Naveen & Sandeep in semis

Astana: Pugilists Naveen Kumar and Sandeep Kumar have advanced to the semi-final stage of the second AIBA Junior World Boxing Championships here.

Naveen, who fought in the 50 kg category and Sandeep who won his 58 kg quarter final bout have now assured themselves of a bronze each.

According to a press release, Naveen beat Muradov Malik of Azerbaijan 18-9 in the round of eight.

Sandeep pipped Huascar Ramirez of the Dominican Republic 9-8.

Pele role

Brasilia: Football legend Pele accepted an invitation from Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff to act as an honorary ambassador for the 2014 World Cup. The 70-year-old Brazilian said it was an honour that he could not turn down.

2014 Cup

Rio de Janeiro: The 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil will start on June 12 with the final on July 13, Fifa secretary Jerome Valcke said on Wednesday.

Valcke said the exact match and venue schedule will be announced after the executive committee meets on October 20-21.        

Winning start

New Delhi: India began their team campaign well, notching up resounding wins over France and Hong Kong in their pool C ties of the World Junior Women's Squash Championships in Cairo.

Lalrina feat

Chennai: Mizoram’s Lalrina Renthlei created history by becoming the first national champion in any form of cue sports from his state as the 20-year-old clinched the junior snooker title here, winning two of the three semi-final league matches.

Shoaib to play

Karachi: Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar will be seen in action during an invitational T20 event in Singapore later this week.

“ I don’t know much off the details but yes Shoaib Akhtar is playing as is Shane Warne,” Pakistan opener Imran Farhat said.

PCB undecided

Lahore: The national selection committee held a prolonged session on Wednesday but failed to reach a consensus on the touring squad for next month’s tour of Zimbabwe.

Chief selector Mohsin Khan has said that there is a debate on including some new faces in the touring squad and resting some of the senior players including Younis Khan, Umar Gul, Taufeeq Umar etc.

Chris for Ian

London: England pace spearhead Stuart Broad’s father and ICC Match Referee Chris Broad will replace legendary allrounder Ian Botham as president of the Professional Cricketers’ Association next month.

The 53-year-old Broad, a former England Test player, will take up his new role next month for a fixed term of two years, according to an English daily.

(Agencies)