On The Right Track

Things are surely LOOKING UP FOR INDIAN FOOTBALL and it’s key that all of us support the cause, and keep the momentum going.

It Just Ain't Football!

From Ronaldo’s touching gesture to the introduction of the much anticipated Video Assistant Referee technology, the FIFA Confederations Cup is as lively as ever. Here are some NOTABLE INCIDENTS from the tournament.

It's No Child's Play

There’s often a huge gap between the junior and senior levels in international sports. At the moment, 11 of the 18 players from India’s junior World Cup-winning squad are part of the senior core group. Five of them have represented India already and one is an Olympian. The rest are in uncertain zone, trying to balance their REALISTIC EFFORTS at landing a secure job with their dream of playing for the country, writes Uthra Ganesan

Not Leading From The Front

Jason Holder finished with figures of 1 for 76 from his 8.5 overs during the second ODI against India.

Unbelievable, But Ricciardo It Is!

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix wasn’t about great racing. But the chaos during the event, with debris and sparks flying, both literally and figuratively, has LIVENED UP what was an already intriguing Formula One season.

I Am Ambitious

“I am working on a basic concept with the team that all of them have to be compact at all times. We should have 11 defenders while defending and 11 attackers when we go on the offensive. We have been working hard from day one and we just HAVE TO STICK TO THE PLAN. The results will follow,” says Gianluca Zambrotta, the coach of Delhi Dynamos.

Adam, the First Man of Indian Youth Football

“Exposure trips in order to get MATCH EXPERIENCE at the highest level are the only means to get the Indian team prepared for the under-17 World Cup. We will continue doing this and we will even intensify it. That means more international matches from now on against National teams from all over the world and even against older teams,” Indian youth coach Nicolai Adam.

Whose Fault Is It Anyway?

Nobody should be pumping a fist and bellowing, “Come on!” when it comes to The Sharapova Case. None of the major players ended up winners, writes Christopher Clarey.

Know Thyself!

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has won a general ROUND OF APPLAUSE for taking the initiative to improve its working, even though the report, by a committee appointed by it, has squarely blamed the federation for not monitoring the preparation of the shooters in a more responsible manner for the Rio Olympics.

The 20 Commandments

“The NRAI should have a ROBUST WORKING RELATIONSHIP with the Services. It should also use the world class facilities of the AMU in Mhow and consider the possibility of holding skill development camps there, away from any distractions. The Services have over the years provided many shooters to the Indian team and this relationship has to be tapped and enhanced.”

'I'D Love to Keep the Momentum Going'

RUTHVIKA SHIVANI, who was one of the very few who got the better of P. V. Sindhu this year (in the South Asian Games women’s singles final) before the latter went on to win the 2016 Rio Olympics silver, is determined to keep improving in every aspect of her game. V. V. SUBRAHMANYAM caught up with the youngster.

A Bearded Man

There are INDIAN FANS everywhere and they are always boisterous. SHREEDUTTA CHIDANANDA recalls his encounters with them in London and there’s also another one with a taxi driver.

Fired Up For The Hot Seat

A year after appointing Anil Kumble to steer Indian cricket, the Cricket Advisory Committee, COMPRISING THE LEG-SPINNER’S former team-mates, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and V. V. S Laxman, need to weigh in again. Incumbent Kumble has competition from five other gentlemen and VIJAY LOKAPALLY goes through the resumes of the candidates.

Nanda's Funda!

Cutting every fraction of a second is a phenomenal exercise, but Srabani Nanda believes that “EVERYTHING IS IN YOUR MIND.” She is confident of getting to that higher level of performance, as she has been working hard, with discipline and determination.

Hamilton Back Where He Belongs

After a disastrous weekend in Monaco, there was no place better than Montreal for Lewis Hamilton to get back in form. His sixth win in 10 starts proved the BRITON’S MASTERY of the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve circuit.

Virat Kohli- A Batting Bastion!

There is not a shot that Virat Kohli has not mastered. From the cover­drive to the on­drive, he plays them with ease.

Thriller At Trent Bridge

Going into the match, the mood could not have been more different in the two camps.

Dominant Victory Followed By A Quixotic Development

The International Cricket Council requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India to tell former India captain M. S. Dhoni to not violate the apparel rules that limits the number of logos and more importantly to avoid displaying any symbol that is political in nature.

It's Important For A Spinner To Put His Thinking Cap On

In his long and illustrious career, former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has seen many close games against arch-rival India.

Close Encounter In Birmingham

Kane Williamson displayed composureand technical nous under pressure. TheSouth Africans, under pressure to win and keep their World Cup hopes alive, choked.

Some Positives, Some Concerns

Apart from winning the title, it was a test more for coach Graham Reid’s planning in his first competitive outing with the Indian side.

Amateur Hoopster To Major Golfer

From basketball to golf.

Warm Hearts In Cold Seats!

The cold iron­bar seats were, however, no discomfort for the hooting and singing crowd, which cheered every pass, every dribble and every attempt to score a goal.

Mission: Not Impossible

While teams don’t play to meet external expectations, it won’t be lost on Ravi Shastri and Virat Kohli that walking the talk is non­-negotiable on the tour of Australia.

The Curious Case Of Mystery Spinners

Almost every single one of these so called mystery bowlers have been discarded after one season because it’s one thing to be a mystery in local leagues but it’s quite another when bowling to international players.

Belgian Diamonds That Took A Decade To Polish!

It is easy to label Belgium’s victory as a fairytale or a miracle but that would be unfair. The triumph in Bhubaneswar, 7698 km away from Brussels, took the team a decade of planning, losing and persevering.

Justin Langer Talks About Test Cricket's Time Span

The series balances at 1-­1 but what lingers are the lousy words caught on the stump microphones, the television cameras that beam unflattering visuals of Kohli’s volcanic anger and even that needless focus on Ishant Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja getting embroiled in an argument.

A Boe To Shoot Pune Arrows!

To join Pune 7Aces is of course a bit special for me as I personally know the owners and team staff, says Dane star Mathias Boe.

It's All About Pujara And The Bowlers

The 70-­odd extra runs scored as Cheteshwar Pujara carried the lower order gave the Indian bowlers just the cushion they needed as they overshadowed their much-vaunted batting teammates.

Virat, Rohit, Hockey!

Some spectators do not mind putting on a Virat or a Rohit jersey and watching a hockey match of the Indian side!