Nitender Singh and Kavita Raut became the first champions of the Tata Steel Kolkata 25K in the 25km distance category
source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph, Calcutta / Front Page> Calcutta> Story / Monday – December 29th, 2014
Category Archives: Sports
Home hero leads ATK victory lap – ‘For a sports fan, this is the place to be’
As Atletico de Kolkata won the first edition of the Indian Super League with a last-gasp goal in Mumbai on Saturday evening, the 17-year-old sat transfixed in front of the television, grateful to be playing football at a time when the game has finally gone international in India.
The Class XII student at Frank Anthony Public School, who captains his team and wears the No. 10 jersey, writes for Metro what the ISL and Atletico de Kolkata’s victory meant to him.
The nail-biting football that had the nation hooked for 90-odd minutes on Saturday night was not only a fitting finale to the first edition of the ISL but also a big triumph for Calcutta, which is the place to be for any sports fan like me.
Atletico de Kolkata’s victory completed a rare double for the city – 2014 IPL and ISL champions – while our home-grown forward Mohammed Rafique’s winning goal made me believe that perseverance and dedication matter the most in the quest for glory.
ATK’s never-say-die attitude in the final was inspiring too. I have won and lost many finals and I know how mentally draining it can be. But the ATK players were calm. Your instincts and talent matter but your mindset can make or break you. Big matches are nerve-wracking and brutal to lose.
Super-sub Rafique’s 95th-minute header reminded me of two occasions where I have been in a similar position. During my training at Club Atletico Boca Juniors, I had come on as a substitute in a friendly and scored a late goal that gave my side a 1-0 win. In the quarter-finals of the Keventer Cup 2014, my school team was awarded a last-minute penalty, which I calmly converted.
On the flip side, I have been in the boots of Kerala’s Michael Chopra, who thought he had scored the winner, only to discover that his shot had been saved by the brilliant Edel Bete.
Like Michael, my heartbreak moment had come in the dying moments of a final of the inter-Frank Anthony schools’ tournament, which cost us the match. That’s the harsh reality of sport.
Saturday’s final taught me how a strategy like keeping a defender at the first post (which Kerala goalkeeper David James should have done) or a brilliant save (like Edel’s) can be the fine line between triumph and misery.
Without Luis Garcia in the starting XI and Fikru out of the match, ATK had their backs to the wall from the beginning. They initially lacked creativity in the midfield and Kerala looked a much better team. But Kerala failed to convert chances and I was amazed how Arnab Mondal and Josemi, the defensive stalwarts, and goalkeeper Edel kept ATK alive in the game.
With missed chances at both ends, each side was almost resigned to 30 minutes of extra time until, astonishingly, ATK found a way out of it!
In the end, I think, India was the real winner of the ISL, opening up so many avenues for the growth of football in the country.
The ISL also gave young footballers like me the much-needed push to dream of making it big. It gave me new heroes like Sandesh Jhingan, who makes match-winning tackles; Elano Blumer, whose free kicks I would like to emulate; Luis Garcia, whose skills and leadership qualities I have tried to embrace; and Iain Hume and Steven Pearson, whose stamina and perseverance inspire me.
source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph, Calcutta / Front Page> Calcutta> Story / Monday – December 22nd, 2014
Eden Gardens 150 years stamps released by CAB
Kolkata:
The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) Tuesday released postage stamps to commemorate 150 years of the Eden Gardens, considered the home of cricket in this part of the world, as legends of the game nostalgically recalled their fond memories of the iconic ground.
The first day covers of the stamps, released under the India Post My Stamp venture, were brought out at a star-studded function on the historic ground, which hosted the World Cup final in 1987.
Postage stamps were also released to mark the contribution of CAB chief Jagmohan Dalmiya, former head of the world cricket governing body International Cricket Council (ICC) and its India affiliate, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The function was graced by the legendary spin trio – Bishan Singh Bedi, Erappali Prasanna and Bhagwat Chandrasekhar – as also former Indian skippers Ajit Wadekar and Dilip Vengsarkar, besides West Indies‘ fast bowling great Michael Holding. CAB joint secretary and ex-India captain Sourav Ganguly joined the celebrations midway into the programme.
Wadekar, who led India to historic series triumphs in England and West Indies in the early 1970s, said after Lords, the ground he relished more during his long cricketing career as player and coach was Eden.
“The facilities at Eden gardens was excellent, the people were very hospitable.”
