Golden time for smugglers

Hyderabad: Gold smuggling is on the rise in Hyderabad from West Asian and Southeast Asian countries. Customs officials have booked 20 cases since March, and seized 34 kilos of gold, including Friday’s seizure of 18 kg at the Shamshabad international airport.

The smugglers are using different methods, such as smuggling gold in dust form disguised as henna powder, or gold bars hidden in footwear or clothes and luggage and, in some cases, even in the rectum of the carrier.

According to customs officials, the margin of profit for smugglers would be around `5 lakh per kilogramme, substantial enough to fuel the spurt in smuggling.

Most of the gold is smuggled in from Singapore, Dubai and Thailand. Customs commissioner  M.K. Singh said, “In this financial year, 20 cases of gold smuggling involving 16 kg of gold valued at Rs 4.8 crore were detected and 13 persons were arrested. With Friday’s seizure, the figure has gone up.”

He said smugglers were concealing gold in the false bottom of luggage, in inner garments, secret pockets sewed into trousers and inside the soles of shoes. Those arrested face three to five years’ imprisonment and confiscation of the gold.

A person can legally import one kilo of gold by declaring it at Customs and paying duty. But import duty was increased this year, which is another reason for the spurt in gold smuggling.

Even after paying the increased duty, gold purchased abroad would still be cheaper than in India. But smugglers, or their carriers, try to maximise profit by trying to avoid paying duty.

The gold that was seized on Friday at Shamshabad airport was meant to be smuggled to Chennai. Customs chief commissioner B.B. Prasad said, “Gold smuggling has increased this year. The profit margins are high so they are resorting to smuggling.”

Prasad said that a week ago, Customs officials at the airport found smugglers bringing in gold in powder form that looks like henna powder. He said that profiling of the suspects is a painstaking job. “In Singapore, there are no restrictions or duty on what is carried out or carried in,” he said.

In October three passengers were held in Hyderabad for smuggling gold worth Rs 90 lakh. Salman Hyder, Hussain Ali and his wife Amthul Zahara travelling from Singapore and Bangkok respectively were arrested.

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Pair cheese & whisky, vodka

For the longest time, when one spoke about pairing cheese with an alcoholic drink, it would almost always be wine. But adventurous, and dare I say innovative, bartenders, alcohol aficionados and happy tipplers are increasingly trying out unique pairings.

Bourbon, rum, gin, vodka, tequila and whisky can be paired with cheese once you’ve established what flavours of the alcohol work well with characteristics of a cheese type. Amber-hued whisky works well with aged cheese.

The French cheese Comté, with its sturdy texture and earthy flavour, pairs well with whisky’s woody flavour. Johnnie Walker Blue can be served with aged Gouda or a softer variety such as goat cheese.

A good, ripe Brie or saltier, aged cheddar balances the sweet oak notes of an aged Glenlivet. Lighter whiskies have accents of passion fruit, orange and vanilla and also complement the creaminess and saltiness of Brie. Heavy, moist cheeses work well with aged single malt whiskies; the cheese brings out the oak, nutty flavours of the alcohol.

In general, sheep’s milk cheeses like Roquefort and Pecorino Romano tend to pair better with bourbon and other American whiskeys. If you’re looking to pair the strong flavour and certainly overpowering odour of blue cheeses like Roquefort and Gorgonzola, you could pick your favourite Scotch.

Remember to keep some vegetables like olives or cut cucumbers to cleanse your palate before you start the pairing.

Brandy, a distilled wine, is best served with a strong cheese. Calvados, the famous apple brandy, goes exceptionally well with camembert and cheeses from its native Normandy.

Parmesan works well with a strong tequila. Rum also brings out the flavour of the Parmesan. Gin and vodka pair well with sharp piquant blue cheeses.

Try a Martini with a piece of Gorgonzola.

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‘House this’ for a bash

Another year has gone by and 2014 is just around the corner. That said, namma Bengalureans have found a better way to bid adieu to 2013 by ditching clubs and discos in the city. Knowing the nightlife scenario well enough, youngsters are opting for house and farm house parties to ring in the New Year, making it the hottest party trend at the moment.

Soumya Adani, a management consultant from Boston who is in town for the holidays says, “The city is not what it was when I was here last. The deadline at even the poshest clubs will only be extended till at the most 1.30 am. I am not very impressed with the one or two hours grace period. A bunch of my friends and I are heading to another friend’s farmhouse off Kanakapura Road for New Year’s eve,” says the 27-year-old. 

Tarun Gulia, a techie is also having a house party. “Most clubs would have an entry of Rs 5,000 to 10,000 for 31st night. I don’t see the point in spending so much on a party in the name of New Year. My girlfriend and I have a massive terrace and we are planning a barbeque. Post the party, the sleepover is also in my house,” he states.

Vandana Puranik, an entrepreneur explains, “I want to do something different for New Year’s and not go to the same old clubs. The biggest problem with these bashes is that there is usually an open bar, which means people are bound to get drunk and create a nuisance. If you have your own party, you don’t have to worry about any of these things.” Soumya concurs with Vandana and  adds that she dreads the traffic snarls, potential brawls and stringent checking that takes place post these bashes. “I guess it is a smarter option to go to a house party, which works out less than 1/10th the amount you would spend at a club, play the music you want and not have to worry about drinking and driving.”

For Anuraj Jain, a businessman, the evening will be all about movie marathons. “Good or bad, we want to spend the entire night watching movies. So far we are a bit undecided between the Fast and Furious series, Madagascar and Ice Age,” he says. The lack of safe transportation is one of the main reasons that Prathna Ramesh an NGO worker has decided to ‘can’ these bashes. “Most of the cabs are already booked and those that aren’t, are charging exorbitant rates. I don’t intend spending a bomb first on the transport and then for the entry to these parties.” 

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‘Trip’ping on travel!

These young Bangaloreans, shared an office space with different dreams only to realize their common love affair with trips and travel. Kingsley Joseph, Anenth Guru and Sandeep Bhaskar, have started a travel website called "Tripthirsty" which is garnering widespread attention and is looked up as the ‘next big thing’ in the world of online startups.

Beginning from ‘how to handle wild snakes’ to ‘jumping of a cliff’ — their website offers a host of travel options that you can choose from. “Initially, we were trying to conjure up a solution for one common problem that all travellers faced,” begins Anenth Guru, who was once trying his hand at mobile applications for commuting.

Adding to that Sandeep says, “We analysed the problems that the travel industry faced like, for example people could go online to check where to stay and how to get there, but there was never a website which just offered deals about what to do in the place.”

Hence, their website opens up a world of opportunities for the avid traveller. The site collects travel wishlists from its users and uses those lists to work out group discounts and other deals that you would not find otherwise.

Quitting lucrative careers to open up business enterprises, is nothing new in recent times but these grads are more inclined towards their interests.

Speaking about their interests, Kinglsey Joseph says “We wanted a platform for people  who do a variety of unique trips to come together and share their experiences. Hence, we began developing them more than being concerned about the volume of traffic that the site generated.”

Nevertheless, their website traffic rates are a whooping 2000 new visitors every week and shoots upto 10% regularly. All these they proudly say, is only through word of mouth and no marketing strategy, “I think it is the fact that travelling has become the need of the hour and with a lot of groups coming up with many travel options, such startups are welcomed.”

Apart from this, their other interests include being movie critics and developing mobile applications for various sectors. However, their future lies in expanding "Tripthirsty", “It is a vast industry which has a lot of pain points, so we are exploring and planning on expanding our business in all levels,” says Sandeep.

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First 3D printed liver expected by 2014

A bio-printing company based in San Diego is expecting to unveil the world's first printed organ - a human liver - by next year.

The major stumbling block in creating tissue has remained with manufacturing of the vascular system that is needed to provide it with life-sustaining oxygen and nutrients.

Organovo, however, said that it has been able to overcome that vascular issue to a degree.

Mike Renard, Organovo's executive vice president of commercial operations, said that they were able to achieve thicknesses more than 500 microns, and were able to maintain liver tissue in a fully functional state with native phenotypic behavior for at least 40 days, PC World reported.

Renard said that the researchers were able to bring together fibroblasts and endothelial cells, which perform the function of developing tiny vascular networks, allowing the company to achieve thick tissue with good cell viability.

