Archive For The “Sports” Category
New Delhi, Feb 23 : Member of Parliament and former star cricketer Gautam Gambhir has strongly opposed the idea of resumption of cricket between India and Pakistan until Islamabad stops cross-border terrorism in Jammu (and) Kashmir.
In an exclusive interview to IANS at his home in the national capital, the star of the 2007 T20 India-Pakistan World Cup Final and 2011 India-Sri Lanka Final, Gautam Gambhir, said, "Ultimately, cricket does not matter.
The lives of our soldiers do."
Though under international pressure, Pakistan claims that it has cracked down on its terror groups, but it has continued to send armed terrorists in Jammu (and) Kashmir.
In the last few weeks, terror attacks against civilians and security forces in the newly created union territory have increased too.
Gambhir, the national icon who was handpicked by the BJP in Delhi in the 2019 parliamentary elections, argued that Indian cricketers get paid handsomely for playing for the country but soldiers defend the nation selflessly.
"I haven't done any favour to anyone by playing and winning for the country. But look at someone who is defending us on Siachen or Pakistan border, risking his life for a small amount of money.
They are the greatest heroes of our country."
As a child, Gambhir wanted to join the Indian Army but after playing the prestigious Ranji trophy while he was still in school, he was persuaded by his parents to play for India at the international level.
"It was another way of standing up for the country. So I agreed," Gambhir, who now represents the East Delhi constituency in Lok Sabha, recalled.
Though his love for the military and the Indian Army uniform remains intense, he refuses to accept any honorary offers to join the territorial army meant for civilians in India.
"135 million Indian soldiers are brand ambassadors of the Indian Defence Forces. They don't need brand ambassadors to promote themselves," Gambhir said.
The military uniform, he said, is sacrosanct because soldiers who wear it give their blood and lives to defend the country.
"No one should wear it who has not earned it," the cricketer argued passionately.
The former left-handed opening batsman believes that it is the moral responsibility of each and every Indian to speak for the soldiers who are taking bullets in Jammu (and) Kashmir, because of Pakistan's cross-border terrorism.
"They give their lives to protect us. The least we can do is stand by them," says the cricketer under whose captaincy, the Indian team won all six ODIs matches between 2010 and 2011.
Till the time Pakistan stops cross-border terrorism, he said, India should not play cricket with their team.
"I would have taken this stand with or without being in politics. I have always held similar views," the only Indian and one of four international cricketers to have scored hundreds in five consecutive test matches, said emphatically.
Recalling his famous run-ins with Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi, on and off the field, over Kashmir, Gambhir reiterated that he would never appreciate politicisation of the game.
"Afridi's statement during the 2011 semi-final match that he wanted to win the toss for Kashmiris (actually we won that semi-final).
It was a ridiculous statement. We don't talk about Pakistan's issues, so why should talk about our issues? They can deal with their problems and we can handle our own issues."
"But Afridi politicised the toss.
No one appreciated that. So when we won the game I said that I wanted to dedicate it to the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
My stand remains. I say things which I believe. I don't say things to make headlines. That is not something excites me," Gambhir said very firmly.
--IANS
aat/ash.
Source: IANS
In an exclusive interview to IANS at his home in the national capital, the star of the 2007 T20 India-Pakistan World Cup Final and 2011 India-Sri Lanka Final, Gautam Gambhir, said, "Ultimately, cricket does not matter.
The lives of our soldiers do."
Though under international pressure, Pakistan claims that it has cracked down on its terror groups, but it has continued to send armed terrorists in Jammu (and) Kashmir.
In the last few weeks, terror attacks against civilians and security forces in the newly created union territory have increased too.
Gambhir, the national icon who was handpicked by the BJP in Delhi in the 2019 parliamentary elections, argued that Indian cricketers get paid handsomely for playing for the country but soldiers defend the nation selflessly.
"I haven't done any favour to anyone by playing and winning for the country. But look at someone who is defending us on Siachen or Pakistan border, risking his life for a small amount of money.
They are the greatest heroes of our country."
As a child, Gambhir wanted to join the Indian Army but after playing the prestigious Ranji trophy while he was still in school, he was persuaded by his parents to play for India at the international level.
"It was another way of standing up for the country. So I agreed," Gambhir, who now represents the East Delhi constituency in Lok Sabha, recalled.