Narrating a funny incident when he was India’s coach, Wadekar said he once offered England batsman Mike Gatting a prawn curry. “He liked it so much that he kept eating. As a result he could not go to the field the next day. His absence helped us win the match here.”
Bedi made his Test debut at the Eden Gardens Dec 31, 1966 against the West Indies – a match infamous for a riot at the gallery.
“I have fond memories of Eden Gardens. During my debut Test there was fire in the stands. There was a teargas charge. Players ran helter skelter. You can say that for me, it was baptism by fire,” he quipped.
Describing Eden as the most “electrifying stadium” in the world, Bedi said: “It is a proud momenta nostalgic moment for me to be here. Eden can give the Melbourne Cricket Ground [MCG] a lot to chase.”
Master legspinner Chandrasekhar, who had some great successes at the ground, said before making it to the Indian team, he had his first look at the Eden Gardens in 1962 during a visit to the city. “I was sitting in the gallery and thinking how I wish to play here!!”
Considered a lameduck batsman, Chandrasekhar said his most memorable moment in the Eden came in 1964, when he and Bapu Nadkarni put on 51 runs for the last wicket against England.
Prasanna, who prides himself as the son-in-law of Kolkata having married a Bengali, said the city and the CAB has never forgotten him. “Whenever I have come to the city, even for personal visits, the way I’m looked after is great.”
Comparing his hometown Bangalore to Kolkata, he said: “Banglalore’s hospitality is unbelievably low. The warmth and liking that Kolkata exudes has always floored me.”
Vengsarkar, who also went down memory lane, said ahead of his first Test experience at the Eden Gardens in 1978-79, he was told that one has to bat, bowl and field well at the ground. “As otherwise, the crowd will be after you.”
“I made sure I did well, I got my maiden Test hundred during the match against the West Indies. Later [in 1987-88] I scored another 100 on this ground.”
Holding said the 150 year association between cricket and Eden itself was commendable. “Not many associations, companionships or friendships last that long. But the fact that the association has lasted has given a fillip to the game here as also the CAB.”
Ganguly, for whom Eden was the home ground, said the stadium has through the years provided happiness, fun and satisfaction to the players, the crowd and sports administrators”.
source: http://www.cricketcountry.com / The Cricket Country / Home / Kolkata – November 11th, 2014
LANDMARK MOMENT – Eden Gardens turns 150
The heroes of the first test victory at the historic venue came together to mark this milestone
The duo of former cricketers Salim Durani and Chandu Borde — architects of India’s maiden test victory at the Eden Gardens – Thursday came together to launch a book marking the 150 years of the iconic cricket stadium.
The launch of “Eden Gardens, Legend & Romance”, penned by former Bengal cricketer Raju Mukherjee, was part of series of events by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) to mark the occasion.
The book covers the entire journey of the ground, which came into existence as the Auckland Circus Gardens named after the then governor—general to its modern day existence.
The celebrations by the CAB included launch of a special gold coin, felicitating 150 oldest members of the CAB as well as the M.A.K. Pataudi Memorial Lecture by former India great V.V.S. Laxman.
Taking a trip down memory lane, Durani and Borde who scripted India’s memorable 187 victory against England in 1961—62, regaled tales of their association with Eden – which they described as dream ground of every cricketer.
Durani said he become a cricketer only because of the Eden Gardens where he first played as a school cricketer in 1949.
I wouldn’t have been cricketer but for Eden Gardens where my performances help me get into the Ranji team and then in the national team. Playing at Eden along with Lord’s is dream of every cricketer. There remains an emptiness if you haven’t played here,
“I wouldn’t have been cricketer but for Eden Gardens where my performances help me get into the Ranji team and then in the national team. Playing at Eden along with Lord’s is dream of every cricketer. There remains an emptiness if you haven’t played here,” said Durani.
On the occasion, “Eternal Eden” a documentary chronicling the historic journey of the ground which besides cricket greats of several generations, witnessed football legend Pele in action in 1977 playing for the New York Cosmos against Mohun Bagan in exhibition tie.
Talking about his memories of the ground, Borde singled out the appreciative but intimidating Eden crowd.
“Playing against Bengal at the Eden Gardens always used to be challenge besides being a good team they had backing of the crowd which was intimidating for the opponents,” said Borde who said the crowd turning riotous during the 1966–67 West Indies tour has remain etched in his memory.
“The way West Indian players were running back to the team hotel, they must have broken several Olympic records,” said Borde with a chuckle.