Here are some of Bollywood and Hollywood's finest stars who have battled some serious health issues. Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan successfully underwent a brain surgery recently to remove a two-month-old clot at a hospital in Mumbai."Hrithik Roshan was performing stunts for his upcoming film Bang Bang two months ago and he suffered an injury on his head. He started developing pain and hence he started taking pain killers but they wouldn't work. So, he went for a CT scan in May end. Later it was found that there was a clot in the brain," Dr VK Mishra, who is treating him, told reporters.Mishra said that Hrithik was suffering from Subdural Hematoma caused in the brain as a result of the head injury. He can resume shooting in four-weeks’ time, he said. Hrithik's wife Sussanne was present at the hospital along with his parents throughout the surgery.The actor also took to his Facebook page to reveal about the surgery before that. "I am going to go through brain surgery today and want you to know that I am going in with absolute power to recover fast. My thanks to all of you for using the power of your mind to contribute to my life. Love you all," Hrithik posted. Amitabh Bachchan, the legendary star of Bollywood, has had recurring health issues since his almost fatal accident, when shooting for the 1982 movie - Coolie. He has had two abdominal surgeries. But nothing stops Big B from going back to work and wooing his fans.Everybody knows about King Khan's back and spine issues. His treatment has been going on for years. His recent surgery was for his shoulder because of an injury on the sets of his latest movie 'Chennai Express'. Yuvraj Singh has become an inspiration for cancer fighters. He found out about the tumor in his lung in 2011 and underwent chemotherapy. A year later, he was back on the field. Salman Khan doesn't look like a man with health issues. But he has received treatment for twin neurological problems in 2011 and recently treated for a facial nerve disorder. Anurag Basu, the director of Barfi, is a cancer survivor. He was diagnosed with acute leukemia in 2004. Saif Ali Khan has had cardiac problems and a history of smoking and drinking related issues.Rajnikanth, India's very own superstar, has been treated for recurrent respiratory infection and gastro intestinal problems. There were even rumors of liver cirrhosis because of his drinking habit. Kylie Minogue, the Australian Grammy award winner and actress found out she had breast cancer in 2005. She underwent intense chemotherapy and a year later, she was back on stage. The multi-talented singer and actress, Sheryl Crow, survived a tough few years. She divorced her husband, who is also a cancer survivor, and got treated for breast cancer. The cancer was gone but she later found out she had meningioma, a tumor in the brain. Halle Berry: The beautiful actress was diagnosed with type I diabetes when she was 22 and slipped into a week-long coma.Catherine Zeta Jones sought treatment for her bipolar II disorder in 2011.Maggie Smith continued to act in the Harry Potter movies despite undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer. Sex and the City star, Cynthia Nixon, found out about a lump on her breast during a routine test. Post SATC, she has become a popular role model for women and fighting breast cancer

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Tryst with TYKES

Born in Kobe, Japan, a prominent socialite from Bangalore, Roshni Thadani had the luxury to grow up in one of the most child friendly places in the world.

When she moved to Bangalore, and had her first daughter, Riana, she found how little there was to do for children here. “That’s when I realised why not open a recreational area for kids to enjoy and also comfortable enough for parents to hang out with them. When I started "hide&peek", I would get calls about kiddie related things: what’s the best place to get a birthday cake, who’s a good speech therapist, physiologist or dentist. So, when Vivienne, a friend who had started "Rhythm n Rhyme", came to me with the idea of starting a Kid’s Directory, it didn’t take much to convince me on this brilliant idea,” she reveals.

Roshni was one of the first to open a play premium centre that had an edge over others in terms of entertainment, cleanliness and safety. Parents refer her Kid’s Directory for anything kids friendly in the city.

“They can also log onto kidsdirectorybangalore.in to find out everything related to kids. We were the first to hold toddler cooking classes, Globetrippers (a travel club), and other such unique classes and events,” says an ecstatic entrepreneur. 

Talking about her passion to imbibe new cultures, she states, “I grew up in Japan which is the most modern yet cultural country. I also lived in New York for 10 years. NYC has the best eateries and is a shopping hub. Whenever I get bitten by the travel bug, I try and see someplace new, whether it’s Chile, Antarctica, or Istanbul or any European city.”

She likes to unwind by doing pilates and Bollywood dancing. Feeling fortunate to be working with kids, she finds having children around very inspiring.

“I want all the kids to have as much to do in Bangalore, as I had when I was growing up. It also helps that I have a very supportive husband and family, who only push me to go further. We distribute over 10,000 kids directories in two months and it’s nice to see when parents come back and tell us they love the way it looks. So, now I’m starting a third project called "Progressive Parenting". This will be a full-day parenting workshop, where parents will meet experts to talk on various topics to further their knowledge on how to tackle the issues we have as parents today: a mix of technology, food and lots more.” 

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Take charge of your life

I’m a 17-year-old guy. My sister got kicked out of her apartment and is coming to live with me along with her boyfriend. They need a double bed so I was told that I have to give up my room for as long as they will be staying with me. I like to be neat and tidy and knowing them I know my room will be a dump in no time. Am I right to be upset or am I just selfish?

As children, you learn to share your belongings with a sibling that, however, is impossible to maintain as adults with separate families and relationships. Just as in other relationships, establishing healthy boundaries and personal space are essential for a mutual and respectful relationship.

Having weak personal boundaries means allowing your sister to take advantage of you. Remember you are also contributing to the situation by not being firm and communicating to her that such behaviour is not acceptable to you. Make your self-respect and personal well-being a priority.  So set aside guilt or sympathy when someone is crossing your boundaries and tell your sister and her boyfriend that they can be with you during their transit while looking for another apartment.

I couldn’t believe my luck when this gorgeous 34-year-old, good-looking and well-educated woman told me that she loves me. I am an average looking 58-year-old man. We met on a dating site and after a two-month courtship we got married. It’s been three months now but things aren’t very good, we have never had sex and even when I try to kiss her she pulls away. She says she misses her family and worries about them and wants them to come live in our house. Mine is a two-bedroom house and everyone can’t fit. How can I reach a compromise with her?

It is essential for a couple to have compatibility in the areas of values, meaning for marriage and approach to day-to-day life, sexual dimension and attitude to life. It appears you two have compromised on these dimensions. Are you sure she genuinely loves you or has married you for wrong reasons? Is your marriage based on convenience and physical attraction or respect?

While it is important to have extended family, they are secondary in a mutually loving and respecting relationship. And, a healthy marriage requires the balancing of togetherness and space in relationships. When your wife is getting uncomfortable in togetherness, you need to choose whether you want to continue this relationship or not.  

Most people are familiar with how the seven sins can create havoc in one’s life. When applied to a relationships, these sins, seen in the perspective of romance and love, are just as relevant, if not more. We tell you why you should avoid them. Greed: If envy is about wanting what someone else has, lust about who someone else had and gluttony about what all you’ve had, greed is all that and more. It is about not knowing when to stop but wanting more and more. Over-vaulting ambition, high personal targets and unrealistic demands will leave your partner constantly feeling inadequate. It is good to dream, but to be obsessed about it and not stopping till you get where you want to be is not always as noble as has been romanticised. Keep the greed in check, always.Pride : In almost every list, pride is considered the original and most serious of the seven deadly sins, and the source of the others. It is also the root of a lot of issues couples face together. Why it is the most fundamental vice is because most people refuse to acknowledge it. Pride comes in the way of admitting one’s mistakes. Pride most definitely comes in the way of acknowledging your deeply underwhelming performance in bed. And pride is always firmly an obstacle in communicating to your partner just how much he/she contributes to your life. An inflated perception of self means you just cannot see how wrong you are. This, in turn, makes you an unbearable person to argue with because even if you realise within 3 seconds just how much you’ve messed up, you’re not going to drop it, are you? Knock pride off your personality and you’ll be surprised how peaceful a relationship can be. Envy: Envy is this overwhelming resentment for someone else’s possession and a deep desire to own it or partake of it. No good has really come out of it. Envy is such a blinding trait that you tend to overlook the worth of what you possess since you are ever so preoccupied aspiring to own what someone else does. The problem with envy is most often you really don’t want what you envy. Just because your partner in the heart of a party, it doesn’t mean you need to look up for jokes online so you can crack them at the next party. You’re preparing yourself to be a colossal joker. Not even in a good way.Lust : No matter how much you loathe your mundane friend for dating that swimsuit calendar model and no matter how much you have fantasized about her despite you being hitched, there should really be no reason for you to pursue this tempting venture. After a brief encounter, you’re going to move on to other…Once lust enters the picture, it irreversibly blurs the line. You just cannot have the hots for your best friend’s girlfriend. It is human to, but if it’s prolonged, the situation can get awkward for all concerned parties. So even if you don’t have eyes for a person other than your partner, the inexhaustible appetite for sex might make your existing partner run for cover.Wrath : This has got to be the ultimate deal breaker. Nobody is expecting a saint for a partner, but it can be the most tiring job if you’ve to deal with The Incredible Hulk. Rage, wrath, anger, whatever you want to call it, has ruined some of the best relationships. Get off your high horse. Just because you are loud and rude, that doesn’t mean you’re right. People, they say, don’t quit jobs...they quit bosses. So in their personal lives too, they really don’t find any reason to want to put up with the humiliation much longer.Gluttony : Derived from the Latin gluttire, meaning to gulp down or swallow, gluttony is the over-indulgence and over-consumption of anything to the point of waste. Meaning, you drink your way through most of your dates to the point of getting wasted. You slobber, stagger, fall, pass out and do all those things that your partner wishes was nothing but a horrible dream. It’s fun to be drunk once in a blue moon. But making it a habit means being a massive social embarrassment for your partner; one from which he/she can almost never recover. You will never know what a nuisance you can be.Sloth: This is not just about sitting in front of the television for six hours instead of lending a hand with household chores. This is about repeatedly failing to do something that you really ought to. You really ought to be asking her to marry you after being with her for 12 years. yet you’re too lazy to change your lifestyle.You really ought to be helping her clear up after your colleagues have left your marathon drinking session. But you’d rather sprawl yourself on your couch and ask her to duck her head so you can watch the match highlights.

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Beauty Pageants of 2013

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Jacques Kallis to retire from Test cricket

Durban: Jaques Kallis, one of the greatest all rounders of the game, today announced his retirement from Test cricket after the Durban Test against India, starting tomorrow, but will continue to play in the One-day format.

The 38-year-old Kallis had made his debut against England in December 1995 and is third big player to quit Test cricket this season after Australian Ricky Ponting and Indian batting icon Sachin Tendulkar.

