Justice for Monika

Ministry to test Monika's B sample in Japan
New Delhi, Sep 22: The true picture in the Monika Devi doping saga may finally see the light of the day with the Sports Ministry on Monday deciding to get the lifter's Sample B tested abroad.

In a letter to the Scientific Director of the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL), the Ministry referred to the T S Krishna Murthy report on the saga and sought testing of Monika's B sample in the World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited laboratory in Tokyo."

As recommended by T S Krishna Murthy, it has been decided that the B-sample kept with NDTL in respect of Monika Devi should be examined by an accredited laboratory outside India for immediate analysis. This work may be entrusted to the accredited laboratory in Japan," the Ministry said.

The Ministry also asked the official to find out if Monika would like to be present herself at the time of testing or would send a representative, the cost of which would be borne by the government."

In accordance with the rights available to the athlete under WADA code, the athlete must be given opportunity to be present herself or send her representative.

"For this, it may be ascertained from the athlete concerned whether she would like to be present herself or send her representative during the analysis of B-sample at the above mentioned WADA accredited lab and if so, necessary arrangements may be made for her or her representative's travel abroad at Government cost.

Government may be kept informed of the progress in the matter," the letter said.Sports Ministry appointed TS Krishna Murthy probe Monika issue and former Chief Election Commissioner, flayed the lack of coordination among the agencies and the inordinate delay in between testing of samples and conveying the outcome to the lifter.

Reacting to the Krishna Murthy report, the Ministry shot off a separate letter to the NDTL Scientific Director. "It is directed that NDTL must strictly comply with the WADA International Standard of Laboratories, which stipulates that reporting of A-sample results, should occur within 10 working days of the receipt of sample.

"Based on the above mentioned norm, NDTL should anticipate the problem being faced in analysing the A-sample, and in case they are not able to test the sample within the stipulated time, immediate action should be taken, to send the sample to another WADA accredited laboratory, following due procedure with prior approval of CEO, NDTL," the letter read.

"In cases of unanticipated problems which may delay analysis, the same procedure should be followed to send the samples to another WADA accredited lab after obtaining the approval of CEO, NDTL", the Ministry said.

Source: Press Trust of India (PTI)

Asian Women’s Boxing Championship

'India’s medal hopes bright'
Guwahati, Sep 22: China’s likely pullout from the 46kg and 48kg weight categories has brightened the medal prospects of defending champions and hosts India in the six-day 4th ASBC Asian Women’s Boxing Championship that would get under way at the Karmabir Nabin Chandra Bordoloi Indoor Stadium here on Tuesday.
Disclosing the possible pullout by China, Indian Boxing Federation (IBF) secretary general PK Muralidharan Raja said that out of 83 entries from 12 countries, 79 entrants from 11 nations have already reported.
He refused to give a direct answer to the likely pullout, but dropped hints that it could have a lot to do with their weight. Raja said: “The Chinese pullout from the two categories will be final only after the weighing-in tomorrow (Tuesday) morning.”
There will be a total of 70 bouts in the 13 weight groups.

Source: The Telegraph

31st Mir Iqbal Hussain Trophy

Mizoram, Meghalaya win in Sub Jr Nationals

Mahilpur (Punjab), Sep 22: Mizoram whipped Chhattisgarh 8-0 in Cluster II while Meghalaya beat Kerala 1-0 in a Cluster III match of the 31st Sub Junior (U-16) National football tournament for the Mir Iqbal Hussain Trophy here on Monday.

Tomorrow, Assam and manipur play Karnataka and Chandigarh respectively in Cluster VI matches while Tripura face Haryana in Cluster VIII.
Results of matches on Sept. 22:

Mizoram beat Chhattisgarh 8-0; Meghalaya beat Kerala 1-0; Tamil Nadu beat Orissa 5-4; Punjab beat Pondicherry 14-0

30 Federation Cup Football

NE Zone qualifying round begins on Sep 25:

New Delhi, Sep 22: The Northeast Zone qualifying round of the 30th Federation Cup football tournament begins on September 25 in Tripura with FC Kukikawan (Mizoram) taking on ASEB (Assam) in the opening match.

