the season on a high note." This was the sixth time Iniesta has lifted the King's Cup, along with eight La Liga titles, which will become nine if Barcelona do the double by earning three more points from their last five games. He has also won four Champions League trophies. Against Sevilla Iniesta was at his finest, helping Barcelona exhaust their opponents by moving the ball quickly and accurately, not letting the Andalusians breathe. Goalscoring is not his forte with just one in all competitions before he netted Barcelona's fourth, rounding Sevilla goalkeeper David Soria and converting from a tight angle. "Andres is a spectacle," said Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde. "Watch him and enjoy him." After the disappointment of Barcelona's Champions League quarter-final exit against AS Roma, throwing away a three-goal first leg lead, Iniesta was glad to give the fans something to smile about. "The team and the fans deserve 10 out of 10. There are a lot of emotions, a lot of feelings and a lot of moods. I am happy, happy we can show our best and for the title. "Although we're all thinking about the game in Rome, the fans deserved this."

Iniesta shines brighter than ever with big decision looming

<p>Unstoppable duo Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi helped Barcelona thrash Sevilla 5-0 to win the King's Cup final for the fourth consecutive season on Saturday as they close in on a likely domestic double.</p>

<p>Luis Suarez struck twice in the first half for the Catalans as they won the competition for a record 30th time. However, it was Iniesta and Messi who pulled all the strings as the La Liga leaders blew away Vincenzo Montella's stunned side.</p>

<p>Philippe Coutinho set up Suarez for the opening goal in the 14th minute and Barcelona dominated the rest of the game. The result goes some way to make up for their humiliating Champions League quarter-final elimination by AS Roma earlier in April.</p>

<p>Messi slammed home the second after good work from Jordi Alba with Suarez adding another, before Iniesta netted from a tight angle. Coutinho added a fifth from the penalty spot to complete the rout.</p>

<p>"This doesn't cover up what happened in Rome but it's an important title," said Suarez.</p>

<p>"At the start of the season we would have taken this, there's huge merit to it.</p>

<p>"It's strange to be knocked out of the Champions League, we gave the impression that we could go far in it."</p>

<p>Both Barcelona and Sevilla fans sang Iniesta's name when he was substituted in the final stages, with the chants echoing around the Wanda Metropolitano stadium until after the final whistle.</p>

<p>The veteran midfielder is considering a move to the Chinese Super League and this could be his last cup final for Barcelona - and he made sure it was one to remember.</p>

<p>"Barcelona had a formidable game and when they are like that it's hard to stop them," said Montella.</p>

<p>"They have formidable players like Iniesta, Messi, Suarez.</p>

<p>"I'm very sorry to the fans who were fantastic today. We are not in our best form, we have to react."</p>

<p>With Iniesta leading the way, Barca came flying out of the blocks and moved ahead after a long ball from goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen found Coutinho deep in opposition territory and he set up Suarez.</p>

<p>Sevilla rallied but after a couple of half-chances Barcelona doubled their lead when Iniesta sent Alba flying down the left. The Spaniard backheeled the ball into Messi's path and the Argentine fired in.</p>

<p>Messi then created the third for Suarez with a sublime through-ball and the fourth for Iniesta, whose goal will be a special moment to take with him if he does depart.</p>

<p>Coutinho's penalty after Clement Lenglet handled the ball in the area helped Ernesto Valverde's side finish emphatically and they were soon able to celebrate with the cup which had their name on it from the start - and recently always seems to.</p>


Luis Suarez struck twice in the first half for the Catalans as they won the competition