Several former cricketers including ex–India captain and CAB joint secretary Sourav Ganguly were also present on the occasion.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> In Schoom> Sports – Landmark Moment / by IANS / October 20th, 2014
ISL Tour Diary: Kolkata, a city that offers something new every time
Being a Probashi Bengali (a non-resident Bengali), my affair with Kolkata is a long-standing one. Born to parents who were originally from Kolkata, I have been brought up in Delhi all my life. I always had a strange feeling whenever I visited the city, predominately because of the culture difference. While I was growing up, I have always seen Kolkata as an outsider, without having a chance to feel the soul, the spirit of the city.
But each time I had been there, the city gave me a sense of belonging, offered me something new to take back. The City of Joy, as it is affectionately called, does something to you which cannot be upturned. Every time I have travelled to this city, it left an everlasting impression on me as a person.
My latest trip to the city was an official one, for two days, to cover the inaugural game of the Indian Super League (ISL) – the new hope of Indian football. I have always heard of the city’s madness for football but it was only this time that I had the opportunity to witness it from close quarters.
The city is crazy about football
The people of Kolkata force you to rethink the definition of passion. The zeal with which they follow their game is probably something I haven’t seen before. Wherever you go, from a narrow lane in north Kolkata to swanky grounds of the south, you would see a bunch of kids playing football. A day before the match I planned to travel around the stadium and see the buzz generated by the ISL in the city. It was a rainy afternoon, drizzling to be precise, and I saw people unmoved from their queues, standing undeterred in front of the ticket counters at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium.
From school kids to senior citizens, everybody braved the rain to get their ticket. If this was not enough, then on the match day when I checked out of my hotel to reach the stadium, a journey of not more than 10 minutes took an hour to complete. Hoards of people were charging towards the stadium entrance giving the traffic police a nightmare. It wasn’t a Kolkata derby clash but people here just love the game. The stadium was jam-packed with sixty thousand plus attendance. The crowd made Mexican wave on every good move by the home team Atletico de Kolkata, which eventually won 3-0 against Mumbai City FC. If you want to watch football, Kolkata is the place for you. The city’s passion for the game is second to none.
An unplanned visit to Syed Rahim Nabi’s home
It happened to be that I went to attend a lunch invite to one of my relatives living in Howrah. In the middle of a lunch-table conversation, when I disclosed my purpose of visiting the city, my uncle quickly rose up and with an animated face, said: “Nabi lives near our house! Yes, footballer Nabi lives a few blocks away.” And suddenly all my focus shifted from the delicious lunch cooked by my aunt to Nabi’s house. So quickly after finishing the food (leaving the table without finishing the food is a sin in Kolkata), I went to check out Mumbai City FC captain’s house.
But the visit left us disappointed when we realised that nobody was at home. However, I was left flabbergasted with the modesty of Nabi’s home. It was a simple three-storey building located in one of the narrow lanes of Howrah. For a person unfamiliar with the locality, it was not until I saw the sign board that I realised that I am standing in front of Nabi’s home. It speaks a volume about Nabi’s character and the hardship behind his success.
The Maidan Area – home of the legends
If you are in Kolkata and the purpose of the visit is football, then a visit to the Maidan area is a must. The name of the area struck me at first when I heard it but when I reached there I realised why it is called the Maidan area, mostly because of the gigantic grounds. The place is home to three of the most legendary football clubs in the country – Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting.
These clubs have so far ruled over the city, creating a divide in the fan base. Not just these, many more city football clubs are located in the area, which is maintained by the Army. There’s also a statue of Gostha Pal, which grabbed my attention. Pal is considered one of the most celebrated and gifted defenders the country has ever produced. A Mohun Bagan legend, Pal was nicknamed “The Great Wall of China” for his great defensive skills. He was the first Indian footballer to be honoured with the Padma Shri award.
Incidentally, my fascination towards the Maidan area didn’t end here. It is also home to the Mecca of Indian Cricket – The Eden Gardens. And even on a tour to cover football, I couldn’t resist but to quickly grab a few clicks of the legendary stadium.
source: http://www.ibnlive.in.com / IBN Live / Home> Football Next> News / by Subhasish Dutta, IBN Live Sports / October 14th, 2014
Laxman to deliver Pataudi lecture
One of Kolkata’s favourite sons, V.V.S. Laxman, will deliver the prestigious Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi Memorial Lecture here on October 19, the eve of India’s fifth One-day International against the West Indies at the Eden Gardens.
