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Coronavirus: Premier League Does Not Yet Have "Green Light", Minister Warns

Clubs are understood to have been told that the use of a limited number of neutral venues is the only way to complete the campaign, to limit the strain on essential services and discourage gatherings of supporters near stadiums.But those at risk of relegation argue that the integrity of the competition would be compromised by the neutral-venue plan.Brighton chief executive Paul Barber is opposed to the idea, with the Seagulls hovering two points above the drop zone. Brighton were scheduled to play five of their remaining nine games at home.Despite extensive contingency planning, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Oliver Dowden warned the Premier League was yet to get the go-ahead, with testing and player welfare major hurdles."They've not been given the green light," Dowden told BBC Radio on Friday."If we can get a plan that works then I'd like us to be able to go ahead with it because I think it would be good for the nation, it would be good for football as a whole."I'm really hopeful we can get this up and running but public safety must come first so it's only if we're confident of that, we'll be able to proceed."In Germany, the Bundesliga announced this week that it would resume matches on May 16, behind closed doors and subject to extensive coronavirus testing.Dowden's comments came as The Times newspaper reported that Football Association chiefs would block any attempt to declare the Premier League season null and void and abandon relegation.Relegation scrapped?At least one club reportedly wants relegation to be scrapped if neutral grounds are used.But The Times said it was understood that the FA board supported the Premier League board's position that the league table should be decided on sporting merit even if it were cut short.Burnley captain Ben Mee, whose side are 10th in the table, said he believed footballers could "get over" playing at neutral venues if it meant the game could be re-started."It's not ideal but these times, they call for different measures," Mee told the BBC. "We can certainly get over that fact."And he said players would be prepared to spend time in quarantine if necessary."I think football is such an important part of our country, whether you like it or not, and people rely on it," he said. "And if we can give that positive boost to the country, then that would be fantastic."Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand said there was no viable resolution that would satisfy all 20 clubs."People are going to feel at a disadvantage if certain decisions are made but I don't think the Premier League can have a wholehearted 100 percent win on this no matter what decision they make, which is unfortunate," he told the Press Association.Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero and Brighton's Glenn Murray have raised objections from a safety point of view but Ferdinand said they should put their faith in the authorities."The Premier League, the FA and the government, if all of those three bodies give it the green light then I'm sure the players' protection, health and well-being will be at the top of their agenda to make sure they remain healthy and not at risk," he said. Read the full article

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IPL Has Given Indian Team Many Talented Players Over The Years, Says Amit Mishra

Answering the question, the spinner said: "IPL has kept on getting difficult with each passing season, especially it has been difficult for the spinners, I have played the tournament for 12 years now, this would have been my 13th, India has gotten a lot of talent through this tournament, many young players also got financial help through this competition.""When I played IPL for the first time in 2008, the batsmen had limited shots, but now the batsmen have many more things in their arsenal, they are more powerful, players now have more shots as well," he added.Mishra was also asked to give his take on going ahead with the IPL behind closed doors to which he said: "Things regarding coronavirus need to get normal first, we should give two-three months and then take a call on playing the tournament. Playing cricket is necessary but we should give some time to coronavirus, hopefully things will settle down by then."During the Instagram live session, Mishra also said that Eden Gardens would be his favourite ground in India.The spinner also said that Sachin Tendulkar has always been his role model, but added that he looked up to Anil Kumble and Shane Warne in his initial days as a cricketer.Mishra has played in every IPL edition so far and has represented Deccan Chargers, Pune Warriors India, Sunrisers Hyderabad and the Delhi Capitals.He is the first spinner in the history of IPL to take three hat-tricks.The spinner would have represented Delhi Capitals if the IPL had commenced from March 29 as was slated earlier.However, the tournament has been suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic. Read the full article

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Coronavirus: BWF Pushes Back Thomas And Uber Cup Finals Again, To Be Held From October 3-11