Unstoppable duo Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi helped Barcelona thrash Sevilla 5-0 to win the King's Cup final for the fourth consecutive season on Saturday as they close in on a likely domestic double. Luis Suarez struck twice in the first half for the Catalans as they won the competition for a record 30th time. However, it was Iniesta and Messi who pulled all the strings as the La Liga leaders blew away Vincenzo Montella's stunned side. Philippe Coutinho set up Suarez for the opening goal in the 14th minute and Barcelona dominated the rest of the game. The result goes some way to make up for their humiliating Champions League quarter-final elimination by AS Roma earlier in April. Messi slammed home the second after good work from Jordi Alba with Suarez adding another, before Iniesta netted from a tight angle. Coutinho added a fifth from the penalty spot to complete the rout. "This doesn't cover up what happened in Rome but it's an important title," said Suarez. "At the start of the season we would have taken this, there's huge merit to it. "It's strange to be knocked out of the Champions League, we gave the impression that we could go far in it." Both Barcelona and Sevilla fans sang Iniesta's name when he was substituted in the final stages, with the chants echoing around the Wanda Metropolitano stadium until after the final whistle. The veteran midfielder is considering a move to the Chinese Super League and this could be his last cup final for Barcelona - and he made sure it was one to remember. "Barcelona had a formidable game and when they are like that it's hard to stop them," said Montella. "They have formidable players like Iniesta, Messi, Suarez. "I'm very sorry to the fans who were fantastic today. We are not in our best form, we have to react." With Iniesta leading the way, Barca came flying out of the blocks and moved ahead after a long ball from goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen found Coutinho deep in opposition territory and he set up Suarez. Sevilla rallied but after a couple of half-chances Barcelona doubled their lead when Iniesta sent Alba flying down the left. The Spaniard backheeled the ball into Messi's path and the Argentine fired in. Messi then created the third for Suarez with a sublime through-ball and the fourth for Iniesta, whose goal will be a special moment to take with him if he does depart. Coutinho's penalty after Clement Lenglet handled the ball in the area helped Ernesto Valverde's side finish emphatically and they were soon able to celebrate with the cup which had their name on it from the start - and recently always seems to.

Barcelona thrash Sevilla to win King's Cup for record 30th time

<p>Salomon Rondon completed a remarkable West Bromwich Albion comeback from two goals down against Liverpool although the hard-won point from a 2-2 draw at the Hawthorns on Saturday will probably only delay their relegation.</p>

<p>The visitors appeared to have half an eye on Tuesday's Champions League semi-final against AS Roma but still established a comfortable lead through Danny Ings and Mo Salah.</p>

<p>Ings's goal after just four minutes was his first in the Premier League since October 2015. The striker should have had a second soon afterwards and probably been awarded a penalty after being bundled over by Craig Dawson.</p>

<p>With Salah notching up his 31st of the season to equal Luis Suarez's club record for goals in a season, Liverpool appeared to have done enough to take the points.</p>

<p>Albion's caretaker manager Darren Moore has, however, injected resilience into his side and, with Liverpool's defence suddenly displaying their early-season sloppiness, Jake Livermore scrambled a goal from a corner after 79 minutes to give Albion hope.</p>

<p>The equaliser followed another set-piece late on when Chris Brunt delivered a perfect freekick into the area for Rondon to head home.</p>

<p>Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp, who had rested five players going into the game, complained that the pitch was too dry. "It makes a massive difference," said a visibly downbeat Klopp, whose team are still not guaranteed a top-four finish.</p>

<p>Klopp complained they did not get the "right decisions" on the penalty and the foul from Joe Gomez that led to Rondon's goal.</p>

<p>Albion's Livermore accepted that relegation remained almost inevitable with the bottom-of-the-table team eight points off survival with three games to play. "All we can do is keep fighting," he said.</p>

<p>His teammate Ahmed Hegazi may face retrospective action from the FA after television cameras clearly caught him punching Ings after a tackle.</p>


Salomon Rondon completed a remarkable West Bromwich Albion comeback from two goals down against Liverpool

