Ricky Ponting fights for his captaincy | Cricinfo

Ricky Ponting fights for his captaincy | Cricinfo: "Ricky Ponting knows his case to hold on to the captaincy is not strong, but he is desperate to retain the job and lift Australia from their lowest period since the mid-1980s. Ponting lost the Ashes away in 2005 and 2009 and he has become the country's first leader since Allan Border in 1986-87 not to hold the urn at home."

Geoff Lawson: Coach of Kochi IPL Team

Geoff Lawson: Coach of Kochi IPL Team: "Former Pakistan coach Geoff Lawson has been appointed coach of the Kochi franchise for the fourth season of the Indian Premier League."

Pick India's final 15 players for the World Cup

Monaco was the venue for this year’s FIA Prize Giving Gala

Monaco was the venue for this year’s FIA Prize Giving Gala: "Monaco was the venue for this year’s FIA Prize Giving Gala on Friday, where FIA President Jean Todt presented Sebastian Vettel, the youngest-ever Formula One world champion with the driver’s trophy.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner collected the constructor’s trophy"

Qatar Foundation to adorn Barcelona - Al Jazeera English

Qatar Foundation to adorn Barcelona - Al Jazeera English: "Barcelona have signed a $218m shirt sponsorship deal with the Qatar Foundation, the non-profit organisation concerned primarily with education projects in the Middle East.

The deal ends Barcelona's 111-year-old history of refusing commercial shirt sponsorships."

Liverpool plans soccer academy in Indonesia - Reuters

Liverpool plans soccer academy in Indonesia - Reuters: "English Premier League club Liverpool are planning to set up a soccer academy in Indonesia to develop young talent, a local newspaper reported on Tuesday.

The British Chamber of Commerce in Jakarta has helped establish links with the club as part of its corporate social responsibility programmes in Indonesia."

India eyes MotoGP in 2012 | Reuters

India eyes MotoGP in 2012 | Reuters: "The promoters of India's inaugural Formula One Grand Prix in 2011 are in talks with MotoGP bosses to bring the world motorcycling championship to the country, a company spokesman said on Tuesday.

'We are negotiating with Dorna Sports (MotoGP commercial rightholders) to bring MotoGP to India but it's quite an early stage and we have not reached a deal yet,' a Jaypee Sports International spokesman told Reuters."

Beijing to host 2015 world championships | Reuters

Beijing to host 2015 world championships | Reuters: "Beijing will host the 2015 world championships, the IAAF decided on Saturday, returning international athletics to the Bird's Nest stadium Usain Bolt made famous with his lightning speed at the 2008 Olympics."

India: KSCA readies for potentially historic election | Cricinf

India: KSCA readies for potentially historic election | Cricinfo: "February 7, 1999 is a day neither Anil Kumble, Javagal Srinath nor umpire AV Jayaprakash will forget. It was when Kumble became only the second man to take all 10 wickets in a Test innings, Srinath was his teammate and Jayaprakash stood at Kumble's end. Twelve years on, November 21, 2010 will be another day that neither Kumble, Srinath nor Jayaprakash is likely to forget.

The two ex-cricketers find themselves opposite the umpire in one of the most closely-watched state cricket elections in India in a long while."

Barclays ATP World Tour Finals - Singles & Doubles Groups Determined

Barclays ATP World Tour Finals - Singles & Doubles Groups Determined: "World No. 1 Rafael Nadal will head up Group A at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. The Spaniard is joined by Novak Djokovic, Tomas Berdych and Andy Roddick. In Group B, four-time former champion Roger Federer will be challenged by Robin Soderling, Andy Murray and David Ferrer."

Nico Hulkenberg takes Brazilian GP pole for Williams

Nico Hulkenberg takes Brazilian GP pole for Williams: "FIVE-WAY TITLE BATTLE EXPLAINED
1 ALONSO 231pts
2 WEBBER 220pts
3 HAMILTON 210pts
4 VETTEL 206pts
5 BUTTON 189pts"

The Numbers Game: Awesome Amla | Cricinfo.com

The Numbers Game: Awesome Amla | Cricinfo.com: "When Hashim Amla made his Test debut six years ago, few would have thought he'd be such a force in one-day internationals later in his career: after all, dogged defence was his preferred mode, and he demonstrated that in his first Test innings at home, when he scored 1 off 31 deliveries in Durban in 2004. In fact, South Africa's selectors seemed to have slotted him as a specialist Test batsman: in the first 40 months of his international career, Amla played 22 Tests and zero ODIs.