Next day, Khliehriat West Club of Meghalaya play North Imphal Sports Association of Manipur.

The qualifiers, introduced under the newly changed format to spread the game across the country on the lines of England's FA Cup, will provide a national platform to newcomers.

The 26 teams have been divided into five zones -- South, East, North-East, North and West -- in the first round and the winner of each group will join the 12 second division I-League teams in the next round of qualifiers.

The first round of qualifiers end on October 26. The 17 clubs will be divided into four groups and the winners of each group will move into the main round where they will be joined by the 12 I-League sides.

In the main round to be played on a league basis, the 16 teams will be divided into four groups and winners of each group will make it to the semi-finals.
Zonal Qualifying Round Fixtures:
North East Zone: Venue (Tripura)
25.9.08: Match 1: FC Kukikawan (Mizoram) Vs ASEB (Assam)
26.9.08: Match 2: Khliehriat West Club (Meghalaya) Vs North Imphal Sports Association
27.9.08: Match 3: Ageya Chalo (Tripura) Vs Winner of Match 1
28.9.08: Match 3: Winner of Match 2 Vs Winner of Match 3

South Zone: Venue (Pondicherry)
23.9.08: Match 1: Sathiyabama (Pondicherry) Vs ICF (Tamil Nadu)

24.9.08: Match 2: Titanium (Kerala) Vs BEML (Karnataka)
26.9.08: Match 3: Winner of Match 1 Vs Winner of Match 2
East Zone: Venue: Rajendra Stadium, Siwan, Bihar
25.9.08: Match 1: SEC Railways (Chhattisgarh) Vs Peerless (IFA)

26.9.08: Match 2: Rail SC (Jharkhand ) Vs SBI (Orissa)
28.9.08: Match 3: Raj Milk Vs Winner Match 2
28.9.08: Match 4: Winner of Match 1 Vs Winner of Match 3
West Zone : Venue (Home & Away)
Group A: 7th Oct 08: Match 1: SESA Goa Vs Gujarat Police (Venue: Goa)

12th Oct 08: Match 2: Gujarat Police Vs SESA Goa (Venue: Gujarat)
Group B: 7th Oct 08: Match 1: BMFC Vs Lions Club (Venue: Maharashtra)

12th Oct 08: Match 2: Lions Club Vs BMFC (Venue: Madhya Pradesh)
20th Oct 08: Match 3: Winner A Vs Winner B Venue (Gujarat/Goa)
26th Oct 08: Match 4: Winner B Vs Winner A (Venue: Maharashtra/Madhya Pradesh)
North Zone: Venue (Gurgaon)
5th Oct 08: Match 1: Raghav Club Vs Him Club
5th Oct 08: Match 2: UP Police Vs Chandigarh FC
6th Oct 08: Match 3: Uttarakhand Police Vs INFC Delhi
6th Oct 08: Match 4: RCF Kapurthala Vs J&K Bank
7th Oct 08: Match 5: Winner of Match 1 Vs Winner of Match No 2
8th Oct 08: Match 6: Winner of Match 3 Vs Winner of Match No 4
10th Oct 08: Match 7: Winner of Match 5 Vs Winner of Match No 6

Subroto Cup

Nagaland School in Sub Jr. semi-finals

New Delhi, Sep 22: Green Wood Hr Sec School, Kohima, Nagaland defeated Namchi Sports Hostel, Sikkim 5-0 in a quarterfinal match of the sub junior section in the Subroto Cup here on Monday.

Tingnyek scored a hat-trick in the 22nd, 29th and 31st minutes while Wasadplung (ninth minute) and Nyuhenlo (13th) contributed one goal each.

In another quarterfinal match, Govt. Kolasib High School, Project Veng, Mizoram lost 0-2 to St. Ignatius High Sec School, Gumla, Jharkhand.

Results of QF matches played on Sept. 22:

Sub-juniors (U-14): Green Wood Hr Sec School, Kohima, Nagaland bt Namchi Sports Hostel, Sikkim 5-0.

Scorers: Tingnyek (22nd, 29th & 31st min), Wasadplung (9th) and Nyuhenlo (13th).