On Wednesday, the BWF postponed the tournament once again saying it's not possible to hold the event before September."Following the Danish Government's decision on 6 April to extend a ban on "larger gatherings" in Denmark until the end of August, both parties agreed that it was no longer feasible to stage the championships on the rescheduled dates of 15-23 August," the BWF said in a statement."BWF in consultation and consensus with Badminton Denmark, tournament organisers, Sport Event Denmark and the local Aarhus government concluded that a move to October was the best solution."BWF Secretary General Thomas Lund said: "Our main priority is the health, safety and wellbeing of athletes, staff, volunteers, judges and the entire badminton community. We listened to the advice of the World Health Organisation (WHO), various health experts, local authorities and the Danish Government and it became clear that hosting a big event like the TOTAL BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals before September would be difficult.""We are confident that we can stage a safe and successful championships on the new dates of 3-11 October while all the time monitoring the situation closely should things change again."Badminton Denmark CEO Bo Jensen added: "It is sad for us to change the dates again. However, our immediate concern is with the safety of all involved in this very uncertain time.""It's still an achievement for us to be the first country outside of Asia to host the TOTAL BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals and we are looking forward to welcoming fans, players, volunteers, officials and staff in the safest way possible."The BWF said possible solutions are being worked for its Annual General Meeting and Members' Forum.Both events are key highlights on the BWF calendar and were due to take place in Aarhus during the week of the TOTAL BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals 2020.The BWF had cancelled or suspended several tournaments post the All England Championships (March 11-15) due to the pandemic.  Read the full article

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Glenn McGrath Picks Pat Cummins As The Most Complete Bowler Of Current Generation 

Australia's Pat Cummins is the most complete pacer among the current crop, says the legendary Glenn McGrath, who feels bowlers, in general, are "better blokes" and more hardworking than batsmen. McGrath was answering 25 rapid-fire questions from 'ESPNCricinfo' on a range of subjects, including who he would like to see as himself in a biopic. Asked to name the most complete bowler in world cricket now, McGrath replied: "Pat Cummins. I like the way he goes by." Cummins is currently no.1 in ICC Test rankings and occupies the fourth spot in the ODI list.One of the best fast bowlers through the '90s till late 2000s, McGrath also addressed the big debate of his era -- who was harder to bowl at, Sachin Tendulkar or Brian Lara? "Tough," he said when asked to pick between the two icons."I would go with Lara just (a bit) from my experience. The hat-trick wish-list would be Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid."Asked if there was any delivery which was missing from his armoury, he cheekily replied: "the 100miles per hour delivery."According to him, the bowlers work a lot harder than batsmen."Fast bowlers are better blokes, work harder and batsmen expect everything," he opined.Asked if he would indulge in 'Mankading' a batsman in a World Cup final where he has to get the last wicket but with only two runs to defend, the legendary pacer said he would never do it.He also feels that after watching Jim Carrey's performance in 'Dumb and Dumber', he would like the iconic funny-man to play his role if a biopic is ever made on him. "Brad Pitt or Hugh Jackman," are his other choices.Not known to be an extravagant dresser, McGrath said he nonetheless likes wearing outfits by Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee.Away from cricket, the sporting legends that he has felt privileged to meet include Jamaican sprint king Usain Bolt, tennis icon Roger Federer and five-time Olympic champion rower Steve Redgrave. Read the full article

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French Football Club Doctor "Commits Suicide" After Coronavirus Diagnosis: Report

