Olympics live on Doordarshan

Doordarshan will telecast live the opening and closing ceremony of the London Olympics on its national channel while DD Sports would provide round the clock live coverage of the sporting events.
The coverage would begin from July 27 to August 13, an official release from Doordarshan said.
The Public Broadcaster would also air special programmes capturing significant moments and performance of Indian athletes.
Special daily highlight of half an hour titled, “India at London” will also be telecast on DD-National from 7 to 8 am, which will focus on the overall performance of Indian athletes on day-to-day basis.
One hour highlight programme on daily performances of all the athletes of the Olympic Games will be telecast on DD-National between 9 to 10 am.
In addition another one hour of highlights will be aired Monday to Friday between 3 to 4 pm on DD National.
Live telecast from London from 12 midnight till 2 am will be telecast on DD National besides any event featuring India in semifinals or finals will be covered live on DD National, a statement said. (BJ-26/07)
Olympics live on Doordarshan

Hockey: National Game on Death Row

Gen VK Singh launches Col Balbir’s autobiography. Tuesday, 29 May 2012 13:51
New Delhi: Indian Army Chief General V K Singh, on Monday launched the autobiography of 1968 Mexico Olympic medallist, Col. (Retd) Balbir Singh Kular in the city. Christened as ‘Sansarpur to London Olympics’, by 1968 Mexico Olympic medallist and current national selector Col. (Retd) Balbir Singh Kular becomes, first book to be available for both computer and mobile downloads.
Published by Indian Sports Books and by using the technological brilliance of handygo Techcnologies, this book attempts to reach out to Indian hockey fans world across through online and digital formats as well.
“Sansarpur to London Olympics”, co-authored by sports film maker Sunil Yash Kalra, is a unique book of personal memoir, with interesting compilation of stories, funny anecdotes, sensational revelations and heart-warming vignettes of his life in the Army and as a hockey player and coach. The book is a treasure-trove of rare photographs, some of which date back to the days of the ‘Wizard of Hockey’, Maj Dhyan Chand. In places it reads like a thriller, at others like an intimate autobiography. All in all a thunderously good read, almost unputdownable!
1968 Olympic medalist, Col Balbir Singh Kular hails from Sansarpur, a village in Punjab that has produced 14 Olympic medallists since 1932 US Olympics. Right from an early age, Col Balbir Singh was obviously marked for greatness; his upbringing at Sansarpur – the matrix of Indian hockey in the halcyon days of global supremacy – aided by his inimitable genes, burning desire to emulate his forefathers, and his induction into the Indian Army all combined to catapult him to stardom.
Gen VK Singh launches Col Balbir’s autobiography

CAG's googly on golf- Army stakes land use for the Club

Forces want golf made 'valid' sporting activity
Rajat Pandit, May 9, 2011, 01.44am IST
NEW DELHI: The armed forces want to have their golf and play it too. Senior officers want to tee off in the lush greens of their sprawling golf courses, without having to constantly look over their shoulders for audit watchdogs.
Stung by scathing reports of Comptroller and Auditor General of India, which year after year punches more holes into their golf courses than the 18 required, the armed forces have petitioned the defence ministry to include golf as "a valid sporting activity" on military land.
That golf is big in the military, almost becoming synonymous with having OLQs (officer-like qualities), can be gauged from the fact that over half of the around 180 golf courses in India are either owned or run by the armed forces.
The Army Zone Golf, for instance, runs 97 golf courses. And the military is loath to part with this "physical activity", which as senior officers put it, teaches " discipline, dedication and unwavering commitment in reaching one's goals".
"The armed forces want golf to be included as a legitimate sport on A-1 defence land (basically land in active occupation of military). The proposal is being examined, though it has got in-principle approval," said an MoD source.
This comes after a series of CAG reports pulled up the armed forces for unauthorized use of defence land for golfing purposes, with even some instances of "misuse of special financial powers" meant for operational requirements to purchase golf carts or construct buildings on courses being recorded.
CAG officials, on their part, say they are not against golf per se. "But 'Scales of Accommodation' for defence services do not include golf as an authorized activity on military recreation grounds," said an official.
"MoD has not framed any policy or set of rules to govern the running of these golf courses on prime defence land, as also the treatment of the revenue generated from these activities. So, as things stand now, these golf courses are unauthorized. The government can regularize them by changing the laws," he added.
The armed forces, however, feel CAG "needlessly picks on" their golf courses. In 2004, the then Army chief Gen N C Vij had declared golf as "a sports activity" and not just "a recreational activity", with golf courses even being named as "Army environmental park and training areas".
But CAG remains unimpressed. In the backdrop of scams like Sukna, Adarsh and Kandivali-Malad dogging defence land, MoD (the country's largest landowner, with 17.3 lakh acres under its control) needs to lay down clear-cut rules whether golf is legitimate or not. Otherwise, the audit watchdog and armed forces will remain at daggers drawn.
Forces want golf made 'valid' sporting activity
Comment: If Golf is a sports activity in the Army then Golf should be declared a troops game in which all ranks are permitted to play.
Army wants own empowered police force
Defence ministry launches land audit to curb scams

