Mrs.E.Helen Yanthan, CDPO Wozhuro We pray that our Almighty God bless you abundantly.

Boxing Nationals: Sumit, Neeraj make winning start

Sumit Sangwan NEW DELHI, SEP 15

(IANS): Olympian Sumit Sangwan and Neeraj Swami were among the other boxers to register victories on the opening day of the 5th men’s national boxing championships at the Inspire Institute of Sports in Bellary, Karnataka on Wednesday.

According to the information receive here, Haryana pugilist Sumit, who had participated in the 2012 London Olympics, notched up a comfortable win over Andhra Pradesh’s Harish Prasadula by unanimous margin in the 86kg opening round match. The 2019 President’s Cup gold medallist Neeraj also put up an impressive show and made a winning start to his campaign in the prestigious tournament, which is making a comeback after a gap of one year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Representing Delhi, Neeraj completed a dominating 5-0 victory against Haryana’s Sagar in the 48kg category. Punjab’s Rajpinder Singh also thrashed his opponent Rahul Niltu from Himachal Pradesh to secure 5-0 win in 54 kg opening round bout. Among other boxers who made impressive starts on Day 1 were Maharashtra’s Nikhil Dubey and Chhattisgarh’s Dinesh Kumar. Playing in the 75kg category, both the boxers claimed contrasting victories. While Nikhil was declared as the winner by Referee Stopping the Contest (RSC) verdict in the first round against Gujarat’s Sejad Lilgar, Dinesh had to work hard against Bengal’s Abhishek Shaw during his close 3-2 win.

A seven-day event has been witnessing a participation of close to 400 boxers from 35 states/UT units and boards. The tournament has been conducted with 13 categories as per the International Boxing Association’s (AIBA) revised weight divisions. The finals of the ongoing championships will be played on September 21.

The gold medallists will book themselves a direct berth for the upcoming 2021 AIBA Men’s World Boxing Championships which is scheduled in Belgrade, Serbia from October 24 to November 6.

Pankaj Advani NEW DELHI, SEP 15

(AGENCIES): Defending champion Pankaj Advani entered the quarterfinals of the Asian Snooker Championship after squeezing out a 4-2 win over Hong Kong’s Tam Yun Fung in the round of 16 on Wednesday.

According to The Indian Express, in the quarterfinals, which to be played on best of 9 frames, the Indian will meet Iraq’s Alijalil Ali who blanked his compatriot Laxman Rawat 4-0.

In the last-16 stage which were played on best of 7 frames, Pankaj beat Tam 33-70, 90-01, 74-60, 119(80)08, 13-65, 55-24 while his quarterfinal rival Iraqi beat Laxman 71-12, 66-44, 75-29, 72-61. In the group matches, both the Indians pocketed a century each. Laxman, a 2019 World 6Reds champion, in Group ‘F’ scored one against Omar Alajlani of Saudi Arabia while Pankaj, a 23-time World champion, had one against Ali Hussein of Iraq in last Group ‘A’ match. Pankaj is the only player who has won the title in all forms of billiards, snooker, 6Reds, and 10Reds competitions. Laxman will return home while Pankaj will stay back to compete in the Qatar 6Red World Cup starting Friday. Amir Sarkhosh and Siyavosh Mozayani of Iran, Haris Tahir of Pakistan, Khalid Kamali of the UAE, Saleh Mohammed of Afghanistan and Cheung Ka Wai of Hong Kong were the other winners emerging from the round of 16.

The event is the first event for billiards and snooker since March 2020. At least 42 players from 19 countries participated in the Asian championship including Pakistan, India, Iraq, UAE, Qatar, Nepal, Iran, Hong Kong, Jordan, Palestine, Oman, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Syria and Mongolia players.

Bengaluru FC players celebrate after scoring a goal against Kerala Blasters in Kolkata on Wednesday.