"Devastated, Reims cries for Bernard Gonzalez," said a statement released by the Ligue 1 club. © AFP French Ligue 1 club Reims were on Sunday in mourning for long-serving club doctor Bernard Gonzalez who committed suicide after being diagnosed with coronavirus, sources confirmed. "Devastated, Reims cries for Bernard Gonzalez," said a statement released by the Ligue 1 club. "Not just the club but also hundreds of men and women in Reims." Contacted by AFP, Reims mayor Arnaud Robinet said he had been made aware of the suicide of the 60-year-old, who had worked at the club for over 20 years, by the local prefecture."I was told Doctor Gonzalez had left a note in which he mentioned that he had tested positive for COVID-19."A medical source also confirmed to AFP the existence of this letter but added that the doctor had appeared "to be in good shape two days ago"."I am shocked by his death because he was someone I had known for many years," said Robinet."No only was he the club doctor, but he was also the GP of many people in Reims. He was known for his human and professional qualities."He will be missed by the football family and all those in Reims who met him."Reims club president Jean-Pierre Caillot said he was "stunned" by the news."This pandemic has struck Reims in the heart. A great personality and great professional of the sport has left us," said Caillot.More than 8,000 people have died from the coronavirus in France. Topics mentioned in this article Football Read the full article

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Coronavirus: Yuvraj Singh Contributes Rs 50 Lakh In Fight Against COVID-19 Pandemic

Singh took to Twitter to write: "We are stronger when we stand united. I will be lighting a candle tonight at 9 pm for 9 minutes. Are you with me? On this great day of solidarity, I pledge Rs 50 lakhs to the #PMCaresFunds. Please do your bit too! @narendramodi #9pm9minutes #IndiaFightsCorona." We are stronger when we stand united.I will be lighting a candle tonight at 9pm for 9 minutes. Are you with me?On this great day of solidarity, I pledge Rs. 50 Lakhs to the #PMCaresFunds. Please do your bit too!@narendramodi#9pm9minutes #IndiaFightsCorona — yuvraj singh (@YUVSTRONG12) April 5, 2020 After the establishment of the Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations (PM-CARES) Fund by Prime Minister Modi, several athletes have come forward to contribute and help the country combat COVID-19.In a video message, Prime Minister Modi on Friday asked citizens to turn all lights off in their houses at 9 pm on Sunday (April 5) and stand at their doors or windows with a candle, diya and torch for 9 minutes to show solidarity with each other in the battle against the COVID-19.This is in follow up to the ''Taali, Thali'' event held on March 22, the day when ''Janata curfew'' was observed throughout the country. PM Modi had reminded the people to be on their terrace and balconies and clap to express their gratitude for all those who were ''working 24/7'' to fight the COVID-19.The total number of COVID-19 positive cases rose to 3,374 in India on Sunday, as per the data provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Out of these cases, 3030 are active cases, 267 have been cured or discharged, while 77 deaths have been reported so far in the country. Read the full article

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"Chalo Dinner Time": Anushka Sharma Hilariously Gatecrashes Virat Kohli-Kevin Pietersen Live Chat

Virat Kohli and Kevin Pietersen had a freewheeling chat on 'Instagram Live' where they spoke about a range of topics. From the ongoing coronavirus pandemic to Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) failure to win the Indian Premier League (IPL) title, the star duo's candid chat was a big hit on social media. However, Virat Kohli's wife, Anushka Sharma, hilariously brought it to a grinding halt with her comment during the live chat. The Bollywood star wrote, "Chalo chalo dinner time".Kevin Pietersen posted a screenshot of Anushka's comment with an even funnier caption."When the BOSS said time was up, time was up! @anushkasharma @virat.kohli Hope you all enjoyed that? Just two dudes hanging out...," wrote the England superstar. Pietersen and Kohli began the much-anticipated chat by discussing the lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. "We managed to get away to a farm just before the lockdown. There is some space here. It is heart-breaking to see. People are having a tough time," Kohli said.“We have never been in one place for so long. It's bizarre. It's not a good thing to single out something like this as an opportunity to spend time together. But it is what it is. We are being cautious and staying positive. If not for this, I'd be hanging out with you at Chinnaswamy Stadium," Kohli added.Pietersen then asked Kohli where he got his nickname "Chiku" from and the Indian captain said," I got this nickname from a coach in the Ranji Trophy. I used to have big cheeks then. In 2007 I thought I was losing hair. I got my hair cropped and my cheeks and ears stood out. I got the name from a cartoon character. The rabbit in the comic book Champak."Interestingly, Kohli revealed that it was MS Dhoni who made his nickname famous by shouting it out at all times from behind the stumps.Kohli also went on to reveal that the lowest point in his career came in 2014 during the England tour.In the end, Kohli answered some questions from the fans on social media and picked Cristiano Ronaldo over Lionel Messi because of work ethic and drive. Read the full article

