Russia banned from Olympics, major global sporting events over doping page 14

TUESday, DECEMBER 10, 2019

Lanka begin first tour since 2009 Sri Lanka embark on first Test tour of Pakistan in QATAR T20 LEAGUE 10 years following the deadly 2009 attack page 15 asia town

Barshim nominated for IOC Attiyah chosen for Monaco World athletes’ commission elections Sports Legends Award Tribune News Network selected by the athletes’ National DOHA Olympic Committees, also respon- Tribune News Network one of the recipients of the sible for submitting a player’s candi- DOHA 2019 Monaco World Qatar’s world cham- dacy file. Sports Legends Award pion high jump athlete The IOC is set to announce the Qatar’s sports icon Nasser (WSLA). and Olympic cham- nominees for the voting process via Saleh al Attiyah’s impressive The annual pion, Mutaz Essa on social media platforms. The candi- list of achievements in motor- awards, also known as Sunday was nomi- dates have the right to show their vi- sport and shooting has found the Oscars of Sport, nated as a candidate sion and aspiration in these elections recognition from the inter- seeks to promote to repre- sent Qatar at the elec- through promotional campaign ran national community. sport’s ethical tions of International Olympic Com- by the athletes themselves. It is es- The three-time and moral values. mittee (IOC) Athletes’ Commission. sential that only the athletes them- Paris-Dakar winner, 15- It is presented to The IOC Athletes Commission’ selves are responsible in promoting time Middle-East Rally champions, both held on has been established to serve as their campaigns without interfer- champion and Olympic active and retired, December 7 at the Hotel an integral platform for athletes ence from their National Olympic bronze medallist who have gained distinc- Fairmont in Monte Carlo. around the world to voice their Committees, National Federations, in skeet will be tion not only for their Among the others who opinions, vision and challenges, or any sponsoring company. sporting exploits but have been chosen for this representing their respected coun- This regulation is set in place to also for their ability year’s awards are USA’s Mario tries. The IOC’s 2020 Olympic level the playing field and allow for a to inspire future Andretti (former F1 champion, agendas mainly focus on placing fair competition between nominated generations. Indycar and Nascar champion), the athletes at the forefront as the candidates. The awards Italy’s Loris Capirossi (three- perfect example representing the The athletes will keep running night time MotoGP world champion) Olympic movement. their promotional campaigns lead- will and Mexico’s Ana Guevara The athletes commission con- ing up to the 2020 Tokyo Summer be (former 400M world champion sists of world and Olympic athletes Olympic Games. and Olympic medallist).

FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP 2019 : Kick off on Wednesday • Global giants to hopeful first-timers lock horns Septet, including Al Sadd, set sights on supremacy in Qatar

aving climbed to the highest football- ing peak their conti- ROLL OF nentsH provide, six champions HONOUR from each corner of the globe join Qatar’s finest in fighting ● Real Madrid (2014, for the title of world cham- 2016, 2017, 2018) pion. On December 21, the ● Barcelona (2009, 2011, FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2019 will climax with one of 2015) them hoisting the trophy af- ● Corinthians (2000, ter eight games pitting the best the planet has to offer. 2012) Ahead of kick-off at the ● Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Bayern Munich (2013) FIFA.com takes a closer look ● Inter Milan (2010) at what’s in store across 11 days of action in Doha. ● Manchester United (2008) In-form icons Liverpool and Flamengo ● AC Milan (2007) command two of the big- gest fanbases on the planet, ● Internacional (2006) with both all too used to see- ing passionate supporters ● Sao Paulo (2005) fill their respective and hal- lowed cathedrals of football. The duo will land in Qatar resent the OFC since 2010. as Europe and South Amer- They’re going to savour every ica’s best, honours that place moment. them as favourites – with the trophy yet to reside outside Returning hopefuls either continent. Host side Al Sadd are back They arrive fitting of their on the scene after coming out monikers, with both sides in on top in Asia 2011. Having scintillating form. While Fla- been eliminated at the semi- mengo are fresh from being final stage this time, their crowned