Mumbai to host football tri-series
India will begin their Hero Tri-nation football campaign against Mauritius on August 19 at the Mumbai Football Arena. The Tri-nation series is part of the national team's preparatory process for the AFC Asian Cup qualifying away match against Macau which is scheduled for September 5. India will play their second match against St. Kitts & Nevis on August 24. Thanking Western India Football Association (WIFA) and Mumbai District Football Association (MDFA) for their cooperation, All India Football Federation (AIFF) General Secretary Kushal Das said the "sporting culture" of Mumbai makes it stand out amongst others.
Sports university bill introduced in Lok Sabha
A bill to establish a national sports university in Manipur was introduced by the government in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. The National Sports University Bill, 2017, aims to establish and incorporate a National Sports University in Thoubal district to promote sports education and science, sports technology and coaching. The bill's statement said the specialised university will be the first of its kind in the country and adopt best international practices.
India drop one place in FIFA rankings
India slipped to 97th in the latest FIFA rankings which were released on Thursday. The Stephen Constantine-coached side had achieved one of their best rankings in recent history when they climbed to the 96th spot last month. But in July, there was hardly any international football for Sunil Chhetri and company. India still have 341 rating points, with no change from their last month's tally. Canada, meanwhile, jumped five spots to 95th following their performances in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, leading to India dropping to 97th place.
Brad Haddin roped in as Australia's fielding coach
Former wicketkeeper-batsman Brad Haddin has been appointed as the new fielding coach of the Australian national cricket team. The 39-year-old, who is a veteran of 66 Tests and 126 One-Day International games, will replace Greg Blewett for the role until the end of 2019. Ecstatic to get the opportunity, Haddin said that he is looking forward to work with a relatively young group of players.
Iran beat India at Asia Cup basketball
The India men's basketball team began their FIBA Asia Cup campaign with a 54-101 loss to continental powerhouse Iran. India started off on a bad note during Wednesday evening's match and trailed 8-29 in the first quarter. From there on, the deficit continued to grow as Iran outscored India in every quarter. Iran, placed 25th in the FIBA world rankings, showcased their offensive abilities in a clinical performance. They were shooting the ball at an impressive 51 per cent and had five players finish the game scoring in double figures. Iran's centre Hamed Hadadi, who has played in the NBA, was at his imposing best against India, top scoring with 20 points and dishing out 8 assists.
Anand beats Nepomniachtchi
Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand defeated Ian Nepomniachtchi of Russia in the seventh round to jump to the joint top position in the Sinquefield Cup, a part of the Grand Chess tour here. The second straight victory with white pieces took Anand to 4.5 points from seven rounds and with just two rounds remaining in the super tournament, the Indian ace now shares the lead with overnight leader Maxime Vachier-Lagrave of France and Levon Aronian of Armenia. It was a customary Sicilian Najdorf by Nepomniachtchi and Anand went for a popular system he has been employing recently.
John Hastings returns home after foot injury
Australia fast bowler John Hastings has returned home after suffering a foot injury while playing in English county cricket. The 31-year-old sustained soreness in his foot during his county side Worcestershire's four-day match against Sussex this week. Confirming the news, Worcestershire said that Hastings had undergone scans which revealed inflammation through his foot and that he would now return to Australia for further assessment and rehabilitation.
Kohli & Co back Mukund on racism
India skipper Virat Kohli, all-rounders Ravichandran Ashwin, Hardik Pandya and many other players on Thursday supported opener Abhinav Mukund's emotional Twitter post, recalling the abusive racist posts he received due to his skin colour. Mukund, on Wednesday tweeted a post about fair not being the "only lovely or handsome." Kohli, Pandya, Bengal batsman Manoj Tiwary, off-spinner Ashwin supported the youngster and appreciated him. Kohli tweeted: "Very well said Abhinav" while Ashwin said: "Read and learn, don't make it a headline cos its someone's emotion." Women's doubles badminton star Jwala Gutta also supported him and said: "Corrrrrectttt"