16th Asian Games 2010 Medal Tally: India on eighth spot

November 16, 2010
In Asian Games 2010 Medal Tally, India is on eighth spot, with one gold medal, 4 silver medals and 3 bronze medals. China is still on top with 58 gold medals, 22 silver medals and 21 bronze medals. India's Ashwini Ponappa and Jwala Gutta enters in the pre- quarter finals of the women's double badminton event in the Asian Games 2010. Ashwini and Gutta defeated China's Tian Qin and Zhao Yunlei. Ashwini and Jwala won the first game by 21-13.

Asian Games 2010 Medal Tally

China: Gold 58, Silver 22, Bronze 21

S Korea: Gold 19, Silver 14, Bronze 19

Japan: Gold 13, Silver 25, Bronze 25

Hong Kong: Gold 3, Silver 5, Bronze 3

C Taipei: Gold 2, Silver 4, Bronze 9

North Korea: Gold 1, Silver 4, Bronze 9

Kazakhistan: Gold 1, Silver 4, Bronze 7

India: Gold 1, Silver 4, Bronze 3

Malaysia: Gold 1, Silver 1, Bronze 3

Phillipines: Gold 1, Silver 0, Bronze 3

Are our Sports Federations functional? The above results speaks for itself!
November 16, 2010
The Government has been insisting on adoption of good governance practices by all National Sports Federations (NSFs) including Indian Olympic Association (IOA). These include fair, transparent and democratic elections of office bearers, representation of sportspersons on the elected body, financial accountability, etc. This matter was also discussed at a meeting with International Olympic Committee (IOC) officials in June, 2010 in Lausanne, Switzerland, in which IOA had committed to revise its own Constitution, in accordance with the Olympic Charter and the basic principle of good governance, for the organization of Olympic movement. IOC has informed that this process is being done in close coordination with them. The final draft of new constitution of IOA, is in its final stages of adoption. This was stated by Dr. M.S. Gill, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, in the Lok Sabha today, in a written reply to a question by Shri Nishikant Dubey.

The Minister further stated that the Government has re-iterated the guidelines on tenure limits, with a slight modification to align them with the norms followed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Some National Sports Federations contested the guidelines, but the Hon’ble Delhi High Court has refused to stay the government guidelines.

With regard to financial accountability, all NSFs, including IOA are required to submit their annual statement of accounts, including utilization certificate for grants released by the Government. As per the General Financial Rules, fresh grants are released only on receipt of utilization certificates of previous grants as soon as they become due. In addition to above, the Government has introduced a system, of grant of annual recognition to NSFs. Under this system all aspects of the functioning of a NSF are duly scrutinized before according recognition, the Minister added. RM/JL- PQ– USQ1250 - LS
Functioning of IOA

A Giant Leap into history: Col Verma Jumps 475 ft Tower

Daredevilry: Armyman dives from 475-ft TV tower in Delhi
A giant leap into history
Kalyan Ray, New Delhi, October 29, DHNS:

India witnessed its first BASE jumping here on Friday when an Army Signals officer dived from a 475-ft television tower in west Delhi creating a history.

BASE jumping is a new form of a risky adventure sport in which divers undertake a free fall from tall buildings, antennas, spans (bridge) and earth (cliff). The jump involves using a specialised parachute, manufactured to ensure faster and more reliable opening.

After the successful jump on Friday morning, Lt Col Satyendra Verma said: “It was a thrill — nothing more, nothing less. When you jump, you forget everything. But it involves right preparation, and when preparations are right, nothing will go wrong.”
Read More: Daredevilry: Armyman dives from 475-ft TV tower in Delhi- A giant leap into history

16th Asian Games Portal and Schedule of Events

The Official website of the 16th Asian Games
Indian Contingent at Asian Games 2010- Click here
Asian Games flame visits Zhaoqing
Zhaoqing, famous for the Duan Inkstone, became the 14th city in Guangdong Province to welcome the flame of the 2010 Asian Games on Friday (October 29). Eighty torchbearers took party in the relay.