KOLKATA, SEP 15

(AGENCIES): Namgyal Bhutia and Leon Augustine struck a goal apiece as Bengaluru FC defeated an eight-man Kerala Blasters 2-0 to start its campaign on a winning note in the 130th Durand Cup football tournament at the Salt Lake Stadium here on Wednesday.

Blasters dominated the Group C contest between the two Indian Super League (ISL) outfits early on and created some good chances, Sportstar reported.

However, BFC’s alert custodian Lara Sharma brilliantly saved Sreekuttan and Adrian Luna’s shots in the 33rd and 38th minutes respectively.

Bhutia’s 45th free-kick broke the deadlock.

Madness prevailed on the ground resulting in three red cards for the Blasters in the second half. R.V. Hormipam was the first to go in the 64th minute, followed by Sandeep Singh and Denechandra Meitei. It practically took away the Blasters’ chance for a revival.

In the 71st minute, Augustine scored from Harmanpreet Singh’s cross to make it 2-0.

Lara was adjudged the man-of-the-match for his outstanding effort.

South Africa beat Sri Lanka by 10 wkts; win T20 series 3-0

COLOMBO, SEP 15

(IANS): Rezza Hen dricks, and Quinton de Kock struck unbeaten halfcenturies as South Africa defeated Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in the third T20I at the R Premadasa Stadium here on Tuesday, completing a 3-0 sweep in the threematch series.

Hendricks struck an unbeaten 56 off 42 deliveries while de Kock blasted 59 off 46 deliveries as South Africa, chasing Sri Lanka’s modest total of 120/8, reached 121 for no loss in 14.4 overs to romp home to a massive victory.

It was a clinical performance by the visitors both with the ball and bat on Tuesday. They first restricted the hosts to 120/8 with Bjorn Fortuin and Kagiso Rabada claiming two wickets apiece. Fortuin finished with 2/21 while Rabada had 2/23 as South Africa made early inroads and kept taking wickets at regular intervals. Kushal Perera, making a return from an injury, top-scored

Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks hit unbeaten half-centuries for South Africa. (AFP)

with 39 while Chamika Karunaratne struck an unbeaten 24 off 19 balls towards the end giving the innings some sort of respectability.

Having won the toss and elected to bat, Sri Lanka were off to a quick start, but the loss of three wickets in three consecutive overs derailed their innings in the Powerplay. Rabada, who has not been in the best of form lately, accounted for the wickets of Avishka Fernando and Bhanuka Rajapaksa while Quinton de Kock completed a smart stumping off Bjorn Fortuin to dismiss Dhananjaya de Silva.

In reply, the South African openers - Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks raced off the block in the run chase. The Sri Lankan bowlers tried their best to disturb the rhythm but simply could not get the same perches off the wicket as their South African counterparts.

After 8 overs, the Proteas were cruising in the run chase, with their score at 64/0, requiring 57 runs off only 72 deliveries. Hendricks and de Kock were both looking comfortable at the crease with scores of 29* each. The pair further put their foot down, with both of them registering solid half-centuries in a performance which will give them a lot of confidence ahead of the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Given the series was already wrapped up, both teams decided to ring in changes for the final game. The hosts made three changes to the team that lost the second T20I by nine wickets with Dinesh Chandimal, Charith Asalanka, and Praveen Jayawickrama making way for Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, and Lahiru Madushanka.

The Proteas decided to go with an extra allrounder, bring in Wiaan Mulder to replace Anrich Nortje.

OBITUARY

Born : 26/03/1985 – Died : 03/07/2021

Heartfelt gratitude to everyone who had shared their love through prayers, presence, financial support and help during the illness and death of our beloved Late Tsuknungchiba (Moayimti) May God bless you all. dp-4496/21 Loving wife & family members

dp-4498/21

1st Death anniversary

of Lt. seyiechalie Keyho

A year has passed since you left us but it still feels like only yesterday. Our hearts still ache with sadness knowing that you will never be here for us anymore. But the happy moments and memories will fill up the empty place in our hearts and that is what will give us the strength and the courage to move on.

Until we meet again, our comfort abides in the promise of Christ our saviour.

