Sports UPDATE

25th State Karate Championship concludes
SHILLONG: The 25th State Karate Championship organised by the All Meghalaya Karate Do Association concluded at the at U Tirot Sing Syiem Indoor Stadium on December 17. While the All Meghalaya Karate-Do Association emerged as the team champion in the men’s category, Shillong Dojo Karate-Do Association were winners in the women’s category. In the Boys’ Junior category Gideon Tympuin was adjudged the best karateka while Phidawansanilee Wahlang bagged the honours in the Girls’ Junior category. In the Men’s Senior category Raphael S. Sunn was the best karateka while Isadora A. Lyngdoh was the top karateka in Women’s Senior category.
Vardy suspended for three games for red card
LONDON: Ailing Premier League champions Leicester City suffered a blow on Tuesday as England striker Jamie Vardy received a three-match ban from the Football Association (FA) for his sending off against Stoke City. The 29-year-old, who had shown a semblance of a return to form with a brace against Manchester City the previous game, will miss matches against Everton, West Ham and Middlesbrough. The FA rejected the club’s claim of wrongful dismissal which hinged upon Vardy being off balance as he was harried by Glen Johnson when he challenged Stoke midfielder Mame Diouf just before the half-hour mark. Referee Craig Pawson did not hesitate in showing him a red card for the two-footed challenge. “Jamie Vardy will serve a three-match suspension with immediate effect after his wrongful dismissal claim was rejected, following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing,” read the FA statement. “The Leicester City striker was sent off for serious foul play during the game at Stoke City on Saturday 17 December 2016.” Vardy’s suspension means Leicester will be without three key players for the game with Everton next Monday. (Agencies)
DSK rope in Sanju and ISL emerging player Jerry
Pune: DSK Shivajians FC on Tuesday signed left back Jerry Lalrinzuala and attacker Sanju Pradhan from Indian Super League sides Chennaiyin FC and FC Pune City respectively for the upcoming I-League season beginning next month. By signing Jerry, DSK have pulled off a major coup as the 18-year-old was named the Emerging Player of the 2016 ISL. A product of the AIFF Elite Academy, the Mizoram-born Lalrinzuala was part of a select group of five players who had gone to FC Metz’s Academy in France in May for a developmental stint. On his return, he made 13 appearances for Chennaiyin FC as one of the youngest ever players to play in the ISL. A vital cog in the Indian youth set-up, Jerry has been part of every age group national side from the Under-14 all the way up to the Under-19 level. (PTI)