Asiad Torch Relay held in Qingyuan[2010-10-28]

250 Chinese paintings to promote 16th Asian Games[2010-10-28]

Tickets of 1st and 2nd stage of Asiad can be received late Oct.[2010-10-28]

Asian Games Town under final review before Monday opening[2010-10-28]

Draw results of Squash of 16th Asian Games[2010-10-27]

Cocachin ready for visits nearby Asian Games Town during Games-time[2010-10-27]

Aoti Tennis Centre well on track to welcome tennis players[2010-10-26]

Third stage of Asian Games' ticket sale operates steadily[2010-10-25]

Draw results of Billiard Sports of 16th Asian Games[2010-10-24]
Asian Games flame visits Zhaoqing

General Competition Schedule for the 16th Asian Games V1.6

Abhay Chautala named India's chef-de-mission for Asian Games
Press Trust Of India
New Delhi, October 27, 2010
Indian Boxing Federation President Abhay Singh Chautala on Wednesday was appointed the chef-de-mission of the country's contingent for next month's Asian Games in China. "Mr Abhay Singh Chautala, Vice-President of the Indian Olympic Association and President of the Indian Boxing Federation, will be the Chef-de-Mission of the Indian contingent at the Asian Games," the IOA said in a statement.
The Asian Games are scheduled to be held from November 12 to 27 in the city of Guangzhou.
Abhay Chautala named India's chef-de-mission for Asian Games

Indian Women Atheletes create history

India winning Gold Medal in Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010 - 4 x 400m relay FINAL



AtreyGotram @olebaj
Yes.. very true and sad that not many know the names of the GEMS of India. BTW I found her name: It is Ashwini. Here in Order - Manjeet Kaur, Sini Jose, Ashwini Akkunji and Mandeep Kaur

AtreyGotram RockStarV1
11 hours ago It is awesome....i mean this is hands down awesome ....what can be more awesome...girls you rocked...beat the opponents...keep this coming...

Indian Athletes and Volunteers have saved the Face of India when it almost got lost due to Kalmadi and Sheila Dickshit's corrupt ways...

India says good bye to Commonwealth Games

14/10/2010
India says good bye to Commonwealth Games
12 days of sporting extravaganza where India showcased itself to the world. After all the pre-CWG negativity, the Games itself were so full of energy. All good things have to come to an end and India bid farewell to the CWG 2010. If the opening ceremony was simply spectacular, the closing ceremony was a beautiful blend of Indian culture and Scottish tradition and left the world awestruck.

The Nehru stadium was painted in blue the whole evening and India once again displayed its might in ceremonies. CWG creative director Bharat Bala worked for over 18 months to get these two special days ready and why not! From the 'revival' of Vande Mataram to handing over of 'Games' to Scotland to some spectacular laser show to universal music of love, the evening was simply perfect. Did we miss something? The aroma of Scotland while taking over the games from India. The Chief Guest for the evening was Sri Lankan President Mahendra Rajapaksha.

CWG handed over to Glasgow
CGF Flag was handed over to Glasgow, the next host of CWG in 2014 in the beautiful country of Scotland. The flag was handed over by CWG 2010 Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi to Lt. Gov of Delhi, Tejinder Khanna, who then handed it over to the Scottish delegation led by Lord Smith of Cambridge, who will be the Chairman of the Organising committee for CWG 2014.
The organising committee of India had put up a bollywood-style extravaganza while being handed over the games by Melbourne in 2006 and today Glasgow responded with a fabulous display of Scottish tradition, heritage and culture in a 10-minute presentation that was simply stunning, especially the technicalities of the performance left the audience with a sparkle in the eye.
India says good bye to Commonwealth Games

Rank Honour and Status of Armed Forces Reduced

Ref: click here

Some of the veterans may disagree with what I have to say on the episode of rank inapporopriateness by the serving Air Force officers but I am compelled to state my views.

Sachin Tendulkar being conferred with the rank of Group Captain, though honorary, by the IAF is an example of how serving (high ranking) officers try to focus limelight on themselves through cheap publicity stunts. Any serviceman, whether a commissioned officer or NCO will bear out the fact that entry into the service is earned through a tough selection process and after that ranks and promotions are obtained through merit, hardwork and dedication to the service. What criteria did the IAF consider while Tendulkar was made a Group Captain? I have all respect and admiration for Sachin for his excellence, achievement and dedication in the field of cricket , but I say that he has not done anything for the cause of any of the defence services or nation to deserve this honour from one of the defence forces. He could be conferred with any of the civil awards like Arjuna award for sports but not a military honour.