St. Ignatius High Sec School, Gumla, Jharkhand bt Govt. Kolasib HighSchool, Project Veng, Mizoram 2-0.
Juniors (U-17): Sports Authority of India, Kolkata bt Vasant Valley School, VasantKunj, New Delhi 2-1.

Town High School, Sundargarh, Orissa bt Govt. Model Sr Sec School,Chandigarh 2-1.

Tomorrows Fixture (Sept. 23): at Dr. Ambedkar Stadium

Semi-finals:

Sub-Juniors: Boys Sports Company (Army Boys), Bangalore vs Green Wood Hr Sec School, Kohima, Nagaland

BKSP, Dhaka, Bangladesh vs St. Ignatius High Sec School, Gumla, Jharkhand
Juniors:Govt. Central Hr Sec School, Mizoram vs SAI, Kolkata

Army Boys, Lucknow vs Town High School, Sundargarh, Orissa

Football in Baichung Bhutia's Land

FIFA’s help, a major boost for football in Sikkim

Gangtok: Nestled in the foothills of Himalaya, Sikkim is widely known for its rich biodiversity. But not many may know it is also the breeding ground of footballers in India from the northeast. The State recently got a major boost, when world’s biggest football organization FIFA, decided to provide monetary assistance for the development of football sport in the state.

It is well-known that people in the northeast region of the country have always been drawn to sports, especially football. And, their passion perhaps, drew Federation International of Football Association (FIFA), the biggest name in the world of football, towards India, particularly towards Sikkim.

Known for its pristine natural reserve, Sikkim is also known as the home of Bhaichung Bhutia, all time India’s best footballer and captain of current Indian football team. Youngsters in the region view FIFA support, as a milestone, to encourage the sport here.

Arjun Rai, Coach of the United Sikkim Football Club, said: “The money that FIFA has given for our State, would be highly beneficial for promotion of football here. That money would be used in ground maintenance, making new grounds and football houses. So we will be benefited.”

Leezang Lepcha, Football player, Sikkim, said: “Football is in our blood. It is highly popular in northeast. There are other sports also but in Sikkim, in Gangtok and in northeast we give more preference to football. That’’s why we are playing football since our childhood.”

Under its Goal Project II, FIFA would be providing a monetary assistance of rupees one crore to develop the football infrastructure in the State. Even the state government and All India Football Federation would be contributing two million rupees each to fasten the process of development.

Sikkim is the only state after Karnataka to be selected by FIFA for its Goal Project, which is believed to boost moral of youngsters of the region to further hone their skill and talent.
Source: Asian News International (ANI)

Sub Jr. National Football Championship

Assam beat Manipur
Mahilpur (Punjab), Sep 21: Asom registered its first win in the Sub-Junior National Football Championship defeating Manipur 3-1 on Sunday. Asom will now face Karnataka in the second league match which will be held on Tuesday.
Results of the matches played on Sept. 21:
Cluster VI: Assam beat Manipur 3-1; Cluster VI: Karnataka beat Chandigarh 6-0; Cluster VII: Delhi beat Gujarat 1-0; Cluster VI: Himachal Pradesh beat Bihar 1-0; Cluster VIII: Goa beat Tripura 3-0.
Results of the matches played on Sept. 20:
Punjab beat Pondicherry 23-0; West Bengal beat Orissa 4-0; UP beat MP 2-1; Meghalaya beat Maharashtra 4-1

4th ASBC Asian Women Boxing Championship

‘Asian boxing will provide a good platform for Asom boxers’
Guwahati, Sep 21: Guwahati is all set to host the 4th ASBC Asian Women Boxing Championship which would be held at the Karmavir Navin Chandra Bordoloi Indoor Stadium at Sarusajai from September 23.

Talking to The Sentinel exclusively, B Kalyan Chakravarthy, secretary general of the organizing committee assured that it would be one of the most memorable tournament for the participants and they would return home with sweet memories of Asom. Here is the excerpts.
Q. Would you kindly highlight the preparation of the mega event?

