PM Modi congratulates cricketer Mitaali Raaj for milestone
New Delhi, March 28: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Indian woman cricketer Mitaali Raaj for her new record of completing ten thousand runs in test cricket. Speaking on his programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, he said, “Many congratulations to her on this achievement. She also is the only international woman player to score seven thousand runs in one day internationals. Her contribution in the field of women’s cricket is fabulous. Mitali Raj ji has inspired millions during her more than two decades long career. The story of her perseverance and success is an inspiration not just for women cricketers but for men cricketers too.” (UNI)
Krishna-Vishnu bow out of Orleans Masters doubles final
Paris, March 28: The Indian pair of Krishna Prasad Garaga and Vishnu Vardhan Goud let slip a strong start to go down to England’s Ben Lane and Sean Vendy in the men’s doubles finals of the Orleans Masters badminton tournament here on Sunday. The unheralded Indians, the only ones left in contention from the country on the final day, lost 21-19, 14-21, 19-21 in a 56-minute battle with the fourth seeds. Meanwhile, on Saturday, Saina Nehwal bowed out in straight games in the women’s singles semifinals to end India’s singles challenge at the tournament. Saina lost 17-21, 17-21 to Denmark’s Line Christophersen in her semifinal clash. (PTI)
Chhetri claims full recovery from COVID-19
New Delhi, March 28: India’s talismanic football captain Sunil Chhetri on Sunday said he has recovered from COVID-19, days after testing positive for the infection that ruled him out of the international friendlies against Oman and the UAE. The development came on the eve of India’s second international friendly against UAE in Dubai, from which he has already been ruled out. “Got an all-clear from the tests and couldn’t be happier to get back on the pitch (I missed it bad!). Grateful for all the kind messages that came in, wishing me a speedy recovery. Importantly, I’d want every one to stay safe and mask up at all times,” Chhetri tweeted. Chhetri had tested positive for coronavirus on March 11 and posted about it on Twitter. (PTI)
F1 Bahrain GP: Verstappen takes pole position
Sakhir, March 28: Max Verstappen of Red Bull took a brilliant pole position for Sunday’s season-opening Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix by beating reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton by around four tenths of a second. Verstappen clocked 1 minute 28.997 seconds in Saturday’s qualifying on the 5.412-kilometre International Circuit in Sakhir as temperatures began to cool in the Bahrain evening, DPA news reports. It was Verstappen’s fourth career pole position and was delivered on his final flying lap where he put together his fastest times in all three sectors of the track. Verstappen topped all three practice sessions but the nature of his pole is the biggest indication yet that he can challenge Hamilton and Red Bull could threaten the dominance of seven-time reigning champion Mercedes throughout the marathon 23-race season to come. (IANS)
British Cycling probe into rider’s abnormal test
London, March 28: British cycling and anti-doping authorities said they are committed to working with the World Anti-Doping Agency to look into allegations surrounding the investigation of an abnormal drugs test by a rider in 2010. The Mail on Sunday newspaper reported that the UK Anti-Doping Agency allowed British Cycling to conduct its own investigation the following year after an individual provided a sample with an unusual amount of nandrolone, a banned steroid, in an out-of-competition test. There are varying degrees of seriousness applied to the levels of nandrolone, which occurs naturally in the body, that appear in tests. A high reading would constitute a failed test and a UKAD sanction, while traces of metabolites could indicate contaminated nutritional supplements or health issues. Any potential 2010 doping offence would be outside the 10-year statute of limitations for sanctions and the historical nature of the allegations mean beginning a probe now will involve lengthy, in-depth investigation for both organisations. “We are working with the World Anti-Doping Agency to investigate claims relating to private testing carried out by British Cycling in 2011,” UKAD said. (AP)