Indian Men's Hockey Team Jumps One Spot to 5th in FIH Rankings sport news
Men's Hockey Team Eyes Tokyo Quota sport
Indian Men's Hockey Team Jumps One Spot to 5th in FIH Rankings
An impressive silver-medal finish at the Champions Trophy has helped the Indian men's hockey team jump one spot to fifth in the latest FIH rankings chart released on Tuesday.
New Delhi: An impressive silver-medal finish at the Champions Trophy has helped the Indian men's hockey team jump one spot to fifth in the latest FIH rankings chart released on Tuesday.India had lost to Australia via penalty shootout in the summit clash of the Champions Trophy after the two sides were locked 1-1 in regulation time in the Netherlands last month.
India, which is defending its title at the upcoming Asian Games, is the only team which registered an upward movement among the top 10 teams. The Indian team, which now has 1484 points in its kitty, is above the likes of 2012 Olympic champions Germany, England and Spain.
In the women's rankings also, the Indian team gained one spot to rise to ninth. The team had lost to eventual runners-up Ireland in the quarterfinals of the Women's World Cup via penalty shootout on August 2.
Netherlands Thrash Ireland to Win Eighth Women's Hockey World Cup Title![Netherlands Thrash Ireland to Win Eighth Women's Hockey World Cup Title]( "Netherlands Thrash Ireland to Win Eighth Women's Hockey World Cup Title")
Ireland's first Women's World Cup field hockey final ended in defeat as the Netherlands retained the title with an emphatic 6-0 victory on Sunday.
London: Ireland's first Women's World Cup field hockey final ended in defeat as the Netherlands retained the title with an emphatic 6-0 victory on Sunday.
Ireland, the second-lowest ranked country in the tournament, was unable to produce a fairy-tale ending at Lee Valley Hockey Center.
Goals from Lidewij Welten, Kelly Jonker, Kitty van Male, Malou Pheninckx, Marloes Keetels and Caia van Maasakker capped a dominant performance from the Dutch as they won the competition for a record eighth time.
The Netherlands team hasn't lost since the Olympic final two years ago.
This was Ireland's first World Cup since 2002, and its previous best result was 11th in 1994. Ranked 16th, Ireland topped a group including Olympic champion England and was first into the quarterfinals.
Ireland, the second-lowest ranked country in the tournament, was unable to produce a fairy-tale ending at Lee Valley Hockey Center.
Goals from Lidewij Welten, Kelly Jonker, Kitty van Male, Malou Pheninckx, Marloes Keetels and Caia van Maasakker capped a dominant performance from the Dutch as they won the competition for a record eighth time.
The Netherlands team hasn't lost since the Olympic final two years ago.
Women's Hockey World Cup: Indian Women Lose to Ireland Via Shoot Off![Women's Hockey World Cup: Indian Women Lose to Ireland Via Shoot Off]( "Women's Hockey World Cup: Indian Women Lose to Ireland Via Shoot Off")
India's dream of breaking their 44-year-old last four jinx lay shattered as Ireland registered a 3-1 win via shoot-off in the quarterfinal of the women's hockey World Cup here on Thursday.
London: India's dream of breaking their 44-year-old last four jinx lay shattered as Ireland registered a 3-1 win via shoot-off in the quarterfinal of the women's hockey World Cup here on Thursday.
Poor execution in shoot-off cost India dearly as skipper Rani Rampal, Monika and Navjot Kaur failed to get past Irish goalie Ayeisha McFerran. Reena was the only scorer for India in the shoot-off.
Poor execution in shoot-off cost India dearly as skipper Rani Rampal, Monika and Navjot Kaur failed to get past Irish goalie Ayeisha McFerran. Reena was the only scorer for India in the shoot-off.
Even though India goalkeeper Savita produced two saves in the shoot-off to keep her team in the hunt, it was not enough as Ireland scored through Roisin Upton, Alison Meeke and Chloe Watkins to make their maiden World Cup semi-final.
It was great chance for India to recreate history and secure its first World Cup semifinal spot in 44 years but it was not to be
The only time India had managed to enter the semi-finals of the show-piece event was back in 1974 in Mandelieu, France where they eventually finished fourth.
