U-19 World Cup: Tendulkar, Dhoni, Kohli proud of Unmukt Chand's Team India

August 27, 2012
tendulkarThe Indian cricket team had reason to celebrate after a resounding innings win against New Zealand in the first Test at Hyderabad, but they didn't forget the feats of the India Under-19 side that had lifted the World Cup a few hours before the senior side wrapped up victory against New Zealand.

MS Dhoni started his post-match speech with a congratulatory message for the Unmukt Chand-led side, while Virat Kohli and R Ashwin were also effusive in their praise. Chand, who hit 111 not out in India's chase, came in for particular praise by both of them.

Kohli, who was the captain of the 2008 India Under-19 side that also won the World Cup, lauded the team for winning against Australia in Australia.


"I would like to congratulate the Under-19 team on doing such a great job by winning the World Cup," said Kohli. "Coming together for so long a period of time and doing so well, especially in Australia, is not easy. Beating Australia in Australia in a World Cup final has never happened before, and hence it is such a great achievement.

"Especially the way they batted while chasing is very encouraging. Unmukt's (Chand) knock is one of the best that we have seen in recent times. All the boys did well."

Kohli revealed that the senior side had followed as much of the final as they could, helped by the rain delay that affected the start of the day's play in the Test match.

"We have been watching the game since the morning and even in the dressing room, we were glued to the television when the match here was delayed due to rain. The entire Indian team enjoyed those moments," said Kohli. "I am happy for the youngsters who have done so well. Just enjoy the moment and take it as it comes. But most importantly, don't let go of all the hard work that you have put in. This win will surely give you a lot of confidence and set you up for greater things in life."


R Ashwin, who was the man of the match for his haul of 12 for 85, said he had been up since 5 am to catch the game.

"We watched the match together, we wanted India to win," said Ashwin. "I woke up at 5 this morning to see what the game was all about. I thought we guys batted really well - Smit Patel, (Baba) Aparajith has been doing really well through the tournament and Unmukt's innings today was out of the world, it was just brilliant. This victory means much more for the Indian team because it has happened in Australia. We didn't have a great season there some time back, so I am very pleased that they have put one across Australia now."

Sachin Tendulkar, who made his international debut before any of the Under-19 side players were born, was also pleased with the win. "We were watching and following what was going on in the final in our dressing room," said Tendulkar. "I would like to congratulate the team and tell them that you guys made us proud by raising that beautiful trophy."

There was recognition of the team's efforts from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) too, with N Srinivasan, the president, saying each member of the team would be awarded Rs. 20 lakh, with Rs.15 lakh for each member of the support staff.

"Many congratulations to the Indian team for the winning the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup," said Srinivasan in a statement. "We won the 'senior' World Cup last year, and now our boys have triumphed in the junior version of the tournament. This is a great day for Indian cricket. The Board would like to announce a cash prize of Rs. 20 lakhs to each player, and Rs. 15 lakhs to each member of the support staff."

Sanjay Jagdale, the BCCI Secretary, said the team had worked hard and deserved the title in his message of congratulations.

"The Indian cricket team has played some extraordinary cricket in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. The members of the team have worked hard, and deserve the title. Heartiest congratulations to the boys and support staff for winning the World Cup."



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News Network
April 6,2020

London, Apr 6: As the coronavirus brings the international sports calendar to a grinding halt, news agency Sport looks at three long-standing habits which could change forever once competition resumes.

Saliva to take shine off swing bowling

It's been a tried and trusted friend to fast bowlers throughout the history of cricket. But the days of applying saliva to one side of the ball to encourage swing could be over in the aftermath of Covid19.

"As a bowler I think it would be pretty tough going if we couldn't shine the ball in a Test match," said Australia quick Pat Cummins.

"If it's at that stage and we're that worried about the spread, I'm not sure we'd be playing sport."

Towels in tennis - no touching

Tennis players throwing towels, dripping with sweat and blood and probably a tear or two, at ball boys and girls, has often left fans sympathising for the youngsters.

Moves by officials to tackle the issue took on greater urgency in March when the coronavirus was taking a global grip.

Behind closed doors in Miki, ball boys and girls on duty at the Davis Cup tie between Japan and Ecuador wore gloves.

Baskets, meanwhile, were made available for players to deposit their towels.

Back in 2018, the ATP introduced towel racks at some events on a trial basis, but not everyone was overjoyed.

"I think having the towel whenever you need it, it's very helpful. It's one thing less that you have to think about," said Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas when he was playing at the NextGen Finals in Milan.

"I think it's the job of the ball kids to provide towels and balls for the players."

Let's not shake on it

Pre-match handshakes were abandoned in top football leagues just before the sports shutdown.

Premier League leaders Liverpool also banned the use of mascots while Southampton warned against players signing autographs and stopped them posing for selfies.

Away from football, the NBA urged players to opt for the fist bump rather than the long-standing high-five.

"I ain't high-fiving nobody for the rest of my life after this," NBA superstar LeBron James told the "Road Trippin' Podcast".

"No more high-fiving. After this corona shit? Wait 'til you see me and my teammates’ handshakes after this shit."

Basketball stars were also told not to take items such as balls or teams shirts to autograph.

US women's football star Megan Rapinoe says edicts to ban handshakes or even high-fives may be counter-productive anyway.

"We're going to be sweating all over each other all game, so it sort of defeats the purpose of not doing a handshake," she said.

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News Network
July 26,2020

Chennai, Jul 26: Indian Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand suffered his fifth straight defeat in the USD 150,000 Legends of Chess online tournament, going down 2-3 to Peter Leko of Hungry.

The former world champion got off to a good start and won the first game of the best-of-four contest. The next two games were drawn before Leko levelled by winning the fourth.

The Hungarian then claimed the Armageddon (a tie-breaker) to ensure Anand remain winless and at the bottom of the points table.

Anand, who is making his maiden appearance on the Magnus Carlsen Chess Tour, had earlier lost to Peter Svidler, Magnus Carlsen, Vladimir Kramnik and Anish Giri.

World no. 1 Carlsen bounced back strongly to avoid an upset, beating veteran Vasyl Ivanchuk 3-2 to stay on top.

Legends of Chess is a unique event where Carlsen, Liren, Nepomniachtchi and Giri, semifinalists at the Chessable Masters (part of the Magnus Carlsen Tour), received an automatic invite and are up against six legends aged 40-52, who have been at the top of world chess at various points in their career.

The tournament is part of the Magnus Carlsen Chess Tour. The winner of this event will qualify for the USD 300,000 Grand Final scheduled from August 9 to 20.

Results of Round 5: Peter Leko beat Viswanathan Anand 3-2; Magnus Carlsen beat Vasyl Ivanchuk 3-2: Vladmir Kramnik beat Ding Liren 2.5-1.5; Anish Giri beat Boris Gelfand 2.5-1.5; Ian Nepominiachtchi beat Peter Svidler 3-1. 

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News Network
March 25,2020

New Delhi, Mar 25: Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen appealed to Indian citizens to stay home during the 21-day lockdown, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to contain coronavirus.

"Namaste India! I have heard that your situation is like ours, PM Modi has announced a nation-wide lockdown for 21 days. I request you to follow this instruction. We will fight coronavirus together and come out to this situation. Please stay at your home and stay safe, " he tweeted in Hindi.
At the end of the message, Pietersen gave credit to his "Hindi teacher" Shreevats Goswami, who is an Indian domestic cricketer.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that the nationwide total lockdown will be in place for three weeks to combat the coronavirus menace.

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