In the last 12 months, though, plenty has changed. So much so that Amla is the leading ODI batsman in 2010, and has scored runs almost at will in the format. In 13 ODI innings this year he has scored five hundreds and three fifties, and averages 82.16 at a strike rate of 103.13."

South Africa news: Makhaya Ntini retires from international cricket | Cricinfo.com

South Africa news: Makhaya Ntini retires from international cricket | Cricinfo.com: "Makhaya Ntini, the South Africa fast bowler, has announced his retirement from international cricket but will continue representing domestic sides. Ntini will be given a farewell during the Twenty20 international between South Africa and India at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on January 9, when he will make his final appearance for South Africa."

World Golf rankings | Reuters

World Golf rankings | Reuters: "World rankings on Monday"

Venky's to own Blackburn Rovers

Venky's to own Blackburn Rovers: "The shares of Venky's India Ltd., is currently trading at Rs. 940 down Rs. 0.10 or 0.01% over the previous close.
Anuradha Desai, Venkys chairperson was quoted as saying that Venky's is the first Indian company to acquire a Premier League.
Blackburn Rovers’ Chairman John Williams further added that a series of meetings, including discussions with the Premier League, have followed an extensive due diligence process."

Why Jharkhand Plays Lawn Bowls

"When asked why he robbed banks, U.S. outlaw Willie Sutton is famously said to have responded: “Because that’s where the money is.”

There’s a similarly straightforward answer if you ask why India’s Commonwealth Games bowlers hail from either Guwahati in Assam or Ranchi in Jharkhand: It’s where the greens are."

Read further...Why Jharkhand Plays Lawn Bowls

Liverpool agrees to sell club to Red Sox owners

"Liverpool's board agreed to sell the debt-riddled Premier League club to the owners of the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday"

Read further...Liverpool agrees to sell club to Red Sox owners

CWG 2010 will result in economic impact of $4,940 mn

"Commonwealth Games 2010 is expected to result in an overall economic impact of $4,940 million on India's GDP during a period of four years ending 2012 and create an employment opportunity close to 24.7 lakh.

According to a Games Organising Committee document, this figure is almost three times the economic impact the 2006 Melbourne Games had on Australian GDP."

Read further...CWG 2010 will result in economic impact of $4,940 mn

Sports in the Limelight

The world is busy watching the Soccer World Cup. I am keeping up with the World Cup through internet and especially through Twitter. I would like to share a few interesting tweets on World Cup here:

            This World Cup is working out like WW2 - France have forfeited, the USA turned up late, and England are left to fight the Germans!

Another one: This WC we see the Rise of Asia, Dominance of South America & Fall of Europe. A new order is being set up.

New Zealand and Slovenia, though having a population of only a few million, have already shown their mettle. South Korea and Japan have moved to the round of 16. Italy and France, the two finalists of the last World Cup, have already been knocked out. And through the draw of the round of 16, we can tell that out of Argentina, England and Germany only one can reach the semis. This WC is turning out to be the most exciting in the recent history. Though Argentina, Brazil & Netherlands look strong at the moment, one game can change everything.

By the time this article gets published, we would already have a new World Champion. I am hoping for the one who has never won it. Let us all wait till 11^th July.

            The other thing that is hogging the Sports pages these days is Wimbledon. Federer and Nadal had nervous starts. A Federer – Nadal final would be an exciting affair. Williams sisters are going smoothly. Sania Mirza returned from the first round itself. And we have also seen the longest match (11 hours, 5 minutes) in tennis history. John Isner finally defeated Nicolas Mahut, scoring 70–68 in the fifth set. Let’s see how the rest of the grass tournament proceeds by.

The cricket fans of the Indian sub-continent were also glued to their TV sets watching the Asia Cup. India finally won it after a gap of 15 years. That too without Sachin, Sehwag and Yuvraj in the team. 2011 Cricket World Cup is near and we have big hopes with this team.

                        One great news for all Badminton fans is that Saina Nehwal after winning back-to-back titles, India Open Grand Prix and the Singapore Open Super Series in the last two weeks, has marched ahead of three Chinese players in the women's singles charts for her career-best ranking of World No. 3. 