Laxman will be the third cricketer to deliver the lecture after the peerless Sunil Gavaskar and Anil Kumble.
The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has decided to invite all former India captains to the lecture as this will form a part of the celebrations of 150 years of Eden Gardens.
The lecture was originally slated for October 18 but was postponed by a day by the Board.
A book and a documentary will be released on October 16 where former captain Chandu Borde and Salim Durrani are expected to be present.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport> Cricket / by Special Correspondent / Kolkata – October 07th, 2014
Leander Paes wins Malaysian Open title with Matkowski
Kuala Lumpur:
Veteran Indian star Leander Paes, who skipped Asian Games to get some valuable ranking points, vindicated his decision by lifting the ATP Malaysian Open with new partner Marcin Matkowski, here today.
The fourth seeded Indo-Polish pair rallied to beat the second seeded Briton-Australian combo of Jamie Murray and John Peers 3-6 7-6(5) 10-5 in the summit clash.
It was Paes’ first title of the season during which his ranking plummeted to 35 from top-10. This win will give Paes 250 ranking points and USD 25065 as prize money.
The 41-year-old had ended runner-up at Washington with Australia’s Sam Groth in July in the first final of the season.
“In a match like that, especially in the final, the margins between winning and losing are very small. What I really like about Marcin’s game after playing with him this week is that he is a student of tennis. On the court, he’s always looking to improve,” Paes said after the win.
“We didn’t play our best tennis in the beginning today. We were playing a team that were very confident. They don’t give you much rhythm. But then when we were down, we found our groove and it was pretty much a different story then,” the Indian added.
In the 2013 season Paes had won two titles, including the US Open with Radek Stepanek.
Matkowski said, he was “happy to play with Paes.
“He’s a great player. We’ll try to play a few more tournaments in the fall, in the indoor tournaments in Europe. We’ve enjoyed a very good start and we look forward to continuing this way,” he said.
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Sports> Tennis / PTI / September 29th, 2014
Punching above her weight
Sakina Khatum talks about her weightlifting career and her route to success at the Commonwealth Games
Sakina Khatum hit the headlines with a bronze-winning effort at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, last month. But the 25-year-old promises to do even better at the Incheon Asian Games, come October.
An irony, or call it fate, as polio struck Sakina, one of the four siblings when she was just a year and half old, and since then, it has been a story of determination and fighting all odds.
Four operations below the knee on the right leg helped her to walk, rather than crawl on fours. A doctor advised Sakina to take up swimming to strengthen the leg, and thus began her tryst with sports.
“I was national champion a year after taking up swimming, and for the next four years, ruled the pool in my category. I did not get any recognition or an international call up,” says the girl, who comes from a poor family. “My father is ailing. My brother does not stay with my family.”
She adds, “I came to Bangalore for the selection camp, ahead of the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
After three months away from home, I was not picked despite impressing coach Dabas, who referred me to ace para power-lifter Farman Basha. And the rest is history.” Farman, himself restricted to a wheelchair says, “She was lifting only 25 to 26 kgs. To turn her into an international star was a challenge, but with coach Dabas insisting, I agreed. I had no money to spare but asked her to train under me. I found her a small accommodation near K.R. Puram.. Four years down and she has won two international medals (both bronze) for her country,” says Farman.
The journey has not been easy.
“One Mr. Majumdar, from Kolkata used to send Rs. 5000 initially and then increased it to Rs. 10,000 per month for her basic expenses (though that has now stopped after her Commonwealth Games success). He supported her financially, till last month. He even procured her tickets to the Hungary Open, early this year where she won her first international medal. We don’t spend our money (on international tours) and save up to buy supplements – a must for every lifter. When I am short of money, we fall back on local produce,” adds Farman.
“I asked Sakina to move into my place to save up on rent and travel time for training. We train for about four-five days a week,” says the gritty lifter.
For more successes, it is important that the state government and the numerous corporates that endorses sports step forward and make it easy for them to travel and perform at the highest level. Is anyone listening?
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus / by Avinash Nair / September 29th, 2014
Sourav Ganguly, man in a hurry at the CAB
Calcutta:
Around an hour with Sourav Ganguly in his joint secretary’s room at Eden Gardens, where the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) is headquartered, actually makes you wonder whether captaining India was tougher for him or managing the many roles he’s now playing.
