Bopanna- Qureshi concede quarters against Bryan brosMontreal: Indian challenge ended at the ATP Rogers Cup as Rohan Bopanna and his Pakistani
partner Aisam- ulhaq Qureshi conceded their doubles quarter- final match to top seeds Mike and Bob Bryan due to an injury to the Indian Davis Cupper. The fifth seed Indo- Pak pair was locked 3- 3 in the opening set with the formidable Americans but opted out of the contest when Bopanna developed some problem in his left ankle. Third seeds Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi had earlier lost their second round clash 1- 6, 6- 7 ( 9) to Czech Tomas Berdych and Germany’s Florian Mayer. No Indian featured in the singles main draw.
Bulpin sacked by AIFF
New Delhi: India under- 23 and I- League side Pailan Arrows coach Desmond Bulpin has been released from his job because of " unsatisfactory results" and " style of play at odds with possessional football", according to AIFF sources. Bulpin, whose contract runs till December, was the coach of the I- League side Indian Arrows, now known as the Pailan Arrows, and also guided the India U- 23 side in the Pre- Olympic Qualifiers. " Bulpin has been released from his job as his style of long ball play has become at odds with the national coach Armando Colaco’s possession football. Also his results as under 23 coach are also not that encouraging," a top AIFF official said. Bulpin’s name was suggested by former national coach Bob Houghton, given his experience at the youth level with English Premier League outfits. Former national coach Sukhwinder Singh has recently been appointed Technical Director of Pailan Arrows while former ONGC coach Sujit Chakraborty, who also holds an AFC ‘ A’ licence, is likely to replace Bulpin. The AIFF source said that a final decision on the appointment of coach will be taken in the executive committee meeting in Kolkata on September 2, before the start of the Argentina vs Venezuela international friendly match.
Ferdinand welcomes Indo- Pak friendly
London: The upcoming Indo- Pak football friendly in UK has generated quite a buzz here, with star England and Manchester United defender terming it a major breakthrough for the sub- continental rivals. " I am welcoming the India and Pakistan teams to the home of football," said Ferdinand. " This is a major breakthrough for both the nations and I hope to see myself in India and Pakistan soon," the defender added. Billed as the ‘ Clash of the Titans’, the Asian sub- continent’s most powerful sides will meet on September 3 at the Pride Park Ground, Derby. The match has received support from famous sportspersons in England. " Football is one of the most popular sports amongst the Asian community in Britain and this match will prove to be very successful because of that," said WBA and IBF light- welterweight world champion Amir Khan. " I’m sure these matches will also be very beneficial for relations between the two countries because sport plays an important role in helping to unify people," he added. The presidents of the respective associations hailed the match as a crucial step in their respective development. " Playing Pakistan is always special. I’m sure all sporting fans are eagerly looking forward to it," said AIFF chief Praful Patel. Pakistan Football Federation president, Makhdoom Faisal said, " This match will definitely go a long way in promoting bilateral relations between the two countries. I wish everyone best of luck." Devas wins Nehru trophy boat race Kerala: In a photo finish, snake boat Devas Chundan powered by oarsmen of Jesus Boat Club lifted the coveted silver trophy in the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race, billed as the country’s biggest water sporting event, at Punnamada Lake here on Saturday. Devas whizzed past Karichal Chundan of Freedom Boat Club and Muttel Kainakari of United Boat Club in a thrilling race w
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