Contribution raised by IOA for fight against COVID-19 touches Rs 1 cr
New Delhi:The total amount of contribution raised by the Indian Olympic Association through donations from its state affiliates and National Sports Federations touched Rs 1 crore on Sunday. The IOA said Rs 1,02,56,003 so far has been raised by the NSFs, state Olympic associations and non-members (who have applied for recognition) and others. “IOA is deeply grateful to its NSFs and state associations and other federations and bodies for extending their support and humble contributions towards the cause of our nation’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic,” the IOA said in a statement. “In these challenging times, the coming together of the Olympic family to support the nation’s need once again reinforces our belief that we shall always come out stronger to serve sports and make the nation proud.” The IOA will transfer the donations to PM CARES Fund, the statement added. (PTI)
Yuvraj pledges to donate Rs 50 lakh
New Delhi: Former India star cricketer Yuvraj Singh on Sunday pledged to donate Rs 50 lakh to the PM CARES Fund to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The flamboyant all-rounder also appealed to the people to stay united in the fight against the pandemic that has so far claimed more than 70 lives while infecting over 3000 across the the country. “We are stronger when we stand united. I will be lighting a candle tonight at 9pm for 9 minutes. Are you with me?” he asked referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to light candles, diyas or torchlights for nine minutes. “On this great day of solidarity, I pledge Rs. 50 Lakhs to the PMCaresFunds. Please do your bit too!,” Yuvraj wrote on his twitter handle. Since Modi’s appeal, many sportspersons have come forward and urged the country’s people to switch off lights for nine minutes and light candles on the balconies of their houses. The PM also urged people to donate generously as the country battles the unprecedented global health crisis. (PTI)
Ex-NFL kicker Dempsey dies at 73
New Orleans: Former NFL kicker Tom Dempsey, who played in the NFL despite being born without toes on his kicking foot and made a record 63-yard field goal, died late Saturday while struggling with complications from the new coronavirus, his daughter said. He was 73 years old. The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate first reported Dempsey’s death. Ashley Dempsey said Sunday that her father, who has resided in an assisted living home for several years after being diagnosed with dementia, tested positive for the coronavirus a little more than a week ago. The Orleans Parish coroner has yet to release an official cause of death. Dempsey’s game-winning field goal against Detroit on Nov. 8, 1970, stood as an NFL record for 43 years until the Broncos’ Matt Prater broke it with a 64-yarder in Denver in 2013.Dempsey spent 11 seasons in the NFL: His first two seasons were with New Orleans (1969-70), the next four with Philadelphia, then two with the Los Angeles Rams, one with the Houston Oilers and the final two with Buffalo. (AP)
Stephen O’Keefe retires
Sydney: Former Australia Test spinner Stephen O’Keefe has retired from first class cricket after being omitted from New South Wales’ list of contracted players for the next domestic season. The 35-year-old left-armer, who took 35 wickets in nine tests — including 12 in a match against India at Pune in 2017 — confirmed Sunday his first class career is over. O’Keefe took 16 wickets at 22.25 as New South Wales won the Sheffield Shield four-day title last season, the most by any spinner in the competition. Nathan Lyon remains New South Wales main spin option, though he frequently is unavailable because of international duties. O’Keefe said he was disappointed but accepted New South Wales’ decision. “It’s been such a privilege to play for my country and captain my state but above everything else I’m most proud to have played alongside some of the best blokes I’ve ever met,” he said. (AP)