Going through a lean patch of late, Kallis has featured in 165 Tests for South Africa, scoring 13174 runs at a stunning average of 55.12. He also took 292 wickets and 199 Test catches, proving what a quality cricketer he has been for his team in the last 18 years.

With 44 hundreds under his belt, Kallis was closest to Tendulkar's record of 51 Test centuries and the possibility of surpassing incredible figure by any batsman has diminished further.

"It wasn't an easy decision, with Australia around the corner and the success this team is enjoying, but I feel the time is right. I don't see it as goodbye, I still have a lot of hunger to push South Africa to that World Cup in 2015 if I am fit and performing," Kallis said in a statement.

Kallis is currently fourth on the list of leading run-getters in Test cricket, behind Tendulkar (15921 runs in 200 Tests), Ricky Ponting (13378 runs in 168 Tests) and Rahul Dravid (13288 runs in 164 Tests).

He is the greatest all-rounder the game has seen, atleast in terms of statistics, leaving behind Sir Garfield Sobers (8032 runs, 235 wickets, 109 catches in 93 Tests) and Sir Ian Botham (5200 runs, 383 wickets, 120 catches in 102 Tests.)

"It's been an honour and a privilege to have been part of the South African Test team since making my debut 18 years ago. I have enjoyed every moment out in the middle but I just feel that the time is right to hang up my Test whites," Kallis said of his decision.

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan and Neeta Ambani during the final Test match against West Indies at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. PTI Pepsico CEO, Indra Nooyi (left) and Pravin Someshwar take photos with their mobiles during the India vs West Indies 2nd Test Match at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday. - PTIPepsico CEO, Indra Nooyi and Pravin Someshwar and Brian Lara during the India vs West Indies 2nd Test Match at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday. PTIBollywood actress Poonam Pandey displays a tattoo of Sachin Tendulkar on her hand outside Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. PTI Former West Indies Captain Clive Lloyd (left) along with former test players Kiran More and Balwinder Sandhu and actor Aamir Khan during the India vs West Indies 2nd Test Match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. -PTIWest Indies former captains Clive Lloyd and Brian Lara watching the India-West Indies final test match at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Bollywood actor Aamir Khan with Sachin Tendulkar's mother at Wankhede Stadium on Day 2 of the final Test match between India and West Indies in Mumbai on Friday. PTIMS Dhoni's wife Sakshi during the India vs West Indies 2nd Test Match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thurssday. PTI Bollywood actor Aamir Khan arrives at the Wankhede Stadium to watch Sachin Tendulkar's last cricket Test match, in Mumbai on Thursday. PTI Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi watching the batting of master blaster Sachin Tendulkar on Day 2 of the final Test match against West Indies at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Friday. PTI Bollywood actors Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan at Wankhede Stadium on Day 2 of the final Test match between India and West Indies in Mumbai on Friday. PTINita Ambani, Kiran Rao and Aamir Khan at Wankhede Stadium on Day 2 of the final Test match between India and West Indies in Mumbai. PTI Nita Ambani, Kiran Rao and Aamir Khan at Wankhede Stadium on Day 2 of the final Test match between India and West Indies in Mumbai. PTI Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan with Sachin Tendulkar's wife Anjali at Wankhede Stadium on Day 2 of the final Test match between India and West Indies in Mumbai on Friday. PTI Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan with Sachin Tendulkar's wife Anjali at Wankhede Stadium on Day 2 of the final Test match between India and West Indies in Mumbai. PTI Former captain Dilip Vengsarkar, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Prithviraj Chavan, Maharashtra Congress chief Manikrao Thakre and Shiv Sena leader Manohar Joshi clap as Sachin Tendulkar walks to bat at Wankhede Stadium on Day 2 of the final Test match between India and West Indies in Mumbai on Friday. PTI Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan with Sachin Tendulkar's mother at Wankhede Stadium on Day 2 of the final Test match between India and West Indies in Mumbai. PTIBCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla, Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan and other celebrities at Wankhede Stadium on Day 2 of the final Test match between India and West Indies in Mumbai on Friday. PTIBCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla, former captain Dilip Vengsarkar, Shiv Sena Executive President Uddhav Thackeray and his son Aditya at Wankhede Stadium on Day 2 of the final Test match between India and West Indies in Mumbai on Friday. PTI

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Sania Mirza off the court in 2013

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Sammy belts West Indies to defeat New Zealand

Auckland: The West Indies tasted success for the first time on their New Zealand tour today when they scraped home by two wickets in the first one-day international.

After rolling over New Zealand for a modest 156 in 42.1 overs, the West Indies made hard work of reaching their target for the loss of eight wickets in 27.3 overs.

A rollicking unbeaten 43 from Darren Sammy in 27 balls took them over the line as wickets fell regularly at the other end.

When just the last two wickets were left, Sammy knocked off the final 10 runs with a six and a four off Mitchell McClenaghan to be sure of the win.

The victory, no matter how narrow, was a change of fortunes for a side comprehensively outplayed during their 0-2 Test series loss to New Zealand.

Although their batting remained fragile, the introduction of one-day specialists unleashed a West Indies bowling line-up that New Zealand failed to handle on a seam-friendly wicket.

Any confidence New Zealand took from the Tests quickly evaporated when they were sent into bat and faced new arrivals Ravi Rampaul, Dwayne Bravo and Jason Holder.

It was not the return to international cricket that big-hitting opener Jesse Ryder wanted.

He only faced five balls before slashing at a wide Rampaul delivery to be caught by Darren Bravo at cover point without scoring.

His failure signalled the start of a disappointing batting performance which was only rescued by the McCullum brothers Brendon (51) and Nathan (47).

They contributed 98 of the New Zealand total with the remaining nine batsmen scoring a total of just 49 runs with nine extras.

Martin Guptill was trapped leg-before by Ravi Rampaul for two. Ross Taylor, the Test series hero, went for three, Kane Williamson (eight), Corey Anderson (13) and Luke Ronchi (seven) as New Zealand slumped to 66 for six.

Nathan McCullum and McClenaghan (three not out) held off the demise as long as they could, featuring in a nine-over stand worth 44 runs for the last wicket.

Bravo returned figures of four for 44 while Rampaul and Holder took two wickets apiece.

What should have been a simple run chase started badly when McClenaghan bowled Kieran Powell (four) in the second over.

Like New Zealand, the West Indies top order could not establish a partnership as Johnson Charles (nine), Darren Bravo (14) and Dwayne Bravo (12) all fell to McClenaghan, who finished with figures of five for 58.

Lendl Simmons arrested the slide with a positive innings, reaching 34 before he was given out caught by Ross Taylor off Kyle Mills.

Taylor was unsure if he took the ball cleanly and it took several highly-magnified replays before the umpires ruled his fingertips were just under the ball.

Narsingh Deonarine (six), Denesh Ramdin (two) and Jason Holder (10) offered little fight, leaving it to Sammy to bring up the winning runs.

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Team India trails 1-2 in Tests at Durban

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Ashwin to get Polly Umrigar Award at BCCI awards function

New Delhi: Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin will receive the Polly Umrigar Award from the BCCI for being India's best international cricketer of the year 2012-13.

India's best performers in the senior and the junior level cricket in a period of 12 months from 1 October 2012 to 30 September 2013, will be honoured at the BCCI's annual Awards ceremony, to be held in Mumbai on January 11.

Ashwin took 43 wickets, including four five-wicket hauls and one 10-wicket haul in a match. He also scored 263 runs, including two fifties, from eight Tests. In ODIs, he took 24 wickets from 18 matches and three wickets from four T20 Internationals.

The Polly Umrigar Award comprises a trophy and a cheque for Rs. 5 lakhs. The award has been won in previous years by Sachin Tendulkar (2006-07 and 2009-10), Virender Sehwag (2007-08), Gautam Gambhir (2008-09), Rahul Dravid (2010-11) and Virat Kohli (2011-12).

Abhishek Nayar will receive the Lala Amarnath Award, for being the best all-rounder in the 2012-13 edition of the Ranji Trophy. He scored 966 runs at an average of 96.6. He hit three centuries and eight fifties, and 19 wickets at an average of 22.8, inclusive of one 5WI, from 11 matches.

The award comprises a trophy and a cheque for Rs. 2.5 lakhs.

The Mumbai Cricket Association, which Nayar represents, will collect the trophy for the Best Overall Performance in the 2012-13 season.

The various teams representing the MCA won the Ranji Trophy, the Under-25 C.K. Nayudu Trophy, the Under-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy, the Women’s Under-19 Inter-State tournament, and finished runners-up in the Under-19 Cooch Behar Trophy.

The achievers of 2012-13 apart, Rohit Sharma will receive the Dilip Sardesai Award, for being India’s best cricketer in the recent Test series against the West Indies. He scored hundreds in both Tests, and accumulated an aggregate of 288 runs. The award comprises a trophy and a cheque for Rs. 5 lakhs.

Three former stalwarts - R.G. (Bapu) Nadkarni, Farokh Engineer and Late Eknath Solkar will also be felicitated by the BCCI for their contribution to Indian cricket. They will receive a memento and a cheque for Rs. 15 lakhs each.

Other awardees:

Jiwanjot Singh Chouhan: Madhavrao Scindia Award for being higest scorer in Ranji Trophy. He scored 995 runs at 66.33 in 10 matches, inclusive of 5 hundreds and 2 fifties. He will get a trophy and a cheque for Rs. 2.5 lakhs

Ishwar Pandey: Madhavrao Scindia Award for being higest wicket-taker in Ranji Trophy. He claimed 48 wkts at 21.06 in 8 matches, inclusive of five 5WI, and one 10WM.

