Subrata Paul was one of my role models, says Gurpreet
New Delhi: India goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu states that he has always idolised ‘Spiderman Subrata Paul, and is lucky to have been able to train and watch Subrata from close — both on and off the training pitch.”Subrata-bhai has been one of my role models when I was starting out. I was lucky to have been able to train with him. The things he did, and still does in training — I wished I could do the same and tried to replicate them when I was young,” Gurpreet told the-aiff.com.Gurpreet was only 18 when he was part of the Indian team for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011, where Subrata produced some stunning displays that earned him the nickname ‘Spiderman.’ Recalling the experience of the competition, Gurpreet mentioned that it was ‘the perfect example’ for him to learn from his senior.”The team we had for the AFC Asian Cup 2011 consisted of so many iconic names in Indian football, including Subrata-bhai, who was simply excellent. I was the youngest player in the team then, and he was the perfect example for me to learn from. I tried to grasp as much as I could from observing him from so close and the experience has helped me become the player I am today,” he said. (IANS)
Evander Holyfield hints at comeback
London: Former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield has given fuel to speculation of him coming out of retirement to fight Mike Tyson in the ring as he has released a training video on Twitter.”My first week back in the gym and I feel great,” Holyfield, who hold the record of being the only four-time heavyweight champion in boxing history, said on the micro-blogging website. “I’m looking forward to stepping up my training sessions and intensity as I prepare for my fight.”Tyson, the former-world heavyweight champion, has also released several training videos of his own in recent weeks. On Monday, he had come with a training video ending with the message, “I’m back”. (IANS)
Cycling Tour of Britain cancelled
London:This year’s Tour of Britain, originally planned to be staged from September 6 to 13, has been cancelled, announced the organizers on Thursday.The organizers of the biggest cycling event in Britain said “the decision has been taken in light of the ongoing situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, which makes continuing with the planning and organization of the 2020 race impractical.”The British government has ruled out any elite sports event to be held before June 1, and the organizers of the Tour of Britain even believed that there are significant doubts around the potential to stage large-scale public events and gatherings around Britain as early as September. In last year’s edition, Tour of Britain attracted over 1.5 million spectators. (IANS)