IOA issues election notification
New Delhi: The Indian Olympic Association notified the holding of its elections on February 9 as was decided at its Special General Body Meeting last month to pave the way for the country’s return to the Olympic fold. S Reghunathan, who chaired the last few Special GBMs, signed the notification before sending it to the officials, National Sports Federations and state Olympic bodies on Tuesday. Candidates can file nominations for various posts, including those of president, secretary general and treasurer, starting 15 days before the election date while they can withdraw their names till seven days prior to the polls, an IOA official said. The elections are expected to be preceded by a Special GBM which is likely to accept International Olympic Committee’s directive to make the December 8 amendments absolutely clear that charge-framed persons would be barred from contesting elections. The Sports Ministry had suggested holding of the elections before the February 7-23 Sochi Winter Olympics so that four Indians can participate under the national flag. (PTI)
BCCI rubbishes reports of supporting UAE-based cricket league
New Delhi: The Indian cricket board today clarified that they are not backing any private seven-a-side league in the United Arab Emirates which is rumoured to be launched by Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Suresh Raina. BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel issued a clarification on Tuesday to a report published in a national daily carrying a story in this regard. “In its issue dated 7 January 2014, has published a report titled ‘Unveiled: A new league that will redefine cricket,’ about a cricket event to be played in the Middle East. The report mentions that the event has the blessings of the BCCI. The BCCI wishes to clarify that this is incorrect. The ICC has also clarified that the Emirates Cricket Board has not approved such a tournament,” Patel was quoted as saying by the release. (PTI)
Injury rules out Windies skipper Sammy
Hamilton (New Zealand): A hamstring injury has ruled West Indies Twenty20 captain Darren Sammy out of the two-match T20 series against New Zealand on January 11 (Auckland) and 15 (Wellington). Sammy suffered his injury when he was running around on a damp outfield in Queenstown before the third ODI on New Year’s Day. His place has been taken by left-arm spinner Nikita Miller. “Darren is undergoing treatment and should be fit to return to playing duties in time for the regional Super50 tournament which starts later this month in Trinidad,” said West Indies team physiotherapist CJ Clark. ODI captain Dwayne Bravo will now lead the side in the T20 series. (IANS)
First Formula E car dazzles Las Vegas
Las Vegas: The first Formula E car – part of an upcoming motor racing competition to put electric vehicles on the map – made its dazzling debut in Las Vegas. The sleek Spark-Renault SRT-01E, capable of speeds above 225 kilometres per hour, will compete in the first Formula E Championship that begins in Beijing in September, part of 10 races sponsored by the FIA, the global governing body for motor racing. Formula E will have 10 teams, each with two drivers. Brazilian driver Lucas di Grassi showed off the vehicle at a parking lot, demonstrating to spectators and media the capabilities of the fully electric machine. (AFP)
Woods to start 2014 at Torrey Pines
WASHINGTON: World number one Tiger Woods will launch his 2014 campaign at one of his favourite venues, having committed on Monday to play in this month’s Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, tournament organisers said. Woods won the event there for a record seventh time last year, ending a week of mainly dominant golf by clinching his 75th PGA Tour title by four shots. It was the third different PGA Tour event where he has achieved the feat, having previously piled up seven wins apiece at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and the Arnold Palmer Invitational. (Reuters)