Karn Sharma: M.A Chidambaram Trophy for being best Under-25 cricketer. He claimed 48 wickets at 15.6 in 7 matches, inclusive of four 5WI and two 10WM, in the Col. C.K. Nayudu Trophy. He will get a trophy and a cheque for Rs. 50,000.

Axar Patel: M.A Chidambaram Trophy for being best Under-19 cricketer. He scored 830 runs at 109.2 in 7 matches, inclusive of three centuries and three fifties, in the Cooch Behar Trophy. He will get a trophy and a cheque for Rs. 50,000.

Arman Jaffer: M.A Chidambaram Trophy for being best Under-16 cricketer. He scored 1,036 runs at 94.18 in 8 matches, inclusive of 3 centuries and 6 fifties, in the Vijay Merchant Trophy. He will get a trophy and a cheque for Rs. 50,000.

M.D. Thirushkamini: M.A Chidambaram Trophy for being best woman Cricketer (Sr). She scored 361 runs at 120.33 in four matches, inclusive of two hundreds and two fifties, in the Sr. Women’s limited-overs inter-zonal tournament. She will get a trophy and cheque for Rs. 50,000

C Shamshuddin: Best umpire in domestic cricket. He will get a trophy and a cheque for Rs. 50,000.

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Record first-day crowd for Ashes Test at MCG

Melbourne: The opening day of the fourth Australia-England Ashes Test set a new world record crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday.

Ground officials announced an updated first-day attendance of 91,092 and the biggest single-day crowd for a cricket Test match.

The massive Boxing Day turnout eclipsed the previous record first-day crowd at the MCG of 90,800 set in the 1961 Test between Australia and the West Indies.

Australia have already claimed the Ashes urn off England with an unassailable 3-0 series lead after huge Test victories in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

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Fanie de Villiers in trouble after objectionable remarks on TV

Johannesburg: Former Proteas paceman Fanie de Villiers has landed himself in hot waters after making remarks which were deemed offensive by Portuguese community in the country, while commentating on television during the first cricket Test between India and South Africa here.

The remarks were made when images of two young women supporters with their hands in the air were flashed on TV screens during the match. De Villiers commented that if they were in Portugal, one would see only black under their arms, suggesting that Portuguese women had hygiene issues.

De Villier's employer SuperSport confirmed that he may face disciplinary steps for making unsavoury remarks on air during the first Test here on Friday. South Africa has a sizeable community of Portuguese origin, prompting many complaints on de Villiers' remarks.

Some said they would also lodge complaints with the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa, which administers a Code of Conduct that precludes any form of discrimination, including any remarks based on race or gender.

SuperSport spokesman Clinton van der Berg told the Afrikaans daily Beeld that the broadcaster was aware of complaints against de Villiers. Van den Berg said SuperSport apologised unconditionally for the "objectionable" remarks made by de Villiers.

"We are taking the matter up seriously and disciplinary steps will possibly be taken against Fanie," he said, adding that SuperSport does not tolerate any form of discrimination. "I did not mean to cause offense," de Villiers told the daily, but appeared to be unconcerned about possibly being suspended from commentating as the second Test got underway in Durban today.

He said that he was not scheduled to do commentary in the second Test in any case.

South Africa's Jacques Kallis waves to the crowd in his last match before retirement during Day 1 of the second Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the SAHARA Stadium , Kingsmead in Durban. India's Shikhar Dhawan bats during Day 1 of the second Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the SAHARA Stadium , Kingsmead in Durban.India's Murali Vijay bats during Day 1 of the second Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the SAHARA Stadium , Kingsmead in Durban.South Africa's Vernon Philander bowls during Day 1 of the second Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the SAHARA Stadium , Kingsmead in Durban.India's Murali Vijay ducks a bouncer from South Africa's Dale Steyn during Day 1 of the second Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the SAHARA Stadium , Kingsmead in Durban.India's batsman Shikhar Dhawan plays a shot during first day of their cricket test match against South Africa at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa.South Africa's bowler Morne Morkel throws the ball during the first day of the second Sunfoil Series Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the Sahara Stadium, Kingsmead in Durban.South Africa's Dale Steyn (R) reacts during the first day of the second Sunfoil Series Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the Sahara Stadium, Kingsmead in Durban.South Africa's Morne Morkel celebrates the wicket of India's Shikhar Dhawan during Day 1 of the second Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the SAHARA Stadium , Kingsmead in Durban.India's Shikhar Dhawan loses his wicket to South Africa's Morne Morkel during Day 1 of the second Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the SAHARA Stadium, Kingsmead in Durban.India's batsman Shikhar Dhawan leaves the field after being dismissed for 29 runs during first day of their cricket test match against South Africa at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. - AP South Africa's Jacques Kallis bowls in his last match during Day 1 of the second Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the SAHARA Stadium , Kingsmead in Durban.India's Cheteshwar Pujara is hit on the leg during Day 1 of the second Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the SAHARA Stadium , Kingsmead in Durban.South Africa's Robin Petersen bowls during Day 1 of the second Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the SAHARA Stadium , Kingsmead in Durban.South Africa's fans show their support for Jacques Kallis during Day 1 of the second Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the SAHARA Stadium , Kingsmead in Durban.India's Murali Vijay celebrates his fifty runs during the first day of the second Sunfoil Series Cricket Test match between India and South Africa at the Sahara Stadium, at Kingsmead in Durban.South Africa's bowler Morne Morkel, center, unsuccessfuly appeals for LBW against India's batsman Cheteshwar Pujara, right, as teammate wicketkeeper Abraham Benjamin de Villiers, left, watches during first day of their cricket test match at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa.South Africa's fans during Day 1 of the second Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the SAHARA Stadium , Kingsmead in Durban.South Africa's wicketkeeper Abraham Benjamin de Villiers, right, attempts a run out against India's batsman Cheteshwar Pujara, left, during first day of their cricket test match at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. - APSouth African cricket fans sing during first day of their cricket test match between South Africa and India at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. - APIndia's batsman Murali Vijay avoids a bouncer during first day of their cricket test match against South Africa at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. - APSouth Africa's bowler Vernon Philander, left, fields off own bowling after India's Shikhar Dhawan, right, plays played a shot during first day of their cricket test match at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. AP South Africa's player Jacques Kallis looks on during first day of their cricket test match against India at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. - APSouth Africa's player Jacques Kallis bowls during first day of their cricket test match against India at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. - APIndia's captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, centre, with teammate India's Virat Kohli, left, waves in the players pavilion as the match is stopped due to bad light during first day of their cricket test match against South Africa at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. - AP India's captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, right, with teammate India's Virat Kohli, left, gestures in the players pavilion as the match is stopped due to bad light during first day of their cricket test match against South Africa at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. - AP Match is stopped due to bad light during the first day of the cricket test match between South Africa and India at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. - AP South Africa's player Jacques Kallis looks on as the match is stopped due to bad light during first day of their cricket test match against India at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. - AP

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Never dreamt I would be honoured by BCCI: Nadkarni

Mumbai: Former Test all-rounder R G (Bapu) Nadkarni is pleasantly surprised by the Cricket Board's decision to honour him with two other former India stalwarts at its 7th annual awards function here on January 11.

"I never even dreamt I would be honoured by the Board. I have been caught on the wrong foot, so to say. It has come a bit late, but I am very happy that my small contribution has been recognised. Of course, I will be there," 80-year-old Nadkarni told PTI today.

Nashik-born Nadkarni, renowned for his accurate left-arm spin bowling with which he reeled off maiden overs endlessly and his obdurate batting, is to be given a special award by the BCCI in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Indian cricket along with two other former Test players from Mumbai - England-settled stumper Farokh Engineer and the late Eknath Solkar.

The award comprises a trophy and a cheque for Rs 15 lakh.

"Last year, we felicitated three cricketers posthumously - Vijay Merchant, Vijay Manjrekar and Dilip Sardesai - who did not win the C K Nayudu award. Likewise, we're honouring these three former cricketers," said Board's General Manager (Game Development), Prof Ratnakar Shetty, about the special award. 

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Snake at RCGC stalls Chowrasia progress

Indian golfer SSP Chowrasia plays a shot during McLeod Russel Tour Championship 2013 at Professional Golf Tour of India Tournament in Kolkata on Thursday. PTI

Kolkata: Guess what slumped defending champion SSP Chowrasia to a poor 50th place on the leaderboard on the opening day of the PGTI Year-Ending Championship at the Royal Calcutta Golf Club -- a big sleeping snake!

On par after seventh hole, SSP's drive on the trickiest eighth hole went into the red line area -- called 'lateral water hazard' where the scary sight of a coiled snake sleeping in the bushes greeted the reigning champion.

For the two-time European Tour winner who knows the RCGC course inside out, it was not a scary sight though. But having hit into the lateral water hazard, he missed the ball and he was penalised one stroke to finish the eighth hole with a double bogey.

As per the rule, SSP had two options, either to take a fresh tee, or take the shot from a position about two club lengths from the ball's 'point of entry'. SSP chose for the latter only to complete the eighth hole with two-over, a mental setback that affected the 35-year-old's progress.

"Aaj sab kuch hi bura hua hai. Jungle bhi ghoom liya, bahut kuchh dekhna pada mujhe (Nothing went in my favour today. I had to go into the jungle, see many things)," he said referring to the snake.

