Indian hockey was hit by allegations from rival coaches on Tuesday that several over-age players were being fielded by the hosts in the junior Asia Cup in Hyderabad.
Coaches for Singapore and Malaysia in the under-21 tournament accused Indian team officials of fielding at least six players who were too old — allegations quickly denied by the team selector.
“It has been happening for a couple of years,” Malaysian coach V. Muralidharan said.
PHOTO: AFP
“One of the players was registered for the Azlan Shah tournament in May this year as a 25-year-old. If he was 25 in May this year, how can he be 21 now?”
“We cannot make a complaint in the absence of any documentary proof, but we will request authorities to resolve this issue of fielding over-age players in international tournaments,” he said.
Muralidharan said it was “very disappointing that we are not playing on a level field.”
PHOTO: AFP
Singapore coach Chiow Chuan Lim accused India of repeatedly fielding over-age players, even in the junior World Cups.
“It has been the case for over two, three years in World Cups and other events. The present Indian team is almost the same that played in Azlan Shah two months ago,” he said.
Indian selector Zafar Iqbal denied any wrongdoing.
“We have only tried to field the best possible team and we have done that strictly according to the rules,” Iqbal said. “Some of the players are nearing 21 and they may not be able to play in the Junior World Cup next year. We go strictly by documents.”
He admitted that some players were asked to compete at both the junior and senior levels, but said they were simply “extraordinary.”
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely