The NIT-C cricket stadium a shambles

The NIT-C cricket stadium at Chathamangalam has a rich cricket legacy to boast of as it has hosted the premier matches of Ranji Trophy, Vijay Merchant Trophy and Cooch Behar Trophy.

In 1999-2000, during Kerala’s Ranji Trophy match against Hyderabad, the ground saw classic innings of former Indian skipper Mohammed Azharuddin. When Azharuddin got out for 91 at 37.3 overs (147/3), in the one-day match, the enthralled crowd invaded the pitch. Around 19 minutes were lost subsequently until police were called to disperse the spectators.

But, those were the good old days. Right now, the ground, which once found a place on the national cricket map, resembles a small forest covered with bushes and is a haven for stray dogs and reptiles. The four turf strip on the ground and the nets are in a dilapidated condition, owing to lack of maintenance. Besides this, the players’ dressing room, the umpire’s room and other facilities set up by the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) at a cost of `25 lakh, also remain in a pitiable condition. This stadium, one of the best in Kozhikode with all amenities and which can stage major matches, has been lying idle since July 2012.

It was in 1992 that NITC laid the first turf wicket on the cricket stadium and inaugurated it with a nationallevel Ranji Trophy match, Kerala vs- Karnataka. Lack of good dressing rooms for players fails to attract matches to the ground.

In the golden jubilee year of NITC in 2010, the KCA had set up an advanced players’ dressing room and umpires room. During a visit to the stadium, Sandip Patil, former cricketer and director of National Cricket Academy, had expressed satisfaction over the facilities, especially the availability of two parallel grounds.

But things took a dramatic turn after the factional feud in the Kozhikode District Cricket Association as the NIT authorities withdrew from their decision to provide the ground to the KCA in 2010-11. The Vijay Merchant Trophy under-16 tournament in 2011 was the last national tournament hosted by the ground.

Sources say that a few deans with the physical education department of NIT are in charge of the ground and they have no interest in maintaining it. Though the KCA is ready to maintain the ground and conduct matches, the lackadaisical approach of the deans has turned the situation worse.

KCA president T C Mathew says that they had discussed the matter with Union Minister of State for HRD, Shashi Tharoor. “We have taken the issue seriously and will try to bring back national and state tournaments to the NIT ground”, he says.

Read More

10 Candidates Candidates for President of Egypt dropped

JAKARTA, suaramerdeka.com - Egyptian presidential elections commissionannounced the shocking news to disqualify ten presidential candidates. Moreover, the three candidates who thwarted it in among the strongest candidate, the former spy chiefunder Hosni Mubarak, Omar Suleiman; candidate's Muslim Brotherhood, Khairat al-Shater; and Salafi politician, Hazem Abu Ismail.
Chairman of the Presidential Election Commission, Farouk Sultan, do not reveal thereason for their deletion in detail. However, the disqualified candidates have 48 hours to appeal. That's according to the rules of the local elections. Later the final list ofpresidential candidates will be announced 26 April 2012.
Thirteen other candidates have been declared qualified for, among others: the formerChairman of the Arab League as well as former Foreign Minister Mubarak government,Amr Moussa; moderate Islamists, Abdel-Moneim Abolfotoh; and Mubarak era of former prime minister, Ahmed Shafiq.
The decision of the heat ahead of presidential elections to be held on 23 and 24 May. If in the first presidential election no candidate received more votes than 50 percent of the vote, elections will be held on 16 and June 17. Election results were announced on 21June.

Read More

On February 1, deadly riots at a football match in Port Said plunged Egypt into mourning and despair. The national league was canceled and the future of one of African soccer's traditional powerhouses seemed bleak.

However, a tiny bit of that gloom lifted just weeks later when Ahmed Hassan made history by making his 179th international appearance -- a new world record that gave a glimmer of hope in a time of turmoil.

But, as he prepares to continue the Pharaohs' rebuilding phase, Hassan says that Egypt -- a country where sport and politics are inextricably linked -- faces a long road to recovery before it can resolve its problems and move out of a "dark tunnel."

"The whole country is suffering from a lack of ethics, as well as a general lack of security, and this is causing problems in all facets of life," the 36-year-old told the official website of world football's governing body FIFA.

Inside Port Said stadium

"There is no doubt that football will bounce back but the whole country has to make it out of this dark tunnel. Stability will only return when all members of the community, whether they be players, fans, referees, journalists or security staff, recognize their role, stick to it and respect the role of others."