A. As we all know that it is the first official international tournament in Guwahati so you can understand the magnitude of the event. Till date everything is going on according to the plan. Several teams have already arrived in the city and rest of the participating teams would reach Guwahati by tomorrow.
Q. How many teams are taking part in the championship?

A. We have received confirmation of 12 countries including Sri Lanka, Nepal, Macaw, China, Chinse Taipei, Vietnam, North Korea, South Korea, Mongolia, Kazaksthan, Indonesia and India. The number of participants would be more then one hundred.
Q. What would the inaugural and closing ceremonies be like?

A. We will organize small functions to showcase the culture of the northeastern region. Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi will attend the inaugural function as the chief guest. On the other hand, we have invited the recent Olympics bronze medal winning boxer Vijender to grace the inaugural function.
Q. There is always a chance to get hurt in boxing. What about the medical facilities?

A. We have already made such arrangement so that we can provide the participating boxers best medical facilities, including ICU, whenever it is necessary. At the same time we have insured the boxers also and if anything happened they will get compensation.
Q. The State Government played a big role in the National Games that was held in Guwahati. What about this time?

A. This time it is completely different story. The host of the meet is Assam Boxing Association and they are doing everything to make it a grand success. This is for your information that except me there is no involvement of Sate Government officials in this championship and Government even not offered financial assistance. Yes, a few ministers including Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi extended helping hand but they too providing helps on their individual capacities, not as a minister.
Q. What about your experience of working with the local sports organizers?

A. It is undoubtedly a big event and I think Assam Boxing Association has done a good job till date to host the meet. However, I found professional attitude missing among few officials which is very essential particularly when you are going to arrange such a big event.

Q. The sports organizers had complained that the response from the Government was very slow when they approached them for different reasons. Your comments.

A. I don’t ignore. But you know we have to make a lot of formalities before we reach to a decision and it needs few times but I feel the problem would be perished when more and more such events would be held in Guwahati.
Q. What response you receive from the sponsors?

A. To be honest except a few big companies, the response from the sponsor is not satisfactory at all. Actually, I think there is a lack of awareness among the local companies. They yet to know what mileage they would get by sponsoring such type of tournaments. Frankly speaking, if we can organize this event in places like Delhi or Mumbai, I am sure that Asom Boxing Association could easily make a good fund for their future expenditure.
Q. It will be the first major international meet in Guwahati. What are the positive things we would get from it?

A. I feel it is the platform for the boxers like Kalpana and Pranamika to start their campaign for the next Olympics. I am very optimistic that if women boxing is introduced into the London Olympic then few boxers from Asom would definitely bring laurels to the country.
Q. Any arrangement to make the championship a memorable one for the boxers?

A. Definitely. We have planned to take the boxers and the officials to Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary and cruise ride in the mighty Bramhaputra. On the other hand will honour them with the finest tea of Asom.

Source: The Sentinel

Earlier Story:

Five from NE in national boxing squad

4th Asian Women’s Boxing Championship

Vijender, Akhil to attend opening ceremony

Guwahati, Sep 21: Teams started pouring in since Saturday for the 4th Asian Women’s Boxing Championship which will be held at the Karmabir Nabin Chandra Bordoloi Indoor Stadium in the Sarusajai Sports Complex here from September 23 to 29.
Olympian boxers Vijender Singh and Akhil Kumar will also attend the inaugural ceremony.
The North and South Korea teams were the first to land here on Saturday. Teams from Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Macau, Sri Lanka and Vietnam followed the Koreans. The rest of the teams from Mongolia, Nepal, China and Chinese Taipei will arrive tomorrow.
The Indian team is already in the city after the selection on September 16.
The Assam Boxing Association has completed almost all the arrangements for the mega event.
All the bouts will be organised in one ring, which has been set in the Sarusajai-based indoor stadium today, under the watchful eyes of boxing technicians Deben Gogoi and Padum Boro.
The officials of the organising committee gave all the teams warm reception at the airport.
Cultural troupes took the stage today for the final dress rehearsal for the inauguration ceremony on Tuesday.
Joint director of sports, Rajib Prakash Baruah, who is co-ordinating the programmes, said the low-key opening ceremony would be marked by traditional Assamese flavour exhibiting the Sattriya culture of the host state.
“The 45-minute programme will start with Sattriya dance accompanied by the welcome song by Sangeeta Kakati, followed by bhor-taal nritya and the Bihu dance, which are popular cultural items of the state. Another attraction of the programme will be mime on boxing by mime artiste Mainul Haque,” Baruah said.
“Besides, there will be a demonstration of thang-ta, a traditional martial art form of Manipur, by leading players from the state. This too is expected to be a prime attraction of the programme,” he added. A dressed rehearsal for the opening ceremony was also conducted in the stadium today.
Chief minister Tarun Gogoi will inaugurate the championship at 3 pm.
The closing ceremony on September 29, however, has “something special” kept “secret”, Baruah added.
Sources said singers like Joy Mukherjee and others from Mumbai could rock the stage.