Salomon Rondon completed a remarkable West Bromwich Albion comeback from two goals down against Liverpool although the hard-won point from a 2-2 draw at the Hawthorns on Saturday will probably only delay their relegation. The visitors appeared to have half an eye on Tuesday's Champions League semi-final against AS Roma but still established a comfortable lead through Danny Ings and Mo Salah. Ings's goal after just four minutes was his first in the Premier League since October 2015. The striker should have had a second soon afterwards and probably been awarded a penalty after being bundled over by Craig Dawson. With Salah notching up his 31st of the season to equal Luis Suarez's club record for goals in a season, Liverpool appeared to have done enough to take the points. Albion's caretaker manager Darren Moore has, however, injected resilience into his side and, with Liverpool's defence suddenly displaying their early-season sloppiness, Jake Livermore scrambled a goal from a corner after 79 minutes to give Albion hope. The equaliser followed another set-piece late on when Chris Brunt delivered a perfect freekick into the area for Rondon to head home. Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp, who had rested five players going into the game, complained that the pitch was too dry. "It makes a massive difference," said a visibly downbeat Klopp, whose team are still not guaranteed a top-four finish. Klopp complained they did not get the "right decisions" on the penalty and the foul from Joe Gomez that led to Rondon's goal. Albion's Livermore accepted that relegation remained almost inevitable with the bottom-of-the-table team eight points off survival with three games to play. "All we can do is keep fighting," he said. His teammate Ahmed Hegazi may face retrospective action from the FA after television cameras clearly caught him punching Ings after a tackle.

Salomon Rondon's 88th-minute goal helps West Brom to draw against Liverpool

<p>Former Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to outgoing Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, describing the long-serving Frenchman as "one of the greatest Premier League managers".</p>

<p>Wenger announced on Friday that he would leave Arsenal at the end of the season, bringing an end to his near 22-year reign at the north London club.</p>

<p>Tributes to Wenger poured in from all quarters, but Ferguson's words are particularly poignant given the longstanding rivalry between the two men who often clashed before the Scot retired in 2013.</p>

<p>"I am really happy for Arsene Wenger. I have great respect for him and for the job he has done at Arsenal," Ferguson said in a statement on United's website.</p>

<p>"It is great testament to his talent, professionalism and determination that he has been able to dedicate 22 years of his life to a job that he loves.</p>

<p>"In an era where football managers sometimes only last one or two seasons, it shows what an achievement it is to serve that length of time at a club the size of Arsenal.</p>

<p>"He is, without doubt, one of the greatest Premier League managers and I am proud to have been a rival, a colleague and a friend to such a great man."</p>

<p>The 68-year-old Wenger won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups, including domestic doubles in 1998 and 2002, but bows out with Arsenal in sixth place in the Premier League ahead of Sunday's match against West Ham United.</p>

<p>Wenger's team face Spain's Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final next week.</p>


Former Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to outgoing Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, describing the long-serving Frenchman as "one of the greatest Premier League managers"

Former Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to outgoing Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, describing the long-serving Frenchman as "one of the greatest Premier League managers". Wenger announced on Friday that he would leave Arsenal at the end of the season, bringing an end to his near 22-year reign at the north London club. Tributes to Wenger poured in from all quarters, but Ferguson's words are particularly poignant given the longstanding rivalry between the two men who often clashed before the Scot retired in 2013. "I am really happy for Arsene Wenger. I have great respect for him and for the job he has done at Arsenal," Ferguson said in a statement on United's website. "It is great testament to his talent, professionalism and determination that he has been able to dedicate 22 years of his life to a job that he loves. "In an era where football managers sometimes only last one or two seasons, it shows what an achievement it is to serve that length of time at a club the size of Arsenal. "He is, without doubt, one of the greatest Premier League managers and I am proud to have been a rival, a colleague and a friend to such a great man." The 68-year-old Wenger won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups, including domestic doubles in 1998 and 2002, but bows out with Arsenal in sixth place in the Premier League ahead of Sunday's match against West Ham United. Wenger's team face Spain's Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final next week.

Arsene Wenger 'one of the greatest Premier League managers', says Alex Ferguson

<p>The eleventh edition of Indian Premier League is underway and all the franchises are putting in the possible efforts to emerge as a champion.</p>

<p>The cash-rich cricket tournament has&nbsp;always been overshadowed by betting and spot-fixing. Recently, police have arrested six people who were connected to a cricket betting racket.</p>

<p>According to police, eight people have managed to escape but the search for them is on.</p>

<p>Police further mentioned the details, cash totalling Rs 1.30 lakh, two cellphones, a set-top box and a TV set were seized following a raid on a rented building last night.</p>


Cash totalling Rs 1.30 lakh, two cellphones, a set-top box and a TV set were seized

The eleventh edition of Indian Premier League is underway and all the franchises are putting in the possible efforts to emerge as a champion. The cash-rich cricket tournament has always been overshadowed by betting and spot-fixing. Recently, police have arrested six people who were connected to a cricket betting racket. According to police, eight people have managed to escape but the search for them is on. Police further mentioned the details, cash totalling Rs 1.30 lakh, two cellphones, a set-top box and a TV set were seized following a raid on a rented building last night.

