Sports

Mumbai, Jun 17: While praising the Indian men hockey team's progress under the guidance of coach Roelant Oltmans, former international Viren Rasquinha did not hold out a realistic chance for the country to climb the medals podium at the upcoming Rio Olympics. "We have to take one step at a time. In Beijing (2008 Olympics) India did not qualify and we were 12th (and last) in London (Olympics in

Lille, Jun 16: French police repeatedly fired tear gas and baton charged England and Russia fans in Lille as Euro 2016's hooligan protagonists took their rivalry to a new city. Tens of thousands of English, Welsh, Russian and Slovakian supporters took over the city and brawling erupted between rival groups as a day of heavy beer-drinking took its toll. Anxious to avoid the 35 injuries caused by

London, Jun 15: A first-time entry into the final at stake, a confident India would aspire to rise to the challenge of taking on Australia in their last league outing of the 36th Hero Champions Trophy here tomorrow. India were beaten by four goals in two encounters against Australia in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup tournament in Ipoh (Malaysia) two months ago, but are eager to produce a better show

France, Jun 15: Rank outsiders Iceland enjoyed a superb big-stage debut as they clinched a shock 1-1 draw against Euro 2016 Group F favourites Portugal on Tuesday. It was a miserable evening for Portugal's top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo even though he equalled Luis Figo's record of 127 appearances for his country. Iceland produced a typically industrious performance on their debut in a major

Lyon, Jun 14: Emanuele Giaccherini and Graziano Pelle sparked wild celebrations by Italy after scoring the goals in a 2-0 win over world number two side Belgium in their opening Euro 2016 match. Defending champions Spain, seeking an unprecedented third triumph, also started with a hard fought 1-0 win over Czech Republic. Zlatani Ibrahimovic's Sweden and Irish Republic drew 1-1. Belgium's Red

Erzurum (Turkey), Jun 13: The Indian men's 4x400m relay team created a new national record, clocking 3:02.17 at the International Sprint and Relay Teams Cup on Sunday. They bettered the previous record of 3:02.62 set at the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok. Meanwhile, the Indian women's 4x400m relay team, who are the reigning Asian Games champion and record-holder, clocked 3:30.16 and jumped to world

Paris, Jun 13: After three days of drunken violence among fans — mostly between traveling English and Russian supporters — in the southern city of Marseille, the French government on Sunday announced a ban on alcohol near Euro 2016 venues and fan zones. Confirming the new development, France's Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said, "I have asked for all necessary measures to be taken to

New Delhi, Jun 12: Saina Nehwal overcame a poor start in the first game to defeat Sun Yu of China 11-21, 21-14, 21-19 in a match that lasted over an hour to clinch the Australian Open Super Series Badminton title in Sydney on Sunday. This was Saina's second Australian Open title, having previously won in 2014. The Indian ace started off brightly by taking a 4-2 lead in the first game but Sun

Paris, Jun 12: A youthful England side produced a performance full of verve and skill but were punished for failing to convert their dominance into goals as Russia grabbed a late equaliser in their Euro 2016 opener in Marseille on Saturday. The end of the Group B match, which finished 1-1, was marred by violence in the stands as supporters clashed after the final whistle and, despite their superb

New Delhi, Jun 11: Veteran Leander Paes today got the nod for his seventh Olympic appearance after the All India Tennis Association (AITA) paired him with Rohan Bopanna for the men's doubles competition despite the latter's desire to team up with Saketh Myneni. Announcing the squad for the Olympics, beginning August 5, AITA chief Anil Khanna said Bopanna will be pairing up with Sania Mirza in the