Latest news with #CWG
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Hindustan Times
13 years on, CBI traces fugitive in CWG case to French village
Derek Phillips, a former senior functionary of the Commonwealth Games 2010 organising committee, under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and absconding for the past 13 years, has been tracked down in a small commune in the southwestern region of France, according to agency officials who said an extradition request is now being sent to the French government. The Global Operations Centre (GOC) of CBI recently located Phillips, a French national -- the deputy director general, accreditation/Games Management System (GMS), for the 2010 games in Delhi - in Gaillan en Medoc in France's Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, said one CBI officer who asked not to be named. The anti-corruption agency registered a case -- apart from 18 other first information reports (FIRs) filed around that time to probe CWG related irregularities -- on May 31, 2012 to investigate contract worth ₹68.40 lakh for supply of lanyards to be used for accreditation passes for the games. Phillips was named as an accused in this case, along with RK Sacheti (then joint director general, coordination and government relations), other officials of the organising committee and a private firm, Tristar Enterprises and its representative Vishal Ahuja. It was alleged that Phillips, in connivance with other officials, manipulated the tender process to ensure that the contract was awarded to Tristar at exorbitant rates. The irregularities were detailed by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) as well in its report saying that a supply order for 1.5 lakh lanyards was placed in July 2010 at a total cost of ₹0.68 crore, out of which 48,040 lanyards costing ₹0.22 crore were never used. Besides, the CAG report stated that 492 persons who had not received security clearance were incorrectly listed in the data for the Integrated Security System, which indicated that the accreditation system was not followed strictly. After investigating the irregularities, the officer cited above said, 'we filed a charge sheet against Phillips and others in August 2013 but he had left India long before that'. Calling him a fugitive, a second CBI officer said 'Phillips could not be traced all these years so a non-bailable warrant was issued against him in November 2020'. 'We have already prepared a detailed extradition request against him and it will be sent to the French authorities in the next few days. We already have an extradition treaty with France since 2003 and we are hoping for cooperation,' he added. Officials said they will request the French government to first arrest Phillips so that formal extradition proceedings can begin and he can soon be brought to India to face trial here. The CWG games took place between October 3 and 14, 2010 but allegations of corruption triggered a huge political uproar in the country, leading to filing of several criminal and money laundering cases against top officials of organising committee (OC) including its chairman, Suresh Kalmadi, a Congress leader. The alleged corruption in the organisation of the Games -- Delhi was ruled by a Congress government then -- became a talking point, along with the alleged corruption in the allotment of telecom spectrum and coal mining licences, in the 2014 national elections. Recently, in April, a Delhi court accepted the closure report filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in one of the cases against Kalmadi.
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Business Standard
5 days ago
- Sport
- Business Standard
Harmeet Desai eyes 2026 Asian Games, begins preparations with UTT
Two-time CWG champion Harmeet Desai is focussed on a podium finish at next year's Asian Games in Japan and will use the sixth season of Ultimate Table Tennis, which will feature many accomplished players, to kick-start his preparations for the continent event. Desai, currently ranked 66th in the world, bagged gold medals in men's team event at the 2018 Gold Coast and 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games. He also has a bronze medal in men's doubles at Gold Coast and a bronze at the men's team event in 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta. "I don't like to predict so much. I am just taking it step by step, at the moment I am just focussing on UTT," Desai, who will be turning out for two-time champions Goa Challengers in the eight-team UTT, told PTI. "Definitely more important tournaments are coming. Next is Slovenia WTT tournament, Asian Games is also lined up next year so my focus is on to that as of now. "The UTT is a great platform to start my preparations for the Asian Games as many world champions, Asian champions and Olympians are participating in the event," he added. Goa Challengers are two-time defending champions, having won the title in 2023 and 2024 and are eyeing a hat-trick of crowns. He feels the league has changed the face of the sport in India. It began in 2017 but because of COVID two seasons didn't happen. "If you see the graph of Indian table tennis it has risen a lot. We used to be ranked around No.30 in the world but now we came up to top-10 in the recent past," Desai said. "In the last Olympics both the teams qualified for the very first time. We have been winning medals at the Asian Championships, Commonwealth Games. So many players have entered into top-100 in world rankings. "The juniors have been really doing well. Senior women team got into top-25 in the world rankings. These kind of things never happened before, so all credit goes to UTT because it gave us exposure to learn from foreign players, foreign coaches," he added. Desai, who is from Surat, is excited to play in his home state, which is hosting the tournament for the first time. "It's first UTT season in Gujarat, my home state, so I am really excited to perform before home fans. So it's a big opportunity to inspire youngsters who are taking table tennis as a future prospect. "It will great platform youngsters of Gujarat to watch international players, including 32 Olympians," he noted. The sixth season of UTT will be held at the EKA Arena here from May 31 till June 15.
