Deschamps keen to lead France into 2022 World Cup PAGE 19

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2019

Xavi visits Generation Amazing programme QATAR CUP BASKETBALL in India, kicks off pitch construction PAGE 19 AL WAKRA VS AL ARABI (6 PM)

Quick read Japan Olympic chief Gymnastics World Cup action to step down TOKYO: The head of Japan’s Olympic Com- mittee said on Tuesday at Aspire Dome from today he would step down in June, as French au- VINAY NAYUDU thorities probe his involvement DOHA in payments made before Tokyo was awarded the 2020 Summer WITH an eye on 2020 Tokyo Games. “Considering the future Olympics, as many as 188 of the JOC, I think the most ap- gymnasts including some of propriate thing is to leave things the world’s leading stars will to a new leader from the next swing into big action at the generation so that they can host state-of-the-art Aspire Dome the Olympics and carve a new in Doha from Wednesday with era,” Tsunekazu Takeda told a the start of the 12th FIG Artis- meeting of the Japanese Olympic tic Gymnastics World Cup. Committee (JOC) in Tokyo. He The four-day event – which said his decision had “nothing is a qualification event for the to do with the investigation”. 2020 Tokyo Olympics – will The 71-year-old said he would feature a total of 128 men and also be stepping down from the 60 women artistic gymnasts International Olympic Committee. from 57 countries. Takeda has come under pressure Several gymnasts have al- not to seek an additional term ready been practicing at the when his current mandate ends venue for the past few days in June after it was revealed that and are keen to put up their French authorities believe they best show. have evidence of corruption in Among those who are aim- the awarding of the 2020 Games ing to seal an Olympic berth to Tokyo. (AFP) besides picking up medals also include world champions Xiao Ruoteng and Zou Jingy- Ashes 2019: England uan of China, and Dutch Epke and Australia shirts Zonderland. 4-Day Show to feature player Among the youngsters The four-day event – which names & numbers Philippines’ Carlos Edriel Yulo, who became his coun- is a qualification event for the try’s first medal-winner at 2020 Tokyo Olympics – will the World Championships in feature a total of 128 men Doha last October, will be the and 60 women artistic cynosure of all eyes. The tal- gymnasts from 57 countries. ented Filipino took the floor honours with a score of 14.566 at the Melbourne edition. LONDON: For the first time in Lee Chih-kai of the Chi- 142 years of Test , play- nese Taipei, who won the A gymnast at one of the training halls at the Aspire Dome ahead of the 12th Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Doha on Monday. ers’ shirts will feature their name bronze in pommel horse here and squad number when England at the Worlds, can also uncork host Australia in this summer’s a surprise after his triumph Ashes. The change comes as in the same apparatus with part of the International Cricket 15.266 points last month. Council’s promotional plans for Romania’s 38-year-old the new World Test Champion- Marian Dragulescu will also be ship. The ICC wants to make back to compete with a young- Today’s Action cludes Yu Linmin, who fin- players more easily identifiable er generation of athletes. ished third behind Oksana in to encourage greater engage- Qatar’s Ahmed al Daya- Men’s Qualifications for Apparatus Finals Melbourne. ment in . Names and ni, Ahmed Mosa and Raslan (FX-PH-R) 3.30pm to 7.30pm Double world champion Women’s Qualifications for Apparatus Finals numbers have long been used Saoud, who will make his (VT-UB) 4.30pm to 7.30pm Fan Yilin added to her grow- for limited over and domestic debut as a senior in a major ing list of international medals cricket. The only minor change competition, will be the local when she won the uneven bars to Test shirts came in 2001 attractions. appearance at the Games, will title final, also in Melbourne. when England introduced a small Ferhat Arican, who became also be competing in Doha. Ahead of the opening debut cap number under the the first Turkish male gymnast One can gauge her commit- day of the World Cup, Qatar Three Lions crest, other teams after 108 years to compete at ment and form from her recent Gymnastics Federation Pres- then following suit. The world’s the 2016 Rio Olympics, will success which included a silver ident and Head of Organis- top nine sides will take part in also hope to pick up a medal in the vault at the Melbourne ing Committee Ali al Hitmi the new championships over two on parallel