To cap it all, the Air Force has gone head over heels to please the aam (cricket mad) janata by promising to give him the "Wing" simply after one sortie in a Sukhoi aircraft as a passenger! As an engineer, I have flown as a passenger in a fighter aircraft but that did not make me eligible to get a wing. Some of the engineers do get their "official" wings but only after being selected for the "pilots course" and earning it after undergoing the regular necessary pilots training course like other aspirants for the "F" branch. Many of my "F" branch friends will aver that a wing has to be earned -many aspirants are denied this if they fail to meet the crucial flying proficiency tests- and cannot just be bought cheaply in a camp tailor shop and pinned on to the chest.

And another thing. Those who have seen the photograph of the Air Force chief with Sachin Tendulkar in the Times of India (Mumbai edition, 04 Sep, 2010 in the section "Times Nation") saluting him after getting his tapes, will notice that the chief is returning the salute without (R) without his cap ON !!! A good example of service etiquette to be publicly displayed before the service personnel under himl! I had never seen that so far.

Sorrowfully, this is one of the many instances of why and how the prestige of the Armed Forces is lowered. Why blame only the Babus if we ourselves do not want to hold it high?
Shashank Bendre
Wg Cdr (Retd)

Anand wins world chess championship at Sophia

THE MASTER: India's Viswanathan Anand (right) in action against Bulgaria's Veselin Topalov during the 12th game of the World chess championship in Sofia on Tuesday. Photo: AFP
Read more:
I misjudged Topalov: Anand

Games 2010: War of words

"It's the understatement of the year that the games are behind schedule and that we have concerns regarding the preparations," scathing criticism from Mike Hooper, the Chief Executive Officer of the Commonwealth Games Federation.

Irrespective of that, or perhaps because of that, Suresh Kalmadi has responded by saying he will not give up his attempts to have Hooper removed from India. Kalmadi heads the committee organizing the Games in Delhi.
Games 2010: War of words gets ugly

Bio- data of S Kalmadi
He served in the Indian Air Force from 1965 to 1974 as a pilot, and participated in the Indo-Pak Wars of 1965 and 1971. Mr. Suresh Kalmadi's star sign is Taurus and was born on May 01 in Pune, Maharashtra. His education was from St Vincent's High School, Pune, and Fergusson College, Pune.

In 1960 he joined the National Defense Academy (NDA) at Khadakvasla, Pune, and then in 1964 the Air Force Flying Colleges in Jodhpur and Allahabad. From 1965-1974 he was a pilot in the Indian Air Force, and during his service he participated in the Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971.

In April 1974 Mr Kalmadi acquired an interest in Poona Coffee House, and three months later in July 1974 he acquired a dealership of Hindustan Petroleum for all its products.

In 1977, Mr Kalmadi became the President of the Youth Congress, Pune, and the very next year took over Presidentship of the Youth Congress, Maharashtra, a post he held from 1978 to 1980.

In 1980, as the President of the Maharashtra Athletics Association, Mr. Kalmadi undertook the selection trials for the Marathon team to represent the country at the Moscow Olympics. This soon led to the establishment of the Pune International Marathon.

In 1982 Mr. Kalmadi was nominated Member of Rajya Sabha, a position that he has continuously held for the last 22 years.

On August 09, 1985 he incorporated Sai Service Station Ltd., which is today his flagship company, and established a dealership of Maruti Udyog Ltd. By 1986 he had also added the dealership of Bajaj Auto Ltd. Today Sai Service Ltd. is the biggest dealership of Maruti Udyog Ltd in India.

Mr. Kalmadi took over as the Chairman of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation and in 1989 started the Pune Festival, which would soon become the Signature Festival associated with him. The Pune Festival celebrated its 15th edition in September 2003.
Early Years of Suresh Kalmadi
Fighter Pilot takes a U- turn: 2010 Games- Kalmadi's total surrender

Shankar Lakshman: The Hockey Wizard of Maratha Light Infantry

Dev Kumar Vasudevan, narrates the story of Hony Captain Shankar Lakshman, a fauji who became a hockey legend and brought great laurels to India both in the Olympics and Asian games
Shankar Lakshman was born on July 7, 1933 in Mhow. He belonged to the Shekhawat community of Rajasthan. He played hockey at a time when the goalkeeper had only pads as a protective gear. He was a member of the Olympic gold medal winning hockey team in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. The other medals he won include the 1958 Asian Games gold medal (Tokyo), 1960 Olympics silver medal (Rome), 1964 Olympics gold medal (Tokyo) and the 1966 Asian Game Gold medal (Bangkok). He was awarded the Arjuna Award in 1965 and the Padmashri in 1967. He was dropped from the Indian hockey team to the Mexico Olympics of 1968 and the decline of Indian hockey also began with that tournament.

