AFI pushes for greater efficiency in district athletics meets
New Delhi, Jan 22: Athletics Federation of India is organising a certification course for over 2,100 District Technical Officials in a bid to improve the technical conduct of track and field sport at the grassroots level. AFI aims to have 10,000 such district technical officials across the country in the next five years and in the next fortnight, 2164 candidates will undergo the district technical officials’ course, AFI said in a release. AFI President Adille J. Sumariwalla said the course has its roots in the National Inter-District Junior Athletics Meet. “We want all the 5,000 athletes who participate in NIDJAM to have experienced competing in a well-conducted meet at the district level. We have imparted coach education at the grassroots level, and it was imperative that we also enhance the conduct of a meet,” he said. (PIT)
Manchester City striker Aguerotests positive for Covid-19
London, Jan 22: Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero has tested positive for novel coronavirus. “After a close contact, I’ve been self-isolating and the latest test I took was positive for Covid-19,” tweeted the prolific forward on Thursday. ‘I had some symptoms and I’m following doctor’s orders for recovery. Take care, everyone!’ The 32-year-old has made only five appearances this season so far after coming back from a left knee injury he sustained in June last year. Manchester City are currently placed second in the Premier League, two points behind Manchester United but with a game in hand. Despite Aguero’s absence, City registered a 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Wednesday. They will visit West Bromwich Albion next Tuesday. (IANS)
Paulo Sousa appointed new Poland football coach
Warsaw, Jan 22: Portuguese Paulo Sousa is the new coach of the Poland national team, the Polish Football Association (PZPN) has announced. “I analysed a lot of names and finally decided on Paulo Sousa. I was surprised by his knowledge of Polish footballers. He was a fantastic player and as a coach, he quickly rose up. I believe that he is a coach who can help the team. I’m convinced that the players will benefit from this change”, the PZPN’s president Zbigniew Boniek said during Thursday’s press conference, reports Xinhua news agency. Sousa has managed several clubs such as Basel of Switzerland, Fiorentina of Italy, and Tianjin Quanjian of China. In August 2020, he left French side Bordeaux. “I’m very honoured and proud to be the new manager of the Polish national football team. For me it’s a great opportunity. Poland is a country of football. I’m sure that with enthusiasm we will fight for success at the European championship. The team has great potential and high-class players with a good mentality, discipline, and the right attitude. We will be strong.” Sousa concluded. (IANS)
Pranavi rallies from behind to win second leg of Hero WPGT
Chennai, Jan 22: Pranavi Urs rode on her flawless back nine to turn in a superb four-under 68 on the final day to win the second leg of the Hero Women’s Pro Golf Tour at the TNGF Cosmo Golf Course here on Friday. Pranavi aggregated four-under 212 to thwart 16-year-old Hitaashee Bakshi’s attempt to win a second pro title in as many months. Pranavi also stamped her authority on the TNGF Cosmo Golf Course, because this was where she won her first title in her maiden start as a pro a week after winning as an amateur in Mumbai. Pranavi’s first pro title came in February 2020 and last week she was runner-up to Ridhima Dilawari. (PTI)
Feuz earns 1st Kitzbühel win in downhill marred by crashes
Kitzbuhel (Austria), Jan 22: Swiss skier Beat Feuz won a men’s World Cup downhill on the classic Streif course for the first time Friday as teammate Urs Kryenbühl crashed badly on the final jump. Approaching the finish at nearly 150 kph (93 mph), Kryenbühl lost his balance in the air and smashed sideways into the icy slope. Kryenbühl looked up and leaned on his elbow while being attended by medics. He was taken to the hospital by helicopter 20 minutes later. The Swiss ski team said Kryenbühl was conscious and recognized one of his coaches. There was no further update on his condition. The accident resembled crashes by Scott Macartney in 2008 and Daniel Albrecht the following year. Both suffered life-threatening brain injuries. Earlier in the race, American racer Ryan Cochran-Siegle escaped serious injury in another frightening crash a bit higher up the course. The race was interrupted several more times because of strong winds and finally stopped after 30 starters when conditions became dangerous. Results of a downhill stand when at least the top 30 racers have started their run. (PTI)