bars. Qatar gymnasts Raslan Saoud, Ahmed Mosa and Ahmed al Dayani with coach Oleg. leg of FIG Individual Appara- said the Doha leg will see the years, with the Ashes the first Unlike other gymnasts, tus World Cup last month. largest participation in the Test series to be included – the world horizontal bar champi- of last year - and now Baku, Baku, the pressure is off me Individual Apparatus World Oksana lost to South Ko- history of the tournament top two teams will meet in the on Zonderland will be under Olympic qualification goal is now. And that’s nice. This is a Cup in Baku last Saturday, has rea’s Yeo Seo-jeong in a repeat after the 2018 World Artistic final in 2021. The first Ashes less pressure, with the London almost achieved. I also fin- giant step towards the Tokyo already said that she’s aiming of last year’s Asian Games vault Gymnastics Championships, Test begins at Edgbaston on 1 2012 Olympic gold medallist ished second in Melbourne last Games,” he said. for another superlative perfor- final in Jakarta (INA), but Yeo’s which witnessed impressive August. with Australia the current in touching distance of quali- month. You receive 30 points Meanwhile, Oksana Chu- mance in Doha. total was just 0.066 higher than success in October, especial- holders having won the 2017/18 fying for the Olympics. per win. Out of the maximum sovitina of Uzbekistan, who The world’s oldest Olympi- this ‘mother of one’. ly since it was the first time series 4-0. (AGENCIES) “After my victory in Cott- number of 90 points, I now just won a silver in the wom- an at 43, Chusovitina is target- China will field a five- the tournament was held in bus (Germany) – at the end have 85 in my pocket. After en’s vault final at the FIG ART ing her record eighth Olympic member team that also in- the Middle East. Bring on the World Cup, we fear no one: Afghan spin king Khan

AFP League (IPL) begins at the said Khan, who cost Hyderabad against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. to play cricket in a country rav- DEHRADUN weekend, Khan said Aghani- $597,000 in 2017 and took 21 The world took notice when aged by war for decades. stan’s cricketers now need only for them last year. he became the fastest bowler While many of the Af- TRAILBLAZING bowler Rashid to believe in themselves. “And then you perform to 100 ODI wickets, complet- ghanistan’s players learnt the Khan said Afghanistan will fear “We have the talent and we there on flat wickets like the ing the milestone in 44 games, game in refugee camps across no one when the World Cup have the skills,” he told AFP in IPL and that gives you a kind of eight fewer than Australia’s the border in Pakistan, Khan starts in May after a maiden an interview. satisfaction and confidence that Mitchell Starc. He now has 123 played with his seven brothers Test win enhanced the reputa- At last year’s Asia Cup, Af- I can deliver when I am in the in 57 matches. to hone his skills. tion of the rising cricket nation. ghanistan made a breakthrough national side.” Khan says the key to his suc- “It was tough because of Khan, who is one of the by topping their group in the Khan has travelled the world cess is that he focuses only on the lack of facilities. No good world’s leading bowlers in short- 50-over competition ahead of to take part in leagues practising and playing despite grounds and equipment. But we form cricket, said Afghanistan’s established Test nations Bangla- including Australia’s Big Bash, bearing the huge expectation still enjoyed our cricket,” said confidence was growing after desh and . the Caribbean Premier League that he will take wickets every Khan with a smile. beating Ireland on Monday in “How we played in the Asia Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan (right) during the Test against Ireland in and the Pakistan Super League. time he bowls. “We never put it in our mind just their second Test match. Cup was totally different and the northern Indian city of Dehradun on Sunday. (AFP) “It really helps to improve “I don’t put that pressure that we don’t have facilities or The 20-year-old leg-spin- we showed that we can beat any your skills working with differ- on myself. I keep trying to en- stuff like that and tried to focus ner, who tops the world Twen- side,” said Khan, whose side War-torn Afghanistan credits fast-paced Twenty20 ent coaches and players,” he joy myself. Enjoy my bowling on our game. ty20 bowling rankings and lies even tied a match with heavy- only gained one-day interna- tournaments such as the IPL said. “Pick their thoughts and whether I take wickets or not,” “My brothers used to watch third in the 50-over standings, weights India in the last-four tional (ODI) status in 2009 for developing his bowling rep- experience and that really helps he said. “I focus on doing the and play cricket and that’s how took five for 82 as Afghanistan stage. “The only thing is to be- and Test status in 2017, but ertoire, which includes a mes- you improve your game.” right things and bowl well. I I became a big fan of the game.” beat their fellow Test newcom- lieve in your skills. Just to be re- their recent rise has coincided merising googly. Khan, one of 12 siblings, don’t focus on the result but fo- Afghanistan lost their debut ers in Dehradun. laxed in big matches and enjoy with Khan’s emergence as a “The IPL gives you lot of learnt his cricket with a tennis cus on my hard work.” Test to top-ranked India inside Before an expected starring your game,” he said. world-class spinner. motivation. Once you play in ball in the remote and humble Khan, who is a big fan of two days in 2018, but came back role for Sunrisers Hyderabad “And that’s how we should He made his ODI debut these leagues, it gives you confi- province of Nangarhar before Pakistan all-round great Shahid a much-improved side against when the 2019 Indian Premier be in the World Cup.” in 2015 as a 17-year-old and dence playing with big players,” making his international debut Afridi, said it was tough learning Ireland a year later. 18 Wednesday, March 20, 2019 Sports Al Arabi and Al Wakrah to renew rivalry in Qatar Cup final today

AYENI OLUSEGUN am gunning for the title.” DOHA Hatem Mamlouk has his Both teams are clashing in a tournament final for the third time in sights set on claiming his AL Wakrah and Al Arabi will first Qatar Cup trophy as renew their basketball rivalry two years with Al Arabi enjoying a better head-to-head record Al Arabi coach and strongly Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas as both teams battle for the feels Arabi will pose a stum- Mavericks after their game Qatar Cup trophy on Wednes- bling block for Wakrah’s his- against New Orleans Pelicans day. This will be the third tory chase. on Monday. (AFP) finals clash between both “Al Wakrah will not make teams in two years with Al history at our expense and Germany’s Arabi leading in the head-to- i’ll like if my colleague Ihab head match up having beaten thinks about another cham- Nowitzki passes the Waves in the League and pionship. The season is not Emir Cup finals last year. The over,” the Tunisian said. Chamberlain on final will tip off at 6pm at the “But respect to Al Wak- Al Gharafa Sports Club. rah. They have changed since NBA scoring list But the game promises a the league season began and more thrilling contest espe- adding thre professionals to AFP cially with Al Arabi coming the team is definitely a good LOS ANGELES off a stinging loss to Al Sha- mental gain for them but I mal in the QBF League play- trust my team to come out DIRK Nowitzki, who helped off final earlier this month. fighting.” revolutionize the game as a big Al Wakrah coach Ihab After enjoying a league man with a potent long-range Galal is however convinced and Emir Cup double last jump shot, passed Wilt Cham- his team will be more fired season, Al Arabi lost their berlain on the National Basket- up to atone for previous de- league title defence to Al Sha- ball Association’s all-time scor- feats to their opponents. mal, a game they threw away ing list on Monday. The Waves edged league in the final seconds due to The 40-year-old German, chammpions Al Shamal 94- some uncharasteristic errors. who is playing in his 21st and 90 in their semi-final and Mamlouk is however keen on possibly final season with the will be confident of their not repeating such errors. Dallas Mavericks, needed four chances going into Wednes- “In any game I play either points in a home game Mon- day’s final. final or otherwise I am in it day to pass Chamberlain, who “We do not fear Al Arabi to win and the strategy will scored 31,419 in his hall-of- and most importantly I have not change. We will take on fame career. great confidence in my team. Al Wakrah to win the title Nowitzki reached the mile- We lost twice to them last even if the opponent seems stone by hitting a 16-foot shot year but this is a different to be the best but in the end with 8:33 left in the opening team with a new midset. We Al Arabi coach Hatem Mamlouk (left) and Al Wakrah coach Ihab Galal during a press conference at Al Gharafa Sports Club on Tuesday ahead we are Al Arabi and we came quarter against the New Orleans are ready to enter the history of the Qatar Cup basketball final. close to defending our league Pelicans. The long-time face of books and win the first title title earlier after leading by a the Mavericks thrilled the home for our club,” Galal said. is the goal of any team and two teams. For me, we will On his opposing coach, we are friends off the pitch large sum only for some fatal crowd, who were standing on “Reaching the final and it is natural that the odds are fight for the title under any Galal said, “He is one of the and we both wish success to errors in the last 30 seconds their feet in anticipation of the winning the championship equal to the ambitions of the circumstances.” best coaches out there and each other but tomorrow, I to cost us the game.” moment. Nowitzki finished with eight points, giving him 31,424 in his career as the Pelicans won 129- Team Sky 125 in overtime. Ooredoo announces title South Africa’s Phehlukwayo makes Nowitzki is now the sixth becomes Team leading all-time scorer behind sponsorship of 3rd Ooredoo Ineos in change Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Sri Lanka struggle in first T20I Kobe Bryant, Karl Malone and of ownership Jabbar. Temba Tournament AFP and other key players sit out the The league’s leading scorer DPA CAPE TOWN remaining two matches. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK BERLIN Sri Lankan Lasith lone seven foot star to score DOHA ALL-ROUNDER Andile Phe- Malinga said his team wanted more points than Nowitzki, TEAM Sky will officially hlukwayo took three wickets as to replicate the team of 2016/17 whose jump shot and ability OOREDOO have announced change its name to Team In- Sri Lanka struggled to 134 for which won the T20 series after to hit three pointers from be- it is to be title sponsor for the eos on May 1 when their new seven in the first Twenty20 in- losing the one-day series 5-0. yond the arc changed the North third edition of the Ooredoo sponsors, chemicals com- ternational against South Africa “It is a different format,” American game. Temba Tournament, a popu- pany Ineos owned by British at Newlands on Tuesday. said Malinga. “We are happy to lar five-a-side football tour- billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, take Kamindu Mendis hit 41 for bat. We have some spinners to nament organised by Aspire over from broadcasters Sky. Sri Lanka but the tourists, who defend a total.” Quick read Zone Foundation set to be The team said in a state- were sent in to bat, were unable held from March 20–28. ment on Tuesday that Ineos to recover fully after losing two South Africa’s Andile Phehlukwayo Teams Matches are scheduled said of the tournament: “We’re will be the sole owners and wickets in the first two overs. (centre) celebrates with team- South Africa: (cap- Roglic pips Yates to from 5pm until 9pm at the delighted to be working with “continue to fund the current struck with the mates after taking a during tain), Quinton de Kock (wkt), Tirreno-Adriatico win five-a-side pitches next to the Aspire Zone Foundation again team in full, honouring all second ball of the match when the first T20 international against Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Ladies Club opposite Al Waab to organise this popular tour- existing commitments to rid- Niroshan Dickwella edged a Sri Lanka on Tuesday. (AFP) Dussen, David Miller, JP Duminy, SLOVENIA’S Primoz Roglic won Street. nament. Supporting sporting ers, staff and partners.” catch to stand-in wicketkeeper Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso the Tirreno-Adriatico cycling race The tournament, intended events that benefit the com- The Team Ineos launch is David Miller, who took the between Kamindu Mendis and Rabada, Dale Steyn, Lutho on Tuesday finishing just one- to provide a competitive but munities in which we operate set for the May 2 of the the gloves in preparation for a likely Angelo Perera when he bowled Sipamla, Imran Tahir. second ahead of Adam Yates fun atmosphere for players to is a key priority for Ooredoo Tour de Yorkshire in Don- role as back-up gloveman to Perera. He later dismissed This- Sri Lanka: (cap- after the seventh and final stage. test their abilities, has two cat- and our corporate social re- caster. Quinton de Kock in the Cricket ara Perera and Dhananjaya de tain), Niroshan Dickwella (wkt), Roglic, 29, of Team Jumbo-Visma, egories; Adults and Compa- sponsibility strategy, and we “So excited that we as World Cup. Silva off successive deliveries in , , had been trailing 25 seconds nies. Teams will comprise one consider this tournament an riders and staff will be able Miller later made a stump- the penultimate over. , Angelo behind the Mitchelton-Scott rider goalkeeper and four players, excellent opportunity for us to to continue on together for ing when Kamindu ran past a Earlier, after South Africa Perera, , Kamindu Yates in the overall standings with matches being held on help promote sport as part of 2020 and beyond. Looking googly from Imran Tahir. Men- won the toss and sent Sri Lanka Mendis, , Akila going into the final 10km time- Aspire’s UEFA-standard turf, a healthy, active lifestyle. We forward to continued success dis hit three fours and two sixes, in to bat, home team captain Dananjaya, Jeffrey Vandersay. trial. “It’s unbelievably close. I felt and the tournament will fol- wish all the teams the best of as Team INEOS! Massive off successive balls from Kagiso Faf du Plessis said the opening stronger on the way back. Before low FIFA football regulations. luck.” thanks to everyone involved Rabada, in a 29-ball innings. game in the three-match series Brief scores the start I was confident that Manar Khalifa al Muraikhi, The Ooredoo Temba Tour- in keeping this special group Phehlukwayo took three would be a final run-out for Sri Lanka 134-7 in 20 overs I’d win but I only could control Director PR and Corporate nament is open to male play- of people together,” Chris for 25. He ended a promising what he said was “pretty much (Kamindu Mendis 41; A. myself,” said Roglic. (AFP) Communications at Ooredoo, ers over the age of 18. Froome tweeted. fourth-wicket partnership of 31 the World Cup squad” before he Phehlukwayo 3-25)

Al Milan & Fattam Al Nasser Senior Stallions and Senior Mares gold medallists

Al Milan (Al Lahab x Milena) won the Senior Stallions Gold Medal at the seventh Qatar National Arabian Horse Show for Individual Owners as the three-day show concluded at the Al Shqab Indoor Arena on Tuesday. The 14-year-old grey horse, who won the Senior Males gold at the Prague Intercup 2015 and the Senior Stallion silver at the Berlin Cup 2015 B-Show, edged Sattam Al Zobair by the closest possible margin. Owned by Nasser Mohammed al Hajri and bred by Reinhard Sax, the horse earned 11 points, while Sattam AL Zobair (SMF Magic One x Maliha Bouznika) got 10. The bronze medal went to Om El Sanadeed. Fattam Al Nasser (RFI Farid x Sarah Al Nasser) emerged a comfortable Senior Mares Gold Medal winner. Owned by Al Asayel Stud and bred in Al Nasser Stud, the four-year-old grey mare collected 18 points and beat AG Di Giada (WH Justice x SC Alessia) by 10 points. Lamana came third. D Fela (Emerald J x Fer Fiera Blanca) won the Junior Fillies Gold Medal with a 16-10 margin against Maharaani. Ahood Umm Aludham finished in third spot with 8. The battle for the Junior Colts Gold Medal was a lot stiffer and Amir Al Reeh (Fadi Al Shaqab x Zahira Al Zobair) edged Badiea Al Nasser by two points. Owned and bred by Al Reeh Stud, the bay colt secured 16 points. Anoud Al Sraiya (Fadi Al Shaqab x D Jazah) from Al Sraiya Stud defeated Jamilah Al Rasheed to emerge the champion in the Yearling Fillies category. Bahi Alsafinat (Kohinor x Amira AL Safinat) beat Halul Al Khor and was adjudged the stbe in the Yearling Colts. (TNN) Sports Wednesday, March 20, 2019 19 Big win for PSG as UEFA financial probe dropped

AFP CAS said in a statement. PARIS It added that the ruling was “final and binding.” PARIS Saint-Germain won a The probe was opened to major victory Tuesday when the determine whether PSG re- world’s top sports court backed spected financial rules imposed the club against European foot- by UEFA which broadly limit ball’s governing body UEFA them to spending no more than over allegations of financial they earn. wrongdoing. The club said in a statement PSG had appealed to the it “took note of the favourable Court of Arbitration for Sport in decision and intends to go ahead October last year after a UEFA serenely with its development.” panel decided in September to PSG argued that the deci- reopen the probe into the club’s sion to reopen the case violated compliance with Financial Fair UEFA’s own rules limiting to Play regulations. 