BRIEF SCORES

Sri Lanka 120 for 8 in 20 overs (Kushal Perera 39, Chamika Karunaratne 24 not out; Bjorn Fortuin 2/21; Kagiso Rabada 2/23) lost to South Africa 121 for no loss in 14.4 overs (Reeza Hendricks 56 not out, Quinton de Kock 59 not out) by 10 wickets.

Manika Batra left out of India squad for Asian TT Championships

NEW DELHI, SEP 15 (PTI): Star paddler Manika Batra was on Wednesday left out of the India squad for the Asian Championships beginning September 28 in Doha after she did not attend the mandatory national camp in Sonepat.

In the absence of the world number 56th player, 97th-ranked Sutirtha Mukherjee will lead the women’s team. The other members are Ayhika Mukherjee (ranked 131) and Archana Kamath (132).

Veteran Sharath Kamal (ranked 33) will spearhead the men’s challenge in the company of G Sathiyan (38), Harmeet Desai (72), Manav Thakkar (134) and Sanil Shetty (247).

Powerhouse China is not taking part in the event, raising medal hopes in the men’s team event. Singles

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

"The blessing moment and love you have spend with us all these years will cherish in our life forever."

Born on : 20/02/1942 – Died on : 12/09/2021

Through this column, we the bereaved family of Late Vizheto Kiho, would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every individual who stood by us and supported us spiritually, physically and financially during his illness who left us for his heavenly abode on 12th Sept. 2021.

We extend our special gratitude to: 1. Olive Christian Hospital 2. Azheto Zhimomi G.B. Kiyeto Village, Hon' MLA DMR III 3. Kiyeto Villages 4. Vihokhu Baptist Church, Vihokhu NCRC 5. Western Sumi Hoho 6. Ahozhe Baptist Church 7. Sutoli Tsaikha Foundation 8. Dimasa Baptist Church 9. Urra Area Village's Union 10. The S.M.C G.H.Q Naga Army 11. Tsitrongse Village Council 12. Friends, Relatives and well-wishers and doubles competitions will also be conducted.

The Table Tennis Federation of India had made it clear that any player not attending the camp will not be considered for selection. The team was picked on Wednesday and was subsequently published on TTFI website. The federation had made attendance in camps compulsory following the Tokyo Olympics.

Manika had informed the federation that she would like to continue training with her personal coach in Pune. The Khel Ratna awardee has also made match fixing allegations against national coach Soumydeep Roy for asking her to throw a match during the Olympic qualifiers. TTFI has formed an inquiry panel to probe the allegations.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Born : 1924 Baptist : 1934 Died : 12/09/2021 “Surely Your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23:6

We, the family members Express our profound and heartfelt gratitude to all those who stood by us and shared our grief and emotion spiritually, physically, financially and with prayers at the demise of Lt. Viyili W/O Lt. Viyito Muru Vishepu, Satakha. Who left us for her heavenly abode on 12/09/2021. Your unfailing love, Support, Kindness and presence comforted us and gave us the strength to look ahead with hope of her eternal rest in the bosom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We convey our special thanks to Sumi Baptist Akukuhou Satakha and Vishepu Ghami, STH Satakha, Public Leaders, Officers and all those who stood by us for your immense help and support during her faithful journey.

Though we are unable to thank each and everyone individually, our humble prayer is that the Almighty God bless you abundantly.

Loving Children, in-laws,

dp-4493/21 grandchildren and relatives

BERLIN, SEP 13 (AP): It was a tale of three strikers as the Champions League group stage started on Tuesday. Cristiano Ronaldo scored but lost on his return with Manchester United, then Robert Lewandowski and Romelu Lukaku both led their teams to victory in their opening games.

Ronaldo and United were upset in a late 2-1 loss at Swiss champion Young Boys, Lewandowski scored two as Bayern Munich eased to a 3-0 win in Barcelona, and Lukaku’s second-half header gave defending champion Chelsea a 1-0 win over Zenit St. Petersburg. Juventus won 3-0 at Malmö, and Sevilla held Salzburg 1-1 after the visitors missed two penalties in a game with four.