IPL betting racket busted, 6 held

<p>Arsene Wenger has announced that he will step down as Arsenal's manager at the end of the season. He spent almost 22 years with the club and under his guidance, Arsenal won three Premier League titles and a record seven FA Cups.</p>

<p>On hearing the news of&nbspWenger's&nbspoutgoing, Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said, "It's his decision first of all and we have to respect that and I have no problem respecting that."</p>

<p>While interacting with the media, Klopp said, "He's still an influencer in football."</p>

<p>Liverpool boss also said, "He always developed teams, brought some fantastic players in, was the dominating guy mid-90s maybe, early 2000s when he was really winning pretty much everything, played wonderful football."</p>

<p>"I admired his work always, it was always brilliant. Since I'm in England it's a little bit different because now we have to challenge them of course but from Germany, he was always a big, big role model in that job," said Juergen Klopp.</p>

<p><em>Watch the full interview:</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Classy from Jurgen Klopp on Arsene Wenger ? <a href="https://t.co/p8ALJGWoxA">pic.twitter.com/p8ALJGWoxA</a></p>
— Liverpool FC News (@LivEchoLFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LivEchoLFC/status/987283482677338112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp</p>

<p>&nbsp</p>


I admired his work always, it was always brilliant: Juergen Klopp

Arsene Wenger has announced that he will step down as Arsenal's manager at the end of the season. He spent almost 22 years with the club and under his guidance, Arsenal won three Premier League titles and a record seven FA Cups. On hearing the news of&nbspWenger's&nbspoutgoing, Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said, "It's his decision first of all and we have to respect that and I have no problem respecting that." While interacting with the media, Klopp said, "He's still an influencer in football." Liverpool boss also said, "He always developed teams, brought some fantastic players in, was the dominating guy mid-90s maybe, early 2000s when he was really winning pretty much everything, played wonderful football." "I admired his work always, it was always brilliant. Since I'm in England it's a little bit different because now we have to challenge them of course but from Germany, he was always a big, big role model in that job," said Juergen Klopp. Watch the full interview: Classy from Jurgen Klopp on Arsene Wenger ? pic.twitter.com/p8ALJGWoxA — Liverpool FC News (@LivEchoLFC) April 20, 2018 ×

'He's still an influencer in football,' says Juergen Klopp on Wenger's outgoing

<p>Arsene Wenger has spent almost 22 years with the club Arsenal and has announced his retirement on Friday. He said he will leave the club at the end of the season.</p>

<p>In 2017, Wenger had signed a two-year contract but now has overruled it, he said, "After careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is the right time for me to step down at the end of the season."</p>

<p>The Frenchman also said, "I want to thank the staff, the players, the Directors and the fans who make this club so special."</p>

<p>He requested the fans for their love and support for the club and also asked them to take care of the values of the club.</p>

<p>In his statement he mentioned, "I urge our fans to stand behind the team to finish on a high. To all the Arsenal lovers take care of the values of the club."</p>

<p><img alt="Arsene Wenger.JPG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="690" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/Arsene%20Wenger.JPG" width="885" /></p>

<p>The 68-year-old concluded his statement by saying, "My love and support forever."</p>

<p>After his announcement to step down as the Arsenal's manager, Twitterati reacted with emotional and heartfelt messages.</p>