Though his love for the military and the Indian Army uniform remains intense, he refuses to accept any honorary offers to join the territorial army meant for civilians in India.
"135 million Indian soldiers are brand ambassadors of the Indian Defence Forces. They don't need brand ambassadors to promote themselves," Gambhir said.
The military uniform, he said, is sacrosanct because soldiers who wear it give their blood and lives to defend the country.
"No one should wear it who has not earned it," the cricketer argued passionately.
The former left-handed opening batsman believes that it is the moral responsibility of each and every Indian to speak for the soldiers who are taking bullets in Jammu (and) Kashmir, because of Pakistan's cross-border terrorism.
"They give their lives to protect us. The least we can do is stand by them," says the cricketer under whose captaincy, the Indian team won all six ODIs matches between 2010 and 2011.
Till the time Pakistan stops cross-border terrorism, he said, India should not play cricket with their team.
"I would have taken this stand with or without being in politics. I have always held similar views," the only Indian and one of four international cricketers to have scored hundreds in five consecutive test matches, said emphatically.
Recalling his famous run-ins with Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi, on and off the field, over Kashmir, Gambhir reiterated that he would never appreciate politicisation of the game.
"Afridi's statement during the 2011 semi-final match that he wanted to win the toss for Kashmiris (actually we won that semi-final).
It was a ridiculous statement. We don't talk about Pakistan's issues, so why should talk about our issues? They can deal with their problems and we can handle our own issues."
"But Afridi politicised the toss.
No one appreciated that. So when we won the game I said that I wanted to dedicate it to the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
My stand remains. I say things which I believe. I don't say things to make headlines. That is not something excites me," Gambhir said very firmly.
--IANS
aat/ash.
Source: IANS
Hyderabad, Feb 23 : The Cricket Academy of Pathans (CAP) on Tuesday launched its centre in Hyderabad to provide world-class infrastructure and coaching to budding cricketers.
CAP Director and former India international Yusuf Pathan, who opened the centre, said that the CAP initiative is aimed at giving back something to the game that gave him and his brother Irfan Pathan everything.
He said the academy will provide to the budding cricketers a platform and infrastructure, which they lacked during their cricketing days.
Yusuf Pathan, who interacted with the students, shared the experiences he gained while playing cricket in Hyderabad and also his past association with the Sunrisers Hyderabad franchise in the Indian Premier League.
Pathan noted that Hyderabad has a lot of talent and it requires the best infrastructure.
"I am excited to launch our academy in Hyderabad as I have played here in the recent past and seen its cricketing talents from close quarters," the cricketer said.
"Seeing the massive pool of talent and cricketing culture in Hyderabad, I am sure that the students will be benefitted by our best-in-class coaching infrastructure and latest technology.
I am confident that the CAP will receive tremendous interest from emerging cricketers and produce professional cricketers from Hyderabad," he added.
He also promised to allot 10 per cent of seats in the academy to underprivileged kids.
"We will provide infrastructure for free to kids who can't afford it," he said.
The Hyderabad centre is the 23rd centre of CAP, which plans to launch centres in another 25 cities.
CAP Managing Director Harmeet Vasdev said the academy has pledged to invest Rs 3 crore along with its partners for further aggressive expansion across India.
"We are planning to launch CAP in another 25 cities which includes Jodhpur, Kolkata, Pune, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Srinagar, Coimbatore, Visakhapatnam, Agra, Mathura, Bijnor, Gulbarga and Berhampur by the end of 2021," he said.
Vasdev said that former Australia captain Greg Chappell will be their chief mentor, who has designed the curriculum for the academy based on Cricket Australia's methods.
CAP has partnered with PitchVision, a UK based cricket technology company, to track the students' performance in real-time as it automatically generates videos and statistical analysis.
The academy also plans to launch a mobile application soon which will bridge the gap between the students, coaches and the management.
Vasdev pointed out that recently two players from CAP in Patna represented the Bihar state team in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, while overall, 55 students across India have represented various district and state level teams.
Few players are also representing their respective state teams in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy.
--IANS
ms/arm.
Source: IANS
CAP Director and former India international Yusuf Pathan, who opened the centre, said that the CAP initiative is aimed at giving back something to the game that gave him and his brother Irfan Pathan everything.
He said the academy will provide to the budding cricketers a platform and infrastructure, which they lacked during their cricketing days.
Yusuf Pathan, who interacted with the students, shared the experiences he gained while playing cricket in Hyderabad and also his past association with the Sunrisers Hyderabad franchise in the Indian Premier League.
Pathan noted that Hyderabad has a lot of talent and it requires the best infrastructure.
"I am excited to launch our academy in Hyderabad as I have played here in the recent past and seen its cricketing talents from close quarters," the cricketer said.
"Seeing the massive pool of talent and cricketing culture in Hyderabad, I am sure that the students will be benefitted by our best-in-class coaching infrastructure and latest technology.
I am confident that the CAP will receive tremendous interest from emerging cricketers and produce professional cricketers from Hyderabad," he added.
He also promised to allot 10 per cent of seats in the academy to underprivileged kids.
"We will provide infrastructure for free to kids who can't afford it," he said.
The Hyderabad centre is the 23rd centre of CAP, which plans to launch centres in another 25 cities.
CAP Managing Director Harmeet Vasdev said the academy has pledged to invest Rs 3 crore along with its partners for further aggressive expansion across India.
"We are planning to launch CAP in another 25 cities which includes Jodhpur, Kolkata, Pune, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Srinagar, Coimbatore, Visakhapatnam, Agra, Mathura, Bijnor, Gulbarga and Berhampur by the end of 2021," he said.
Vasdev said that former Australia captain Greg Chappell will be their chief mentor, who has designed the curriculum for the academy based on Cricket Australia's methods.
CAP has partnered with PitchVision, a UK based cricket technology company, to track the students' performance in real-time as it automatically generates videos and statistical analysis.
The academy also plans to launch a mobile application soon which will bridge the gap between the students, coaches and the management.
Vasdev pointed out that recently two players from CAP in Patna represented the Bihar state team in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, while overall, 55 students across India have represented various district and state level teams.
Few players are also representing their respective state teams in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy.
--IANS
ms/arm.
Source: IANS
Bhubaneswar, Feb 16 : Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday laid the foundation stone of an international hockey stadium in Rourkela in Sundergarh district, which will be India's largest of its kind when completed.
The new stadium named after noted freedom fighter Birsa Munda will be the 2nd venue for the Men's Hockey World Cup 2023 matches.
The stadium spread over 15 acres of land on the Biju Patnaik University of Technology campus will seat over 20,000 spectators, apart from providing them various facilities.
"The spirit of hockey is in the soil, air and water of Sundergarh district, which has now found a place on the world sports map.
It is a matter of pleasure that Rourkela city has been nominated for the 2023 hockey World Cup venue," Patnaik said while addressing a gathering at the BPUT ground.
The stadium is adjacent to the Rourkela air strip, from where commercial flights are expected to start soon.
The Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone of astroturfs in all 17 blocks of the district to nurture hockey talent.
Patnaik also inaugurated projects entailing an expenditure of Rs 835 crore and laid the foundation stones of various projects worth Rs 4,080 crore.
--IANS
cd/tsb.
Source: IANS
The new stadium named after noted freedom fighter Birsa Munda will be the 2nd venue for the Men's Hockey World Cup 2023 matches.
The stadium spread over 15 acres of land on the Biju Patnaik University of Technology campus will seat over 20,000 spectators, apart from providing them various facilities.
"The spirit of hockey is in the soil, air and water of Sundergarh district, which has now found a place on the world sports map.
It is a matter of pleasure that Rourkela city has been nominated for the 2023 hockey World Cup venue," Patnaik said while addressing a gathering at the BPUT ground.
The stadium is adjacent to the Rourkela air strip, from where commercial flights are expected to start soon.
The Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone of astroturfs in all 17 blocks of the district to nurture hockey talent.
Patnaik also inaugurated projects entailing an expenditure of Rs 835 crore and laid the foundation stones of various projects worth Rs 4,080 crore.
--IANS
cd/tsb.
Source: IANS
Chandigarh, Feb 15 : Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh has been booked by Haryana Police in an eight-month-old complaint of making a "casteist slur" against Yuzvendra Chahal, officials said on Monday.
A complaint was lodged against Yuvraj by Hisar-based Dalit activist Rajan Kalsan in June last year for allegedly using the "casteist slur".
He had alleged the comments of Yuvraj, made during an Instagram live session with Rohit Sharma in April last year, degraded and defamed the Dalit community.