"It was not scary. It was not a first time that I saw a snake here. But it was difficult to come back from there on as I was under real pressure," Chowrasia lamented. Chowrasia finished three over 75 on a day when Anirban Lahiri eying a first at the RCGC, led the charts with six under 66.

But the defending champion said there's a lot of action left in the McLeod Russel Tour Championship offering Rs 1.35 crore highest ever in a PGTI tournament in India.

"We still have three more days' action left. Anything can happen, the course will play hard. I still have a chance to comeback," Chowrasia added.

Lahiri takes day one honours

Meghna Bal registered her first amateur victory at the Western India Ladies Amateur tournament at the age of 15. The pretty Meghna Bal turned professional in 2011. Meghna Bal represented India at the 2006 Doha Asian Games, where she finished 11-under-par and finished in the top 10 in the four-day event. Talking about her Doha experience, Meghna was quoted as saying, “I fed off the energy of the players I saw in Doha. It was an experience to see some of the players you admire doing what they do best with such focus.”Delhi-based Meghna Bal finished third at the DLF Women’s Indian Open, 2007, an event on the Asian Tour calendar, while she was still an amateur.Anisha Padukone, daughter of badminton great Prakash Padukone and younger sister to Bollywood star Deepika Padukone, is an upcoming golfer. She chose golfer rather than badminton which her dad and popular sister has played. Anisha Padukone tried her hands in cricket, hockey, tennis and badminton. But it is golf that attracted her most. She started playing golf at the age of 12.Anisha Padukone holds the honours for the longest drive in the silver division in the first round of the Indian Golf Union categorised Madras Ladies Golf championship. In the recently concluded Usha Ladies Open Amateur golf championship, Aditi Ashok came just short of retaining her title, losing out to another young golfer Gurbani Singh. Aditi Ashok's first win created a record. By winning the bronze title at the 91st All India Ladies Amateur Golf Open Championship in 2008, she became the youngest at the age of nine years to achieve this title. Ankita Tiwana was adjudged the Women’s Golf Association of India 'Rookie of the Year' for 2011-12. She turned pro in 2011. Royal Calcutta Golf Club is her favourite course. Ankita had a third-place finish in the 10th leg of the Hero women’s professional golf championship at the Royal Calcutta Golf Club. Ankita finished sixth on the season-ending money list to bag the WGAI honour.Ankita is a Delhi-based golfer. She is a die-hard fan of Tiger Woods and loves watching Rory McIlroy play golf and admires Smriti Mehra for her attitude. Other than golf, Ankita's interests include dancing, eating and playing. She was a 100m sprinter and intend to do Masters in the US where she can play golf in a lot of mini-tours. Gauri Monga was recently in news when she won the Usha IGU Southern India Ladies on June 12. Nalini Singh Siwach was the only woman golfer selected for 'Mission Olympics', an initiative of the Indian Army to hone talented sportspersons through training and funds.Nalini won in the gross category of the SAARC Championship, besides being part of the winning team, and was runner up at the Northern India Ladies and the Sri Lankan Amateur Championship.Nalini won three tournaments in Hero Women’s Professional Golf Tour 2011-12. Nalini turned professional in 2007. She has been one of the upcoming female golfers in the country. Neha Tripathi turned pro in September 2009. She was the winner of KGA Leg held in Bangalore in Hero Women’s Professional Golf Tour 2011-12. She participated in Women’s Indian Open 2011 and ended up at tied 49th place. Kolkata golfer Neha Tripathi played a superb final round to edge past overnight leader Vani Kapoor to seal another victory in the Hero Women's Pro Golf Tour 2013. This victory in the sixth leg is the third of the season for Neha and with this she overtakes Smriti Mehra in the Hero Order of Merit 2013. Shradhanjali Singh turned professional in 2010 when she finished fifth in the Women’s Golf Association of India Tour (12th Leg) in Mumbai. Shradhanjali was part of the Indian team for the biggest ladies’ amateur golf tourney in Asia-Pacific, the Queen Sirikit Tournament in Australia (2006) and Japan (2010), and also found an edge in her golfing career during her stay in the United States as a college undergrad.Shradhanjali is India’s 21st professional woman golfer and Jharkhand’s first. She wishes to compete in European and Asian circuits and dreams of playing in the prestigious Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour. For Vani Kapoor, golf happened to her because of her father. She started playing golf in order to spend more time with her dad, who was an avid golfer, and soon she got hooked to the sport. Now, she says she can't imagine her life without golf. Vani won Southern India Open amateur Championship 2009 and 2010 and Noida Ladies Open Amateur Championship 2009, among her many achievements. She finished top in the Order of Merit in the 2009/2010.Vani also played in international events such as the Queen Sirikit Cup 2009 and 2010 at Bali and New Zealand, and World Juniors Golf Championship 2009 at Jarkarta. Vani was quoted as saying, "I have achieved this in short span of time, so being amongst the top women golfers in the country means a lot."How can we not include the beautiful Indian golfer Sharmila Nicollet in this list. Sharmila stands out not just as one of the leading Indian golfers but also as one of the beauties to watch out for in the golf course. Sharmila turned professional in 2009 when she was just 18 years old and since then there has been no looking back for her. Sharmila Nicollet has too many firsts' to her name. She is the youngest Indian golfer to qualify for European Tour. She is the second Indian to earn a full card on the Ladies European Tour. She has represented India at the Asian Games at Doha 2006 and in Asia Pacific Junior Golf Tournament, played at the Callaway World Junior Amateur Championship in San Diego. She recently participated in the qualifying round of European professional golf and is on the right track to break into the big league. She is bold, beautiful and never misses to make a style statement of her own while on a golf course. The shutter bugs love clicking her and she enjoys the attention too.

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Pietersen curbs instincts in England crawl

Melbourne: Kevin Pietersen played a cautious out-of-character innings and lived a charmed life as English wickets clattered around him on an attritional opening day of the dead-rubber fourth Ashes Test against Australia Thursday.

Pietersen, under fire for his unproductive batting in England's troubled series, curbed his natural attacking instincts to keep the pressing Australians at bay before a crowd of 91,092, the highest single-day attendance for any Test match.

Pietersen went to stumps unbeaten on a fighting 67 off 152 balls, with Tim Bresnan not out one in England's 226 for six. In doing so Pietersen passed Geoff Boycott as the fourth all-time England run-getter.

The subdued Pietersen had some luck along the way and denied the impressive Ryan Harris both times, as England were pinned down by a disciplined Australian bowling attack on a slow scoring day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Pietersen, who took 12 balls to get off the mark, had some good fortune on six when he was caught by fielding substitute Nathan Coulter-Nile at deep backward square leg off Harris.

But Coulter-Nile was unable to stay within the field of play in taking the catch, staggering over the boundary marker, and Pietersen was awarded a six instead.

He had a second "life" on 41 when George Bailey had two goes in a fumbling attempt at a catch off Harris at mid-wicket.

Pietersen, who thrills and frustrates in equal measure with his prodigious batting skills, anchored the tourists' innings.

Harris, who was superb leading the Australian attack, ended a threatening 67-run partnership when he got Ian Bell to nick an outswinger to Brad Haddin for 27 in the 73rd over.

Bell's obdurate innings came off 98 balls in just over two hours, with just one four.

During his innings Bell joined Michael Clarke in passing 1,000 runs for the calendar year. 

Perth Test centurion Ben Stokes fell late in the day when he edged to Shane Watson at slip off Mitchell Johnson for 14. He he was followed by Jonny Bairstow, replacing Matt Prior but bowled by a Johnson snorter for 10.

The Australians' tight bowling line restricted the English scoring and extracted the wickets of opener Michael Carberry and Joe Root in the middle session.

The 1932-33 Ashes saw the end of ‘Bodyline’. Designed primarily as measure to take down Australian star Don Bradman, it consisted largely of fast, aggressive bowling aimed to hurt rather than deceive the batsman. In 1971, England’s John Snow was warned for short-pitched bowling after striking Terry Jenner on the head. The crowd didn’t like it either and Snow was grabbed by a spectator and bottles and cans were thrown at him.The teams coming in to play on the final day of the test found the Headingley stadium vandalised overnight by protesters campaigning for the release of convicted robber George Davis. Captains Tony Grieg and Ian Chappell both reluctantly agreed the game could not continue. Honouring a £20 bet, a Merchant Navy cook, Michael Angelow, he stripped off, sprinted to the crease and jumped over the wickets during the 1975 Ashes test at Lord's.In 1977, Kerry Packer, along with Toni Greig had dropped a veritable atom bomb on the cricketing world and the Ashes that was played in the immediate aftermath of the Kerry Packer revolution was lacking in lustre since it had been deprived of many of its stalwarts including the Chappell brothers, Lillee, etc. As a result, Bob Simpson came out of retirement to lead Australia.During the 1979 Ashes, Dennis Lillee came out to bat sporting an aluminium bat and was adamant that he would play on despite the umpires insisting he change his chosen blade. It was not until his captain Greg Chappell intervened that Lillee conceded—by tossing his old bat to the floor in disgust.In the famous 1981 Ashes test, bookmakers put the odds of a home victory at 500/1. Australian bowler Dennis Lillee and wicketkeeper Rod Marsh promptly put a small wager on just that happening - before Ian Botham and Bob Willis saw England to victory to land the former pair a £7,500 jackpot.Ricky Ponting’s frustration at England’s bowlers continually taking breaks from the field of play during the 2005 series boiled over at Nottingham when he was run out by substitute fielder Gary Pratt. Ponting, stormed from the pitch pointing and mouthing at the England balcony and ended up being fined 75per cent of his match fee as a result. DRS has come under the scanner after Jonathan Trott was wrongly declared out. England coach Andy Flower demanded clarification from the ICC of the rules after Jonathan Trott was given out first ball by the third umpire when it was discovered one of the HotSpot cameras was not working for the replays.Australia was left fuming as England's Stuart Broad enjoyed a massive slice of luck on the third day of the first Ashes Test at Trent Bridge.Despite knowing he nicked the ball, Broad continued batting. This has angered the cricketing community worldwide.

