JAMMU, Dec 22: Coca-Cola India once again opened happiness in Kolkata as the City of Joy welcomed the most prized trophy in world football, the original FIFA World Cup Trophy. Marking the culmination of a month-long celebration of the city’s love for football, the Trophy was unveiled today at a glittering ceremony at ITC Sonar Bangla.
Legendary Brazilian footballer, winner of the 1970 football World cup and the official ambassador of FIFA World Cup 2014, Carlos Alberto Torres brought in the Trophy amidst an eager audience of 300 people.
He was joined in the unveiling ceremony by deputy president, Coca-Cola India and SWA, Venkatesh Kini. Lending support to the event were general secretary, All India Football Federation (AIFF), Kushal Das, Bharat Ratna, Sachin Tendulkar, Coca-Cola India’s Happiness Ambassador, Prasun Banerjee, Arjuna Awardee and football great, Subrata Dutta and Utpal Kumar Ganguly.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Mr. Venkatesh Kini said, “There could not have been a better time to bring the FIFA World Cup Trophy to come to India. The excitement is palpable, now that India will be hosting the FIFA Under-17 Football World Cup in 2017. The Trophy Tour will further catalyze our efforts to promote grassroots football in India.”
Sharing his excitement about being in India, Carlos Alberto Torres, Legendary Brazilian Footballer said, “The FIFA World Cup™ is the most prestigious symbol of the glory of football. This is my second visit to Kolkata and I am extremely humbled by the generous hospitality extended by the people of the city and the team at Coca-Cola. I will use this opportunity to share my personal experience with young footballers and to motivate them to play football.”
Sporting Icon Sachin Tendulkar said, “I thank Coca-Cola for giving thousands of football fans the opportunity to view this coveted trophy and be a part of the excitement around the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour.”
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No play on day-one of Ranji
JAMMU, Dec 22: There was no play on the opening day of the Ranji Trophy Group-C tie between J&K and Hyderabad at GGM Science College Hostel Ground, here in view of poor visibility.
However, both the teams kept on waiting for the playable conditions but the clouds had their day and play was called off for the day by the penal of umpires in the post lunch session.
Earlier, J&K won the toss and elected to field to take benefit of the moisture on the turf. From J&K, S Sofi has made debute.
The Squad:
Hyderabad: PA Reddy*, TL Suman, DB Ravi Teja, GH Vihari, SA Quadri, H Ahmed†, AJ Shinde, A Ashish Reddy, M Ravi Kiran, A Absolem, SE Rajan, Anwar Ahmed, Abhinav Kumar, BP Sandeep and A Lalith Mohan.
J&K: Parvez Rasool*, Adil Rishi, O Haroon†, Bandeep Singh, Hardeep Singh, M Dar, S Beigh, R Dayal, M Mudhasir, Umar Nazir, ID Singh, S Sofi, OA Shah, M Iqbal and M Gupta.
59th National School Games Volleyball
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UP boys take on Uttrakhand in title clash
JAMMU, Dec 22: Uttar Pradesh shall be playing against Uttrakhand in the boys final while Maharashtra shall meet Rajasthan in girls’ title clash in the 59th National School Games (under-14) Volleyball, organized by the Department of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS) at MA Stadium, here tomorrow.
The finals have been scheduled for tomorrow, followed by the valedictory function at 12 noon tomorrow at the same venue. In the prize distribution function, Minister for Roads and Buildings, Abdul Majid Wani has consented to be the chief guest.
Earlier, in the boys semifinal, played today, Uttar Pradesh blanked Delhi 3-0 (25-15, 26-24, 25-13) while Uttrakhand trounced Karnataka 3-1 (25-20, 13-25, 25-22, 25-19).. Quarterfinals: UP bt Vidya Bharti 3-1 (25-23, 20-25, 25-23, 25-23); Delhi bt AP 3-2 (25-23, 18-25, 25-23, 19-25, 15-13); Uttrakhand bt Manipur 3-1 (25-19, 23-25, 25-21, 25-16); Karnataka bt West Bengal 3-0 (25-12, 25-19, 25-12).