In the news related to Basketball in India, sports and entertainment agency IMG and Indian conglomerate Reliance Industries have signed a 30-year deal with the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) to develop the sport and its infrastructure, and possibly start a pro league in the next three to five years.

One of the major tournaments that will generate excitement in the near future is the Soccer Asia Cup 2011 in January. India is one of the participating teams. It is in Group C along with South Korea, Australia and Bahrain. So no big hope here.

The 2010 Commonwealth Games are between 3rd October and 14th October. Prestige of India as a host of a major sporting event is on stake. Pray that with all the negative news making the rounds, India comes out with flying colours as a warm and competent host.

            The 2010 FIBA World Championship, world basketball tournament for men's national teams, will be hosted by Turkey from August 28 to September 12, 2010. India here lost out in the qualifying round itself.

The 16th Asian Games will be held in Guangzhou, China from November 12 to November 27, 2010. In the last Asian Games, India won a total of 53 medals, including 10 golds. Hope this time, we increase our tally.

With other annual tournaments already in the 2010 Sports Calendar, we can not wish for more.

The FIFA World Cup 2010 shows how soccer's balance of power is changing

"Several of the traditional powers suffered ignominious defeats (Serbia 1, Germany 0 on Friday) or embarrassing draws considering the opposition. Italy, defending champions and number five in the FIFA rankings, tied 1-1 Sunday evening with New Zealand, FIFA-ranked 78. It was only the second point New Zealand had ever gained�at a World Cup, according to ESPN."

Read further...The FIFA World Cup 2010 shows how soccer's balance of power is changing

Sania and the Indian woman’s happily ever after myth

"A recent study found that in the US, the proportion of wives who earn more than their husbands risen more than five-fold since 1970. “In 1970, just 4% of American wives earned more than their husbands. That figure rose to 22% in 2007. Men are still the bigger earners in one in four marriages but with a far smaller proportion of wives not working, the income gap is smaller. Most married men did not have a working wife 40 years ago. Now they do,” the Guardian newspaper reports."

Read further...Sania and the Indian woman’s happily ever after myth

Bolt will not compete at Commonwealth Games

"Jamaican triple Olympic champion Usain Bolt will not compete in the New Delhi Commonwealth Games from Oct 3-14 because they are too late in the year, coach Glen Mills told Reuters on Saturday."

Read further...Bolt will not compete at Commonwealth Games

Nicolas Anelka joins disgraced hall of shame

"Pablo Larios: World Cup 1982
It was off field antics of the extra marital variety that resulted in Pablo Larios being dismissed. The revelation that the Frenchman was having an affair with the wife of team-mate Michel Platini rocked the French camp and Larios was given the axe."

Find out the complete list...Nicolas Anelka joins disgraced hall of shame

Formula One driver and constructor standings

Driver and constructor standings after

the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal on Sunday.

Drivers

--------

1. Lewis Hamilton (Britain) McLaren 109 points

2. Jenson Button (Britain) McLaren 106

3. Mark Webber (Australia) Red Bull 103

4. Fernando Alonso (Spain) Ferrari 94

5. Sebastian Vettel (Germany) Red Bull 90

6. Nico Rosberg (Germany) Mercedes GP 74

7. Robert Kubica (Poland) Renault 73

8. Felipe Massa (Brazil) Ferrari 67

9. Michael Schumacher (Germany) Mercedes GP 34

10. Adrian Sutil (Germany) Force India 23

11. Vitantonio Liuzzi (Italy) Force India 12

12. Rubens Barrichello (Brazil) Williams 7

13. Vitaly Petrov (Russia) Renault 6

14. Sebastien Buemi (Switzerland) Toro Rosso 5

15. Jaime Alguersuari (Spain) Toro Rosso 3

16. Kamui Kobayashi (Japan) Sauber 1

17. Nico Huelkenberg (Germany) Williams 1

18. Pedro de la Rosa (Spain) Sauber 0

19. Heikki Kovalainen (Finland) Lotus 0

20. Karun Chandhok (India) HRT 0

21. Lucas Di Grassi (Brazil) Virgin 0

22. Jarno Trulli (Italy) Lotus 0

23. Bruno Senna (Brazil) HRT 0

24. Timo Glock (Germany) Virgin 0

Constructors

-------------

1. McLaren - Mercedes 215 points

2. RedBull - Renault 193

3. Ferrari 161

4. Mercedes 108

5. Renault 79

6. Force India - Mercedes 35

7. Toro Rosso - Ferrari 8

8. Williams - Cosworth 8

9. BMW Sauber - Ferrari 1

10. Lotus - Cosworth 0

11. HRT - Cosworth 0

12. Virgin - Cosworth 0

World Cup 2010 : Players on Twitter, Follow your Favorite Player

"Below is the list of players, their positions and Twitter Profiles"