In the last edition of the tournament in Rosario, Argentina India had finished a disappointing eighth.
Interestingly, it was India's second defeat to world no. 16 Ireland in the tournament after the 0-1 loss at the pool stages.
It was even-stevens in the first quarter with both India and Ireland failed to create any real scoring opportunity.
India and Ireland managed to penetrate each other's circle quite a few times in the opening 15 minutes but both the teams defended stoutly.
Both India and Ireland defenders came up with some strong challenges inside their own circle to deny each other.
Ireland had the first real scoring opportunity in the 23rd minute when Anna O'Flanagan's deflection from Kathryn Mullan's pass was saved by a diving Savita.
Three minutes later, India skipper Rani Rampal shot wide from close range after a fine one-two with Vandana Katariya as both the teams failed to break the deadlock in the opening half.
It was a dull third quarter as the play was mostly centred around the edges of both the ends.
The Indians and Irish both tried hard but they failed to get a single shot at each other's goal in the third quarter as the stalemate continued.
Desperate to break the deadlock, the Indians came out with more purpose in the fourth and final quarter and applied pressure on the Irish defence with constant forays.
The Indians were immediately rewarded when they secured the first and only penalty corner of the match in the 49th minute, but Rani's feeble shot was easily kept out by Ireland goalie Ayeisha McFerran.
It was struggle out there in the middle for both India and Ireland as both the teams failed to create any clear cut opportunities during the four quarters.
In the last edition of the tournament in Rosario, Argentina India had finished a disappointing eighth.
Interestingly, it was India's second defeat to world no. 16 Ireland in the tournament after the 0-1 loss at the pool stages.
It was even-stevens in the first quarter with both India and Ireland failed to create any real scoring opportunity.
India and Ireland managed to penetrate each other's circle quite a few times in the opening 15 minutes but both the teams defended stoutly.
Both India and Ireland defenders came up with some strong challenges inside their own circle to deny each other.
Ireland had the first real scoring opportunity in the 23rd minute when Anna O'Flanagan's deflection from Kathryn Mullan's pass was saved by a diving Savita.
Three minutes later, India skipper Rani Rampal shot wide from close range after a fine one-two with Vandana Katariya as both the teams failed to break the deadlock in the opening half.
It was a dull third quarter as the play was mostly centred around the edges of both the ends.
The Indians and Irish both tried hard but they failed to get a single shot at each other's goal in the third quarter as the stalemate continued.
Desperate to break the deadlock, the Indians came out with more purpose in the fourth and final quarter and applied pressure on the Irish defence with constant forays.
The Indians were immediately rewarded when they secured the first and only penalty corner of the match in the 49th minute, but Rani's feeble shot was easily kept out by Ireland goalie Ayeisha McFerran.
It was struggle out there in the middle for both India and Ireland as both the teams failed to create any clear cut opportunities during the four quarters.
Mirabai Chanu Pulls Out of Asian Games![Mirabai Chanu Pulls Out of Asian Games]( "Mirabai Chanu Pulls Out of Asian Games")
World Champion weightlifter Mirabai Chanu today pulled out of the Asian Games after failing to recover from a lower back injury, which is yet to be fully diagnosed.
New Delhi: World Champion weightlifter Mirabai Chanu has pulled out of the Asian Games after failing to recover from a lower back injury, which is yet to be fully diagnosed.
"Yes, Mirabai will not be taking part in the Asian Games," Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF) Secretary Sahdev Yadav told PTI.
"Yes, Mirabai will not be taking part in the Asian Games," Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF) Secretary Sahdev Yadav told PTI.
The decision comes in the wake of national coach Vijay Sharma's recommendation that the Commonwealth gold-medallist must pull out of Jakarta event from August 18 to be fit for the Olympic qualifiers, later this year.
The reigning CWG champion is struggling with an unidentified lower-back problem since May and is yet to begin full-fledged weight training.
When pain subsided last week, Mirabai travelled to Mumbai to get treated and resume weight training.
However, the 23-year-old felt discomfort again, prompting Sharma to recommend to the federation that she pull out to avoid aggravating the injury ahead of the Olympic qualifiers.
"The Olympic qualifiers event is approaching and that is more important than the Asian Games," Sharma had said.