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BSF School emerge winner at Open Judo Championship

Jammu: BSF Primary School bagged 15 medals including four gold to emerge champions in the inaugural Jammu and Kashmir State Open Judo championship, here.

The tournament was organised by State Judo Association at MAM stadium from December 24 to 25. BSF Primary School won titles in Under-12 boys and girls' section as it bagged four gold, three silver and eight bronze medals, Judo coach Rameshwar Singh Jamwal said today.

The gold medals were won in Under-12 boys category by Shivam Baloria (20kg), Aryaveer Singh Jamwal (30kg) while silver was bagged by Om Baloria (25kg) and bronze went to Aditey Singh (20kg), Vanshveer Singh (30kg) and Anirudh Sharma.

In under-12 girls category, Palak Sharma and Bhagya Thakur secured gold in 25kg and 35kg category respectively. Silver medals were won by Asvina Bhat in 40kg division and Amisha. Meenakshi Devi (25kg), Imran (30kg), Tazinder (35kg), Bhawana Hans (40kg) and Riya Sarma (40kg) claimed bronze medals.

Head master of the school, Gaytri Kotwal congratulated the winners and their Judo coach Rameshwar Singh Jamwal.

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Star Sports shoots ad-campaign with Delhi Waveriders' stars

India has been awarded to host the 2018 men's hockey World Cup. India successfully organised the previous edition of the mega event three years ago.

New Delhi: Hero Hockey India League's official boardcaster, Star Sports today shot an ad-campaign featuring Delhi Wave Riders' star players Sardar Singh and Rupinder Pal Singh playing at Jantar Mantar here.

Star Sports will shoot the marketing campaign across all six cities with star players of every HIL team showcasing their skills with the most iconic location of the city/region in the backdrop, to build team affinity and local pride.

Besides the Delhi Wave Riders, the plan is also to shoot Dabur Mumbai Magicians team playing in a Mumbai local train; Ranchi Rhinos at Dassan Falls, Jharkhand, Kalinga Lancers' at a beach in Odisha, Uttar Pradesh Wizards' in the lanes of Varanasi and Jaypee Punjab Riders in Amritsar with the Golden Temple as the back drop.

HIL, which starts from January 25, will see world's best hockey players playing in diverse cities across the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Juju Basu, Head of Communications for Sports Business, Star India, said, "The core idea behind the campaign is to get India's hockey playing regions to celebrate the game that's been a part of their culture for decades.

"The campaign is therefore based out of the regions that the teams are from, using iconic backdrops and elements from their hockey heritage."

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Kingsmead wicket looks like a sub-continent pitch: Morkel

South Africa's captain Graeme Smith, left, with Alviro Petersen, second from right, assist teammate Morne Morkel, second from left, after hurting his right ankle during India's 2nd innings on the third day of their cricket test match at Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa on Friday.

Durban: South Africa pacer Morne Morkel was surprised at the nature of pitch on offer at the Kingsmead here after India today took early control of the series-deciding second cricket Test by finishing day one on a commanding 181 for one.

Morkel termed the Kingsmead pitch as a "sub-continent like wicket" after Murali Vijay struck a delightful unbeaten 91 and together with Cheteshwar Pujara (58 not out) added unconquered 140 runs for the second wicket before bad light brought a premature end to the opening day's proceedings.

"I am very surprised with the wicket here. It looks like a sub-continent wicket," Morkel said at the post-day's press conference. "It is really dry and a little on the slower side. After the 13th over, the ball looked like it was 60 overs old," he said.

"But as a bowling unit we need to soak it in. We need to bowl according to a plan, only to one side of the wicket. We need to stop the flow of runs, if wickets don't come our way. It is a good break for us, and we can go back and re-plan for tomorrow," Morkel added.

Morkel was the only wicket-taker of the day for the Proteas, sending back Shikhar Dhawan for just 29 runs with India's score on 41 at that time. "We are hoping the ball can reverse a bit more tomorrow. We need to come out and stick to a plan and take a couple of early wickets while they aren't settled. And then wait for the new ball," he said.

Morkel was almost ruled out for this Test match after twisting his ankle on day three of the first match at Johannesburg.

"I had an MRI scan done and they said it was a grade three injury. Then we did a sonar scan and we found out it was only grade one. So I went into rehab and worked hard with our medical team. They did some magic and the swelling went away and we worked on fitness. I am really happy to be playing this match, especially since this is Jacques Kallis' last Test," he said.

Kallis had led the team onto the field in the morning. In fact, he was allowed to venture out 10 seconds before his mates joined him. The crowd gave him a rousing and standing ovation and he responded with raised hands and a bow with his hat.

"It was a big shock for me. I found out two days ago. I guess he had been planning this for some time and maybe this news gave me 10 per cent more inspiration to get fit and play this match. He is a very good friend of mine and I didn't want to miss his last match," Morkel added.

Quite clearly, South Africa want to give Kallis a resounding farewell and to do that, they need to beat India at this ground, where they have lost their last four Tests.

"To be honest, we didn't talk about the past record. We can't control that. When we arrived here, we heard about Kallis and with how we finished at Wanderers, we were pumped up for this game. To me it doesn't matter if we bat or bowl first, we need to make a good start. And it will be crucial what we do tomorrow morning," Morkel said.

"I hope we don't lose too many overs because of the weather. I hope it is a good Test and a good farewell (for Kallis)," he signed off.

Sometimes Indian bowlers get unwarranted criticism: Dawes

South Africa's Jacques Kallis waves to the crowd in his last match before retirement during Day 1 of the second Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the SAHARA Stadium , Kingsmead in Durban. India's Shikhar Dhawan bats during Day 1 of the second Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the SAHARA Stadium , Kingsmead in Durban.India's Murali Vijay bats during Day 1 of the second Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the SAHARA Stadium , Kingsmead in Durban.South Africa's Vernon Philander bowls during Day 1 of the second Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the SAHARA Stadium , Kingsmead in Durban.India's Murali Vijay ducks a bouncer from South Africa's Dale Steyn during Day 1 of the second Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the SAHARA Stadium , Kingsmead in Durban.India's batsman Shikhar Dhawan plays a shot during first day of their cricket test match against South Africa at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa.South Africa's bowler Morne Morkel throws the ball during the first day of the second Sunfoil Series Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the Sahara Stadium, Kingsmead in Durban.South Africa's Dale Steyn (R) reacts during the first day of the second Sunfoil Series Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the Sahara Stadium, Kingsmead in Durban.South Africa's Morne Morkel celebrates the wicket of India's Shikhar Dhawan during Day 1 of the second Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the SAHARA Stadium , Kingsmead in Durban.India's Shikhar Dhawan loses his wicket to South Africa's Morne Morkel during Day 1 of the second Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the SAHARA Stadium, Kingsmead in Durban.India's batsman Shikhar Dhawan leaves the field after being dismissed for 29 runs during first day of their cricket test match against South Africa at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. - AP South Africa's Jacques Kallis bowls in his last match during Day 1 of the second Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the SAHARA Stadium , Kingsmead in Durban.India's Cheteshwar Pujara is hit on the leg during Day 1 of the second Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the SAHARA Stadium , Kingsmead in Durban.South Africa's Robin Petersen bowls during Day 1 of the second Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the SAHARA Stadium , Kingsmead in Durban.South Africa's fans show their support for Jacques Kallis during Day 1 of the second Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the SAHARA Stadium , Kingsmead in Durban.India's Murali Vijay celebrates his fifty runs during the first day of the second Sunfoil Series Cricket Test match between India and South Africa at the Sahara Stadium, at Kingsmead in Durban.South Africa's bowler Morne Morkel, center, unsuccessfuly appeals for LBW against India's batsman Cheteshwar Pujara, right, as teammate wicketkeeper Abraham Benjamin de Villiers, left, watches during first day of their cricket test match at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa.South Africa's fans during Day 1 of the second Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the SAHARA Stadium , Kingsmead in Durban.South Africa's wicketkeeper Abraham Benjamin de Villiers, right, attempts a run out against India's batsman Cheteshwar Pujara, left, during first day of their cricket test match at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. - APSouth African cricket fans sing during first day of their cricket test match between South Africa and India at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. - APIndia's batsman Murali Vijay avoids a bouncer during first day of their cricket test match against South Africa at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. - APSouth Africa's bowler Vernon Philander, left, fields off own bowling after India's Shikhar Dhawan, right, plays played a shot during first day of their cricket test match at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. AP South Africa's player Jacques Kallis looks on during first day of their cricket test match against India at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. - APSouth Africa's player Jacques Kallis bowls during first day of their cricket test match against India at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. - APIndia's captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, centre, with teammate India's Virat Kohli, left, waves in the players pavilion as the match is stopped due to bad light during first day of their cricket test match against South Africa at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. - AP India's captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, right, with teammate India's Virat Kohli, left, gestures in the players pavilion as the match is stopped due to bad light during first day of their cricket test match against South Africa at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. - AP Match is stopped due to bad light during the first day of the cricket test match between South Africa and India at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. - AP South Africa's player Jacques Kallis looks on as the match is stopped due to bad light during first day of their cricket test match against India at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. - AP

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India vs South Africa, 2nd Test: Match Updates

Match has been called off for the day as there are no possibility of light improving. India had a good day, ending at 181/6. Pujara and Vijay are leading the attack. Pujara is batting on 58, while Vijay is unbeaten on 91.