His opponents called him the Rock of Gibraltar. According to the manager of the silver medal winning Pakistani hockey team of the ‘64 Tokyo Olympics, Shankar Lakshman was the sole obstacle between the Pakistani team and the gold medal. Lakshman was the first goalkeeper captain in the world. Just take a look at his stunning record. In three Olympic finals against Pakistan he conceded just one goal and in three Asian Games finals he conceded two goals. That makes it six matches and three goals. Charles Cornelius, the former Indian hockey player had once said of him “Lakshman was among the game’s greatest. He was an epitome of courage and a role-model for others of his ilk. Unfazed by any situation, he had the ability to defuse any crisis. His team-mates were at a loss to know how his pads grew broader and broader as the contest wore on.” Referring to his performance in the 1964 Hockey finals against Pakistan in Tokyo the Australian Hockey magazine Hockey Circle had said “...for Lakshman, the ball was the size of a football. It was his afternoon of glory and fame.” Lakshman had joined the Indian Army as a bandsman in 1947 at the tender age of 14 and served in the Maratha Light Infantry’s 5th Battalion. He had retired from the Army as a Subedar Major in 1978 and was awarded the rank of honorary captain. As luck would have it one of the battalions posted in Mhow at the time of his death was the 26th battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry- his funeral was conducted with full military honours by this battalion. It was an emotional experience not only for the townspeople of Mhow but also for the Army. The Maratha Light Infantry could bid goodbye to one of its most illustrious sons. Garrison Ground Mhow has been converted into a mini stadium by the Infantry School and has been named after him. The Infantry School Mhow has also instituted the Shankar Lakshman Hockey Championship Trophy. An apt honour for a son of Mhow. This trophy was won for the first time by the 26th Maratha Light Infantry. That is something which would have made him proud if he had been alive.
Dev Kumar Vasudevan is a freelance writer based at Mhow
Remembering Hony Captain Shankar Lakshman

Circular: Mercury Golf Tournament- 2009

MERCURY GOLF TOURNAMENT- 2009
Open only for Golfers of Corps of Signals
General: Mercury Golf Tournament will be played at Army Golf Course, Delhi Cantt.

Date: 09 Feb 2009 (Monday)

Handicap: Participants should indicate their handicap at the time of submission of entries. Proof of handicap would be crosschecked at the time of Tee Off. Minimum handicap will be considered at 18.

Tee Off Details
• 0700 hrs onwards from Tee No 1 and 10 simultaneously for below 65 yrs.
• 0900 hrs from Tee No 1 for veterans above 65 yrs and ladies.
• Officers are requested to check up exact Tee Off time on 09 Feb 09 either directly from Army Golf Course or on Tele 9910387517/9910387519.

Conduct: The tournament will be played over 18 holes on stableford format. However, officers above 65 Yrs and ladies can play 18 holes but the score of front 9 holes will only be evaluated for the competition.

Ladies Putting: To commence at 1130hrs. Ladies taking part in Putting Competition are requested to wear Flat heeled shoes to avoid damage to practice green.

Reporting Time- 15 mins prior to Tee Off time for golfers - 1115 hrs for Ladies participating in Putting Competition.

Scoring The scoring scheme for the competition is:
• Net one over Par - 1 point
• Net Par - 2 points
• Net Birdie - 3 points
• Net Eagle - 4 points

Prizes: The following prizes would be awarded:
Tournament for Players below 65 yrs
• Winner Team (Net Score)
• Runners Up Team (Net Score)
• Best Gross Card (Card of golfer against the course rating)
• Best Net Card (Gross card minus the handicap of the player against course rating)
• Maximum Birdies
• Maximum Pars
• Nearest to Pin (Hole No 9)
• Longest Drive (Hole No 8)
Tournament for Players above 65 yrs and Ladies
• Winner Team (Net Score)
• Runners Up Team (Net Score)
• Best Gross Card
• Best Net Card
• Nearest to Pin (Hole No 9)
• Maximum Birdie
Ladies Putting
• First Prize
• Second Prize
• Third Prize

Submission Of Entries: Members desirous of participating in the tournament are requested to intimate their handicap, residential telephone number, preference of four ball to the following: email– mercurygolf@gmail.com

Maj Avinash Bhandare
Secretary

India Strikes Gold at Beijing

Abhinav Bindra won India's first individual Olympic gold medal on Monday with a thrilling come-from-behind victory in the men's 10m air rifle. Bindra had been fourth after qualifying but had a brilliant final round and the Indian, the epitome of tranquillity, hit a near perfect 10.8 on his last shot to pull in front of Henri Hakkinen of Finland, who fell to bronze with a poor final shot.