10 days the period of review of UEFA had originally cleared its original decision to drop the France’s head coach Didier Deschamps (left) during a training session in Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines in Paris on Tuesday. PSG of wrongdoing in June fol- case. lowing a probe triggered after UEFA rules “provided for PSG splashed out 400 million a 10-day review period during euros ($454 million) to buy which any review should be Brazilian superstar Neymar and instigated and completed and Deschamps keen to lead French phenomenon Kylian that the challenged decision (to Mbappe. “The appeal filed at reopen the case) was manifestly the CAS on 3 October 2018 by late,” the CAS statement added. Paris Saint-Germain against the UEFA’s Financial Control decision issued on 19 Septem- Board ordered the review on France into Qatar 2022 ber 2018 by the Adjudicatory June 22 last year and the deci- Chamber of the UEFA (to reo- sion to reopen the case came pen the case) is upheld and the almost three months later on AFP obviously something I would before thinking about 2022, over Croatia in the World Cup goes to show continuity at the challenged decision is set aside,” September 19. PARIS not be unhappy about, but first come the qualifiers (for final in Moscow had never top level is not all that bad.” we’ll see,” Deschamps said on Euro 2020),” he said. crossed his mind, insisting “He (Loew) took the team FRANCE’S World Cup-win- Tuesday. there was more to be achieved. to steer it to the World Cup ti- ning coach Didier Deschamps “I have a very good rela- The 50-year-old Deschamps, “Quite simply because I tle in 2014. Lately, and on the has told AFP he would like tionship with (FFF) president feel really good,” he said. “I back of the last World Cup, it’s to remain in his job until the (Noel Le Graet). I’m under who took charge of France still have the same passion, been difficult for him,” contin- 2022 finals in Qatar. contract until the European in 2012, guided Les Bleus the same desire and because ued Deschamps, referring to The 50-year-old Des- Championships, which is the to a second World Cup title I’m convinced there are still Germany’s shock elimination champs, who took charge of only certainty right now.” in Russia, two decades after great things to be done with in the group stage in Russia. France in 2012, guided Les Deschamps’s deal runs un- lifting the trophy as captain this squad.” “He was (considered) the Bleus to a second World Cup til June 2020, but the former Asked if he could see him- best five years ago, and today title in Russia, two decades af- France and Juventus mid- on home soil. self emulating the longev- he’s not become the worst, far ter lifting the trophy as captain fielder admitted any extension ity of Germany coach Joachim from it. He’s someone who has on home soil. would depend on the perfor- Deschamps said the Loew, who has held the post proved a lot and I’m happy “For me to be able to carry mance of his team. thought of quitting amid the since 2006, Deschamps re- he’s remained in charge of the on until the next World Cup is “It’s linked to results. But euphoria of July’s 4-2 victory plied: “He’s a good example. It Germany team.”

GENERATION AMAZING PROGRAMME No Qatar Cup this season, SC ambassador Xavi kicks off says league body QSL pitch construction in India IKOLI VICTOR America’s Copa America against Oman next week DOHA Tournament from June 14 to (Tuesday). TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK July 7. As part of preparation The appearance of three DOHA THE Qatar Stars League Man- for the tournament, the Qatar Qatari clubs - Al Duhail, Al agement has cancelled the Football Association shelved Sadd and Al Rayyan - in the SC Global Ambassador Xavi 2018-19 Qatar Cup compe- the FIFA international break group stage of 2019 AFC Hernandez visited a Genera- tition following continental for friendly in March so the Champions League is another tion Amazing site in Mumbai campaigns involving three Qa- players can rest and regroup reason for the decision to do this week to mark the con- tari club sides. for friendly matches in May away with the competition struction of a new community The Qatar Cup, formally and June. this season. With two Cham- pitch and take part in a game known as the Heir Apparent Additionally, the QSL pions League matches in of football with programme Cup is the traditional end of management cited the Tokyo April, the clubs will have time participants and youth ambas- season tournament involving 2020 Games qualifiers as to prepare for Match Day 3 & sadors from across India. the top four sides in the QSL. another reason for the can- 4, respectively. In collaboration with Gen- The current league season cellation of the four-team “After taking into consid- eration Amazing’s local part- will conclude on April 12 and competition. eration all of the above factors ner, Oscar Foundation, the the competition could have Qatar’s U-23 players will and the need to