
SAI steals march over IHF
Did the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) themselves have much say in the choice of National coach? Even with the IHF’s ways that never fail to bamboozle and bemuse, Maharaj Kishen Kaushik’s elevation on Sunday to guide India’s challenge at stern tests ahead clearly belongs to the realm of fiction. The former right-winger has had little or no coaching activity in the last three or four years and his appointment in Vasudevan Baskaran’s place stunned the nation.
No blame
South Africa skipper Hansie Cronje refused to criticise the umpires after his side crashed to an eight wicket defeat to England at Trent Bridge yesterday. The excitement of one of the most absorbing matches in recent Test history was fuelled by a series of controversial decisions by Merve Kitchen and Steve Dunne.
Warne worried
Australia’s superstar spinner Shane Warne has been told he may never bowl again. Warne, who has captured 313 wickets in 67 Tests, who underwent major shoulder surgery in May, told a dinner here late Monday there was a chance he might not play again. "There is a slim chance of that," said the 28-year-old Warne.
Tie abandoned
Playing under heavy underfoot conditions, DPR Korea completed the humiliation of Kazakhstan beating them 6-1 here today to qualify for the final round of the Asian under-16 football championship from Group D.
Zagallo sacked
Brazil have fired World Cup coach Mario Zagallo and his entire management staff and expect to announce a replacement by the end of August. Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) president Ricardo Texeira praised Zagallo’s staff’s efforts at the recent World Cup, where the side lost surprisingly to hosts France in the final.