Brazilian champi- Qatari title meant elimina- ons, suffering just one defeat tion wasn’t going to rob them since August, Liverpool at of their place at the finals. present sit eight points clear Hassan al Haydos (right), skipper of Al Sadd club during his team’s training session in Doha on Monday, ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup 2019 opening match against Hienghene Sport. With two-time winner Xavi at the top of the Premier steering the ship, home fans League, without defeat in the ful club are set to take their will hope his know-how can competition since January. opening bow at the Club do wonders. With attacking prowess World Cup. Monterrey and ES Tunis and intensity high on both However, their step onto are serial regulars, but are of their talented rosters, the the stage will be preceded by yet to clinch the final spot likes of Mohamed Salah, Ga- the entry of a much more far- they both yearn. Together briel ‘Gabigol’ Barbosa, Virgil flung fresh face. Hienghene they’ve made it to the finals van Dijk and Bruno Henrique Sport were the first vis- seven times since 2011 – will will be certain to entertain iting side to land just 22 years old and this year be the one where it the global audience. in Qatar, hav- were crowned con- all comes together? ing travelled tinental cham- Debutants from near 13,000km pions on only A new name on and far from New their second ap- the trophy Al Hilal may have finished Caledonia pearance in the For the first time since Real top of the pile for the third to represent tournament, Madrid lifted the title in time in Asia – with this their Oceania as seeing them 2014, we will see a new name first time hoisting the AFC OFC Cham- spring onto the on the Club World Cup. Champions League aloft pions League global stage as Nine sides have tasted vic- since it began in 2002 – but Al Sadd coach and former Barcelona Xavi Hernandez (2nd right front row) during the FIFA Club World winners. the first non-New tory, who will be number ten? Saudi Arabia’s most success- Cup 2019 preparatory and co-ordination meeting in Doha on Monday. The club are Zealand side to rep- We shall know in Qatar soon. Sports Tuesday, December 10, 2019 13

AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2020 Excitement builds ahead of star-studded draw in KL AFC/TNN many as six former AFC are poised to grace the eagerly line with the best practices in Kuala Lumpur Champions League champi- anticipated draw. Ibrahim Al world football and reiterates the Al Sadd will be ons, which include Al Sadd SC, Ghanim, who featured promi- AFC’s commitment to strength- With Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal Korea Republic trio - Jeonbuk nently for Qatar and Al Ghara- en our competitions, as outlined AFC Champions League tri- representing Qatar in Hyundai Motors FC, Suwon fa, China PR and Guangzhou in our Vision and Mission.” umph still fresh in the minds of the next edition of Samsung Bluewings and Ul- Evergrande ace Gao Lin and Among this year’s debu- fans throughout the Continent, san Hyundai FC - as well as ex-Japan and Urawa Red Dia- tants in the group stage are the anticipation is now build- the Asian Football China PR’s Guangzhou Ever- monds star Keisuke Tsuboi newly crowned Thai League 1 ing towards the AFC Champi- Conferation grande FC, will discover their will lend their star credentials champions, Chiangrai United ons League 2020 Group Stage Champions League opponents in what promises to as draw ambassadors. who narrowly missed out on draw, which will take place at be a historic 2020 AFC Cham- AFC General Secretary the 2019 edition after losing to the AFC House in Kuala Lum- 2020 competition pions League campaign. Dato’ Windsor John said: Japan’s pur, Malaysia at 4:30pm (local having won the Raising the stakes, the up- “The AFC Champions League in the final play-off round. time) on Tuesday. 2018-19 QNB Stars coming edition will present continues to be the ultimate Surprise packages in the An Al Sadd delegation con- the ultimate winners, should club stage for our players and 2019 UAE Pro League, Sharjah, sisting of first team officer Mo- League title. they not qualify through their teams to shine. And its popu- who clinched their first domes- hammed Saeed al Hassan and domestic league, with an add- larity was exemplified in 2019 tic title in nearly 25 years, are media officer Ahmed al Ansari ed incentive of a guaranteed with the rise of television poised to make their maiden will be attending the draw. Al spot in the Preliminary/Play- viewership and new engage- appearance alongside 2019 A- Sadd will represent Qatar in off stage of the 2021 season. ment records set across all the League Premiers, Perth Glory, the next edition of the compe- Adding to the anticipa- AFC’s digital platforms. who will be hoping to emulate tition having won the 2018-19 tion and excitement, some of “The decision to enable the Western Sydney Wanderers’ QNB Stars League title. the most iconic names in AFC 2020 champions to defend their fairy-tale run to the title in 2014 Along with Al Hilal, as The AFC Champions League 2020 Group Stage draw will take place in Kuala Lumpur (KL) on Tuesday. Champions League history title in 2021, brings the AFC in at their first attempt. UEFA Champions League Self-belief helped Bahrain win Gulf Cup: Coach Sousa Tribune News Network Doha

The man, who helped Bahrain achieve their decades long goal of winning the Gulf Cup was given a fitting tribute by his players soon after the Red won their maiden title beating Saudi Arabia 1-0 at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium on Sunday. Chelsea’s Spanish defender Cesar Azpilicueta attends a training Bahrain’s Portuguese session at Chelsea’s Cobham training facility in Stoke D’Abernon, coach Helio Sousa was left London on Monday, on eve of their UEFA Champions League Group surprised when soon after the H match against Lille. (AFP) match as he was settling down to address the media with his coaching staff, the players Lampard challenges young stormed in and cheered aloud for the coach and left soon. It was indeed a miracle of Chelsea players to step up sorts that Sousa had done with a bunch of upcoming play- AFP fortunate to have enjoyed ers. Sousa who saw Bahrain London many big nights as a player. achieve their maiden title in “So these are big opportu- nearly 50 years since their Frank Lampard has chal- nities now for the team, par- first participation in the Gulf Bahrain players surprise their Portuguese coach Helio Sousa with big cheers before post-match media conference at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa lenged his young Chelsea play- ticularly the young boys when Cup championships, had also Stadium on Sunday. ers to “make a mark” ahead of it’s quite new to them, to make pulled a rabbit out of the hat their crucial Champions League a mark,” he said. “So I think of sorts by choosing an en- match against Lille on Tuesday it’s good, I like the pressure of tirely new first eleven from his Saudi coach Renard rues missed chances after a series of poor results this game being knockout. squad of 23 for the final. took the shine off their season. “If we’re going to do any- Notably, the coach, who audi coach Herve Renard congratulated the Bahraini Chelsea must beat the thing good here, we’re going is also 50-years-old, summed Steam on Sunday for emerging as the 24th Arabian French side at Stamford to have to have lots of these up the delight saying, “It is a Gulf Cup champions, and also praised the performance Bridge to ensure safe passage nights.” great day in the history of Bah- of his own players and the technical and administra- to the knockout stages, with Lampard said his side’s raini football that deserves to tive staff for their support. The French coach rued his manager Lampard expect- poor run had not yet altered his be celebrated. “This day is the team’s chances including a penalty which was kicked everyone is a believer in this ing far sharper focus than his view on January recruitment culmination of the tremen- wide by Salman al Faraj. “We lost a penalty kick, and team and the players who players showed during the 3-1 plans after the club’s FIFA dous work that we started – to another ball hit the crossbar in the first half. Bahrain made history,” he stressed. weekend defeat to Everton. transfer ban had been lifted. create a team that can com- players were waiting for us, but we suffered a reversal Regarding what was being He admitted Chelsea’s “I wouldn’t say my mind is pete for titles, a work we start- with the first goal. described as Sousa’s “gamble” recent poor form -- just one set on anything to be changed,” ed about five months ago. We “This is football, if you do not score from opportuni- by changing the team’s line- win in five games -- was his said Lampard, whose side are have fighter players in every ties, you have to accept the possibility of goals being up in every match as what he first big challenge as Blues fourth in the Premier League match. It is a unique moment scored against you, and this was what really hap- did against Saudi Arabia, the boss, and wants his players to despite their wobble. that deserved to be proud of. pened. We played and fought to get the equaliser, but coach said: “It is not gam- embrace the pressure of this “But you do learn from We now set our sights on the we could not succeed,” he said. “We tried to change bling, gambling is in the casino week’s must-win clash. your players in tough times, month of March, where the the course of the match after Bahrain’s first goal, (he joked). I believe in all the “It is a test for us and it was not just in terms of what they Asian qualifiers await us.” but the intermittent stopping of the match killed the players, 23 players. Each of always going to come,” Lam- do on the pitch but how their On the secret to his and game. The Bahraini team tried to break any escalation them was able to perform as pard said during his pre-match personality is. his team’s success, Sousa said, in performance by stopping the game. This was their he should, and this is what we press conference on Monday. “That was the disappoint- “We worked inside an integrat- strategy, and they succeeded in the end in getting what have proven. We spent a lot of “The way we are, the na- ing thing at Everton. It wasn’t ed system. So far we have won they wanted,” he added. time building this team. I have ture of the Premier League, just that we were slightly off – I two championships –West Regarding the absence of players Hassan and Khubrani players who are no less impor- this was never going to be a didn’t like that there were indi- Asia in Iraq, and the 24th Gulf in the final, he said: “Hassan did not recover from the tant than those who are here, plain sailing, invincible season vidual contact moments across Cup in Qatar. The Saudi team injury. He told me he was in pain and was not ready for but didn’t get a chance to play. from our point of view. Teams the game that we lost. Because that we faced in the final had this match. The two players performed a great perfor- He concluded: “I congratu- need this test. that’s a personality thing as started modestly in the initial mance in this tournament, and in the end we say we late the Bahraini people on this “Big games like this, they much as anything else.” matches but soon gained mo- have opportunities ahead. We want to reach the FIFA Saudi’s coach Herve Renard during the 24th achievement. I congratulate our are crucial for the players. You Antonio Rudiger is fit for mentum in the later stages. World Cup 2022 Qatar.” (TNN) Arabian Gulf Cup final on Sunday.( AFP) players on this heroic perfor- can be defined as an individual just his second appearance “We succeeded today be- mance. Our goal is to continue to and a group by success.” of the season following groin cause we believed in the ca- achieve good results and to find Lampard, who won the trouble, with the Germany pabilities of our players, and from Portugal, here to take on onships. This vision was not the most prominent teams on our way in the double qualifiers Champions League with Chel- centre-back likely to step into we gave them full confidence such challenges. We worked trusted by those around us. the continent and achieved for the FIFA World Cup 2022 sea in 2012, said he had been the Blues’ defence. to present their best. I came to compete for the champi- We played against a group of two important titles. I think Qatar and Asian Cup 2023.” Club WC 2019 Fan Entertainment Areas to offer family-friendly activities

Sc.qa Both stadiums are ac- Entertainment Areas at both ing places for fans to celebrate Doha cessible via the Doha Metro, tournament venues during the at during this year’s FIFA Club making it easy for fans to get FIFA Club World Cup. We are World Cup. We are sure the rich There will be activities for to and from the venues. Jas- sure they will prove popular entertainment programmes on the whole family at the Fan sim Bin Hamad Stadium is attractions for both local and offer will enhance the tourna- Entertainment Areas being or- served by Al Sudan station international fans. ment experience of both visit- ganised especially for the FIFA (Gold Line), while Khalifa “As well as providing a host ing and local fans.” Club World Cup Qatar 2019. International Stadium is of fun activities for all visitors, The entertainment areas served by Sport City station we hope the entertainment Fan Entertainment Area opening times: will be located at both tour- (Gold Line). Match ticket gives people a taste of Qatar’s Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium nament venues: Jassim