Modric rubbishes Inter move
MADRID: Real Madrid’s Luka Modric on Tuesday rubbished reports that he ever told FIFA that he initiated contact with Inter Milan this summer over a potential move. “The greatest nonsense in history,” Modric wrote in response to a post on Instagram. Since helping Croatia reach their maiden final at the summer’s World Cup, Modric — who won the Golden Ball at the tournament — has been linked to Inter. Madrid reported Inter to FIFA over their alleged approach. (IANS)
Jaipur lad bags silver in Serbia
JAIPUR: Jaipur lad Harsh Choudhary took the silver medal in 70 kilogram boxing in 2nd Nations’ Cup International Tournament held from August 15-20 at Vrbas in Serbia. The Sports Authority of India led the 13-member junior team to Serbia where participants from various countries took part in the tournament. Speaking to IANS, sixteen-year-old Harsh said the short height of his competitor helped him score more points in the tough competition. On his return from Serbia on Tuesday, Harsh was extended a warm reception at the Jaipur International Airport by students of Akashdeep School and local residents of Durgapura’s Jadon Nagar-A here. (IANS)
Bolt begins training with Mariners
SYDNEY: Former Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt on Tuesday started his first practice with professional Australian football club Central Coast Mariners. The eight-time Olympic gold medal winner marked his 32nd birthday by completing the session at the club’s stadium in Gosford, north of Sydney, as documented by an Efe journalist. “The Mariners decided to give me an opportunity and I am very grateful for it,” Bolt said during a joint press conference with the A-League side coach Mike Mulvey. “I am only here to make them proud and make myself proud, and do my best,” he added. Aiming to become a professional football player, Bolt, who ended his running career last year, had also trained with German club Borussia Dortmund, South African club Sundowns and Norway’s Stromsgodset. (IANS)
Spain in U-20 World Cup final
VANNES: After dreaming of this day for a generation and led by a fabulous Patri Guijarro, Spain finally reached its first Women’s U-20 World Cup final with a tough 1-0 victory here over host nation France. The US, Germany and North Korea are the only nations to have taken home the trophy in the eight previous editions of the competition, but the ninth final will be a face-off between Japan and Spain, who downed England and hosts France on Monday, respectively. The Spanish women fought hard the entire match at the Stade de la Rabine in Vannes on Monday, ending the contest with 10 players after the double-warning expulsion of Aitana Bonmati and during which goaltender Catalina Coll stopped a late strike. (IANS)