That late stumble by the Finn allowed China's Zhu Qinan, the defending Olympic champion and heavy favourite, to salvage a bitter day with silver. Zhu sobbed uncontrollably on the podium and again at a news conference.

"I can't describe how happy I am," the ever-calm Bindra told journalists. "It's the thrill of my life. That's about it. It's hard to describe. I just went for it. I knew I was lying in fourth. Thankfully it went my way and I just went for it."

Bindra, who faced criticism for failing to deliver on the great promise he showed as a child, said he was not thinking about making history in India with a first individual gold medal. In fact, he said, he was "not thinking about anything".

"I was just trying to concentrate on shooting," he said. "I wasn't thinking of making history. I was two points behind the leaders. I was just trying to shoot good shots. I wanted to shoot well and shoot aggressively. And that's what I did."

His 10.8 of a possible 10.9 on his final shot sparked loud celebrations from group of fans from India. Hakkinen, who was even with Bindra before his mere 9.7 on his last shot, said that crucial shot felt like the nine before it. "It just wasn't my turn," he said. "It shows that shooting is a sport from the first to the final shot. Every one counts."

Randhir Singh, Indian Olympic Association secretary-general and former shooter who was present at the range, was stricken by nerves as the competition reached its climax. "I haven't prayed so much in my life. With the second last shot they tied together and then he (Bindra) shot a 10.8. It couldn't have got better," he told Indian television.

Bindra won the 2006 world championships and finished seventh in Athens four years ago.
Bindra shoots India to first gold
The Blog Team, all Veterans and readers extend our hearty congratulations to Abhinav Bindra.

The great indian hope trick

Victorious Hockey Team: Berlin 1936
Here's the billion rupee question to ask before you settle in front of your TV sets later today to watch the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics: will India defend its record of sending the largest Olympic contingent only to fetch the least number of medals? The answer - unless, of course, you're the sort who believes everything in this world to be maya - is a pretty resounding yes. But even if it's in hushed tones, India does have medal hopes in its star-studded shooting squad and some skillful archers and boxers.

China owes its sports superpower status to a decades-long policy aimed at gaining supremacy in world sport. While Indians half-heartedly try to clip seconds, the Chinese cut whole minutes.

To change the face of Indian sport, we must first change our mindset. Infusion of new ideas, and hiring top notch planners and coaches are crucial - as is, of course, respect for our sporting heroes long after they have hung up their spikes.

The upside: we have nothing to lose but Olympic shame. The Sports Authority of India is part of the great Indian rope trick!
The great indian hope trick

Defence Forces: From times immemorial, the soldier has always reveled in sporting activities. With the evolution of the modern army fame in the area of sports field brought prestige to the Armed Forces. In the last three decades, one has seen a steady decline in standards. The unit level sports and games has steadily taken a back seat. The reason is not difficult to fathom: The Generals and Commanders show least interest and have no time to encourage sports and games, as most of their energies are directed towards their own career profiling and enhancing their promotional avenues.

Latest Beijing 2008 Olympics NewsFind out the latest syndicated news from The Beijing 2008 Olympics. Follow the preparations and build up to the Beijing Olympics then the breaking news and results from the Games themselves. Current feeds include the BBC, ESPN and CBC (Canadian) Olympic News, plus the latest releases from the US, British and Australian Olympic Teams.

Beijing Olympics 2008

India decades of Olympic mediocrity
Resurgent China readies epic show to welcome world
Olympic Schedule
Schedules by Sport

Hi-tech golf gear for the new-age golfer

1. X3R Remote Caddie www.stewartgolfusa.com

You will no longer have to cart your golf bag across the fairway from now. You can instead focus on your game with this remote-controlled caddie. Foldable (to fit into the car's boot) and easy to operate, it offers manoeuvrability and navigation up and down hills and across fairly rugged, uneven terrain.