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Japan begins Herculean task of shifting Olympics - sports

Thomas Bach, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) president, said fresh dates for the 2021 Olympics will be decided by a task force comprising the IOC’s Coordination Commission and the organising committee of the Games in Tokyo. “This needs consultation with the 33 international federations. We will have telephone conference by tomorrow (Thursday). We, of course, will have to take into account the sports calendar around the Olympic Games and many, many other issues,” said Bach on Wednesday at a teleconference with 400 journalists from around the world.“We should come to a solution as soon as possible but…we have to take the inputs of all stakeholders into account—the National Olympic Committees (NOCs), the athletes, the partner (sponsors) and, of course, the organising committee, which is a key to this (process).”A former Olympic fencer, Bach said that a lot of sacrifices, financial included, would need to be made while rescheduling the Games deferred this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. “A one-year postponement might impact the career, qualification and plans of some athletes, which would be addressed in the coming months and all necessary support would also be extended by us,” said Indian Olympic Association secretary Rajeev Mehta in New Delhi.While the IOC’s task force, ‘Here We Go’, gets to work, questions about the qualification process and more continue to swirl.Will they, won’t they?Will the Badminton World Federation (BWF) freeze rankings as B Sai Praneeth has already asked for because players are losing points in tournaments cancelled due to the pandemic? What happens to doubles world No 9 Sania Mirza whose protected ranking ends on January 2021 but who would have been eligible for the Games this year? Will it be feasible to allow an athlete who qualified in May-June 2019 or at last year’s athletics world championships to participate nearly two years later? Will players who are under-23 this year be eligible for the football competition even if they cross the age threshold? Will wrestler Narsingh Yadav be eligible for the qualifiers once his four-year doping ban ends?“We have no clarity on whether our qualification quota will be continued next year too,” said wrestler Deepak Punia who has secured a berth in the 86kg freestyle competition.“There are a lot of questions—how are they going to go with the points system, what will be the cut-off date for the world rankings, when will they hold the remaining qualifiers; will they redo the qualifiers that have already finished or just continue with the ones that are remaining,” said G Sathiyan who at world No 31 is India’s highest-ranked table tennis player.“As an athlete it is a bit hard as I will have to start the entire process again. No one is sure what will happen to people who have already qualified,” said table tennis player Achanta Sharath Kamal who is also eligible for a men’s singles berth.Amid the uncertainty, India’s weightlifting coach Vijay Sharma said training would continue in Patiala for eight India lifters including medal hopeful Mirabai Chanu even as he recalibrates plans.Looking at the bright side was boxer Amit Panghal. “It has given me more time to work harder and maintain my place at the top of world boxing,” he said.The delay could also give athlete Hima Das and gymnast Dipa Karmakar a shot at the Games they would have missed had it been on schedule. “The best should represent India so it is possible we will have a better team in 2021. I know this means some athletes could have to prove themselves again but if they are really good—and only the really good go to the Olympics—I am confident they will. So, while I understand the disappointment of those who have already made it and couldn’t wait for Tokyo, I also realise that there could be an opportunity for those who could not,” said Joydeep Karmakar who was fourth in 50m prone rifle in 2012 London Olympics. Read the full article

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Chinese Footballer Wu Lei Diagnosed With Coronavirus In Spain