<p><em>See some tweets:</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations on an incredible 22-year career at Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, and best of luck for the rest of the season… apart from on your 60th game against us next Sunday ?</p>
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/987292110301868033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<div style=" background:url(data:image/pngbase64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC) display:block height:44px margin:0 auto -44px position:relative top:-22px width:44px">&nbsp;</div>
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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0 padding:0 4px"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhyb6xEFYEz/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">Wow. I never expected that but it shows the great dignity and class of the man. I will never forget his guidance and support, his tutelage and mentorship. He had faith in me from day one and I owe him a lot, he was like a father figure to me who always pushed me to be the best. Arsene, you deserve all the respect and happiness in the world. #classact ??</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px margin-bottom:0 margin-top:8px overflow:hidden padding:8px 0 7px text-align:center text-overflow:ellipsis white-space:nowrap">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cescf4bregas/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> Cesc Fàbregas</a> (@cescf4bregas) on <time datetime="2018-04-20T09:58:14+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">Apr 20, 2018 at 2:58am PDT</time></p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Arsene Wenger built the best teams that I played against in English Football .The 98 team was Amazing.The biggest compliment is that he played football that made us change the way we played against them. He now deserves the most incredible send off from all in the coming weeks.</p>
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) <a href="https://twitter.com/GNev2/status/987257706858901505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sad day for <a href="https://twitter.com/Arsenal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Arsenal</a> with Arsene leaving, can we now give him the send off/respect he deserves?!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/rememberthetrophies?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#rememberthetrophies</a></p>
— David Seaman (@thedavidseaman) <a href="https://twitter.com/thedavidseaman/status/987261862109679617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Where it all began for Arsene Wenger in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PL</a>... <a href="https://t.co/gbhqBu9LTq">pic.twitter.com/gbhqBu9LTq</a></p>
— Premier League (@premierleague) <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/987305506904657921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">? Arsène Wenger at Arsenal ⚪️<br />
<br />
Appointed manager: 1996<br />
Total games in charge (so far): 1,228<br />
Premier League: ???<br />
FA Cup: ???????<br />
Club legend ✔️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MerciArs%C3%A8ne?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MerciArsène</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UEL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UEL</a> <a href="https://t.co/GR4ac156la">pic.twitter.com/GR4ac156la</a></p>
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuropaLeague/status/987297733680750594?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Arsene Wenger is to leave Arsenal at the end of the season

Arsene Wenger has spent almost 22 years with the club Arsenal and has announced his retirement on Friday. He said he will leave the club at the end of the season. In 2017, Wenger had signed a two-year contract but now has overruled it, he said, "After careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is the right time for me to step down at the end of the season." The Frenchman also said, "I want to thank the staff, the players, the Directors and the fans who make this club so special." He requested the fans for their love and support for the club and also asked them to take care of the values of the club. In his statement he mentioned, "I urge our fans to stand behind the team to finish on a high. To all the Arsenal lovers take care of the values of the club." The 68-year-old concluded his statement by saying, "My love and support forever." After his announcement to step down as the Arsenal's manager, Twitterati reacted with emotional and heartfelt messages. See some tweets: Congratulations on an incredible 22-year career at Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, and best of luck for the rest of the season… apart from on your 60th game against us next Sunday ? — Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 20, 2018 × Wow. I never expected that but it shows the great dignity and class of the man. I will never forget his guidance and support, his tutelage and mentorship. He had faith in me from day one and I owe him a lot, he was like a father figure to me who always pushed me to be the best. Arsene, you deserve all the respect and happiness in the world. #classact ?? A post shared by Cesc Fàbregas (@cescf4bregas) on Apr 20, 2018 at 2:58am PDT × Arsene Wenger built the best teams that I played against in English Football .The 98 team was Amazing.The biggest compliment is that he played football that made us change the way we played against them. He now deserves the most incredible send off from all in the coming weeks. — Gary Neville (@GNev2) April 20, 2018 × Sad day for @Arsenal with Arsene leaving, can we now give him the send off/respect he deserves?!! #rememberthetrophies — David Seaman (@thedavidseaman) April 20, 2018 × Where it all began for Arsene Wenger in the #PL... pic.twitter.com/gbhqBu9LTq — Premier League (@premierleague) April 20, 2018 × ? Arsène Wenger at Arsenal ⚪️ Appointed manager: 1996 Total games in charge (so far): 1,228 Premier League: ??? FA Cup: ??????? Club legend ✔️#MerciArsène #UEL pic.twitter.com/GR4ac156la — UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) April 20, 2018 ×

Arsene Wenger to quit as Arsenal manager - who's saying what

<p>Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is to stand down at the end of the season after a reign of almost 22 years that made him the most successful boss in the Premier League club's history.</p>

