State Martial Arts fighters to represent India in world meet
SHILLONG: Three Martial Arts fighters – Lamphrang Kharsahnoh, Pynnehbor Mylliemngap and Pynshai Mawrie who are part of the Meghalaya Association of Kickboxing Organizations (MAKO), have been chosen by World Associations of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO), Asia Kickboxing Federation to represent the WAKO India team at the WAKO Asia Kickboxing Championships that will take place in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan from April 24 to April 30, a release issued here informed. The athletes are yet to reach their quota for necessary funds needed for the meet. The event will also serve as a test event for the next Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games which is under the patronage of the Olympic Council of Asia.
Manpreet Singh eyes Sultan Azlan Shah title
New Delhi: On a high after clinching silver medal in the previous Azlan Shah final,Indian midfielder Manpreet Singh is aiming for this year’s title in order to seal the team’s stand, ahead of the Men’s Hockey World League Semi Final in London in June. The Senior Men’s Team for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup scheduled to be announced next week In this year’s edition, England, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Japan and Korea will vie for top honours along with India. Teams like England and Australia will play with a young squad. “Last time we lost in the final but this time definitely the aim is to win the title. We have had really good sessions in the national camp and with youngsters in the mix there are options to try out different combinations,” Singh stated. “Since this is the first tournament we play this year, we can see where we stand and what are the changes that need to be made moving forward,” stated Singh, who was recently appointed as Deputy Superintendent of Police by Punjab Government. (UNI)
68,000 tickets for all 15 matches at ICC Champions Trophy
London: International cricket fans still have the chance to be a part of this summer’s much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy in England and Wales as 34,000 tickets for all 15 matches are set to go on sale on Wednesday. Fans who entered the ballot last September, but were unsuccessful in their application, have access to a priority window 24-hours ahead of general sale, to ensure as many new fans as possible have the opportunity to purchase tickets and attend this summer’s event. Demand for the 50 over event, which starts with hosts England against Bangladesh at The Oval on 1 June, has already surpassed sales at this point in 2013. The tickets for all matches – including popular fixtures India v Pakistan, England v Australia and the final – will be released on general sale to eager fans following handbacks from tournament stakeholders that includes sponsors, ICC family and travel providers. Fans also have the opportunity to sell any tickets they have purchased and no longer require through the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 resale service. So far, over 1,000 tickets have been posted on the website and will be available for other fans to buy. It is a safe and secure process which ensures that tickets are sold at face value to fellow fans. (PTI)
Clichy backs Wenger to continue at Arsenal
Undated: Manchester City defender Gael Clichy has warned Arsenal fans calling for manager Arsene Wenger to stand down when his contract expires at the end of the season to “be careful what you wish for”. Supporters have voiced their discontent over Arsenal’s form with the club in danger of missing out on a Premier League top-four finish for the first time since 1996. Clichy, who played under Wenger at Arsenal for eight seasons, said there was no guarantee someone else could do a better job at the London club given its spending policies. “If you take him off and you bring someone else with the same structure, would he be better? Would he do better? I’m not sure,” Clichy told the reporters. “If the club is spending more money and they have the players they need, then perhaps Wenger is the perfect man. “You always want something new when you are used to something and what you get is probably most of the time not better … so you have to be careful what you wish for.” Arsenal are in sixth place, seven points behind City in fourth but with a game in hand. Arsenal host West Ham United on Wednesday. (PTI)