Wu Lei moved to Espanyol from Shanghai SIPG in January last year. © AFP Chinese football star Wu Lei, who plays for Espanyol in Spain, has been diagnosed with the coronavirus, the Chinese Football Association (CFA) said on Saturday. "Wu Lei has mild symptoms and is currently undergoing treatment," the CFA said in a statement, adding that they had been given the news by La Liga strugglers Espanyol. "The Chinese Football Association has maintained close communication with Wu Lei and the club, and will provide all necessary assistance as appropriate. We wish Wu Lei a speedy recovery."The 28-year-old striker, China's best-known player, is in self-isolation at home in Barcelona, Xinhua news agency said.Wu is the only Chinese playing in one of Europe's five top leagues, having moved to Espanyol from Shanghai SIPG in January last year.The coronavirus emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year and has since turned into a pandemic that has killed thousands around the world. Topics mentioned in this article Football Read the full article

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Coronavirus: USA Swimming Calls For 2020 Tokyo Olympics To Be Postponed

USA Swimming made the letter public after the US Olympic chiefs said in a conference call on Friday that more time was needed to determine the fate of the Tokyo Games.USOPC chairwoman Susanne Lyons said the American governing body agreed with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that there was no need to make an immediate decision.USA Swimming said Hinchey's letter was the result of a conference call consultation with 85 national team athletes who expressed their concerns to the federation.USA Swimming said social distancing protocols and the stay-at-home orders issued in some parts of the United States in a bid to combat the spread of the deadly virus had already proved too disruptive to training."As this global pandemic has grown, we have watched our athletes' worlds be turned upside down and watched them struggle to find ways to continue to prepare and train -- many for the biggest competitive opportunity of their lives," Hinchey wrote."The right and responsible thing to do is to prioritize everyone's health and safety and appropriately recognize the toll this global pandemic is taking on athletic preparations."It has transcended borders and wreaked havoc on entire populations, including those of our respected competitors. Everyone has experienced unimaginable disruptions, mere months before the Olympic Games, which calls into question the authenticity of a level playing field for all."Our athletes are under tremendous pressure, stress and anxiety, and their mental health and wellness should be among the highest priorities."The United States, long an Olympic swimming powerhouse, won 33 medals in the Rio Olympic pool in 2016.Their ultra-competitive Olympic trials are scheduled for June 21-28 in Omaha, Nebraska.But some of the sport's biggest stars -- including freestyle great Katie Ledecky -- have seen their preparations disrupted as pools and other training facilities have been shuttered.The USOPC responded Friday to Hinchey's letter in a joint statement from Hirshland and Lyons."The USOPC has complete and total empathy for the athlete community as they manage the terrible stress and anxiety caused by the current lack of certitude regarding the Tokyo Games," the statement said."We understand that the athletes have concerns about training, qualification and anti-doping controls, and that they want transparency, communication and clarity to the full extent possible. The USOPC has made it clear that all athletes should put their health and wellness, and the health and wellness of the greater community, above all else at this unprecedented moment."At the same time, and as it relates to the Games, we have also heard from athletes that they want the Olympic and Paralympic community to be very intentional about the path forward – and to ensure that we aren't prematurely taking away any athletes' opportunity to compete in the Olympic and Paralympic Games until we have better clarity."'Higher calling'Bob Bowman, the coach who guided swimming great Michael Phelps to 28 Olympic medals -- 23 of them gold -- said postponing the Games was the best option."It's not only best from a performance statement for the athletes, but also for what these athletes are going through right now in terms of their mental health," Bowman told USA Today."My concern is as they are trying to find places to train and work out, it goes against what we're supposed to be doing to not get the coronavirus."It's forcing them to try to do things that are contrary to our national goal right now. I think there's a higher calling than just your athletic goals. It forces people to kind of work around those and that's not good." Read the full article

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Rohit Sharma Asks Fans To Be "Little Smart" To Fight Coronavirus Pandemic