American is coach, protester in Egypt

Hassan's landmark appearance came on February 27 in a friendly against Kenya in Qatar. The Egypt team has not been able to play at home since the riots, which killed 74 people after a game between top-tier clubs Al-Masry and Al-Ahly. More lives were lost as fighting spread across the country.

Hassan, who has returned to the national squad for Thursday's friendly against Nigeria in Dubai, was deeply moved by the tragedy.

An outspoken figure against football hooliganism, Hassan took to the streets the following day in protest against the clashes.

"It's depressing to see the sport that everybody loves become a source of such sadness but, ultimately, what happened was a result of fanaticism," he said.

"I have to say that the media also played a large role by stirring up the fans' aggression instead of attempting to calm things down."

Hassan captained Egypt to Africa Cup of Nations titles in 2006, 2008 and 2010 -- his fourth overall.

But the Pharaohs' form has plummeted in recent years, failing to qualify for the 2012 edition of the tournament.

Hassan said the Arab uprising last year, which saw Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak overthrown in a wave of protest, was a factor in the team's fall in fortunes.

"We're all part of this country and anything that goes on affects us, so naturally our concentration levels drop and we cannot remain focused when such turmoil is happening at home. On top of that there's the fact that we couldn't play for a very long time with the league being suspended for almost four months," he said.

Hassan said Egypt had taken for granted its ability to qualify.

"After being on top for all those years, we simply underestimated our opponents, but we have learned our lesson well and we have learned it the hard way."

Hassan carved a successful football career in Europe for 10 years, before returning in 2008 to play for Al-Ahly and, now, that club's fiercest rival Zamalek.

Both teams, like Al-Masry, are supported by militant fan groups known as "ultras."

"It is a great thing if they stick to supporting their teams within the reasonable and ethical limits, but once it crosses the line and turns aggressive or becomes a vehicle for something completely beyond football then it becomes unacceptable and can lead to disasters," Hassan said.

"All over the world, ultras support their clubs using organized cheering which can be very entertaining, and this is what we as players like to see in the stands, but if they cause violence in the stadiums then no, we cannot tolerate that."

Read More

Di Matteo Can not satisfied with the achievement of Chelsea

London - seven wins from nine games into the initial incision Roberto Di Matteo for Chelsea. Plus the Champions League semi-final ticket, the Italian men feel what you achieve in the category has not been successful.

Chelsea was in one of its lowest point this season when Di Matteo was appointed as a caretaker to replace Andre Villas-Boas. Unexpectedly, he was able to unite the players the Blues and improve performance on the field.

One of the greatest success is obtained reversing the defeat of Napoli in the UEFA Champions League and now finally qualified for the semifinals. Additionally Di Matteo also have very good statistics, winning seven games and one draw each of the nine games and lost that have been passed.

Di Matteo also be a lot of praise for the achievement. But he did not want to be complacent sense, because all lines can be said to succeed if John Terry cs entry zone or the Champions League title at the end of the season.

"I worked very hard to help this team achieve success. But so far we have not proved anything and have not won anything," said Di Matteo in Skysports.

"A month ago we were in a situation of two-goal deficit to Napoli in the UEFA Champions League, we continue to move away from the big three in the Premier League failed in the FA Cup. Players have done a good job of turning it all, but it's only going to be a successful season if or we can finish top four trophies, "he continued.

Chelsea still have a chance to win big Champions League next season. With competition still seven games left, they left behind five points clear of Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at number three and four.

Read More

Capirossi: Ducati's Time Out

BOLOGNA - Ducati make massive changes in the motor GP12. However, Ducati's Loris Capiroassi judge did not have time to improve the performance of the motor.

Yes, the performance of Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden during the test was very disappointing. Both drivers failed to compete with Ducati rider Casey Stoner of the top such and Jorge Lorenzo.

With radical changes in motor GP12, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer that does have its own difficulties to improve the performance of the motor. Ducati team defeated Japan's experience with Honda and Yamaha range.

"Ducati has done outstanding work since late 2011. They are built from November to January, a new motor. I have long defended the Ducati and I know they will try hard, "said Capirossi.

"The problem is that Ducati does not have the time anymore and have no experience in dealing with the new chassis type. This concept is different and difficult to make one or two chassis, and it immediately found work as you want, "he continued.

"Everyone has been working for 10 to 12 years with the old system. But, the problem is you do not have the time anymore. You need a very fast bike, "he told MCN, Tuesday (02/04/2012).

Read More

Video Amazing Goal 2012

Cristian Ronaldo

Lionel Messi

Wayne Rooney

Read More