The former India all-rounder was on Sunday booked by the Hansi Police in Hisar district under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
As per the complaint, the remarks were meant to provoke the community in an attempt to create unrest by hurting social sentiments of the country.
"I request you to press appropriate charges against Yuvraj Singh and arrest him," said the complainant.
Following the controversy, the 39-year-old former cricketer had come out with an apology on Twitter after facing a lot of backlash on social media.
"This is to clarify I have never believed in any kind of disparity, be it on the lines of caste, colour, creed or gender.
I have given and continue to spend my life for the welfare of people. I believe in the dignity of life and respect each individual without exception," Yuvraj had tweeted.
"I understand that while I was having a conversation with my friends, I was misunderstood, which was unwarranted.
However, as a responsible Indian I want to say that if I have unintentionally hurt anybody's sentiments or feelings, I would like to express apology for the same," he added.
Yuvraj announced his retirement from international cricket in 2019 after representing India in 304 ODIs, 58 T20Is and 40 Tests.
--IANS
vg/aak/.
Source: IANS
A complaint was lodged against Yuvraj by Hisar-based Dalit activist Rajan Kalsan in June last year for allegedly using the "casteist slur".
He had alleged the comments of Yuvraj, made during an Instagram live session with Rohit Sharma in April last year, degraded and defamed the Dalit community.
The former India all-rounder was on Sunday booked by the Hansi Police in Hisar district under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
As per the complaint, the remarks were meant to provoke the community in an attempt to create unrest by hurting social sentiments of the country.
"I request you to press appropriate charges against Yuvraj Singh and arrest him," said the complainant.
Following the controversy, the 39-year-old former cricketer had come out with an apology on Twitter after facing a lot of backlash on social media.
"This is to clarify I have never believed in any kind of disparity, be it on the lines of caste, colour, creed or gender.
I have given and continue to spend my life for the welfare of people. I believe in the dignity of life and respect each individual without exception," Yuvraj had tweeted.
"I understand that while I was having a conversation with my friends, I was misunderstood, which was unwarranted.
However, as a responsible Indian I want to say that if I have unintentionally hurt anybody's sentiments or feelings, I would like to express apology for the same," he added.
Yuvraj announced his retirement from international cricket in 2019 after representing India in 304 ODIs, 58 T20Is and 40 Tests.
--IANS
vg/aak/.
Source: IANS
Chandigarh, Feb 13 : Haryana Police on Saturday constituted a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the murder of five wrestlers, comprising a couple, in Rohtak town.
It announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh for prime suspect Sukhwinder, also a grappler.
"An SIT comprising two DSPs has been constituted to investigate the case and arrest the suspect," Superintendent of Police Rahul Sharma told the media.
Coach Manoj Malik, his wife Sakshi Malik and three other wrestlers were gunned down at a wrestling rink on Friday evening allegedly by wrestling coach Sukhwinder in a fit of anger over his suspension from the job.Sharma said the preliminary investigation indicated that Manoj had got Sukhwinder terminated from the job on a complaint.
The dead are Manoj Kumar, a resident of Saragthala village in Sonipat, his wife Sakshi, Pooja, wrestling coach Satish Kumar and Pradeep Malik.
Sakshi's three-year-old son and Amarjit were injured in the crime.
--IANS
vg/ash.
Source: IANS
It announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh for prime suspect Sukhwinder, also a grappler.
"An SIT comprising two DSPs has been constituted to investigate the case and arrest the suspect," Superintendent of Police Rahul Sharma told the media.
Coach Manoj Malik, his wife Sakshi Malik and three other wrestlers were gunned down at a wrestling rink on Friday evening allegedly by wrestling coach Sukhwinder in a fit of anger over his suspension from the job.Sharma said the preliminary investigation indicated that Manoj had got Sukhwinder terminated from the job on a complaint.
The dead are Manoj Kumar, a resident of Saragthala village in Sonipat, his wife Sakshi, Pooja, wrestling coach Satish Kumar and Pradeep Malik.
Sakshi's three-year-old son and Amarjit were injured in the crime.
--IANS
vg/ash.
Source: IANS
Srinagar, Feb 12 : Khelo India games will be held between February 25 and March 2, 2021 without disturbing the pre-booked tourist accommodation at Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Friday.
Earlier, a news appeared in a section of media wherein a communication from district administration Baramulla was quoted for cancellation of pre booking accommodation at Gulmarg in view of the Khelo India games.