Stay safe everyone. pic.twitter.com/2ABy1XUeTP — Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) March 16, 2020 "The only way we can come to normalcy is by all of us coming together. We can do this by being a little smart, a little proactive, knowing our surroundings and as and when we get any symptoms inform your nearest medical authorities."The coronavirus outbreak, which originated in Wuhan, China, has claimed over 6,000 lives and has infected close to 160,000 people world over. In India, the infected cout has crossed 100 and the death toll is two for now.Various state governments in the country have ordered closure of schools, malls, and cinema halls in a bid to avoid large gatherings while also asking people to practice social distancing."It's because we all want our kids to go to school, we want to go to the malls and we all want to watch movies in the theatres," Rohit said.The 32-year-old also commended the efforts of doctors and the medical professionals who have risked their lives to treat those infected."I appreciate the efforts of all the doctors and the medical staff across the world who have put their lives on risk while taking care of the people who have tested positive with coronavirus.""Last, but not the least, my heart goes out for people who have lost their lives and their families. Take care, be safe," he added.On Saturday, India skipper Virat Kohli had called on people to "stay safe and vigilant" amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak."Let's stay strong and fight the #COVID19 outbreak by taking all precautionary measures. Stay safe, be vigilant and most importantly remember, prevention is better than cure. Please take care everyone," he tweeted.The virus outbreak has led to either cancellation or postponement of all sports events across the world. India's series against South Africa was called off as was Australia's ODI rubber against New Zealand. Both series were to be held without spectators before being scrapped.England's tour of Sri Lanka was also cut short before the beginning of the two-match Test series while the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which was due to start on March 29, has been suspended till April 15. Read the full article

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Coronavirus outbreak: Virgil Van Dijk fears Liverpool will win title in empty stadium - football

Virgil Van Dijk fears Liverpool will be forced to celebrate their first English title for 30 years in an empty stadium as a result of coronavirus chaos. All Premier League games have been postponed until at least April 3 due to the spread of the global pandemic. Premier League chiefs are set to meet on Thursday to discuss if it will be possible to continue the season and, if so, in what format.Games could be played behind closed doors, which would mean Liverpool, who are 25 points clear of second placed Manchester City, winning the title without their fans being present. That is a depressing prospect for Liverpool defender Van Dijk.“If we won it in an empty stadium and the fans weren’t there, I’d be gutted for them,” he told several British newspapers on Sunday. “Obviously, if there are no fans at Anfield, then it will be a bit of a blow. No one wants to play games without the fans.“Until a decision is made on how we go on from here, then we just have to deal with it. But when it happens, we are still bringing the title to our fans, definitely.” Liverpool could have wrapped up the title on Monday with a win at Everton if Manchester City were beaten by Burnley on Saturday, but both those games were postponed, along with the rest of the Premier League programme.Some have suggested the season should be scrapped for safety reason, which would leave Premier League chiefs to decide if Liverpool should be given the title even though the campaign did not reach its scheduled 38-game conclusion.Sport is expected to be subjected to further restrictions next week, with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson reportedly ready to announce a ban on major public gatherings.The sporting programme has once again been decimated on Sunday, although the Super League match between Castleford and St Helens, the All England badminton Championship and Olympic boxing qualifiers are still going ahead in Britain. (AFP) APA APA Read the full article

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Coronavirus: India Open In Doubt After Delhi Government Bans All Sports Activities

