Russia’s football friendly against Paraguay put off indefinitely
Moscow, March 24: The Russian Football Union said that its team’s friendly against Paraguay scheduled for Moscow on Monday has been put off indefinitely due to the terrorist attack near the capital. At least 133 people were killed after gunmen opened fire with automatic weapons in a suburban concert hall near Moscow on Friday. The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility. Officials said the match originally scheduled for Moscow’s VTB Arena would be played at a later date. Russia has been banned from FIFA and UEFA competitions following the country’s invasion of Ukraine two years ago. It can only play friendlies. “The Russian Football Union, together with the entire country, mourns those killed in the terrible terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall,” RFU president Alexander Dyukov said. “In the current situation, together with our colleagues from Paraguay, we have decided not to hold a match between our teams and will organize it at a later date.” (AP)
Elite athletes excel at National Open Relay Carnival
Chandigarh, March 24: Kerala’s international quarter-miler Noah Nirmal Tom anchored National Camp A team to victory in the men’s 4x400m relay event at the inaugural edition of the National Open Relay Carnival here on Sunday. National Camp A team consisting of Arokia Rajiv, Muhammed Ajmal, Muhammed Yahiya and Noah Nirmal Tom clocked 3:05.71 seconds to win gold. Noah Nirmal Tom was also a member of the National Camp A Mixed 4x400m relay team that won gold with a time of 3:17.37 seconds. Other members of the gold medal winning team were Poovamma MR, Muhammed Yahiya and R Vithya Ramraj. The women’s 4x400m title went to National Camp A team of R Vithya Ramraj, Poovamma MR, Dandi Sri and Rupal Chaudhary. The female athletes gave a good account of themselves and clocked 3:28.64 seconds to win gold. Apart from senior the relay competition was also conducted in U20 group. (PTI)
Haryana boxers confirm 19 medals at Sub Junior National C’ships
Greater Noida, March 24: Continuing their dominant show in the tournament, 19 Haryana boxers confirmed medals by entering the semifinals at the 3rd Sub Junior National Championship here on Sunday. The girls from Haryana managed to secure 10 medals while the boys sealed the semifinals berth in nine categories to assure themselves of at least bronze medals. Bhoomi (35kg) and Nischal Sharma (37kg) started the fine day for Haryana in girls’ section with contrasting victories. Bhoomi thrashed Delhi’s Apeksha in a bout that ended with the referee stopping the contest in round three whereas Nischal had to work hard against S Sarah of Tamil Nadu during her thrilling 3-2 win. Diksha (40kg), Diya (61kg), Sukhreet (64kg) and Manshi Malik (67+kg) clinched identical wins with a unanimous 5-0 decision. Rakhi (43kg) and Navya (55kg) won their respective bouts with RSC decisions. Rakhi faced Mizoram’s Malsawmdawngkimi while Navya was up against Andhra’s Naga Navya. Khushika (49kg) and Naitik (52kg) were the other Haryana boxers to progress into the semifinals. Extending his winning form in the boy’s category, Uday Singh (37kg) grabbed an easy 5-0 win over Mizoram’s Jerry Varte. Nitin (40kg), Ravi Sihag (49kg), Naman (58kg), Siddhant (61kg), and Kartik Dagar (70kg) also won their respective quarter-finals bout with a similar 5-0 decision. Sanchit Jayani (46kg), Lakshay (52kg) and Anmol Dahiya (64kg) from Haryana also made their way into the semifinals. Meanwhile, Uttarakhand’s six pugilists entered the boys semifinals and eight girls from Delhi also confirmed medals after winning their quarter-finals bout. The finals will be played Monday. (PTI)