KKR players get grand welcome in Kolkata

May 29, 2012

kolkata


Kolkata, May 29: Gautam Gambhir's three Bengali words "ami Kolkata r chele (I am son of the city)' today won the hearts of fans gathered at NSC Bose International airport here to welcome 'home' the Kolkata Knight Riders' players, who beat two-time defending champion Chennai Super Kings to be crowned new IPL champions.

Thousands of fans danced to drum beats and cheered the team, which arrived at 10.30 PM, for their maiden IPL success after five seasons. The state ministers welcomed the team members with bouquets and garlands on a makeshift stage near the VIP gate No 5, close to the international terminal of the airport in Dum Dum.

Team CEO Venky Mysore hailed Gambhir and coach Trevor Bayliss for the success. "Gambhir has done a fantastic job as a leader so was our coach...I am proud of the team. Thank you Kolkata for all the support," he said.

The fans waited patiently for their triumphant team members to arrive as their flight was delayed by more than two hours. A makeshift stage was erected just outside the gate to welcome KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan and players, who arrived in two batches.

Slogans like 'Three cheers for KKR, hip hip hurrah', 'KKR. KKR', 'Shah Rukh. Shah Rukh' rent the air as fans dressed in KKR jersey and carrying purple flags gathered at the airport.

Many had come with lifesize posters of Shah Rukh Khan and team captain Gautam Gambhir. There were also posters with congratulatory messages. There would be a grand felicitation of the team at the Eden Gardens tomorrow morning and the entry is free.

Team owners Shah Rukh Khan, Jay Mehta and Juhi Chawla arrived at 11.45 PM. Chawla, dressed in a maroon top and white trousers, said, "It feels really special to see you people here every time. It's because of your support we could win the title. I thank Chief Minister (Mamata Banerjee) for the grand welcome."

Shah Rukh Khan also joined in and said, "From today, KKR belongs to Bengal...Thank you very much for your support. We're extremely happy to see all of you here."


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Agencies
June 8,2020

New Delhi, Jun 8: Indian pacer S Sreesanth has slammed England all-rounder Ben Stokes for questioning MS Dhoni's intent during a World Cup match, saying that the former captain will end Stokes' career.

Stokes in his book titled 'On Fire' had questioned Dhoni's intent during India's 31-run defeat at the hands of England in the premier tournament last year.

"For Ben Stokes, I will only say that you should pray that Dhoni does not play against you in the future. Dhoni does not forget things easily," Sreesanth said during a Live session on Helo.

"I wish Stokes all the best for whenever he faces Dhoni again, be it IPL or an England vs India match. You must be earning in millions now, Dhoni Bhai will end your career. Dhoni will strike the ball everywhere and he (Stokes) can never dismiss Dhoni. Before he (Stokes) opens his mouth, he should make sure to wear a helmet," he added.

Former West Indies pacer Michael Holding had also come out in support of Dhoni and said that the wicket-keeper batsman wanted to win the match against England.

"Well, people will write anything in books these days, because people are a lot more free with their opinions and when they are writing books, they need to be making headlines at times," Holding had said on his official YouTube channel.

"...It was not the game that India had to win, but I don't think anyone can say that was a team tactic to lose the game. I watched that game and it appeared to me as if India weren't putting up their 100 percent, but I realised it was not the case when the expression on MS Dhoni's face told me that he desperately wanted to win, so I do not think it was a team decision to not try to win," he had added.

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News Network
April 8,2020

London, Apr 8: England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler has raised more than 65,000 pound (USD 80,000) to help fight the coronavirus by auctioning off his World Cup final shirt.

Buttler's shirt, which he wore when completing the last-ball run-out that saw England beat New Zealand at Lord's last year, was sold to raise money for specialist heart and lung centres provided by the Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals in London.

Buttler, who earlier in the showpiece match had hit a fifty and batted in the Super Over, put his long-sleeve keeping jersey up for sale on eBay a week ago.

By the time the auction closed on Tuesday, the shirt had attracted 82 bids with the winner paying 65,100 pound.

Buttler, speaking on Monday, said: "It's a very special shirt but I think it takes on extra meaning with it being able to hopefully go to the emergency cause.

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Agencies
March 25,2020

Lausanne, Mar 25: The World Archery has hailed as a 'brave decision' the International Olympic Committee (IOC) move to postpone the 2020 Tokyo Olympics until next year due to coronavirus pandemic.

"We commend the conscientious and brave decision taken by Tokyo 2020 and the International Olympic Committee to delay this summer's Games in the face of an unprecedented challenge to humanity," Ugur Erdener, the World Archery president, said in an official statement.

The decision to postpone the Summer Olympics was confirmed by the IOC, on Tuesday, after the organising body for the event and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed to reschedule the quadrennial event in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This is not an easy situation, especially for the athletes who had been training hard for Tokyo 2020. I hope that everyone understands why this decision has been made and I urge archers around the world to retain hope and reset for this new timetable," he added.

The IOC has, however, said that the original name of Tokyo 2020 will remain intact irrespective of the fact that it will take place next year.

The Tokyo Olympic Games were slated to be held from July 24 to August 9.

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