List --> World Cup 2010 : Players on Twitter, Follow your Favorite Player

Football World Cup kicks off today in South Africa

"This is the World Cup, the biggest ever. Earth-shaking in its size, symbolism and significance. And not just in the numbers alone, but in the sense of a movement, of rebirth, and of pride. For centuries, Africa got the raw end of most deals. This is the one occasion, when it gives back - with a smile and a warm embrace."

Read further...Football World Cup kicks off today in South Africa

Cricket Australia considers new 40-over format

"Cricket Australia is considering introducing a completely new limited-overs format as soon as next season, in what could be another nail in the coffin of the 50-over game. The Australian has reported that the CA board will this week discuss a domestic tournament of 40-over games, with each team to bat for two innings of 20 overs."

Read further...Cricket Australia considers new 40-over format

Interesting facts and figures about WC 2010…

"Including the 2010 edition, a total of 76 teams will have taken part in the World Cup finals. This includes teams which either no longer exist or have undergone a transformation."

Read further...Interesting facts and figures…

Australia will be a tough nut to crack

"If they somehow get out of their group and England manage to do so from theirs, it could lead to a second-round Ashes showdown. Upton Park part 2, anyone?"

Read further...Australia will be a tough nut to crack

Messi on a mission

"'I don't think I've reached my peak yet,' he says, his appetite for success undiminished. 'My dream is to win the World Cup with Argentina and then to go and repeat what we've achieved at Barcelona, and to keep on going after that. My aim is to keep improving day by day. I want to keep on growing, I want to learn the things I don't know and to keep working on the things I do know so that I don't forget them.'"

Read further...Messi on a mission

How the African nations have fared so far

"Two days remain for the FIFA World Cup to be kicked-off for the first time on African soil. Here is a look at African nations' World Cup records:

The first match featuring an African team took place in 1934 (Italy) and was played between Egypt and Hungary."

Read further...How the African nations have fared so far

Better quality in the beautiful game

"Football is easily the most globalized sport, especially after the removal of all limits on foreign players playing in European club football. With the total commercialization of club football, as Milanovic puts it, “the introduction of labour mobility under the conditions of uneven concentration of financial power of the clubs will have increased concentration of club quality.”"

Read further...Better quality in the beautiful game

France chosen as hosts of UEFA EURO 2016

"France has been selected to host UEFA EURO 2016, which will be the first UEFA European Football Championship final round to feature 24 teams, after a decision by the UEFA Executive Committee in Geneva."

Read further...France chosen as hosts of UEFA EURO 2016

Ten teams for 2010 Champions League | Cricket News | Champions League Twenty20 2010

"Nine of the ten teams for the tournament in South Africa, scheduled between September 10 and 26, are confirmed. The West Indian representative will be known once their domestic Twenty20 competition ends in July.
The teams that have already qualified for the 2010 CLT20 are:

Chennai Super Kings (India)

Mumbai Indians (India)

Royal Challengers Bangalore (India)

Victorian Bushrangers (Australia)

South Australian Redbacks (Australia)

Warriors (South Africa)

Highveld Lions (South Africa)

Central Stags (New Zealand)

Wayamba Elevens (Sri Lanka)"

Read further...Ten teams for 2010 Champions League

Pakistan all-time XI

"As many as four players were unanimous picks: Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis would in all likelihood be among the top contenders on any such global list. Two more batting greats, Hanif Mohammad and Inzamam-ul-Haq, were near-unanimous selections, with nine votes each. And with Abdul Qadir picking up eight votes as the sole spinner, it means as many as seven of an all-time Pakistan XI pick themselves."

Read further...Pakistan all-time XI

Great Indian Beamer

"Indian cricket is under siege from a conflict of ideologies, one that threatens to drive a stake into the heart of the game in the country. To understand it, rewind to the 50-over World Cup in the West Indies three years ago. India was knocked out in the league stage itself then, prompting no less than seven ex-Indian captains to come out suggesting a cut in endorsements by the players. The argument then—that commercial interests were distracting the Indian cricketers, impeding their performance on the field."

