KPS Gill said on Wednesday you need time to build a champion side. But ask any of the selectors, and they’ll tell you how he’s never given the players a long-enough run, especially if they become big stars or voice their opinions on the hockey federation. It’s a process that’s cut short many careers and cost India at crucial times, the latest being the Olympic Qualifiers in... 

New Delhi: The BJP on Tuesday demanded the resignation of Union Sports Minister Mani Shankar Aiyer in the wake of the Indian hockey team’s unprecedented failure to qualify for the Beijing Olympics. Interestingly, the main Opposition party did not seek the removal of Indian Hockey Federation President K P S Gill, a demand raised on Monday by several former players and many political parties. Senior... 

After India’s shocking failure to make it to the Olympics, Ric Charlesworth, technical adviser to the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), said he wanted to be in Chile to watch the team play but couldn’t go due to some miscommunication. India failed to make it to the Beijing Olympics losing to Britain 0-2 on Monday, which sent shockwaves throughout the country. Charlesworth, an Australian... 

CHANDIGARH: Left-handed Abbas Ali smashed an unbeaten 64 and raised a match-winning fifth-wicket stand of 61 runs with South Africa’s Nic Pothas to ensure a comfortable six-wicket victory for Delhi Giants over Mumbai Champs in the Indian Cricket League’s Edelweiss 20s Challenge at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium at Punchkula here on Monday. Chasing a none-too-formidable 115 for five scored by Champs,... 

Serena Williams won her first title in 11 months Sunday, defeating Patty Schnyder, 7-5, 6-3, to win the Bangalore Open in India. Williams dominated the final with powerful serves and ground strokes. Schnyder made several unforced errors while trying to hit deep and keep Williams at the baseline. “It’s good to be a champ here, it always feels good to win,” said Williams, who won her 29th career... 

Panchkula: New team Ahmedabad Rockets held their nerves to taste 19-run victory over local side Chandigarh Lions in the inaugural match of the second edition of Indian Cricket League Twenty20 tournament here on Sunday night. Chasing 159 to win, Lions had hopes till skipper Chris Cairns (21) and Dinesh Mongia (16) were at the crease after they lost three top-order batsmen. Opener Matthew Elliott (39)... 

Bangalore, March. 6: Multiple Grand Slam and Sydney Olympic gold medallist Venus Williams produced a memorable performance, wearing down Shuai Peng of China 6-2, 6-7 (7-6), 6-2 to set up a quarterfinal clash with sister Serena in the WTA Bangalore Open here today.] It took little time for the champion to assess her rival’s strength on a court where all players have been facing problems due... 

For the first time, India wins a tri-series in Australia. That again, without playing the third match of the series. So, India take the CB Series after winning the finals 2-0. Yet again Australia head into the finals on top of the table and lose 2-0, England - who had a woeful tournament - did that to them last year. Gilchrist’s last match couldn’t end in success and Hogg, not picked... 

The Williams sisters — Venus and Serena, who, between them, have annexed more Grand Slam titles than any other pair of siblings — created tennis history the other day in more ways than one. Not only are the two sisters playing in the ongoing Bangalore Open, they also walked the ramp at a players’ party, on the night before the tournament began, dressed in saris for the first time. Serena...