An administrator’s hat is just one that Sourav is wearing. He’s also co-owner of an ISL franchise, ‘architect’ of a mega project in education and co-opted member of the Justice Mukul Mudgal panel which is probing “13 individuals,” including Narayanswamy Srinivasan.
Besides, locally, Sourav is much in demand to be the face of a product or venture. From steel bars to health insurance to real estate.
“Different roles have different responsibilities… The demands are different… But, in everything, captaining India remains at the top… Doesn’t compare with anything,” Sourav told The Telegraph.
The No.1 difference?
“As captain, if I made a mistake, I didn’t get a second chance… It’s different today… I can correct an unintended error,” Sourav replied.
At the CAB, Sourav seems a man in a hurry. Nothing wrong, though… He has travelled the world, has ideas and wants cricket in the state to move forward.
As captain, both on and off the field, Sourav wasn’t conventional, which is one big reason why he was successful. He wants to be different at the CAB as well.
“I’m certainly not in this chair for (cream cracker) biscuits and tea in the evenings… There’s work to be done, but what’s amazing is the number of people on the staff who’re keen to make a difference…
“I accept this is a new hat that I’m wearing, but I haven’t got into the CAB to add to my CV,” Sourav said.
Not that Sourav isn’t aware of the high expectations. Talk of pressure and he counters by saying he’s been used to it for decades.
Sourav is 42.
Even if the biscuits aren’t touched, tea can’t be avoided. Not in the Maidan’s environment.
So, grinning, Sourav pressed a button and asked for “dudh diye cha.” With papers and cheques to sign, he definitely needed a cha break.
Sourav’s maiden appearance as an administrator, at the Eden, was in early August, but he’s begun to settle down only more recently, after India’s tour of England.
Media-related assignments kept Sourav, too, in England.
Till the early 2000s, at the Eden, mediapersons would follow every move of Jagmohan Dalmiya. Today, dozens scramble over once word spreads that “Dada” has arrived.
One bite, one quote… The Sourav-generated buzz is unmistakable.
Some probably feel they’re being marginalised rather quickly, but Sourav is confident he’ll be getting the support of everybody.
The CAB continues to be headed by Dalmiya.
New to the role or not, it hasn’t stopped some on the CAB’s payroll from directly approaching “Dada” for a hike.
Apparently, one of the staffers went to the extent of telling Sourav that if the CAB couldn’t raise his salary, then he could consider paying him extra from his own resources!
From the players’ mindset to the dreary look of the CAB’s indoor facility, Sourav wants plenty to change.
But just how much time would be needed for the changes to set in?
“At least a year… I’m settling down well and, as I’ve observed, a number of people in the CAB really want to put in that extra bit. I’m very hopeful,” Sourav pointed out.
Lest a wrong impression be created (and encouraged by those with a vested interest), Sourav added: “It’s not about me… It’s about the institution.”
Sourav, meanwhile, is off to New Delhi on Sunday for a meeting of the Justice Mudgal panel. He’s the cricket fraternity’s only representative involved with the Supreme Court-ordered investigations.
source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph, Calcutta / Front Page> Sport> Today / by Lokendra Pratap Sahi / Calcutta – Sunday, September 21st, 2014
INCHEON ASIAN GAMES 2014 – Saurav Ghosal settles for silver in men’s squash
Loses title clash to Kuwait’s Abdullah Almezayen, narrowly misses out on becoming the first Indian squash gold winner in Asian Games.
Saurav Ghosal on Tuesday squandered a two-game advantage to narrowly miss out on becoming the first Indian squash player to win the gold medal at the Asian Games.
Ghosal was leading after the first two games of the gold-medal match but his opponent, Kuwait’s Abdullah Almezayen, staged a dramatic fightback winning the next three games to clinch the top prize.
Almezayen won the title clash 10-12 2-11 14-12 11-8 11-9 at the Yeorumul Squash Courts. The Indian missed out on a gold-medal point with the scoreline reading 12-11 in the third game, which eventually proved to be the decisive game.
Ghosal took 21 minutes to take the first game before consolidating his position by clinching the second in merely six minutes of play. The Kuwaiti squash player then made a grand fightback as he took 19, 12 and 17 minutes respectively to win the next three games.
Prior to this, the 28-year-old Ghosal had three Asian Games medals to his name – singles bronze in 2006 Doha Games and two more, including one in doubles, in the 2010 edition in Guangzhou.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport> Other Sports / PTI / Incheon – September 23rd, 2014