Bin holders will benefit from inclusive and diverse culture, Wednesday 11 December, 5:30pm Hamad Stadium and Khalifa free travel on Doha Metro on along with a glimpse of the Saturday 14 December, 2pm International Stadium. match days. remarkable FIFA World Cup They will open three hours Nasser al Khater, CEO that we will host in 2022.” Khalifa International Stadium before kick-off on each match of the FIFA Club World Cup Jean-François Pathy, FI- Tuesday 17 December, 2:30pm day and feature food and bever- Qatar 2019 Local Organis- FA’s Director of Marketing Ser- age stalls, entertainment and a ing Committee, said: “We’re vices, added: “We’re delighted Wednesday 18 December, 5:30pm host of family-friendly activities. excited to be hosting Fan to have energetic and welcom- Saturday 21 December, 2:30pm. 14 Tuesday, December 10, 2019 Sports Russia banned from Olympics, major events over doping AFP Lausanne Moscow blames The World Anti-Doping Agency on Monday banned Russia for four years from major global sporting events ‘anti-Russian including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 Win- ter Games in Beijing over ma- hysteria’ nipulated doping data. WADA’s executive com- mittee, meeting in Lausanne, AFP “We have a president and handed Russia the “robust” Moscow we are waiting for decisive four-year suspension after ac- changes from him,” Ganus said. cusing Moscow of falsifying Russia reeled from a four- data from a doping testing year ban from global sports ‘This is politics’ laboratory that was handed on Monday, with athletes in While admitting there have over to investigators earlier shock and the government been instances of doping, this year. quick to blame “anti-Russian Russian officials say the coun- The toughest ever sanc- hysteria”. try is no worse than any oth- tions imposed on Russian The head of Russia’s anti- er. Some have accused other state authorities will see gov- doping agency said his country countries of pursuing the ban ernment officials barred from had “no chance” of winning an to remove Russian athletes attending any major events, appeal of the ban, which he de- from competition. while the country will lose the scribed as a tragedy for clean Prime Minister Dmitry right to host, or even bid, for athletes. Medvedev said Monday that tournaments. The World Anti-Doping it was “impossible to deny” “For too long, Russian Agency on Monday banned that doping had taken place doping has detracted from Russia from international but that those involved had al- clean sport,” WADA president competitions including the ready been punished. Craig Reedie said. 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the “This is the continuation of “Russia was afforded every (From left) World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) President-Elect Witold Banka, WADA Director General Olivier Niggli and WADA President Craig 2022 World Cup in Qatar. this anti-Russian hysteria that opportunity to get its house in Reedie arrive for a press conference on Monday in Lausanne following a meeting of the WADA executive committee which banned Russia from It accused Russia of fal- has already become chronic,” order and re-join the global global sporting events including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics after accusing Moscow of falsifying data from sifying laboratory doping Medvedev was quoted as saying. anti-doping community for an anti-doping laboratory. (AFP) data handed over earlier this Sports Minister Pavel the good of its athletes and year to investigators prob- Kolobkov said the ban was of the integrity of sport, but federation”. Full disclosure of data Review Committee (CRC) be- ken CEO of the US Anti-Dop- ing claims of widespread politically motivated, adding it chose instead to continue Russia’s participation in from the Moscow laboratory lieves “deletions and altera- ing Agency, accused the Inter- doping. that Russia had done a lot to in its stance of deception and Euro 2020 – and Saint Peters- was a key condition of Russia’s tions” to Russia’s doping data national Olympic Committee Russia can appeal the ban clean up sport in coordination denial.” burg’s hosting of four matches controversial reinstatement by “materially prejudiced the of having “orchestrated a path to the Court of Arbitration with WADA. Under the sanctions, Rus- – is not affected by the ban WADA in September 2018. ability to pursue cases against for this decision to be appealed for Sport, but the head of its “I believe it would be right sian sportsmen and women because it is not