2. uPro Golf GPS www.uplaytech.com

Golf and GPS devices have been hand-in-glove for quite some time. And now, after SkyCaddie, GolfLogix, GolfPS, StarCaddy, Suunto G9, etc. comes uPro, which debuted at the recent 2008 PGA Orlando show. It claims to provide high-resolution aerial captures, video flyovers and different views as well as GPS info to help you decide how to take a shot. An inbuilt laser rangefinder measures the distance between your location and the hole.

3. Photon Digital Scorecard www.photongolf.com/digicard.htm

Are you still keeping track of those birdies with golf pencils? It's time to zoom into the cyber age with a compact, digital pager-style belt clip unit that keeps an 18-hole score for up to four players. The Photon Digital Scorecard comes with a long-life battery, carabiner bag attachment and a shock-resistant case. It also features an integrated clock and an LED light to help you find your car keys in the dark!

4. Bushnell Range Finders www.bushnellgolf.com

These laser range-finding devices are perfectly legal even for pro tournaments. The Bushnell Pinseeker 1500, a top-of-the-line, 11.9 ounce (337gm), waterproof gadget, offers a range of 5-1,500 yards with a plus-minus yard accuracy and 7X magnification. Since it deploys a digital inclinometer, it can compensate for changes in elevation and determine distance based on the degree of change in the ground slope.

5. Soldius solarcharger golf bags www.mysoldius.com

Many a putt can be ruined by the dying bleeps of a cellphone battery just when you are expecting some important calls out on the green. But with the comfort of a solar charging golf bag alongside, you can chip and chatter away for hours out in the open. The bags include charging tips compatible with more than 250 phones.

6. Suunto G6 Pro www.suunto.com

You know the swing is all that matters in golf! So what if your wristwatch told you all about your swing ”right from measuring the rhythm, tempo, backswing length and the speed? Well, the G6 does just that. You can even hook it to your PC and use the accompanying software to download your swing analysis and game stats onto the computer to identify areas of your game that need some tweaking.

7. Golf Butler www.paramountzone.com/golf-ball-retriever-gadget.htm

Okay, there is nothing really high-tech about this one. This is a simple grip-end ball retriever. But it can save you all the bending. The handy accessory fits onto the end of your putter grip. So you just hold a club by its head and push the gripper over your ball to pick it up from even out of the bunkers and bushes.

8. Dixx Putter www.dixxgolf.com

This unique instructional putter deploys an onboard PDA-like computer to give you specific performance feedback on your shots (stroke patterns, path, impact points, tempo, speed). Along with an inbuilt level finder, it boasts an inertial Navigation System that tracks impact location and a Micro Electro Mechanical System to sense and monitor the motion of the putter. Also check out the Mark Digital Slope Inclinometer and Ball Marker.

9. Victorinox Swiss Army GolfTool www.swissarmy.com

Swiss knives are not all about bivouacking. This golfing special is a one-handed divot repair tool, removable ball marker, and tee punch with groove cleaner. Not to mention some of its more mundane accompanying facets: Bottle opener, nail file, blade, scissors, toothpick and tweezers. Like everything else Victorinox, this one too comes with a lifetime warranty.

10. Ballfinder Scout www.scoutgolf.com

It is touted as one of the most expensive and accurate ball-finding gadgets on the circuit. An innovative hand-held gizmo, it locates golf balls using a 3.2 megapixel digital imager. Ballfinder can find any standard white golf ball from a distance of 35ft just as long as three dimples (or 1% of the ball) are visible.

Ashish Bhatia

Army Contigent picks up 18 Golds at 51st National Championships

Anuja Jung who won the 50m rifle three-position gold at the National Shooting Championships

Russian coaches add firepower to Indian Army shooters. The introduction of Russian coaches and construction of new shooting ranges have added much-need firepower in the arsenal of the shooters from the Indian Army, who put an impressive display to emerge on top at the 51st National Championships held here.

Members of the Army contingent which collected 18 golds, 11 silver and eight bronze medals attribute their victory to the new Russian coaches Pavel Smirenov and Alexander Sidvorov. The Army has roped in Pavel as a pistol coach, while Alexander is the rifle coach. "Both these coaches are former Olympians and they bring a lot of match experience with them," says Subedar Pemba Tamang of the Gorkha Regiment who won gold in the Rapid-fire pistol event. "Though these coaches have been with us for the last two months or so, they have contributed in improving our technique and temparament," added Tamang.

"They have passed on some small, but vital information regarding our technique like standing posture or positioning of the shooting arm," said the shooter from Military Headquarters of War (MHOW). "They also teach us how to mentally approach a closely-fought game," said Tamang, who also put up impressive performances in the team category at the Nationals.