Ronaldo’s return

Ronaldo struck early in his first Champions League game for United since losing the 2009 final, but American forward Jordan Pefok had the last laugh in a dramatic 2-1 win in Bern.

Ronaldo didn’t take long to make his mark in his record-equaling 177th

United lost 2-1 to Young Boys after Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s red card left them down to ten men

appearance in the competition – squeezing his shot under goalkeeper David von Ballmoos in the 13th minute after a brilliant cross from Bruno Fernandes. Only Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid teammate Iker Casillas has as many Champions League appearances. However, United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka was sent off in the 35th for a bad challenge and the home team pressed its advantage in the final third of the game.

Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu equalized in the 66th and Pefok capitalized on a poor back pass from Jesse Lingard to score Bern’s dramatic winner in the last minute of injury time.

Robin Gosens’ equalizer earned Italian team Atalanta a 2-2 draw at Villarreal in the other Group F game. Barça dominated, again

Bayern hammered Barcelona 8-2 in the teams’ last meeting in the quarterfinals in 2020, and the home side seemed fearful of another rout after its summer of upheaval saw the departures of Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann. Bayern might have won by more but will be happy with 3-0 after another dominant performance.

Thomas Müller scored with a deflected shot in the 33rd minute to ensure Bayern scored for the 23rd consecutive Champions League game, a club record. The visitors had been pushing harder and it seemed only a matter of time before the breakthrough would come. Müller’s shot struck Eric García’s back to deceive Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen.

Lewandowski got the second in the 56th on a rebound after 18-yearold Jamal Musiala’s effort struck the post. It stretched Lewandowski’s scoring run to 18 consecutive games across all competitions for Bayern. But that didn’t mean he had enough.

The Poland star scored his second goal in the 85th, again after a teammate — Serge Gnabry — hit the post, though there was plenty for Lewandowski to do as he slotted the ball past a host of defenders.

Also in Group E, Mykola Shaparenko thought he’d scored a late winner for Dynamo Kyiv over Benfica, but the goal was ruled out through VAR for offside to leave the score 0-0.

Robert Lewandowski netted twice in the clash to pile even more pressure on manager Koeman.

Lukaku the difference

Chelsea had to wait until the 69th minute for Lukaku to make the breakthrough against a stubborn St. Petersburg defense.

The Belgium forward towered above a defender to meet César Azpilicueta’s cross with a header for his fourth goal in as many games for Chelsea since his return from Inter Milan.

Also in Group H, Juventus’ trip to Malmö came at the right time for the Italian team to get over Ronaldo’s departure. The Bianconeri had been struggling with just one point from its opening three games in Serie A. But the Swedish air seemed to invigorate the visitors, as Alex Sandro headed Juve into a 23rdminute lead, Paulo Dybala added a penalty just before halftime, and there was still time before the break for Alvaro Morata to chip the goalkeeper for the team’s third.

Burundi’s Niyonsaba breaks 2,000m world record in Zagreb

Francine Niyonsaba LONDON, SEP 15

(AGENCIES): Burundi’s Francine Niyonsaba set a new 2,000m world record at the Continental Tour Gold meeting in Zagreb.

According to BBC, her time of five minutes 21.56 seconds was two seconds faster than the record set by Genzebe Dibaba indoors in 2017. Niyonsaba, a world and Olympic silver medal winner over 800m, is among several athletes banned from competing between 400m and 1500m because of naturally high levels of testosterone.

The 28-year-old says she has kept competing to “inspire others”.

While Niyonsaba is one of a number of of athletes who have been forced to change events by a 2019 ruling by governing body World Athletics, she has excelled over longer distances.

Her world record run, which also broke the outdoor record set by Ireland’s Sonia O’Sullivan in 1994, came a week after claiming victory over 5,000m in the Diamond League meeting in Zurich.