India 181/1 in 61 overs: Vijay was batting on 91 and Pujara 58 when play was called off due to bad light.

India 179/1 in 57 overs: Vijay is batting superbly and looked good for a big score, he's batting on 90 not out off 183 balls with 17 fours. Pujara gives him company on 57 not out.

India had a good session after lunch. India scored 87 runs without losing a wicket. SA bowlers look clueless against Indian batsman.

India 163/1 in 53 overs (tea called): Vijay is holding the innings together with a brilliant 76, while Pujara is giving him company with 56 not out.

India 159/1 in 51.1 overs: Although stranded in 40s for a long time, Pujara kept his cool to reach his 4th Test 50. He played 97 balls and hit 7 fours in his knock.

India 154/1 in 47 overs: Vijay dominates the SA bowling with a brilliant 73. Pujara looks for another 50, batting on 48 not out.

India 145/1 in 43 overs: Vijay is going strong on 71 with help of 14 fours. He is literally toying with SA bowling. Pujara is batting on 42.

India 136/1 in 39 overs: India is on top, scoring runs in the second session at almost five runs per over. Vijay is batting on 62 not out, while Pujara is on 42 not out.

India 121/1 in 34 overs: Vijay took his time to settle down, but soon got into groove, strucking his first 50 of the tour, off 104 balls with 11 splendid fours.

India 104/1 in 30 overs: Vijay looks good as he struck two back to back fours to get India past the 100-run mark. He is currently batting on 42. Pujara not out on 30.

India 88/1 in 28 overs: Pujara is more agressive post lunch, trying to get quick runs on the board.

India 83/1 in 27 overs: First over after lunch well negotiated by the Indians. 

Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara are out there in the middle. Play to resume after lunch. Dale Steyn with the ball in hand.

The session before lunch has been good for India. India lost Dhawan after the southpaw became a bit adventurous and went for a shots too many and lost his wickets due to an edge behind the wicket. Otherwise, Vijay and Pujara look solid at the crease.

India 76/1 in 26 overs (lunch called): India is comfortably placed at 76/1. Vijay is going strong on 33 not out. Pujara is 13 not out at the crease.

India 60/1 in 21 overs: Pujara and Vijay have kept things in control. Pujara looks comfortable against the short-pitch bowling. Vijay is batting on 24. Pujara is not out on 10.

India 50/1 in 16 overs: Vijay and Pujara are there at the crease, trying to bring some normalcy in the proceedings and put up a big partnership. Vijay batting on 15.

India 41/1 in 13.1 overs: Dhawan plays an outgoing delivery from Morkel, but founds an inside edge going to slip fielder Petersen. Dhawan falls for an entertaining 29.

India 38/0 in 10 overs: Dhawan is going strong at 28 not out, smashing some perfect boundaries. SA bowlers toil hard, but unable to break the rhythm of Dhawan and Vijay.

India 23/0 in 5 overs: India off the positive start. The Indian openers begin well. Dhawan is the more aggressive partner, batting on 17 not out. Vijay gives him company at 6 not out.

At the end of 5 overs: India 23/0.

Dhawan off the mark with a boundary as India end the first over 5/0.

Both the Indian openers are out there in the middle. Shikhar Dhawan to take strike as Murali Vijay goes to the non-strikers end. Dale Steyn with the new ball.

Jacques Kallis leads South Africa onto the field amid warm applause and a guard of honour by some children. 

India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss and opted to bat against South Africa in the second and final cricket Test at Kingsmead, here today.

Both the teams have made one change each in their teams from the Johannesburg Test, which ended in a thrilling draw.

India have replaced off-spinner R Ashwin with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja while the hosts have brought in left-arm spinner Robin Peterson in place of leg-break bowler Imran Tahir.

Teams:

India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (C), Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, Ishant Sharma, Zaheer Khan and Mohammed Shami.

South Africa: Greame Smith (C), Alviro Petersen, Hashim Amla, Jaques Kallis, AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, JP Duminy, Robin Peterson, Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel.

Preview:

Durban: After sharing the honours in a thrilling draw, India and South Africa will renew their exciting battle for supremacy in the series-deciding second and final cricket Test which promises to be another epic encounter starting here tomorrow.

India had more positives from drawn first Test: Cheteshwar Pujara

The opening Test between the number one (South Africa) and number two (India) turned out to be the most perfect advertisement for Test cricket giving five days of an engaging clash.

In the end, South Africa were left needing just eight runs for what would have been one of the most memorable Test wins of all time. India, on the other hand, were left wondering as to what turned the fortunes so drastically after four days of domination.

At Kingsmead, on Boxing Day, the two sides will go head-to-head in a decider that is more than just another five-day game.

Ever since this tour got embroiled in a battle between the Board of Control for Cricket in India and Cricket South Africa for off-field matters, it has been about bragging rights.

Seemingly both sides knew what to expect from this short tour, one that did no favours to the watching fans, sponsors or broadcasters. It was about gaining supremacy over the other, and indeed there was a certain path needed to be taken to achieve this.

For South Africa, it had to begin early. The three-ODI-series was where they could do some real damage because there weren't any practice games.

The Indian team flew in, fresh from an ever-lasting home season with little know-how to deal with conditions here. Not to mention, there was a lot to prove after the retirement of senior stalwarts like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman over the past year. They had to be put on the back-foot immediately.

And so it happened. The number-five ranked ODI team handed out a 2-0 defeat to the number-one ranked side, a spanking really considering the huge margins of 141 runs and 136 runs in the two completed matches at Johannesburg and Durban.

Words like 'scared' and 'scarred' became part of the cricket dictionary. Virat Kohli's image of sticking ice-packs to his ribcage was telecast across the world. India were bruised and there was more headed their way.

Surprisingly, for the hosts, they stood up to this tough talk. Putting his hand up first was Kohli who swatted the Proteas' attack in the first innings at Wanderers, with a brilliant first hundred in this country.

The roles were reversed, for he sparked such an inspiration in his team-mates, who realised that they were collectively the world's second-best Test XI. Subsequently, the short bowling subsided and Team India dominated for four days of that match.

The number-one ranked Test side though couldn't be beaten, as they bounced back from near-defeat and rose up to near-victory in the span of three sessions on the last day. And so, the first match of this series came to be hailed as the greatest drawn Test ever.

Now, all of it boils down to what happens in Durban.

India have been meticulous in the way they have met with the daunting challenge this trip has been. A young team, out to take on the world, they have battled hard.

They realised early that the ODIs were a lost cause and instead used those games to steel themselves for the challenges ahead.

Despite two and a half days of competitive cricket washed away by unseasonal summer rains here, the batsmen knew which balls to leave and which to score off. The bowlers knew how to hit the right lengths, guided by the return of Zaheer Khan.

The visitors carry momentum into this second Test, especially with the way they strangled South Africa in that last hour's play, forcing them to call their world-record pursuit mere eight runs short of creating history.

If the hosts ought to be believed, all they wanted to do was save the Test and they succeeded. They wanted this chance to win the series, in this last encounter before Team India leaves.

Both teams have built themselves up for this contest in a manner befitting their dressing room environment. Even so, cricket always includes the uncertainty factor and there are doubts plaguing both sides.

For India, the major concern ahead of this Durban Test is the fatigue factor of their bowling attack. Zaheer, Mohammad Shami and Ishant Sharma did a majority of the work, with R Ashwin providing holding support.

With just three days in between these two games, are their frontline bowlers fit enough? Will the lone spinner play a more pivotal role now, at Kingsmead, wherein the pitch is supposed to have slowed down? These are the questions that the hosts would have to answer.

"There is a lot of bounce in this wicket that should keep both the batsmen and the bowlers interested," said curator Wilson Ngobese.

"Batting in the first hour of the mornings here should be challenging for there is always some moisture in the air to be exploited. Of course spin might come into play as the match progresses, more than what it did at Wanderers."

South Africa will not like that last sentence. The last Test they won at this ground, on this pitch, came nearly six years ago, when they beat West Indies by an innings and 100 runs in January 2008. Since then, the Proteas haven't won here in four Test matches.

What's more, in each of these four Tests, they have been bowled for under-200 in atleast one of the two innings. To add further concern, out of the 80 wickets they have lost in these four matches, 29 were taken by spinners.

That last bit gets highlighted when it is considered that South Africa isn't traditionally a suitable environment for spinners.

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Lal Bahadur Shastri hockey tournament starts December 28

India has been awarded to host the 2018 men's hockey World Cup. India successfully organised the previous edition of the mega event three years ago.

New Delhi: Eight teams will be participating in the 24th Lal Bahadur Shastri Men's Hockey Tournament to be held from December 28 to January 3, 2014 at Shivaji Stadium here.

