AIBA approves group to revive IABF
New Delhi: The terminated Indian Amateur Boxing Federation got a new lease of life on Thursday with the International Boxing Association approving the application of Boxing India (The Bout outside the Ring) without specifying the individuals representing the group. Boxing India was, however, the name given to the faction led by former Secretary General PK Muralidharan Raja, which had claimed support of 26 out of the 35 states and units that make up the IABF. Interestingly, Boxing India was also the first to submit a vision document to AIBA after the world body terminated IABF for not holding fresh elections after being suspended in 2012 for possible manipulation in its polls. (PTI)
Colaco stays with East Bengal
Kolkata: East Bengal club authorities on Thursday confirmed that Armando Colaco will continue as the chief coach for the upcoming season, putting an end to the impasse during the past few weeks over the Goan coach’s availability. “He wrote to us confirming his availability and stated ‘I’m honoured to remain with East Bengal and I’ll strive hard towards success’,” club general secretary Kalyan Majumdar said while displaying Colaco’s email to the reporters in a hurriedly-called press conference. It was just a week back that East Bengal officials had said “Colaco’s chapter was closed” as the club apparently did not give in to the Goan’s long list of demands, including interest of joining an ISL team. The country’s most successful club coach, with five national league titles, was East Bengal’s hot favourite since the 2013-14 season concluded. After guiding the club to the runners-up spot in the just-concluded I-League from a difficult position, the team were keen on renewing their contract with Colaco. Incidentally, a club official had gone to Goa to convince Colaco, who, however, kept on claiming that he had joined Churchill Brothers. Questioned whether East Bengal would allow Colaco to join a franchise during the ISL, Majumdar replied: “As per the contract, he’ll not accept any other assignment during the season.” (PTI)
MCA agrees to SRK entry for IPL final
Mumbai: In an attempt to get back hosting rights for the IPL final on June 1, the Mumbai Cricket Association agreed on Thursday to all the terms and conditions laid down by IPL Chairman Ranjib Biswal, including temporarily lifting the ban on superstar Shah Rukh Khan. “We had received letter from IPL chairman Ranjib Biswal dated May 13, and there were as many as 14 conditions. We have decided to accept all the conditions because the President (Sharad Pawar) desired that the match should be played in Mumbai only and we hope that our decision will change the heart of the governing council and the match will be played in Mumbai,” MCA vice-president Ravi Savant told reporters here. Without naming Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri, Savant also hinted that these players would support MCA’s bid to get the final back. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, BCCI interim President for IPL related matters Sunil Gavaskar said, “We have not decided anything on the final. We are awaiting MCA’s reply. Once we get their letter, we will have an IPL Governing Council meeting and a final call will be taken after that.” Shah Rukh had been banned by the MCA after getting into a confrontation with staff at the ground in 2012. (PTI)
Chowrasia best Indian at Manila
Manila: Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Anirban Lahiri endured a frustrating opening day to card a three-over 75 even as SSP Chowrasia emerged as the best-placed Indian at tied 10th after the first round of the ICTSI Philippine Open here on Thursday. Chowrasia, a two-time winner of co-sanctioned events with Europe, turned in a one-under 71, while Lahiri’s troubled day ended at the 56th place. Among other Indians in fray, Manav Jaini (73) was tied 29th, while Abhijit Chadha, Sujjan Singh and Angad Cheema were tied 56th with Lahiri. Himmat Rai (77) and Abhinav Lohan (78) were struggling further down, while Amardip Malik (79) and Digvijay Singh (80) were certain to miss the cut. Bangladesh’s Siddikur Rahman fired his best score at the challenging Wack Wack Golf and Country Club to share the honours with Chan Kim at six-under-par 66. (PTI)