Continue reading...Great Indian Beamer

India to host Badminton Super Series

India to host Super Series: "India will host its first-ever Super Series badminton championship next year at Delhi's Siri Fort Auditorium with Hyderabad and Mumbai as the stand-by venues, according to K.Ch. Punnaiah Choudhary, in-charge secretary of the Badminton Association of India."

Somdev makes main draw of French Open

Somdev makes main draw of French Open: "Somdev Devvarman on Friday became the first Indian to make the men's singles main draw at the French Open in 13 years as he breezed past Frenchman Adrian Mannarino 6-4, 6-1 here."

Dhoni may go as T20, ODI captain

Dhoni may go as T20, ODI captain: "With India failing to win a single Super 8 match in two straight T20 World Cups, there is talk of replacing Dhoni with Virender Sehwag as captain in both one-dayers and T20."

Ronaldinho, Adriano out of Brazil Cup squad

Ronaldinho, Adriano out of Brazil Cup squad: "Forward Adriano and former World Player of the Year Ronaldinho were left out of Brazil's World Cup squad."

Brazil top poll as World Cup favourites

Brazil top poll as World Cup favourites: "Five-time winners Brazil are favourites to lift the World Cup trophy in South Africa this July, according to a poll of international sports journalists."

Dempo beat Lajong 1-0, win I-League title

Dempo beat Lajong 1-0, win I-League title: "Dempo Sports Club on Sunday clinched the I-League football title after defeating relegation threatened Lajong FC 1-0."

Modi planned rebel T20 league in UK, says ECB

Modi planned rebel T20 league in UK, says ECB: "According to an e-mail sent by ECB chief Giles Clarke to the BCCI, Modi was in talks with the IMG and three English Test grounds for setting up a mirror image of IPL in the UK, unknown to the two cricket boards."

Match-fixing common in ICL: Former Pakistan captain

Match-fixing common in ICL: Former Pakistan captain: "Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has been told that a large number of matches in the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) were fixed."

India held by China in Azlan Shah opener

India held by China in Azlan Shah opener: "Ravi Pal Singh's last minute equaliser saved India's blushes as the defending champions eked out a 1-1 draw with China in their first match of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament"

Asia Cup 2010 to be held in Dambulla

Asia Cup 2010 to be held in Dambulla: "The 2010 Asia Cup will be held in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, between June 15 and 24"

Adler's South African dream over

Adler's South African dream over: "'This was the toughest decision of my life,' said the 25-year-old Bayer Leverkusen.

Germany goalkeeper Rene Adler has been ruled out of next month's FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa as he is set to undergo an operation to repair damaged ribs."

Torres doubtful for 2010 opener

Torres doubtful for 2010 opener: "Liverpool striker Fernando Torres faces a race against time to be fit for Spain's opening match at next month's FIFA World Cup™."

India coach Houghton resigns, AIFF issues denial

India coach Houghton resigns, AIFF issues denial: "The alleged dispute over the extension of his contract with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has led chief coach Bob Houghton to officially resign from his post."

Sports ministry limits tenure for Kalmadi & Co.

Sports ministry limits tenure for Kalmadi & Co.: "The ministry has modified a 1975 regulation that suggests Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi and several NSF chiefs including V K Malhotra (archery), Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa (cycling), VK Verma (badminton), captain Satish K Sharma (aero club) and BS Adityan (volleyball) cannot seek a re-election after their present term expires."

Sehwag is Wisden Cricketer of the Year again

Sehwag is Wisden Cricketer of the Year again: "Virender Sehwag became 'Wisden Cricketer of the Year' for the second time in a row, beating off competition from England captain Andrew Strauss and Sri Lankan Tillakaratne Dilshan."

Karun Chandhok becomes second Indian driver to race in Formula One

Karun Chandhok becomes second Indian driver to race in Formula One: "India's Karun Chandhok will make his Formula One race debut with HRT this season, the new Spanish-based team said in a statement on Thursday.

The 26-year-old Chennai-born driver will partner Brazilian rookie Bruno Senna at the cash-strapped team, who have changed their name from Campos Meta, when the season starts in Bahrain next week."

Pakistan enjoy 'home' advantage

Pakistan enjoy 'home' advantage: "Pakistan, the Delhi crowd's second favourites after the home team, found the support to their advantage against Spain. 'It was like playing back home, in Karachi or Lahore,' said drag-flick expert Sohail Abbas. 'It certainly helps when you are backed by the crowd.'"