The Directorate of Tourism Kashmir has clarified that in consultation with stakeholders including District Administration Baramulla, J (and) K Sports Council and Hoteliers Club, Gulmarg had deliberated upon the issue in series of meetings wherein a mutually agreed formula was devised to ensure that the requisite accommodation is made available for the Khelo India participants and others without disturbing the tourists facilities.
The tourism department said that it has been the consistent endeavour of the department to ensure that while tourism is promoted through different mediums including holding of mega sports events like Khelo India, at the same time, the department is committed to ensure that the tourists are provided hassle free facilities and also best hospitality after taking onboard all the stakeholders like hoteliers, travel agents and others.
--IANS
zi/pgh.
Source: IANS
Earlier, a news appeared in a section of media wherein a communication from district administration Baramulla was quoted for cancellation of pre booking accommodation at Gulmarg in view of the Khelo India games.
The Directorate of Tourism Kashmir has clarified that in consultation with stakeholders including District Administration Baramulla, J (and) K Sports Council and Hoteliers Club, Gulmarg had deliberated upon the issue in series of meetings wherein a mutually agreed formula was devised to ensure that the requisite accommodation is made available for the Khelo India participants and others without disturbing the tourists facilities.
The tourism department said that it has been the consistent endeavour of the department to ensure that while tourism is promoted through different mediums including holding of mega sports events like Khelo India, at the same time, the department is committed to ensure that the tourists are provided hassle free facilities and also best hospitality after taking onboard all the stakeholders like hoteliers, travel agents and others.
--IANS
zi/pgh.
Source: IANS
Srinagar, Feb 12 : Khelo India games will be held between February 25 and March 2, 2021 without disturbing the pre-booked tourist accommodation at Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Friday.
Earlier, a news appeared in a section of media wherein a communication from district administration Baramulla was quoted for cancellation of pre booking accommodation at Gulmarg in view of the Khelo India games.
The Directorate of Tourism Kashmir has clarified that in consultation with stakeholders including District Administration Baramulla, J (and) K Sports Council and Hoteliers Club, Gulmarg had deliberated upon the issue in series of meetings wherein a mutually agreed formula was devised to ensure that the requisite accommodation is made available for the Khelo India participants and others without disturbing the tourists facilities.
The tourism department said that it has been the consistent endeavour of the department to ensure that while tourism is promoted through different mediums including holding of mega sports events like Khelo India, at the same time, the department is committed to ensure that the tourists are provided hassle free facilities and also best hospitality after taking onboard all the stakeholders like hoteliers, travel agents and others.
--IANS
zi/pgh.
Source: IANS
Earlier, a news appeared in a section of media wherein a communication from district administration Baramulla was quoted for cancellation of pre booking accommodation at Gulmarg in view of the Khelo India games.
The Directorate of Tourism Kashmir has clarified that in consultation with stakeholders including District Administration Baramulla, J (and) K Sports Council and Hoteliers Club, Gulmarg had deliberated upon the issue in series of meetings wherein a mutually agreed formula was devised to ensure that the requisite accommodation is made available for the Khelo India participants and others without disturbing the tourists facilities.
The tourism department said that it has been the consistent endeavour of the department to ensure that while tourism is promoted through different mediums including holding of mega sports events like Khelo India, at the same time, the department is committed to ensure that the tourists are provided hassle free facilities and also best hospitality after taking onboard all the stakeholders like hoteliers, travel agents and others.
--IANS
zi/pgh.
Source: IANS
Chandigarh, Feb 10 : To encourage the sportspersons, especially those who are not economically well-off but have qualified for participation in Olympic Games, the Haryana Government on Wednesday decided to grant preparation money of Rs 5 lakh to them.
A decision to this effect was taken in the meeting of Cabinet held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar here.
The players, with the help of this preparatory money, after getting quality training and diet, will excel in sports, which will bring glory to the state in particular and to the country as a whole, an official statement said.
--IANS
vg/ash.
Source: IANS
A decision to this effect was taken in the meeting of Cabinet held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar here.
The players, with the help of this preparatory money, after getting quality training and diet, will excel in sports, which will bring glory to the state in particular and to the country as a whole, an official statement said.
--IANS
vg/ash.
Source: IANS
Chennai, Feb 8 : Pained by the loss of lives in the massive flash flood caused by a glacier breach near Joshimath in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, India wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has decided to donate his match fee of the ongoing first Test against England in order to contribute towards the rescue efforts.