<p>The 68-year-old has been with the North Londoners since October 1996 and, with 1228 games in charge, is by far the longest-serving current manager in English soccer.</p>

<p>"After careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is the right time for me to step down at the end of the season," the Frenchman said in a statement issued by the Gunners on Friday.</p>

<p>Wenger signed a two-year contract extension in 2017 and had said he planned to see it out.</p>

<p>He has faced mounting criticism, however, for the club's failure to sustain a serious title challenge in recent seasons, with some fans calling for him to be replaced.</p>

<p>The Gunners are a distant sixth in the league, 14 points adrift of fourth-placed North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur with five games remaining.</p>

<p><img alt="Arsene Wenger.JPG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/Arsene%20Wenger.JPG" width="770" /></p>

<p>They are also in the semi-finals of the Europa League, however, which represents their only realistic route to the lucrative Champions League next season.</p>

<p>"I am grateful for having had the privilege to serve the club for so many memorable years. I managed the club with full commitment and integrity," said Wenger, who urged the fans to stand behind the team and end the season on a high.</p>

<p>The club said a successor would be appointed as soon as possible with German Thomas Tuchel, out of work since leaving Borussia Dortmund almost a year ago, installed as the early bookmakers' favourite.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MerciArs%C3%A8ne?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MerciArsène</a> <a href="https://t.co/h3XAQvr2pw">pic.twitter.com/h3XAQvr2pw</a></p>
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/987272181880098816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Difficult Day</strong></p>

<p>Arsenal's majority owner Stan Kroenke said it was "one of the most difficult days we have ever had in all our years in sport."</p>

<p>"One of the main reasons we got involved with Arsenal was because of what Arsene has brought to the club on and off the pitch," he said.</p>

<p>"His longevity and consistency over such a sustained period at the highest level of the game will never be matched."</p>

<p>Wenger won three Premier League titles, including in 2003-04 when 'The Invincibles' went unbeaten for an entire season, and seven FA Cups. He took Arsenal into the Champions League for 20 years in a row.</p>

<p>They won the league and FA cup double in 1998 and 2002.</p>

<p>"My personal situation is not so much my worry at the moment," he had told reporters on Thursday when asked about his future.</p>

<p>"My worry is to transform a season with many disappointments away from home into a success, and that’s what matters to me."</p>

<p>News of his decision drew a flood of tributes and reaction from throughout the game.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MerciArs%C3%A8ne?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MerciArsène</a> <a href="https://t.co/bjP0wLMgee">pic.twitter.com/bjP0wLMgee</a></p>
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/987265043355009024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"He is above Herbert Chapman and all of the guys who won trophies," former goalkeeper Bob Wilson told the BBC, adding that he was "shell-shocked" by the news.</p>

<p>"Arsene is not only the greatest manager in Arsenal's history, he has personally changed the face of the game in this country."</p>

<p>Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said he respected the decision: "He is an influence in football. Had a fantastic career. Outstanding personality," the German told reporters.</p>

<p>"He was there for so long, 22 years is a long time. Maybe in the last few months not everybody was happy with this result or that... he was the dominating guy in the mid 1990s, 2000s."</p>

<p>Former Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman said it was a sad day for the club.</p>

<p>"Can we now give him the send off/respect he deserves," he asked on Twitter.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MerciArs%C3%A8ne?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MerciArsène</a> <a href="https://t.co/7wqOwveCfz">pic.twitter.com/7wqOwveCfz</a></p>
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/987258924897329152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is to stand down at the end of the season after a reign of almost 22 years that made him the most successful boss in the Premier League club's history