At the Tokyo Olympics she finished fifth in the 10,000m final, but was disqualified from her 5,000m heat for a lane infringement. Later in the summer she became the fifth-fastest woman of all time over 3,000m.

The 2,000m has never been held at an Olympics or World Championships but is often featured at track and field meetings.

Morocco’s Hicham El Guerrouj set the men’s world record in 1999.

WADA to review cannabis ban for athletes

MONTREAL, SEP 15

(REUTERS): An advisory group to the World AntiDoping Agency (WADA) will review whether cannabis should remain a banned substance, a move that comes after American track and field star Sha’Carri Richardson missed the Tokyo Games after testing positive for it.

The scientific review will be initiated next year, WADA said on Tuesday. Cannabis is currently prohibited in competition and will continue to be in 2022, it added. Richardson tested positive for a chemical found in cannabis during the US Olympic Track & Field trials in June, which wiped out her trial results. She was also hit with a one-month suspension. The 21-year-old, who had been seen as a top contender in the 100 metres, has said she used cannabis to help cope with the death of her mother. The suspension sparked an outpouring of sympathy and calls for a review of anti-doping rules, including by the US AntiDoping Agency.

ANKA karate team win 9 medals at 7th ISKF

DIMAPUR, SEP 15

(NPN): All Nagaland Karate-Do Association (ANKA) karate team won nine medals including a gold and silver each, in the 7th ISKF National Karate Championship held from September 10 -12 at Guwahati Assam.

The team was led by coach Kasheto Yeptho, manager Yatatla and officials- Nagaland chief instructor, Thsahthriba Sangtam and T. Lanu Imchen.

The gold medal was won by Tiakumba (-5 kg) in Kumite (sparring) while silver was fetched by Kivinoli S Aye (+53k) in Kumite (sparring). The bronze medals were won by Limitangla (- 20kg) in Kumite

ANKA officials and the medal winners.

(sparring), Sarah Yeptho(-30 kg) Kumite (sparring), Astharani Bordolio (-40kg) Kumite (sparring), Tiabenla Jamir (+68) individual kata, Akumienla L Imchen (-68kg) Kumite (sparring), K. Hiketo Kiba (-60kg) Kumite (sparring) and Tejan Pun Magar (60+) Kumite (sparring) Meanwhile, ANKA president T. Sangtam has announced a cash award for the medal winners and karate equipments by its chief-instructor Thsahthriba Sangtam.

Ash Barty’s WTA Finals title defence in doubt, says coach

NEW DELHI, SEP 15 (REUTERS):

World number one Ash Barty might not defend her title at the season-ending WTA Finals in Mexico because of the “ridiculous” playing conditions at the venue and the timing of the tournament, her coach Craig Tyzzer said. The WTA Finals, contested by the world’s top eight singles players and eight doubles teams, were moved to Guadalajara from Shenzhen this week due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will begin on Nov 8.

Tyzzer said Barty, who won the 2019 WTA Finals before the 2020 edition was cancelled, might also compromise her 2022 Australian Open preparation if she plays in Mexico as she would have to undergo two weeks of home quarantine on her return to Australia. “We only just found out it’s in Mexico at 1500 metres (above sea level) and they’re using pressure-less balls,” Tyzzer told the Australian Associated Press on Wednesday.

“Pressure-less balls absolutely fly. It’s a ball that, if you use it in normal conditions, it doesn’t bounce. It’s not the greatest advertisement for the best girls in the world to be playing something they’ve never done before. “In conditions they’ve never played, in a country they don’t play and at altitude, I just feel it’s ridiculous. As a spectacle, it’s just frightening.”

Deepest concerns on ‘place of boxing’ in Olympics: IOC

LAUSANNE, SEP 15

(PTI): The International Olympic Committee on Wednesday “restated its deepest concerns” on boxing’s place in the 2024 Paris Olympics, citing “unresolved” issues with the International Boxing Association’s governance structure, financial situation and the scoring system even as the AIBA promised to “exceed” the laid down criteria.

