THE MIZORAM POST AIZAWL 6 SPORTS WEDNESDAY 16 DECEMBER 2020

Aashi grabs 2 podium Mohun Bagan looking to get back finishes in Dubai to winning ways against in-form Endurance Karting C'ship DUBAI, DEC 15 (AGENCIES) MARGAO, DEC 15 (AGENCIES) points in their previous game against 's rising kart racing star Having slipped from the top position FC. Aashi Hanspal created a record in the (ISL) table "There is a long way (to go this of sorts by taking part in the after going winless in their last two season)," Habas had said about his team prestigious 24-Hour Dubai matches, ATK Mohun Bagan will target losing the top spot. "Obviously, we don't Endurance Karting a return to winning ways when they want to lose but we have many problems Championship and also face in-form FC Goa at the Fatorda with injuries. But we have to recover the clinching two podium places Stadium here on Wednesday. players and make them compete." along with her teammates in the While the Mariners are placed While striker will aim to overall championship. third on the table with 10 points after extend his goal-scoring tally for Goa, Roy Aashi became the only Indian five games, their opponents, FC Goa, Krishna will be key for Bagan during girl to compete in the World placed fifth with 8 points, are not too counter-attacks. The Fijian has scored Series event held over the earlier this year. far away. four of his team's six goals so far - with weekend in Dubai's Motorcity. "I was thrilled when The contest will not only see two all their goals coming in the second half. The all-Indian team, DojoMoto Racing invited me to of the strongest teams in the Hero ISL Out of the five goals Goa have let in featuring Arjun Manjunath race for Team EBC Brakes along take on each other but will also pit so far, three have come after the half- (), Rachit Singhal with fellow racers from . two tactically sound managers with time break and Ferrando is aware his (), Jamie (Mumbai), Aditya We worked well as a group and contrasting philosophies. side will need to be alert throughout the Swaminathan (Bangalore) and won two trophies, one of which Mohun Bagan coach Antonio game. Aashi, grabbed the second as a Team India representative," Habas puts his belief in a pragmatic "It's so very important to have one position in the overall Aashi, 14, said. way of playing the game -- sitting deep plan for the team since we play against championship as well as the first The annual Dubai Endurance and hitting opposition sides on the a very good team, not only Krishna," he position in the Nations Cup. Championship consists of four counter attack. So far, the said. "It's important to be compact of Aashi, who was chosen for rounds, with the last one being giants have had an average of 46 course (but) also (take care of) the the Outstanding Women in the 24-Hour Championship held percent possession - third-lowest by time, area of the ball and the spaces. Motorsports Award by FMSCI in this weekend in Dubai. In Round a team this season. It's important to focus on these details 2019, had also become the only 1, teams raced against each Meanwhile, Juan Ferrando's FC possession - most by a team this with injury concerns with Javi disrupted the balance of the side for 90 minutes. This team is incredible Indian girl to take part in the FIA other for 400 laps, in Round 2 Goa side, like to hog possession of the campaign. Hernandez and Tiri both doubtful for and Habas acknowledged the because for 90 minutes they are Girls on Track 'Rising Stars' for six hours non-stop and in ball. They have averaged 59 percent Bagan, however, will have to deal the game. Injuries to the duo have problem after his side dropped working hard." initiative in France in October Round 3 for 12 hours non-stop. ICC Test Rankings: Kohli climbs to second; Want to play for India ISL’s youngest captain Pujara, Rahane in top-ten for batsmen over a lengthy period, top-10 list. Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah (779) Lalengmawia Ralte gives and veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin (756) says Maninder Singh are the two Indians to find a place in the ICC Test BENGALURU, DEC 15 (AGENCIES) going on to win the silver medal Northeast a song for the future rankings for bowlers at eighth and 10th spots For an athlete, representing at the 3rd Youth Olympics Games respectively. The list is being headed by Australia’s CANDOLIM, DEC 15 the national team on the held in 2018, the mid-fielder is Courage under adversity comes Pat Cummins (904), followed by England’s Stuart biggest stage is always the aiming to follow in the footsteps Broad and New Zealand’s Neil Wagner. easily to Lalengmawia (Apuia) dream, and for junior Indian of legendary players. Ralte. It has been a natural part of Two other Indians — Ravindra Jadeja and mid-fielder Maninder Singh, "I think I've been fortunate to Ashwin — also feature in the top-10 list for ICC Test his game since the age of 13, when playing in tournaments like have had the opportunity to play he suddenly found that being one rankings for all-rounders, which is being topped by the FIH Junior World Cup for India at the junior level, and Stokes. While Jadeja is placed third in the chart with of smallest boys in the U-17 2021 and the AHF Men's win medals as well. When I had football league in Mizoram would DUBAI, DEC 15 397 rating points behind West Indies’ Jason Holder, Junior Asia Cup 2021 is still started playing hockey, and was India captain Virat Kohli on Tuesday jumped one place Ashwin is at sixth with 281 points. In the ICC Test not save him from ankle- a dream which he intends to winning those medals at the crunching tackles. to second in the ICC Test ranking for batsmen, which rankings for teams, India is currently placed third fulfil with the national junior Nehru Cup or the Hockey India also features Chesteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane after New Zealand jumped to the second spot This courage forged in muddy men's hockey team. Sub-Junior National pitches of Aizawl was on display in at the seventh and 10th