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is to stand down at the end of the season after a reign of almost 22 years that made him the most successful boss in the Premier League club's history. The 68-year-old has been with the North Londoners since October 1996 and, with 1228 games in charge, is by far the longest-serving current manager in English soccer. "After careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is the right time for me to step down at the end of the season," the Frenchman said in a statement issued by the Gunners on Friday. Wenger signed a two-year contract extension in 2017 and had said he planned to see it out. He has faced mounting criticism, however, for the club's failure to sustain a serious title challenge in recent seasons, with some fans calling for him to be replaced. The Gunners are a distant sixth in the league, 14 points adrift of fourth-placed North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur with five games remaining. They are also in the semi-finals of the Europa League, however, which represents their only realistic route to the lucrative Champions League next season. "I am grateful for having had the privilege to serve the club for so many memorable years. I managed the club with full commitment and integrity," said Wenger, who urged the fans to stand behind the team and end the season on a high. The club said a successor would be appointed as soon as possible with German Thomas Tuchel, out of work since leaving Borussia Dortmund almost a year ago, installed as the early bookmakers' favourite. #MerciArsène pic.twitter.com/h3XAQvr2pw — Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) April 20, 2018 × Difficult Day Arsenal's majority owner Stan Kroenke said it was "one of the most difficult days we have ever had in all our years in sport." "One of the main reasons we got involved with Arsenal was because of what Arsene has brought to the club on and off the pitch," he said. "His longevity and consistency over such a sustained period at the highest level of the game will never be matched." Wenger won three Premier League titles, including in 2003-04 when 'The Invincibles' went unbeaten for an entire season, and seven FA Cups. He took Arsenal into the Champions League for 20 years in a row. They won the league and FA cup double in 1998 and 2002. "My personal situation is not so much my worry at the moment," he had told reporters on Thursday when asked about his future. "My worry is to transform a season with many disappointments away from home into a success, and that’s what matters to me." News of his decision drew a flood of tributes and reaction from throughout the game. #MerciArsène pic.twitter.com/bjP0wLMgee — Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) April 20, 2018 × "He is above Herbert Chapman and all of the guys who won trophies," former goalkeeper Bob Wilson told the BBC, adding that he was "shell-shocked" by the news. "Arsene is not only the greatest manager in Arsenal's history, he has personally changed the face of the game in this country." Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said he respected the decision: "He is an influence in football. Had a fantastic career. Outstanding personality," the German told reporters. "He was there for so long, 22 years is a long time. Maybe in the last few months not everybody was happy with this result or that... he was the dominating guy in the mid 1990s, 2000s." Former Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman said it was a sad day for the club. "Can we now give him the send off/respect he deserves," he asked on Twitter. #MerciArsène pic.twitter.com/7wqOwveCfz — Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) April 20, 2018 ×

Arsene Wenger to step down as Arsenal manager

<p>India finished third at the recently concluded 21st Commonwealth Games with 66 medals, including 26 gold medals, 20 silver and 20 bronze medals. There were many moments during&nbsp;the Games which will be cherished forever&nbsp;like Mary Kom, five-time world champion and Olympic bronze medalist, won her first CWG medal by claiming gold in the women's 45-48kg boxing event and young champs like Anish, Mehuli and Manu Bhakar earned glory and made the nation proud.</p>

<p>However,&nbsp;shooters displayed an outstanding performance by bagging a total of 16 medals in different categories. 27 shooters took part in the event and clinched 16 medals out of which seven are gold.</p>

<p>Young shooting sensation Mehuli Ghosh won a silver medal in the 10m air rifle event at the Commonwealth Games. In an exclusive interview with WION.com, Mehuli said, "I don't remember when was the last time I went to school."</p>

<p>With a smile on her face, she also said, "I am missing those (school) days but I wanted this life. I wanted&nbsp;to take part in all these competitions and I wanted all these things to happen."&nbsp;She further&nbsp;added that sports and&nbsp;success at the&nbsp;CWG has changed her life being a teenager.</p>

<p>Mehuli&nbsp;told WION.com about her preparations for CWG. She said,&nbsp;"It's about mental, technical and physical strength, so you have to work on these three things." She clearly mentioned that the performance is mainly depended on the mental, technical and physical strength of the athlete.</p>

<p>She also added, "I just go there to give my best and what I will get from there I don't think that." 17-year old shooting star&nbsp;feels, "It's about putting in the hard work and not thinking about the medals."</p>

<p>Another shooter, Heena Sidhu became the first Indian double medalist at the Commonwealth Games. She clinched gold in the women's 25m pistol (with a CWG record 38) and silver in the 10m air pistol. In an exclusive interaction with WION.com, she told about her ambition&nbsp;to take on world champions in the future events.</p>