Virender Sehwag mulls retirement after 100 Tests

Virender Sehwag mulls retirement after 100 Tests: "'I want to play 100 Tests and then retire,' he said. Given that he has already played 76, the milestone doesn't appear too far away."

IPL on most innovative companies list

IPL on most innovative companies list: "In a study conducted by the business magazine Fast Company, the Indian Premier League has been placed on the second spot of the world’s most innovative sports companies of 2010. It occupies the 22nd spot on the overall list across industries."

2010 Champions League to be held in South Africa | South Africa Cricket News | Cricinfo.com

2010 Champions League to be held in South Africa | South Africa Cricket News | Cricinfo.com: "The 2010 Champions League Twenty20 will be held in South Africa from September 10-26, Cricket South Africa have announced."

Inventor of frisbee dies aged 90

Inventor of frisbee dies aged 90: "The inventor of the frisbee, Walter Fredrick Morrison, has died in Salt Lake City, Utah"
Morrison started marketing the discs in 1948 as the Flyin-Saucer, 10 years after he first started tossing around baking tins for fun.

In 1955, he produced a version called the pluto platter with a wider lip and the names of all the solar planets around its rim. He sold the rights to his device in 1957 in exchange for lifetime royalties. The buyer was Wham-0, a California company that had made a fortune selling hula hoops and which has now sold over 200 million frisbees.

Cricket can become Olympic sport now, gets IOC approval - Top Stories - Cricket - Sports - The Times of India

Cricket can become Olympic sport now, gets IOC approval - Top Stories - Cricket - Sports - The Times of India: "Cricket was cleared to pursue its bid to be included in future Games after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) rubberstamped the sport's recognition on Thursday."

Henin advances to semis in Grand Slam comeback

Henin advances to semis in Grand Slam comeback: "Former No. 1-ranked Justine Henin reached the semifinals in her Grand Slam comeback, beating Nadia Petrova 7-6 (3), 7-5 on Tuesday to take out the last seeded player in her half of the Australian Open draw.

Henin, unranked and playing on a wild-card entry at Melbourne Park, will next play 2008 Wimbledon semifinalist Zheng Jie, who beat Russia's Maria Kirilenko 6-1, 6-3 to equal her Chinese record for the best run at a major."

Chak De! India

This Shimit Amin directed movie was a huge hit in India. Shahrukh as Kabir Khan, coach for the Indian women's hockey team, turns sixteen contentious players into a champion team. This movie tries to exhibit the prevalent sexism in Indian sports, regional & individual prejudice and religious bigotry. These weaknesses or divisions could be easily debated, however these can not be completely denied. The most apparent example of these malaises afflicting Indian sports is Indian Hockey itself.
Just a few days back the entire national team went on strike citing non-payment of the dues for 2009 when the national team was involved in international engagements like the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup which they won, followed by tours of Canada and Argentina before finishing with a bronze medal at the Champions Challenge tournament. This incident was again indicative of the larger shortcomings of democratic functioning in sports institutions like 'Hockey India' in India. Though a few changes happened in the Indian Hockey Federation in 2008 which resulted in the removal of KPS Gill as IHF Chief after 14 years, nothing much has improved on ground. Hockey in India is still languishing in a much dilapidated state. Even though India is the host to the World Cup this year, Hockey India is without a president and the team is lacking its much needed practice. India has earlier won 8 Olympic gold medals, however now it has to even struggle for the qualifications for the international tournaments.
This is not a one-off situation. Sports in India is winning laurels either because of individual players or because we citizens are great followers of some of the sports. This deteriorating situation is occurring because almost all the sports bodies in India is either headed by a politician or a bureaucrat. Many of these have been heading the bodies for decades. Suresh Kalmadi is heading Indian Olympic Association since 1996 and Athletics Federation of India since 1989. Priyaranjan Das Munshi was the President of All India Football Federation for almost 20 years. Now it is headed by Praful Patel. Many of the state cricket boards are also headed by political leaders.
The issue with sports in India is the lack of democratic functioning of sports bodies and the attendant absence of structures that can ensure accountability. God knows when the world's largest democracy will have democratically elected sports bodies and better sports administration. God knows when India will start getting medals in sports proportionate to its population.