positions respectively. Kohli is following its recent 2-0 series win over the West With the two major Championships, I took those the leading Indian batsman in the chart with 886 rating Indies. the 2017 U-17 World Cup, when tournaments scheduled for achievements as stepping stone he burst through Ghana’s defence Young players have always been the Northeast United FC side under points behind Australia’s Steve Smith (911 points). India has 114 rating points, two points behind next year, and the former for my career at the senior level, welcome to give inputs on the field their new leadership. New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson dropped a New Zealand and table-toppers Australia, who both to get India’s first shot on target of slated to take place in India, and without looking too far the match, introduced as a 78th as well as in team meetings,” he Despite the numerous hurdles rung to the third spot. He is followed by young have 116 points but the Aussies are ahead on decimal the 19-year-old is hoping to ahead, I just want to remain said. they have faced this season — the Australian batting sensation Marnus Labuschagne, points. England is placed fourth ahead of Sri Lanka, minute substitute, his effort a impress on the big stage. focused on my goal of playing for surprise spark ending a point-less Despite this, captaincy seems cramped size of their training Pakistan’s Babar Azam, and injured David Warner. South Africa, Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, and "I think these two India over a lengthy period and to have brought the best out of ground in Candolim, the Covid-19 Zimbabwe. But India has a chance to move up the campaign. It is this same courage Pujara is seventh in the chart with 766 points, tournaments are something try to learn from legends like which has earned him the title of Apuia. He was named ‘Man of the positive tests that halted team followed by Ben Stokes (760), Joe Root (738) and ranking ladder as it takes on Australia in the four- that all junior players keep Sardar Singh and Manpreet Northeast United FC captain this Match’ on his captaincy debut, a preparations last month — they India Test vice-captain Rahane (726) to complete the match Test series, starting Thursday in Adelaide. in mind when they look at Singh," said Maninder who season, making the 20-year-old the 1-1 draw against FC Goa. It has are unbeaten in the season so far the future and are setting originally belongs to the Sangrur youngest ever captain in the league. been a rapid rise through the ranks and are placed second on the goals for themselves. With district in Punjab. “Apuia is a talented and local at Northeast United for Apuia, who points table, only behind Mumbai the Junior World Cup Commenting on his player. He is determined to made his ISL debut only last City FC. “Mumbai are the toughest scheduled to take place in experience of having been in the become better in every game. I season, earning a place in the opponents we have faced this India and the Junior Asia Cup national camp, Maninder said, "I expect so much from him,” said starting XI almost instantly with a season so far,” Apuia said. “Under in Bangladesh, our focus has have enjoyed each and every Northeast United manager Gerard strong passing accuracy of 80.45 (the current shifted to these major moment of being a part of the Nus, explaining the decision. Nus percent in 10 matches. Northeast Mumbai City coach and former FC competitions," said national camps, and it has given himself, at 35, is the youngest United finished last season at 9th Goa coach), Goa were the toughest Maninder in a Hockey India me the opportunity to speak to manager in the fray this season but spot, but in Apuia, the butcher’s side last season. And while Goa are statement. some of India's best players," said age is not a factor at all in his son cleaving off attacks in the still a difficult opponent because "It is a dream for said Maninder. team. centre of midfield, they had found of their open passing and attacking everyone to win medals, and "I've frequently spoken to Apuia (Mizo for ‘something a long-term prospect. style of play, Lobera’s Mumbai are I think we can repeat what Gurjant Singh who was a that will grow bigger’), as Shylo Malsawmtluanga, the the team to beat this season,” he the Indian junior men's tremendous performer for that Lalengmawia is called by ‘Godfather of Mizo football’, said said. hockey team did in 2016. 2016 Junior World Cup winning teammates, said his friends and what marks Apuia out is his The season might have started Those players (who played in team, and he has always been family are delighted he has been humility and level-headedness on an auspicious note for the 2016) impressed on the very supportive and has given this opportunity, but that under pressure. “His leadership Highlanders, but Apuia biggest stage, and most of motivated me to make it to the being named captain has not quality, despite his young age, that acknowledged that lack of squad them also succeeded in senior team also in the future. I changed his on-field role much. too in the ISL, is worth applauding. depth is something that may stretch making in to the senior team, think what these small “I prefer leading by example It makes him a very valuable player them as the season progresses. “All and I want to do the same," interactions do to your self than to be vocal with instructions in Indian football. As for Mizoram, we can do is to take each game at he added. confidence is unmatched, and I or encouragements. To be honest, his legions of fans are only a time, give our 100 percent every Having first represented am looking forward to playing my role has not changed much growing,” said the former time we step on to the pitch and the team in 2017 at the 7th my part in this exciting phase of within the team. Northeast United footballer. Courage under adversity hope that everyone stays injury- Sultan of Johor Cup and then Indian hockey," he added. has always had a very open culture. also seems to be the mantra for free,” he said.