ONGC, Indian Oil, BPCL, Indian Air Force, PNB, CRPF, RCF and JB Hockey Academy have confirmed their participation in the week-long tournament. However, defending champions Air India will not be part of the competition as they are currently playing in All India Scindia Gold Cup in Gwalior.

"Unfortunately Air India had to pull out of the tournament. We could have got more teams if the dates of the tournament wouldn't have clashed with Scindia Gold Cup," said Chairman, Tournament Committee Kamal Chaudhary.

The winning team will be awarded with a cash prize of Rs two lakh while the runners up will get Rs one lakh. The tournament will be played in a league-cum-knockout format, and in the first match JB Hockey Academy will take on CRPF.

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Murali Vijay returns to form as India takes control of second Test

South Africa's wicketkeeper Abraham Benjamin de Villiers, right, attempts a run out against India's batsman Cheteshwar Pujara, left, during first day of their cricket test match at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. AP

Durban: Opener Murali Vijay marked his return to form with a fluent unbeaten 91 as India gained early control of the series-deciding second cricket Test against South Africa with a solid batting display here today.

India vs South Africa, 2nd Test: Match Updates

The 29-year-old Vijay, who had not managed to get a big score for some time now, was just nine runs short of what could be his fourth Test century as the visitors reached a comfortable 181 for one before bad light stopped play at the Kingsmead.

Vijay found an able ally in Cheteshwar Pujara (batting 58) as the duo stitched an unfinished 140-run second wicket partnership to wrest the initiative from the South Africans who toiled hard on an unresponsive pitch.

Electing to bat, the Indians lost Shikar Dhawan (29) early but Vijay and Pujara, who scored 153 in the epic drawn Test in Johannesburg, ensured that they did not suffer any further damage by batting cautiously.

Riding on Vijay and Pujara's exploits, India went into tea on a commanding position at 163 for eight. Coming out to bat post tea, the two batsmen had disappointment in store as only eight overs were bowled in the final session of play before bad light interrupted the proceedings, eventually forcing the umpires to call off the remaining day's play.

Earlier, resuming India's innings at 76 for one in the post-lunch session, Vijay and Pujara further increased their 35-run partnership for the second wicket, playing with consummate ease.

Despite the sun hiding behind clouds after the break, there was nothing more than a hint of movement on the bouncy pitch for the South African pace battery. The two batsmen made good use of the conditions, playing watchfully yet at the same time scoring at a decent pace.

India crossed the 100-run mark in the 30th over. The last 10 overs bowled by the Proteas in the post-lunch session had cost 48 runs without producing a wicket.

South Africa's Jacques Kallis waves to the crowd in his last match before retirement during Day 1 of the second Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the SAHARA Stadium , Kingsmead in Durban. India's Shikhar Dhawan bats during Day 1 of the second Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the SAHARA Stadium , Kingsmead in Durban.India's Murali Vijay bats during Day 1 of the second Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the SAHARA Stadium , Kingsmead in Durban.South Africa's Vernon Philander bowls during Day 1 of the second Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the SAHARA Stadium , Kingsmead in Durban.India's Murali Vijay ducks a bouncer from South Africa's Dale Steyn during Day 1 of the second Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the SAHARA Stadium , Kingsmead in Durban.India's batsman Shikhar Dhawan plays a shot during first day of their cricket test match against South Africa at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa.South Africa's bowler Morne Morkel throws the ball during the first day of the second Sunfoil Series Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the Sahara Stadium, Kingsmead in Durban.South Africa's Dale Steyn (R) reacts during the first day of the second Sunfoil Series Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the Sahara Stadium, Kingsmead in Durban.South Africa's Morne Morkel celebrates the wicket of India's Shikhar Dhawan during Day 1 of the second Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the SAHARA Stadium , Kingsmead in Durban.India's Shikhar Dhawan loses his wicket to South Africa's Morne Morkel during Day 1 of the second Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the SAHARA Stadium, Kingsmead in Durban.India's batsman Shikhar Dhawan leaves the field after being dismissed for 29 runs during first day of their cricket test match against South Africa at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. - AP South Africa's Jacques Kallis bowls in his last match during Day 1 of the second Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the SAHARA Stadium , Kingsmead in Durban.India's Cheteshwar Pujara is hit on the leg during Day 1 of the second Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the SAHARA Stadium , Kingsmead in Durban.South Africa's Robin Petersen bowls during Day 1 of the second Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the SAHARA Stadium , Kingsmead in Durban.South Africa's fans show their support for Jacques Kallis during Day 1 of the second Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the SAHARA Stadium , Kingsmead in Durban.India's Murali Vijay celebrates his fifty runs during the first day of the second Sunfoil Series Cricket Test match between India and South Africa at the Sahara Stadium, at Kingsmead in Durban.South Africa's bowler Morne Morkel, center, unsuccessfuly appeals for LBW against India's batsman Cheteshwar Pujara, right, as teammate wicketkeeper Abraham Benjamin de Villiers, left, watches during first day of their cricket test match at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa.South Africa's fans during Day 1 of the second Cricket Test Match between India and South Africa at the SAHARA Stadium , Kingsmead in Durban.South Africa's wicketkeeper Abraham Benjamin de Villiers, right, attempts a run out against India's batsman Cheteshwar Pujara, left, during first day of their cricket test match at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. - APSouth African cricket fans sing during first day of their cricket test match between South Africa and India at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. - APIndia's batsman Murali Vijay avoids a bouncer during first day of their cricket test match against South Africa at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. - APSouth Africa's bowler Vernon Philander, left, fields off own bowling after India's Shikhar Dhawan, right, plays played a shot during first day of their cricket test match at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. AP South Africa's player Jacques Kallis looks on during first day of their cricket test match against India at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. - APSouth Africa's player Jacques Kallis bowls during first day of their cricket test match against India at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. - APIndia's captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, centre, with teammate India's Virat Kohli, left, waves in the players pavilion as the match is stopped due to bad light during first day of their cricket test match against South Africa at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. - AP India's captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, right, with teammate India's Virat Kohli, left, gestures in the players pavilion as the match is stopped due to bad light during first day of their cricket test match against South Africa at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. - AP Match is stopped due to bad light during the first day of the cricket test match between South Africa and India at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. - AP South Africa's player Jacques Kallis looks on as the match is stopped due to bad light during first day of their cricket test match against India at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. - AP

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Ahmedabad to host Federation Cup basketball championship

Ahmedabad: The 28th Federation Cup National Basketball Championship will be hosted at YMCA International Centre here from January 4, the BFI announced today.

Defending champions ONGC (Uttarakhand) men and Tamil Nadu women will hope to replicate their last year's scintillating performance at the tournament to be played from January 4-9.

In all 18 teams, nine men's and as many women sides, will participate in the competition played on league–cum–knock-out basis.

The winner will take home Rs one lakh while the first and second runners-up will receive Rs 75,000 and Rs 50,000 respectively.

The event will showcase some of the best Indian men and women international players turning up for their club/state teams like Vishesh Bhriguvanshi, Yadvinder Singh, Trideep Rai, Amritpal Singh, Narender Grewal, Palpreet Singh, Rikin Pethani, P Anitha, Raja Priya Dharsini, P S Jeena, Manisha Dange and Shireen Limaye.

"I am pleased to announce that the 28th Federation Cup National Basketball Championship for Men & Women will be held in Ahmedabad. Federation Cup National Basketball Championship continues to be one of the most competitive basketball tournaments in India at the highest level and has been growing year after year," Roopam Harish Sharma, CEO, BFI said.

Teams:

Men – ONGC (Uttarakhand, Bhilai Steel Plant (Chhattisgarh), Bhavnagar District (Gujarat), Northeast Frontier Railway, Central Excise (Kerala), Border Security Force (Punjab), Distt. Sikar (Rajasthan), Army Red (Services) and India Overseas Bank (Tamil Nadu)

Women – Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Southern Railway, Punjab, Kerala, Karnataka, Gujarat, Delhi and Chhattisgarh.

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Rajasthan in pre-quarterfinals in Volleyball Nationals

Moradabad: Rajasthan today advanced to the men's pre-quarterfinals of the 62nd Senior National Volleyball Championship after a 3-1 victory over hosts Uttar Pradesh here.

Rajasthan emerged 25-17, 25-21, 25-23, 25-22 victorious over the home team on day six of the championship. In the women's section, Punjab made their way to the pre-quarterfinals after hammering Himachal Pradesh 3-0 (25-18, 25-10, 25-12).

Karnataka women also progressed to the last 16 stage after thrashing Andhra Pradesh 3-0 (26-24, 25-14, 25-18). In the men's section match, Rajasthan drew first blood with Indian team outside hitter Dilip Khoiwal producing some fine attacking play.

The second set was neck-and-neck affair as local player Rahul and former international Omveer leading the Uttar Pradesh resistance. At the later stage of the second set, Rajasthan, however, managed to march ahead with Dilip Khoiwal coming up with two energetic attacks.

Uttar Pradesh bounced back by winning the third set, with Rahul and Omveer ruling the roost in attacking play and libero Mushir delivering accurate first passes to them. Rajasthan, however, wrapped up the match by winning the fourth set with Lovemeet stealing the show with fine attacks and blocks.

In the women's match, Punjab dictated terms on Himachal and captain Seema and Lovepreet attacked energetically to take the first set easily. Anamika Chaudhary ruled the roost in second set by getting 10 scoring attacks for Punjab.

In the third set again, Lovpreet displayed an attacking game for Punjab to warp up the match.

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