In a letter addressed to AIBA President Umar Kremlev, IOC Director General Christophe De Kepper said the Olympic body’s Executive Board has asked him and its Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer to “follow up” on the situation.

The AIBA responded by saying that it is doing everything that that IOC expects from it.

“AIBA has been working on comprehensive reform for some time now and is grateful for the IOC’s public acknowledgment that a step forward has certainly been taken in terms of good governance...,” the AIBA stated in an e-mail to PTI, responding to the IOC letter.

In the four-page communication, IOC expressed dissatisfaction with the work done by the AIBA to address concerns related to its governance, finances and the refereeing and judging system that has been under intense scrutiny since the 2016 Rio Olympics.

“On the basis of the above, the IOC Executive Board restated its deepest concerns and reiterated its previous position regarding the place of boxing in the programme of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 and future editions of the Olympic Games,” the letter stated.

The AIBA said it would do more than what has been mandated to regain the IOC’s confidence.

“Wide-ranging reforms are already underway in terms of financial integrity, good governance and sporting integrity, including all the areas mentioned by the IOC and more,” the AIBA said.

“Independent experts are involved in each of these sectors. AIBA is confident these reforms will see AIBA meet and even exceed the criteria laid down by the IOC for reinstatement.”

The IOC said while it acknowledges that AIBA has taken “a step forward in the direction of better governance” but several concerns remain unaddressed.

“...so far no new leadership team amongst the elected officials has been put in place to effectively embrace the change of culture in the governance of AIBA,” it said.

“Therefore, the IOC would be pleased to receive information on the schedule for the renewal of the leadership, in particular the planned date for the AIBA Board of Directors’ elections, as well as the eligibility criteria and how they will be assessed.” The AIBA was suspended in 2019 but Kremlev has said that he expects re-affiliation with the IOC by the end of this year after announcing a slew of measures to address the concerns raised by the governing body.

The IOC also raised questions with regards AIBA’s finances. The AIBA had declared itself debt-free a few months ago.

“...IOC independent expert, EY, will assess AIBA’s documentation supporting the effectiveness of the various announcements it published in the media related to the resolution of its indebtedness and its current and future financing plan,” it said.

“...requested documents include confirmed details on the resolution of the indebtedness and the terms of any sponsorship contract,” it explained.

Touching on the subject of refereeing and judging, the IOC said it has been informed of controversial decisions during the senior Asian Championships and youth world championships held earlier this year.

Limited spectators to be allowed at IPL matches

NEW DELHI, SEP 15

(PTI): Limited spectators will be allowed into the stadiums when the muchawaited Indian Premier League resumes in the UAE this weekend, the event’s organisers announced on Wednesday.

The IPL, which was suspended midway in May due to COVID-19 cases in its bio bubble, will resume from Sunday with defending champions Mumbai Indians taking on Chennai Super Kings at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

“This match will be a momentous occasion as IPL will welcome the fans back to the stadiums after a brief hiatus owing to COVID-19 situation,” an IPL statement said.

“Matches will be played at Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi with limited seating available keeping in mind the COVID protocols and UAE government regulations,” it added.

It will be the first time since 2019 when the IPL will be played in front of an audience.

Last year, the lucrative league was played behind closed doors in the UAE while the first half of the 2021 edition was also played inside a strict bio-bubble across various venues in India.

Although the league organisers did not specify the exact number of fans who would be let in but sources said their presence would be 50 per cent of the stadium capacity.

“Fans can buy tickets starting September 16 for the remainder of the tournament on the official website www.iplt20.com. Tickets can also be purchased on PlatinumList.net,” the league organisers said.

After the COVID-19 pandemic had brought the sporting world to a standstill last year, competitive cricket slowly resumed inside strict bio bubbles.

The series between India and Australia from November last year to January was the first time that men’s cricket witnessed spectators in-stadia since coronavirus outbreak in March 2020.

The limited-overs series between Australia Women and New Zealand Women was also played in the presence of spectators Down Under last year.