Delhi government's decision to ban all sports activities due to the novel coronavirus pandemic has raised fresh doubts over the fate of India Open badminton, a crucial event in the Tokyo Olympics qualification cycle. The USD 400,000 Super 500 event was supposed to be held without any spectators to avoid spreading the deadly disease. "We will go by what the government decides. It is not in our hand. We have to follow the government's decisions. Currently there is no clarity on the visa process of the foreign players and on top of it now the Delhi govt has come up with this directive," a Badminton Association of India (BAI) official told PTI.The BAI and the Badminton World Federation (BWF) had issued a joint statement on Wednesday, informing that the event will be held inside closed doors due to the coronavirus outbreak.However, the government on Wednesday night issued a revised travel advisory, suspending all existing visas, except diplomatic and employment, till April 15.The Sports ministry on Thursday asked all national federations, including the cricket board, to follow the Health Ministry's advisory and avoid large gatherings in sports events.Given the circumstances, the BAI has sought clarity from the sports, health and external affairs ministries regarding the visa process of the foreign players.The federation has sent a letter to the respective ministries, attaching the names of the foreign players who were supposed to travel for the India Open."We have provided the details of the foreign players who were supposed to come for the India Open. We are waiting for a response," the official said."It is a difficult situation for us as well. A decision has to be made at the earliest. Being hosts we have to continue with the preparation."The COVID-19 outbreak, which has claimed close to 5,000 lives and infected more than 100,000 people globally, has forced the postponement of four Olympic qualifying badminton events so far -- Lingshui China Masters (February 25 to March 1), Vietnam International Challenge (24-29 March 24-29), German Open (March 3 to 8) and Polish Open (March 26-29). Earlier, the shooting World Cup and the Indian Open golf tournament were postponed in Delhi. Read the full article

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Mohun Bagan I-League champions with four rounds to spare - football

A goal somehow and let the celebrations begin! That is what the 17,000 at Kalyani Stadium here wanted. It didn’t come easy.Aizawl FC put Mohun Bagan through the wringer, having the better of exchanges and locking them down with smart defensive organisation. Till Joseba Beitia’s give-go with Nongdamba Naorem after which his outstep found Babacar Diawara who fired into the bottom corner.The stadium shook after the 80th minute goal executed by three players whose influence have been crucial in Mohun Bagan winning the 2019-20 I-League with four rounds to spare. Like Dempo, Mohun Bagan have been India champions five times since the National League began in 1996-97.No edition has been this one-sided since Dempo’s title win in 2009-10. On four occasions including 2014-15 when Mohun Bagan were champions, the first two teams were separated by less than three points. The time hasn’t come to measure that this term but don’t blame Mohun Bagan, on an unassailable 39 points after 16 rounds, if they don’t care.So, to the tune of Dwayne Bravo’s ‘Champion’, Daniel Cyrus, the Trinidad and Tobago international and Mohun Bagan central defender, swayed and the full house clapped.“Football and life is about emotions and to be able to play a part in making so many people happy is a very good situation to be in,” said Mohun Bagan’s Spanish coach Kibu Vicuna, his face streaked with green powder, one day after the festival of colours here, and with his name reverberating around the stadium.Mohun Bagan and Aizawl FC, champions in 2016-17, were locked in a 0-0 draw in the opening match on November 30. Next match, at home, when Mohun Bagan lost 2-4 to Churchill Brothers an ending like this would have been difficult to believe.That game against Churchill Brothers turned out to be Mohun Bagan’s only loss. They embarked on a four-game winning run after that and improved that to seven successive victories beginning with the win that matters almost as this title --- against East Bengal on January 19. Mohun Bagan have won eight of the nine game since.The staggering statistics don’t end there. Mohun Bagan have won 12 of their 16 rounds. The next best is six. On way to the title since 2014-15 only Chennai City FC have won as many --- in 2018-19. “I had said at my first press conference that this team needs time. I was very happy with how the players trained at the beginning and now we are getting the results,” said Vicuna, 48.Appointed last May Vicuna, who was on the staff of Legia Warsaw and Osasuna’s youth set-up, reached here on June 27 and got down to work with a team that had retained only eight players. Crucially, Mohun Bagan had sorted out the bulk of their foreign players by July. They looked like a work in progress in the Calcutta League, were runners-up in the Durand Cup and eliminated in the semi-final of the Sheikh Kamal International Club Cup in Bangladesh.Then, the I-League started with one point from two games. Mohun Bagan beat TRAU 4-0 in their third match and followed that with a 2-1 win against Gokulam Kerala FC. The pieces of the puzzle were falling into place.“Except the first two games, Mohun Bagan were the most consistent team of the league. Credit to their coach for the transformation and, of course, they had quality players. Diawara made all the difference,” said Aizawl FC coach Stanly Rozario.Diawara, 32, got 10 goals scoring in each of the last nine games having joined in January. “Never had such a successful run of goals. I dedicate this to the fans and to my three daughters,” said the player from Senegal who played three years and 30 games for Sevilla (2012-15). It took Diawara three games since starting against Real Kashmir away on January 5 to get off the mark. He hasn’t stopped since and with 10 goals in 12 games is joint-second in the race for the golden boot.Another player on an unstoppable run is Beitia, Mohun Bagan’s No. 10. This was his ninth assist in the competition. No one has that many.“This team worked well. The dressing room was very nice and that is why are performing this well,” said Diawara. Crucial to keeping it that way was Spaniard Fran Gonzalez, the team’s leader on the pitch even if he didn’t wear the armband.Gonzales didn’t stand out on the pitch because of his Mohawk hair-do but because he could marshal the defence and also score 10 goals. He even writes his name in Bengali on his Twitter handle.Celebrations have been put on hold because there is a Kolkata derby on Sunday. By then, their new partners ATK will have played the Indian Super League final. ATK-Mohun Bagan sure seem to be in a league of extraordinary footballers. Read the full article