Similarly, in girls semifinals, Rajasthan got better of Uttar Pradesh 3-1 (20-25, 25-15, 25-15, 27-25) and Maharashtra beat Karnataka 3-0 (25-14, 25-14, 25-14). Quarterfinals: Rajasthan bt West Bengal 3-1 (16-25, 25-15, 25-21, 25-22), Uttar Pradesh bt Andhra Pradesh 3-1 (25-17, 25-19, 24-26, 25-14), Karnataka bt Delhi 3-1 (25-21, 25-10, 20-25, 26-24); Maharashtra bt Haryana 3-0 (25-20, 25-16, 25-20).
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SSCB, Kerela share championship trophies
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J&K men bag Sabre team gold, finishes 3rd
JAMMU, Dec 22: Winning prestigious Sabre team gold, hosts Jammu and Kashmir men made it to the overall third position in the five-day 24th Senior National Fencing Championship, organized by J&K Amateur Fencing Association at MA Stadium, here today.
The Sabre final turned out to be the most interesting contest between the hosts and the country’s top team of Services Sports Control Board (SSCB). However, it was host J&K, who clinched the thriller 45-40 after trailing 13-15 in the first two games.
International fencer and Sub-Inspector with J&K Police, Rashid Ahmed turned out to be the highest scorer with 19 points out of three games. Likewise in the semifinals, Vishal Thapar secured 14 while another international fencer, Ujwal Gupta contributed 12 points. Fourth man to their side, Major Vikram Jamwal rested for the final.
Earlier, in individual event, only Vishal Thapar could make it to the medal tally after he clinched bronze in Sabre.
The overall men’s championship trophy went to SSCB with 34 points while Manipur (21) secured second place while Tamil Nadu (seven) finished fourth. Similarly, in women’s category, Kerela emerged as sole leader with 34 points, followed by Manipur (19) and Punajb (17).
In the finals and valedictory function, Minister for Forests, Mian Altaf was chief guest, who gave away championship trophies as also other individual prizes. He appreciated the organizers for the standard of the game in Sabre and forsee a bright future for the game in the state.
Also present were Member Parliament, Madan Lal Sharma and Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, Ajit Kumar Sahu.
Earlier, around 800 players representing 32 teams, drawn from different parts of the country, took part in this championship.
Rs 25,000 for Bank goal-keeper, 2.5 lakh for team
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J&K Bank makes hat trick of Sher-e-Kashmir Cup
Sports & Allied News
JAMMU, Dec 22: The Winter Capital turned out to be lucky for the Jammu and Kashmir Bank (JKB) after the professional side emerged winner for third time in the fourth edition of the Sher-e-Kashmir Gold Cup Football Tournament, organised by the Youth National Conference at GGM Science College here today.
Could not do well in the finals of different tournaments held in the Summer Capital in the recent past, J&K Bank today defeated equally good J&K Power Development Corporation (JKPDC) 4-3 in the sudden death to clinch the title trophy.
Earlier, the match ended in a goalless draw in the stipulated time. Later, in the tie-breaker, senior most player to their side, goal-keeper, Vikramjeet Singh guided the Bank to a 4-3 win.
For his brilliant performance, Vikramjeet received applause from the big crowd. For his appreciation by the chief guest, Member Legislative Council, Devinder Singh Rana, the management of the J&K Bank announced a special Rs 25,000 reward for the goal-keeper.
A senior officer of the bank, present in the function, also announced Rs 2.5 lakh incentive for the team as a token of encouragement.
In the meantime, the local club of Young Rovers honoured for their outstanding performance while another upcoming team of Sainik Colony got the fair play trophy.
In the tie-breaker, Prem, Danish and Aiman successfully netted the ball from J&K Bank while Szegal and Jony missed the target. Similarly, Gulzar, Dammy and Vishal were the scorers from PDC whereas Bilal, Nainjot missed the target.
Later, in sudden death, Aiman missed and Daniel netted the ball from J&K Bank amidst failure of both Mukesh and Francies to kick the ball into net.
The chief guest, Devinder Singh Rana appreciated the J&K Bank goalkeeper, Vikramjeet Singh and hailed the PDC for giving a tough fight to their opponent in the stipulated time.
The organizers also felicitated former international players, Ramesh Chander of J&K Bank and Ranjit Singh of J&K Police as also veteran player, Rajesh of J&K Bank.
Earlier, chairman of the organising committee, Surinder Singh Bunty presented a brief note of the fortnight-long competition.
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