PSG fan, policeman stabbed in clashes ahead of CL match in Milan
Milan, Nov 7: A Paris Saint-Germain fan is seriously injured and a police officer is also in hospital after both were stabbed in clashes between the supporters of the French team and AC Milan. According to Italian media, a group of around 50 Milan fans – wearing masks and helmets and throwing flares – attacked PSG supporters in the lively Navigli area of the Italian city on the eve of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League match between the teams. A PSG fan was rushed to hospital after being stabbed twice in the leg. There were also clashes between PSG supporters and police. An officer was stabbed and the alleged culprit was arrested. A Newcastle United fan was stabbed in the same area of the city before Milan’s other home match in the Champions League, against the Premier League team, in September. (AP)
German football legend Oliver Kahn arrives in India, meets AIFF chief
New Delhi, Nov 7: All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey on Tuesday discussed the possibility of establishing a goalkeeping academy with Germany and Bayern Munich legend Oliver Kahn, who made a visit to the country after 15 years. Kahn, a former Germany captain and goalkeeper, had played his farewell match for Bayern Munich in a friendly against Mohun Bagan in front of a jam-packed crowd at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata in May, 2008. “Had an absolute honour in welcoming Mr. @OliverKahn to India,” Chaubey said in a tweet. “In our informal discussion on #IndianFootball we deliberated & explored on many topics of development, including the scope of having a Goalkeeping Academy. I wish him a pleasant stay in India.” It is learnt that the AIFF is not officially involved in bringing Kahn to India and he has come here on a private visit. (PTI)
India eves reclaims best-ever 6th position in world hockey rankings
New DelhI, Nov 7: The Indian women’s hockey team has reclaimed its best-ever sixth place ranking in the world following its stupendous show in the just-concluded Asian Champions Trophy and the Hangzhou Asian Games. India are now placed sixth ahead of England with 2368.83 rating points. The Indian women were placed eighth before the Asian Games but the bronze medal at the continental showpiece and the title triumph at Asian Champions Trophy in Ranchi, where they remained unbeaten, has catapulted the side back to its best-ever world ranking, last achieved during the FIH Pro League in June last year. The Netherlands continued to be ranked as the best women’s hockey team in the world with 3422.40 points, followed by Australia in second place with 2817.73 points and Argentina at third with 2766.90 points. The other two teams ranked above India are Belgium at fourth with 2608.77 points and Germany at fifth with 2573.72 points. The jump in world ranking is a big shot in the arm for the team in its preparation for the forthcoming FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers, scheduled to be held from January 13 to 19 in Ranchi. The Indians will battle it our against Germany, New Zealand, Japan, Chile, the United States, Italy and Czech Republic in a bid to qualify for next year’s Paris Olympics. (PTI)
Brazil summons teenage sensation Endrick for World Cup qualifiers
Rio de Janeiro, Nov 7: Teenage striker Endrick was summoned by Brazil for the first time for World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina this month. Casemiro and Neymar were left out due to injuries. The 17-year-old Endrick has been key for Palmeiras in its campaign to win the Brazilian championship. He will join Real Madrid next year. Brazil faces Colombia in Barranquilla on November 16 and hosts World Cup champion Argentina at Maracana Stadium five days later. Argentina leads South American qualifying with 12 points. Brazil is third with seven points after a home draw with Venezuela and a 2-0 loss at Uruguay last month. (AP)