Nearly 150 people were still feared missing and many killed and as many as 10 bodies have been recovered after the tragic incident that took place on Sunday morning.
Pant also urged people to come out and help in these trying times.
"Deeply pained by the loss of life in Uttarakhand. Would like to donate my match fee for the rescue efforts and would urge more people to help out," Pant said in a tweet.
"Stay strong people of Uttarakhand.
Praying for everyone's well being?," tweeted Harbhajan Singh.
The rescue operation is still in progress and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for next of the kin of all those who have lost their lives and Rs 50,000 compensation for those who were seriously injured in the disaster.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat has also announced compensation of Rs 4 lakh to the families of all the deceased.
--IANS
aak/in.
Source: IANS
Nearly 150 people were still feared missing and many killed and as many as 10 bodies have been recovered after the tragic incident that took place on Sunday morning.
Pant also urged people to come out and help in these trying times.
"Deeply pained by the loss of life in Uttarakhand. Would like to donate my match fee for the rescue efforts and would urge more people to help out," Pant said in a tweet.
"Stay strong people of Uttarakhand.
Praying for everyone's well being?," tweeted Harbhajan Singh.
The rescue operation is still in progress and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for next of the kin of all those who have lost their lives and Rs 50,000 compensation for those who were seriously injured in the disaster.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat has also announced compensation of Rs 4 lakh to the families of all the deceased.
--IANS
aak/in.
Source: IANS
New Delhi, Jan 20 : Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday congratulated the Indian cricket team for winning the final Test at Brisbane where Australia had never lost a Test match since 1988, and said that the team's performance against incredible odds has brought glory to India.
In a letter to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Sonia Gandhi said, "Like millions of Indians, I am jubilant and so very proud at your magnificent, heroic and historic victory at Brisbane.
Your performance, against incredible odds, has brought glory to India, and shone the international spotlight on the superb quality of Team India's players," she said.
Her remarks came a day after the Ajinkya Rahane-led side on Tuesday chased down a target of 328 runs, the third highest target they have chased down in Test history as they became the first team to beat Australia at the Gabba in more than 32 years.
The Congress chief said that the Indian team has also demonstrated "discipline, physical and mental toughness and exemplary team spirit" that resulted in this victory -- and will bring the team many other victories in future.
"The Indian team's performance at Brisbane, where Australia had never lost a Test match for over 30 years, the strength and grace with which each of you faced conditions of quarantine and racial abuse and the fighting spirit you displayed has won you the admiration and respect of the whole country and brought us joy and hope -- indeed, a shot in the arm, that we sorely needed during a particularly difficult time," she said.
Australia had won the first Test of the series in Adelaide, while bowling out India with the pink ball for their lowest Test total of 36.
The Rahane-led side, however, registered a stunning comeback in Melbourne, winning the Boxing Day Test by eight wickets.
The third Test then ended in an epic draw in Sydney.
--IANS
aks/kr.
Source: IANS
In a letter to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Sonia Gandhi said, "Like millions of Indians, I am jubilant and so very proud at your magnificent, heroic and historic victory at Brisbane.
Your performance, against incredible odds, has brought glory to India, and shone the international spotlight on the superb quality of Team India's players," she said.
Her remarks came a day after the Ajinkya Rahane-led side on Tuesday chased down a target of 328 runs, the third highest target they have chased down in Test history as they became the first team to beat Australia at the Gabba in more than 32 years.
The Congress chief said that the Indian team has also demonstrated "discipline, physical and mental toughness and exemplary team spirit" that resulted in this victory -- and will bring the team many other victories in future.
"The Indian team's performance at Brisbane, where Australia had never lost a Test match for over 30 years, the strength and grace with which each of you faced conditions of quarantine and racial abuse and the fighting spirit you displayed has won you the admiration and respect of the whole country and brought us joy and hope -- indeed, a shot in the arm, that we sorely needed during a particularly difficult time," she said.
Australia had won the first Test of the series in Adelaide, while bowling out India with the pink ball for their lowest Test total of 36.
The Rahane-led side, however, registered a stunning comeback in Melbourne, winning the Boxing Day Test by eight wickets.
The third Test then ended in an epic draw in Sydney.
--IANS
aks/kr.
Source: IANS