Nayab Subedar Vijay Kumar from the Dongra regiment who won a silver at the Nationals says "These coaches also advise us about the dietary patterns that we must undertake before going for a crucial match". "These coaches are on a one-year contract with the Indian Army. They had joined us about two months back," said Major R S Rai, the OIC (Officer-in-charge) of the pistol team.

One of the Russian coaches, Pavel Smirenow, said "I have earlier coached Syrian, Iranian and Soviet teams. Shooting is a sport where problems differ from shooter to shooter," said Pavel, adding he was working on certain individual technical problems faced by Indian shooters. Pavel did not wish to elaborate on the problems and said he has advised the shooters regarding concentration and the need to add more calories in their diet.

"While the Russian coaches are doing their bit, the Army is also planning to hire a sports psychologist to train our shooters," said Lieutenant Colonel A N Tivary, the OIC of the Army's rifle team. "The impressive showing of the Army in this Nationals has also to do with the improvement in the standards of shooting ranges of the Army," Colonel Tivary said. "Such ranges built as per international standards have improved the quality of shooters," Tivary added.

Credit: Hindustan Times Friday, January 18, 2008

Prime Minister visit to Olympic Site Beijing

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh with the Chinese Premier, Mr. Wen Jiabao at a joint press statement, in Great Hall of People, Beijing in China on January 14, 2008.

2008 Summer Olympics National Stadium Beijing, China

The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh visited the Beijing Olympic site at 16:39 IST, 14 Jan 2008 and following is the text of the Prime Minister’s Inscription in the Visitors book.

“On Behalf of the Government and the people of India, I extend my best wishes for the success of the Olympic games in Beijing. I hope that the Olympic spirit and the traditional hospitality and warmth of the great city of Beijing will promote friendship, peace and understanding among all the Participants, and the countries they represent”

The 2008 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXIX Olympiad will be celebrated from August 8, 2008 to August 24, 2008, with the opening ceremony commencing at 08:08:08 pm at the Beijing National Stadium in Beijing, People's Republic of China. Some events, including football (soccer), sailing, and new 10 km marathon swimming events will be held in other cities of China. With the equestrian events being held in Hong Kong, this marks the second time the same edition of the Olympic Games has been hosted by two National Olympic Committees.

The centerpiece of the 2008 Summer Olympics will be the Beijing National Stadium, nicknamed the "Bird Nest" because of its nest-like skeletal structure. Construction of the venue began on December 24, 2003. The Guangdong Olympic Stadium was originally planned, constructed, and completed in 2001 for the Games, but a decision was made to construct a new stadium in Beijing. Government officials engaged architects worldwide in a design competition. A Swiss firm, Herzog de Meuron Architekten AG, collaborated with China Architecture Design and Research Group to win the competition. The National Stadium will feature a lattice-like concrete skeleton forming the stadium bowl and will have a seating capacity of 80,000 people.

Indian Army Harbingers of Peace and Stability

Western Command to hold 'Know Your Army' exhibitions
Chandigarh Tuesday, Jan 1 2008 IST

On the occasion of Army Day 2008, a series of 'Know Your Army' exhibitions have been planned during this month by the different corps of the Western Command at Ambala, Jalandhar and Jammu. The first such exhibition would be held at Ambala, with a number of activities such as equestrian display, dog show, sky diving, band display, motor cycle display and hot air ballooning lined up for the two-day show on January 5 and 6. The show would possibly be the biggest army display that the residents of the city have ever witnessed in the past, a defence spokesman said.

The theme of the exhibition is ''Indian Army: Harbingers of Peace and Stability''. It will trace the saga of valour and sacrifice of the Indian Army over the decades and portray the technological advancement and military might of the world's second largest army over the years. This would be a unique opportunity for people to witness the latest technology and a wide range of military equipment like tanks, infantry combat vehicles, artillery guns, anti-aircraft guns, radars and engineering equipment, the spokesman said. The exhibition would afford a rare opportunity to the students to experience the thrilling of undertaking rides on tanks and infantry combat vehicles. Besides, awareness stalls would be established for information about joining the Indian army as recruit soldiers and as officers.

Terminal benefits of a glowing career in the Indian army such as Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), Ex-Servicemen Recruitment and Army Welfare Housing Organisation (AWHO) would also be projected. The exhibition would be held at Convoy Ground, Ambala Cantonment on Ambala-Jagadhri road.

Credit: http://news.webindia123.com/news/Articles/India/20080101/860604.html