News18
25-05-2025
- Sport
- News18
'Belongs At The Top': Dutt Lauds Srikanth Kidambi Following Malaysia Final
Badminton coach RMV Gurusai Dutt lauded the efforts of Srikanth to claw his way back into the limelight despite a swathe of injuries that troubled the seasoned player. Star Indian shuttler Srikanth Kidambi gave an incredible account of himself at the Malaysian Masters as the veteran player cruised into the championship clash of the event with domineering performances throughout the tournament, before ultimately falling just short of the title at the hands of Chinese badminton star Li Shifeng. ALSO READ| Real Madrid Officially Appoint Xabi Alonso As New Head Coach Till 2028 Former badminton star and coach RMV Gurusai Dutt lauded the efforts of Srikanth to claw his way back into the limelight despite a swathe of injuries that troubled the seasoned player. 'Srikanth is a player who should be in the top," Dutt said. 'As soon as possible, he should be in this circuit. That will be our primary target as a team. Be back in the top 20 and play in the big events," he added. advetisement Srikanth has been plagued by a variety of injuries including chronic issues in his shoulder, knee, adductor, Achilles. At one juncture, the severity of his issues were such that the 32-year-old couldn't lift his racquet up to play overhead smashes. However, his mental resilience and determination have helped him surge though the most challenging part of recovery. 'The shoulder issue has been there for a very long time. It is very on and off," the CWG 2014 bronze medallist explained. 'He has not sat down for 3-4 or 5 weeks this year. He was able to play and train, though he wasn't getting entries into the bigger events," Dutt continued. 'Morning sessions, evening gym, cardio — he was there. That's the improvement we wanted," the coach said. 'And imagine — in the third week of back-to-back tournaments, he delivers this kind of performance. That speaks of the fitness and the discipline," Dutt elucidated. ALSO READ| Gukesh Lands In Norway Ahead Of 'Fun Challenge' Against Magnus Carlsen Kidambi's all-out-attack preference has been replaced by a more rounded approach to the court, which has immensely helped the 'This tournament, he was actually playing an all-round game. It was not just attack—it was about constructive rallies and holding on. That kind of game creates pressure on the opponent," he added. Gurusaidutt also heaped praise on the mentality that keep senior players including Srikanth and HS Prannoy driven despite their illustrious careers. 'Srikanth and Prannoy are showing younger players what discipline can do — not just in preparation, but in life. He didn't get the flow earlier, but he stayed the course. Now he's found it," the CWG youth games 2008 gold medallist said. The 35-year-old also citied the importance of environment during all phases of training including practice, rest and recovery, and added that the rush that accompanies victory over top players in unparalleled. Advertisement 'Imagine — the guy you beat is now playing a 500 final, beating top players. That's a huge motivation," Gurusaidutt opined. top videos View All 'For a player like him, the correct environment matters—how hard to push on a particular day, what kind of training. He's shown this result, so now it's even more important to reassess regularly." 'His ranking is important. He should be playing 1000s and 750s, but to get there, he needs to perform in the 300s and 500s. So that's the plan—and most importantly, keep checking his fitness," he added. Watch CNN-News18 here. News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : badminton news gurusai dutt India Malaysia Masters srikanth kidambi Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: May 25, 2025, 16:37 IST News sports 'Belongs At The Top': Dutt Lauds Srikanth Kidambi Following Malaysia Final
Hindustan Times
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
The Diamond League dilemma for India's athletes
New Delhi: The participation of Indian athletes in marquee Diamond League meetings has increased over the last few seasons. While two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra has been a regular feature in these prize-money meets that attracts the world's best, Indian jumpers and even long-distance runners are now managing to get entries in Diamond League events. Chopra's performances in the Diamond League speak of his stature and desire to showcase his best in a world-class field. Recently, at the DL meet in Doha, he achieved his breakthrough 90m throw (a personal best 90.23). However, there is a growing feeling that other Indian athletes need to treat these premier events for more than just exposure. Besides the prize money, Diamond League meetings -- placed third in World Athletics roster after the Olympics and World Championships -- offer massive ranking points. A significant result would not only boost their confidence but also open pathways to top-tier athletics events across the world. Of course, the level is high for Indian athletes, but so is the scope for improvement. Besides Neeraj, Asian Games medallists Kishore Jena, Parul Chaudhary and Gulveer Singh competed in Doha. Parul did well to set a national record (9:13.39) in steeplechase. With the Asian Championships starting next week, Parul seems to be peaking well. Jena, who is coming back from an injury, came 8th with a throw of 78.60. Last year he competed in two Diamond league meets in Doha (76.31) and in Paris (78.10), taking 9th and 8th sports respectively. Commonwealth Games medallist Avinash Sable also started his season in April in Diamond League (Xiamen) and finished 13th in 3000m steeplechase (8:22.59s), short of his national record of 8:09.91s. Gulveer, who has broken 5k and 10k national records this season, was competing in his first DL meet in Doha and finished 9th. 