3rd Manipur State League

SSU, Singjamei on top after round nine
Imphal, Sep 21: Goal difference continues to be the deciding factor in the race for the title of the 3rd Manipur State League football tournament with SSU, Singjamei replacing TRUGPU, Nambol on top of the points table at the end of ninth round today while reigning champion NISA, Thangmeiband humbled TRAU, Tiddim Road 4-0 at THAU ground.
NISA would be leaving for Tripura tomorrow to participate in the zonal level Federation Cup football competition.
Hosting USA, Khurai at Lilong Chajing ground today, SSU handed a crushing 4-0 defeat to the visitors with Gaichungam Kamson opening the score account in the opening minute before goals from L Dewan (31st), Kh Ratan (53rd) and AS Thamreishang (67th) took the match from the opponents' grasp.
At Nambol, home team TRUGPU outplayed MPSC 2-0 to tie SSU at 21 points with the Singjamei side pipping their nearest rival on goal difference. Naoton (31st) and Surchand (84th) were TRUGPU goal scorers.
Goals from M Bijen (19th), Benjamin Kamson (75th), S Bikram (84th) and O Pritam (90th) fetched NISA maximum point and the third place in the standing on 21 point.
Playing at home, ESU (Wangkhei) held on its 69th minute goal by Ph Cheitei to edge past PYC, Phoudel.
In the day's other matches NEROCA downed NLYC, Churachandpur at Liberal College, Luwangshangbam ground as YWC, Thambalkhong and AMOFA, Moirang played a 3-3 draw at Thambalkhong.
After taking an 8th minute lead through L Nabachandra, NEROCA fell behind 1-2 as K Thangoulian struck in the 36th and 54th minutes before H Amarjit emulated the rival player's feat to slam in a brace within a span of four minutes (74th, 77th).
In the keenly contested YWC versus AMOFA match, H Roshangliana (10th), Th Inaotomba (28th) and Lalrintvanga (84th) scored for the Moirang side while Palmei Poupangai (42nd), W Daniel (59th) and Lensang Khongsai (88th) led the YWC fightback.
Points Table after Round Nine (Matches played; wins; draws; losses; goals for; goals against; goal difference; points)
1. Southern Sporting Union, Singjamei 9 6 3 0 21 4 +17 21
2. TRUGPU, Nambol (promoted) 9 6 3 0 22 7 +15 21
3. NISA, Thangmeiband (champion) 9 6 3 0 21 8 +13 21
4. Manipur Police Sports Club 9 5 3 1 12 6 + 6 18
5. NEROCA, Laipham Khunou 9 6 0 3 19 14 + 5 18
6. United Sports Association, Khurai 9 3 2 4 7 13 - 6 11
7. Phoudel Youth Club, Thoubal 9 2 2 5 11 14 - 3 8
8. Youth Welfare Club, Thambalkhong 9 2 2 5 10 14 - 4 8
9. All-Moirang Football Association 9 1 4 4 7 11 - 4 7
10. Tiddim Road Athletic Union 9 2 1 6 7 17 -10 7
11. Eastern Sporting Union, Wangkhei 9 2 1 6 5 15 -10 7
12. New Lamka Youth Club (promoted) 9 1 0 8 10 29 -19 3
Source: www.indianfootball.com