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Australia Players Celebrate Women's T20 World Cup Win By Dancing On Stage With Katy Perry. Watch

Australian women's cricket team won their fifth T20 World Cup title after beating India in the final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Sunday. After the match, the Australian players shared the stage with American pop star Katy Perry to celebrate their record-extending title victory. Some of the players even took the centre-stage and enthralled the audience with their electric dance moves. Katy Perry, who set the tone for the historic finale with her electrifying performance, encouraged the players to show-off their dancing skills, and one player who stood out was Sophie Molineux. Sharing a video of the the celebration, Cricket Australia tweeted: "World Cup champion and dance sensation Sophie Molineux had quite the night with her new mate Katy Perry! #T20WorldCup". World Cup champion and dance sensation Sophie Molineux had quite the night with her new mate Katy Perry! #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/Td61HGSzQP — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 9, 2020 In the video, Molineux can be heard explaining her feelings about last night's performance and the surreal experience of sharing the stage with the pop icon."Yeah, I woke up and had to watch it three or four times to get my head around the fact that I was for one -- out there with Katy Perry, and two dancing and pretty much taking her off stage so I could take centre stage. But she was awesome with us, She embraced the fact that she had 15 other back-up dancers with her. But yeah, it was pretty special," Molineux said in the video.Australia, playing in front of their home crowd, outplayed India in all three departments of the game.Australia batted with great intent from the ball one and never allowed India to get back in the game and posted 184/4 --the highest-ever total in a T20 World Cup final be it men's or women's cricket.Australia bowlers also bowled brilliantly and bundled India out for 99 runs, thus clinching the final by 85 runs for their fifth title. Read the full article

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Champions League: Alisson Becker Ruled Out Of Liverpool's Atletico Madrid Showdown

Champions League holders Liverpool face Atletico at Anfield trailing 1-0 after the first leg in Spain. Klopp hopes the injury is not serious, but he admitted Alisson may not return until after the international break later in March. "Unfortunately Ali is out. He had a little incident in training before the Chelsea game," Klopp told reporters on Friday. "We all thought it was nothing and it was clear he would not play anyway, the plan was he was on the bench. "There, we thought, 'Come on, we don't have to take any risks' so left him out of the squad. "There was a scan the next day and they found something. So now he is out. We will see next week for sure and then we will see. "Next week no, that means Atletico. I don't want to say no (to the Merseyside derby on March 16) but I don't know if he will be available. "He is not available for tomorrow and then the next week. We have to judge the situation anew. "I would say after the international break 100 per cent. Whatever we can get before that, we will see." With Alisson sidelined, Liverpool will have to rely on reserve 'keeper Adrian, whose mistake led to Chelsea's opening goal for Willian on Tuesday.   Read the full article