give adequate event took place in the pres- been held a week thereafter. be in action against Oman, rest to the players ahead of the ence of HE Saif bin Ali al Mu- The league management, in Nepal and Afghanistan from upcoming challenges, both at hanadi, Qatari General Coun- co-ordination with all stake- this weekend at the Aspire the national team and clubs’ sel in Mumbai, and Abhishek holders, has rated the 2018- Zone in the West Asia zone. levels, the QSL has decided Yadav, Director, National 19 season exceptional. Qatar open Group A matches not to organise the Qatar Cup Teams, at the All India Foot- After winning the historic against Afghanistan on Fri- only for the 2018-19 season,” ball Federation. Asian Cup 2019 title, Qatar day, take on Nepal on Sunday the QSL released a statement “I am very proud to be in will be participating in South and conclude with a game on Tuesday. India with Generation Amaz- ing to visit the community in Mumbai, to speak to the par- ticipants and hear about their experiences,” said Xavi, who Former Spanish and Al Sadd player Xavi Hernandez (right) controls the ball during a game with Indian currently plays for Qatari side children, in Mumbai on Monday. Al Sadd. “It is a very special mo- lona midfielder added. ciaries in seven countries. build on the commitment to ment to be able to kick off the Generation Amazing is Generation Amazing aims help develop the social and hu- construction of a community the human and social legacy to positively impact the lives of man legacy of the FIFA World pitch in this area, which will programme initiated during 1 million youth by 2022, with Cup 2022™ across Asia. clearly bring great benefits for Qatar’s successful bid to host the goal of providing children Launched by the Supreme those involved in the Genera- the FIFA World Cup 2022™. and young people from disad- Committee for & tion Amazing programme and It harnesses the power of foot- vantaged communities with Legacy in 2010, Generation in the wider community.” ball to positively impact lives safe spaces to play, enabling Amazing aims to develop a “I’m particularly excited and create sustainable social football for development pro- young generation of commu- to be able to visit this rapidly development in communities. grammes to be carried out and nity leaders who will create developing football nation A total of 28 community achieving a long-term impact lasting social development in which has such great poten- pitches have already been built on the host communities. their communities. tial, and to see for myself the across the Middle East and Generation Amazing re- Xavi’s visit to India follows impact which Generation Asia by Generation Amazing, cently opened two pitches in an earlier visit in 2016 to the Amazing is having on the with the programme reaching India, in Rurka Kalan and Generation Amazing pitch and ground,” the former Barce- more than 250,000 benefi- Nagpur, as it continues to programme in Jordan. Al Duhail players celebrate after winning the Qatar Cup 2018 by beating Al Sadd in the finals.

Iceland midfielder Gunnarsson signs Ronaldo ban would be ‘crazy’, says two- year deal with Al Arabi Juventus teammate Bernardeschi News DOHA Al Arabi SC have signed Aron Gunnarsson from Cardiff City MILAN: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Juventus teammate Federico Bernardeschi in the English Premier League. The Iceland National Team Cap- said on Tuesday it would be “crazy” for UEFA to suspend the Portuguese in brief tain joins the Qatari Club on a two- year deal. The 29-year-old has forward for his controversial goal celebration. Ronaldo faces UEFA agreed a deal to join Al Arabi at the end of the season, the club charges for “improper conduct” after mimicking Atletico Madrid coach confirmed through a tweet on Tuesday. Gunnarsson will end his Diego Simeone’s crotch-grabbing ‘cojones’ gesture after his hat-trick in eight-year affiliation with the club having joined from Coventry City Juventus’ Champions League comeback win. “It’s something that I don’t in 2011. He has made 20 Premier League appearances in the think needs looking at, it (a suspension) would be crazy,” international heart of the Bluebirds midfield this term, scoring once. Al Arabi are winger Bernardeschi told a press conference ahead of Italy’s Euro 2020 a side managed by former Iceland manager Heimur Hallgrimsson, qualifiers. “I think it’ll end there, it was a celebration, a gesture. I see who is familiar with the midfielder’s capabilities. him calm and relaxed, as we all are. I’m sure everything will be fine.”