The Manipuri weightlifter's absence from the upcoming Asian Games comes as a huge setback for India, as she was considered as one of the strongest contenders for a gold medal in the event.
The World Championship, scheduled to be held in Ashgabat from November 1, will be the first Olympic qualifying event this year.
However, the 23-year-old felt discomfort again, prompting Sharma to recommend to the federation that she pull out to avoid aggravating the injury ahead of the Olympic qualifiers.
"The Olympic qualifiers event is approaching and that is more important than the Asian Games," Sharma had said.
The Manipuri weightlifter's absence from the upcoming Asian Games comes as a huge setback for India, as she was considered as one of the strongest contenders for a gold medal in the event.
The World Championship, scheduled to be held in Ashgabat from November 1, will be the first Olympic qualifying event this year.
Asian Games: Yogeshwar Dutt Has Helped Improve my Game, Says In-form Bajrang Punia![Asian Games: Yogeshwar Dutt Has Helped Improve my Game, Says In-form Bajrang Punia]( "Asian Games: Yogeshwar Dutt Has Helped Improve my Game, Says In-form Bajrang Punia")
Bajrang Punia, the most outstanding Indian wrestler this season with three gold medals, says that he has learnt from his mentor Yogeshwar Dutt that conquering big names is the only way to earn a big name.
New Delhi: Bajrang Punia, the most outstanding Indian wrestler this season with three gold medals, says that he has learnt from his mentor Yogeshwar Dutt that conquering big names is the only way to earn a big name.
Punia is in red-hot form having won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games and followed it up with victories in Tbilisi Grand Prix in Georgia and Yasar Dogu International in Istanbul.
Punia is in red-hot form having won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games and followed it up with victories in Tbilisi Grand Prix in Georgia and Yasar Dogu International in Istanbul.
Punia will be India's best for a gold medal at the Asian Games in Jakarta in the men's freestyle competition.
"Yogeshwar is my role model. He always tells me that 'you can do it, you are the best'. He will never say that if the opponent is an Olympic champion, you can't win. He says 'you have trained well, you are fit, so you can beat anyone. If we beat World Champions, only then the world will acknowledge us and we will make a name'. So, he says beat the bigger guys to make it big. He always keeps morale and motivation level high," Bajrang told PTI in an interaction.
"Now that he has retired, he has ample time to work with me. He is sharing all his experience with me and it is helping me. He has competed in four Olympics and he played in same category in which I compete, so this is immensely beneficial for me," added the 24-year old, who is training in Sonepat, fine-tuning his game ahead of the Jakarta Games.
Bajrang, who won a silver at the Incheon Games, said winning three tournaments this season has prepared him well for the Jakarta Games.
"These tournaments have really been good for me ahead of the Asian Games. It has added to my experience. I know which technique I need to use in what situation. I am really confident going into the Asian Games and will try to implement whatever I have learnt this year. I will give my best," Bajrang, who will compete in 65kg category, said.
The 2013 World championship bronze medallist said he is well-prepared for Asian Games, having competed in a field which had best grapplers in the world.
"Wrestlers from best Asian countries, except Japan, were there in Georgia. Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Korea were there. In Istanbul also, world's best wrestlers from Russia, Azerbaijan and Turkey were there and every one comes to win the gold medal. It was not easy as it was a ranking tournament."
He also made it clear that his real target is to excel at 2020 Tokyo Games.
"Asian Games is a big event and it is a dream to win a gold there. And it's less than two years from now on for the Olympics. Winning a medal at such a big event will be a good morale booster for the Olympics," he said
Bajrang said the training stints abroad have played a huge role in him becoming a stronger and fearless wrestler.
"We get good sparring partners when we train abroad. When I was in Istanbul, there were wrestlers from Azerbaijan, Turkey, Belarus and Ukraine and everyday we got to practice with different partners and it does make a difference to your performance," Bajrang, who also trains with Georgian coach Shako Benitidis, said.
Asked what difference he found in Indian and foreign coaches, Bajarang said, "There's not much difference but you get personal attention when you are training with personal coaches. After Asian Games, I will again train abroad with Shako."
Bajrang was there when Sushil Kumar lost his first bout in four years in Georgia, but he backed the celebrated Indian wrestler will bounce back.
