Pak players to skip World Series Hockey
NEW DELHI: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has categorically said their players will not be a part of the $2 million World Series Hockey to be held in India from next month otherwise they might face ban from domestic hockey. “There is no question of Pakistani players taking part in WSH. Not a single player will play. Chinese team is touring Pakistan from December 19 and our national team will play against them,” PHF general secretary Asif Bajwa said. “FIH has written a letter to us which clearly states that this league is unsanctioned. Our national team members will not take part in it and those who are not in the team at present will also follow the suit,” he said. “All the players who are affiliated with our units will have to avoid this league.” WSH is a lucrative league organised by the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) and Nimbus Sports. IHF is not affiliated to the FIH and the world body recognises Hockey India (HI) as the national federation for Hockey in India. (PTI)
Beckham wins top MLS Award
Houston: David Beckham has boosted his chances of representing England in the Euro 2012. The US Major League Soccer (MLS) announced Los Angeles Galaxy’s midfielder as the winner of the 2011 MLS Comeback Player of the Year. The former England captain appeared in only seven league games in 2010 after injuring his Achilles tendon while on loan with AC Milan, but still managed 15 assists in the 2011 MLS regular season games – five better than his previous best in MLS of 10 in 2008, Xinhua reported. Beckham’s career-high appearances in MLS (26) this year helped LA clinch their second consecutive Supporter’s Shield with the second-highest point total in league history (67). Voting for the award was conducted among MLS management, media and players. Beckham narrowly edged out D.C. United’s forward Charlie Davies and Chicago Fire forward Dominic Oduro for the honour. (IANS)
Adriano injury setback for Barca
Madrid: Barcelona football club will be without defender Adriano Correia for around three weeks after the player suffered a muscle injury while being on international duty with Brazil. The club confirmed Tuesday that Adriano has a small tear in his left hamstring. The injury means he will miss this weekend’s home match in the Primera Liga when Barcelona entertain Zaragoza Saturday as well as their vital Champions League tie away to AC Milan next week in which they need to avoid defeat to ensure finishing top of their qualifying group and assuring a theoretically easier draw in the knockout stages of the competition, Xinhua reported. Fortunately for Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola, his side’s injury problems have receded in recent weeks with players such as Alexis Sanchez, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas and Gerard Pique all recovering from muscle injuries. Meanwhile, Ibrahim Affelay will be out of action for the rest of the season after damaging knee ligaments. (IANS)