<p>Heena said that practice and hard work&nbsp;are the most necessary elements&nbsp;before entering such big events. She further added, "We realise our mistakes from every match and we work on it and we hope that in next match we will be able to deliver better results."</p>

<p>Heena revealed her plans to take on the world champions and said she is "working on it," she further added, "It is about how you are improving every day, and if you are improving every day it means you are on the right track."</p>

<p>She also mentioned, "With all these medals we now feel confident in going into an important year with ASIAN games and World Championship."</p>

<p>Confident double medallist Heena said, "We have learned a lot of lessons, we have done few things right and few things wrong and as an athlete, we know where we went wrong."</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/cwg-2018:-meet-gold-medallists-of-india-130569#photo-130566">In photos: Meet India's CWG gold medallists</a></p>

<p>The shooting contingent stole the show by creating some game records. Sanjeev Rajput, who won the gold medal in the men's 50m rifle 3 positions event with a games record said, " changing colour of the medal was the motive."</p>

<p>He talked about the struggles that he had made since 2006 when won the bronze medal in the Men's 50m Rifle Prone at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. Also at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Sanjeev won a silver medal.</p>

<p>He also mentioned how he prepared to convert his bronze medal to silver and silver&nbsp;to gold.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Here is the video, watch it again:</strong></em></p>

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17-year-old shooting sensation Mehuli Ghosh won a silver medal in the 10m air rifle event at the 21st Commonwealth Games

India finished third at the recently concluded 21st Commonwealth Games with 66 medals, including 26 gold medals, 20 silver and 20 bronze medals. There were many moments during the Games which will be cherished forever like Mary Kom, five-time world champion and Olympic bronze medalist, won her first CWG medal by claiming gold in the women's 45-48kg boxing event and young champs like Anish, Mehuli and Manu Bhakar earned glory and made the nation proud. However, shooters displayed an outstanding performance by bagging a total of 16 medals in different categories. 27 shooters took part in the event and clinched 16 medals out of which seven are gold. Young shooting sensation Mehuli Ghosh won a silver medal in the 10m air rifle event at the Commonwealth Games. In an exclusive interview with WION.com, Mehuli said, "I don't remember when was the last time I went to school." With a smile on her face, she also said, "I am missing those (school) days but I wanted this life. I wanted to take part in all these competitions and I wanted all these things to happen." She further added that sports and success at the CWG has changed her life being a teenager. Mehuli told WION.com about her preparations for CWG. She said, "It's about mental, technical and physical strength, so you have to work on these three things." She clearly mentioned that the performance is mainly depended on the mental, technical and physical strength of the athlete. She also added, "I just go there to give my best and what I will get from there I don't think that." 17-year old shooting star feels, "It's about putting in the hard work and not thinking about the medals." Another shooter, Heena Sidhu became the first Indian double medalist at the Commonwealth Games. She clinched gold in the women's 25m pistol (with a CWG record 38) and silver in the 10m air pistol. In an exclusive interaction with WION.com, she told about her ambition to take on world champions in the future events. Heena said that practice and hard work are the most necessary elements before entering such big events. She further added, "We realise our mistakes from every match and we work on it and we hope that in next match we will be able to deliver better results." Heena revealed her plans to take on the world champions and said she is "working on it," she further added, "It is about how you are improving every day, and if you are improving every day it means you are on the right track." She also mentioned, "With all these medals we now feel confident in going into an important year with ASIAN games and World Championship." Confident double medallist Heena said, "We have learned a lot of lessons, we have done few things right and few things wrong and as an athlete, we know where we went wrong." In photos: Meet India's CWG gold medallists The shooting contingent stole the show by creating some game records. Sanjeev Rajput, who won the gold medal in the men's 50m rifle 3 positions event with a games record said, " changing colour of the medal was the motive." He talked about the struggles that he had made since 2006 when won the bronze medal in the Men's 50m Rifle Prone at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. Also at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Sanjeev won a silver medal. He also mentioned how he prepared to convert his bronze medal to silver and silver to gold. Here is the video, watch it again: ×

Commonwealth Games: India's champion shooters speak to WION

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