"Win and defeat is part and parcel of the game. You can't perform at high level all the time. I had seen that bout and there were some mistakes but I am sure Sushil bhai will come back stronger in Jakarta.
Bajrang, who won a silver at the Incheon Games, said winning three tournaments this season has prepared him well for the Jakarta Games.
"These tournaments have really been good for me ahead of the Asian Games. It has added to my experience. I know which technique I need to use in what situation. I am really confident going into the Asian Games and will try to implement whatever I have learnt this year. I will give my best," Bajrang, who will compete in 65kg category, said.
The 2013 World championship bronze medallist said he is well-prepared for Asian Games, having competed in a field which had best grapplers in the world.
"Wrestlers from best Asian countries, except Japan, were there in Georgia. Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Korea were there. In Istanbul also, world's best wrestlers from Russia, Azerbaijan and Turkey were there and every one comes to win the gold medal. It was not easy as it was a ranking tournament."
He also made it clear that his real target is to excel at 2020 Tokyo Games.
"Asian Games is a big event and it is a dream to win a gold there. And it's less than two years from now on for the Olympics. Winning a medal at such a big event will be a good morale booster for the Olympics," he said
Bajrang said the training stints abroad have played a huge role in him becoming a stronger and fearless wrestler.
"We get good sparring partners when we train abroad. When I was in Istanbul, there were wrestlers from Azerbaijan, Turkey, Belarus and Ukraine and everyday we got to practice with different partners and it does make a difference to your performance," Bajrang, who also trains with Georgian coach Shako Benitidis, said.
Asked what difference he found in Indian and foreign coaches, Bajarang said, "There's not much difference but you get personal attention when you are training with personal coaches. After Asian Games, I will again train abroad with Shako."
Bajrang was there when Sushil Kumar lost his first bout in four years in Georgia, but he backed the celebrated Indian wrestler will bounce back.
"Win and defeat is part and parcel of the game. You can't perform at high level all the time. I had seen that bout and there were some mistakes but I am sure Sushil bhai will come back stronger in Jakarta.
Squash Team Will Aim For Gold at Asian Games: Mahesh Mangaonkar![Squash Team Will Aim For Gold at Asian Games: Mahesh Mangaonkar]( "Squash Team Will Aim For Gold at Asian Games: Mahesh Mangaonkar")
Mahesh Mangoankar was part of the Indian men's squash team that bagged the gold medal in the 2014 Asian Games in South Korea, and he says the current squad will aim to repeat the feat in the upcoming edition of the continental multi-sport event.
Mumbai: Mahesh Mangaonkar was part of the Indian men's squash team that bagged the gold medal in the 2014 Asian Games in South Korea, and he says the current squad will aim to repeat the feat in the upcoming edition of the continental multi-sport event.
The experienced player believes the squad, of which he is again a member, will target nothing less than the gold in the Games starting on August 18 in Indonesia, although he singled out Hong Kong as strong title contenders. Mangaonkar, along with Saurav Ghosal, Harinder Pal Singh Sandhu and Kush Kumar, had won the gold at the 17th Asian Games at Incheon, South Korea, four years ago.
The experienced player believes the squad, of which he is again a member, will target nothing less than the gold in the Games starting on August 18 in Indonesia, although he singled out Hong Kong as strong title contenders. Mangaonkar, along with Saurav Ghosal, Harinder Pal Singh Sandhu and Kush Kumar, had won the gold at the 17th Asian Games at Incheon, South Korea, four years ago.
This time, Ramit Tandon is the lone change as replacement for Kumar in the team. "Yes. We are trying to win it (the gold). We never try for (just) a podium finish and we always try to win the gold," Mangaonkar told PTI.
"Obviously, we are going with the expectation of defending it (title) again and just the fact that last time, we beat Malaysia in the final (is a morale booster)," he explained.
The 24-year-old squash player, currently ranked No. 3 in India, was speaking on the sidelines of the 43rd Maharashtra State mens squash tournament that began at the Bombay Gymkhana here and in which he is the top seed. Though the draw for the Asian Games is yet to be completed, Mangaonkar feels Hong Kong have the best team. "This year, we are likely to play them (Malaysia) in
the semi-finals, if we get there. And semi-finals again will be a tough match. And in the final, if we win the semis, then we expect to play Hong Kong.