'I think it is only in recent years that other Indian athletes are getting entries in the Diamond League. Earlier, only Neeraj used to compete. We want to do well in these meets, compete in DL Final like Neeraj but that will happen only with time as we improve at the world level,' said Gulveer. For that to happen, Indian athletes will have to change their mindset and coaches need to plan their calendar better taking into account DL meetings, feels jumps coach M Harikrishnan. 'If you look at field events there are only 9-10 competitors in DL meets which means you are competing against the world's best. Lower ranked athletes get an invitation only if someone pulls out or not competing. So, if an athlete is getting a chance, then he should make the most of it,' he says Harikrishnan, who is currently training CWG silver medallist tiple jumper Abdulla Aboobacker. Paris Olympian Aboobacker is trying to get an entry in DL this season. After his showing in CWG Birmingham in 2022, he was in action in a few DL meets but he wasn't able to sustain his form and has struggled to get in the DL mix. This year with a 17.19 jump he is placed 21 in world rankings and looking for a DL opening. 'There is prize money but it is not big if you are not finishing on top,' said Aboobacker. 'Winning medals in an Asian Games, Asian Championships or world championships bring more rewards at home.' A top finisher in a DL meet earns USD 100,000 and an 8th placed athlete gets USD 10,000, as per the increase in prize money distribution this season. Medals at major championships, on the other hand, fetch cash awards from centre, state and even departments, besides a promotion. However, Harikrishnan feels coaches can plan their schedule better keeping DL also part of their strategy. 'DL meets do earn you good prize money and massive ranking points. It opens the way to further top class meets. Yes, there is pressure when you are against world's top-class athletes but that allows you to grow. Coaches have to plan the schedule better at the start of the season with good mix of gold, silver and bronze level competitions and plan the peaking better. If a DL meet is coming closer to a major competition, then results will be better and it will improve their growth.'
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
90m is just the beginning: Neeraj Chopra
NEW DELHI: Neeraj Chopra possesses distinctive qualities that separate him from other athletes. His demeanour reflects modesty, exceptional sportsmanship and a pleasant disposition. Neeraj stands as India's most accomplished Olympic sport athlete today. His achievements in javelin throw encompass victories across all major international competitions, including the Olympics, World championships , Asian Games, CWG and Diamond League meets. Following his historic gold at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, which established him as a global sporting icon, the 90m-mark remained his sole unconquered milestone. This changed on Friday evening at the Diamond League in Doha, where he registered an impressive 90.23m throw in his third attempt. Declaring '90m is just the beginning', he said he is focusing on achieving greater distances in forthcoming competitions, particularly targeting the World Championships in Tokyo from Sep 13-21. 'I am ready to throw farther…it's just the beginning for me. There's a long season ahead. With the 90m target achieved, the aim would be to go as farther as possible. I'll look to throw more than 90m in the coming events till the Worlds,' Neeraj said following his brilliant season-opening performance in Doha. The reigning World and Asian Games champion said he felt sharper, fitter and energetic coming into the meet, after having been troubled by a nagging groin injury for many years, including the Paris Games. 'I feel sharper and quicker in my follow through. I have always been troubled by my groin injury in the last few years. I wasn't able to give my best because of that. This year, I am feeling good about myself and my throws. I am quite confident of bettering my Friday night's effort in the future competitions,' he said. Talking about Czech javelin legend Jan Zelezny, who has been working with the Indian since Nov last year, the 27-year-old said the coach had told him beforehand — 'today is the day to achieve 90m'. 'When I was having warm-up throws my coach said, 'Today is the day when you can throw 90m'. Even after my 90m throw, he told me 'You can throw 2-3m farther'. We are still working on some aspects of my throw. I am happy to have him by my side,' he added. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