"Hong Kong has the best team they have ever produced. All of them are in the top 30 in the world. So, they are still favourites to win the tournament, even if we are the defending champions," Mangaonkar said. The Indian team is to assemble in Chennai for a small camp before leaving for Indonesia which is hosting the continental games in Jakarta and Palembang.
"The preparation is good. Just 10 days before the Asian Games, we are going to have a meet in Chennai, starting from the 10th (August). "We will be having group discussion and training camp.
Otherwise everyone has been preparing individually for the past four years," he said.
"We have played together before. Everyone will be giving their 100 per cent for every match. I get along very well with my team mates, and they are like a family," he added.
Mangaonkar recalled his experience of the 2014 Games, terming clinching the gold as a cherished moment in his career. "It was just amazing, winning a gold (medal) for India in 2014. It was the best feeling in the world. That week in particular all of us played well. "We were like bonding (well), discussing a lot of tactics with each other about our opponents, (chalking out) game plans on how to play/beat them. It was a great experience for me," said he, walking down the memory lane.
the semi-finals, if we get there. And semi-finals again will be a tough match. And in the final, if we win the semis, then we expect to play Hong Kong.
"Hong Kong has the best team they have ever produced. All of them are in the top 30 in the world. So, they are still favourites to win the tournament, even if we are the defending champions," Mangaonkar said. The Indian team is to assemble in Chennai for a small camp before leaving for Indonesia which is hosting the continental games in Jakarta and Palembang.
"The preparation is good. Just 10 days before the Asian Games, we are going to have a meet in Chennai, starting from the 10th (August). "We will be having group discussion and training camp.
Otherwise everyone has been preparing individually for the past four years," he said.
"We have played together before. Everyone will be giving their 100 per cent for every match. I get along very well with my team mates, and they are like a family," he added.
Mangaonkar recalled his experience of the 2014 Games, terming clinching the gold as a cherished moment in his career. "It was just amazing, winning a gold (medal) for India in 2014. It was the best feeling in the world. That week in particular all of us played well. "We were like bonding (well), discussing a lot of tactics with each other about our opponents, (chalking out) game plans on how to play/beat them. It was a great experience for me," said he, walking down the memory lane.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus Debut to be Streamed Live on Facebook![Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus Debut to be Streamed Live on Facebook]( "Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus Debut to be Streamed Live on Facebook")
Cristiano Ronaldo's debut for Juventus is among a series of games from Serie A and Spain's La Liga to be broadcast for free on Facebook in the UK and Ireland this season.
Cristiano Ronaldo's debut for Juventus is among a series of games from Serie A and Spain's La Liga to be broadcast for free on Facebook in the UK and Ireland this season.
UK rights holders Eleven Sports announced on Monday it had reached an agreement with the social media giant that will see at least one live match from both leagues broadcast every week on the network's own Facebook page.
UK rights holders Eleven Sports announced on Monday it had reached an agreement with the social media giant that will see at least one live match from both leagues broadcast every week on the network's own Facebook page.
The deal is just the latest step towards the online sector securing lucrative live football contracts after Amazon secured the rights to show 20 Premier League matches a season for three years in the UK, starting from the 2019/20 season in June.
Five-time World Player of the Year Ronaldo will make his Serie A debut at Chievo on August 18 with Atletico Madrid's La Liga opener at Valencia two days later and Barcelona's visit to Valladolid on August 25 also among the matches scheduled for free-to-air viewing.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to helping broadcasters reach new audiences, build their brands and deliver a great viewing experience for sports fans on Facebook," said Rhys Beer, Facebook's live sports programming lead for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Last week Eleven Sports, owned by Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani, announced a monthly online subscription for all of its content will cost £5.99 a month or an annual fee of £59.99.
The first two days of golf's fourth major of the season, the PGA Championship, will also be broadcast for free via the Eleven Sports Facebook page.
Last week Eleven Sports, owned by Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani, announced a monthly online subscription for all of its content will cost £5.99 a month or an annual fee of £59.99.
The first two days of golf's fourth major of the season, the PGA Championship, will also be broadcast for free via the Eleven Sports Facebook page.
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