defined as a RUSADA’s supervisory 145 of the 298 athletes” whose to the Court of Arbitration for RUSADA anti-doping agency, to turn to the Court of Arbitra- will still be allowed to com- “major event” for anti-doping board is set to meet on De- doping controls between 2011 Sport, thereby setting up CAS Yuri Ganus, said he doubted it tion for Sport,” he told report- pete at the Olympics next year purposes. cember 19 to take a decision and 2015 WADA thought to be as the failsafe to implement would be successful. ers, saying he believed Rus- and the 2022 Beijing Winter on whether to appeal the ban suspicious. even weaker, if any, conse- “There is no chance of win- sia’s chances in an appeal were Olympics, but only as neutrals ‘A tragedy’ at the Court of Arbitration for About one third of the 145 quences against these thugs ning this case in court,” Ganus “quite good”. and only if they can demon- The significant extent of state- Sport. athletes are still active, WADA who have been given repeated – one of the few critical sports Many in Russian sports also strate that they were not part sponsored doping in Russia, Yury Ganus, the head of chief of investigators Gunter chances to do the right thing”. officials inside the country – said the decision was political. of what WADA believes was notably between 2011 and RUSADA, told AFP Mon- Younger said Monday. The former head of Rus- told AFP. “I have no words... How can a state-sponsored system of 2015, was revealed in the inde- day that his country had “no The CRC’s 26-page ‘Rec- sia’s anti-doping agency, “This is a tragedy. Clean you mock athletes who have doping. pendent report by sports law- chance” of winning an appeal. ommendation in Relation to Grigory Rodchenkov, who fled athletes are seeing their rights been preparing all their lives for Russia will still be allowed yer Richard McLaren, released “There is no chance of win- Russia’ says that some dele- Moscow after turning whistle- limited.” this?” said Aslanbek Khushtov, to compete in qualifiers for the in 2016. ning this case in court,” Ganus tions began in July 2016, when blower, welcomed the ban im- Under the sanctions, Rus- who won wrestling gold at the 2022 football World Cup, but It led to the Russian Anti- said. the scandal first broke, with posed on his country. sian sportsmen and women 2008 Beijing Olympics. WADA director general Ol- Doping Agency (RUSADA) be- “This is a tragedy,” he add- “many” other alterations made “Finally, fraud, lies and fal- will still be allowed to compete “Unfortunately this is poli- ivier Niggli added that should ing suspended for nearly three ed. “Clean athletes are seeing after WADA’s Executive Com- sifications of unspeakable pro- at the Olympics next year but tics, I don’t smell any sport they progress to the finals in years previously over revela- their rights limited.” mittee had demanded Russia’s portions have been punished only if they can demonstrate here,” he told state news agen- Qatar, “the team there will not tions of a vast state-supported Documents released Mon- doping data. in full swing,” Rodchenkov that they were not part of what cy TASS. be representing the Russian doping programme. day show WADA’s Compliance Travis Tygart, the outspo- said in a statement. WADA believes was a state- The scandal has tainted sponsored system of doping. Russia’s sporting reputation Russian government of- since the revelation of large- ficials will be barred from at- scale state-sponsored doping tending any major events, aimed at improving its medal Whistleblower welcomes ban, urges review of Olympic results while the country will lose the performance at the 2014 Win- right to host, or even bid, for ter Olympics in Sochi. AFP clearly criminals,” he said. ernment officials barred from tournaments. Russian track and field Washington Rodchenkov also called for attending any major events, Ganus said the WADA ban athletes were barred from the results of the 2012 London while the country will lose the was the toughest punishment competing at the 2016 Rio The former head of Russia’s and 2014 Sochi Olympics to right to host, or even bid, for yet against a nation and urged Olympics although Russians anti-doping agency, who fled “be reanalyzed and reconsid- tournaments. President Vladimir Putin to competing in other events Moscow after turning whistle- ered with the new knowledge “For too long, Russian intervene. were allowed to take part. blower, on Monday welcomed available today.” doping has detracted from a four-year ban from major “We only have a few clean sport,” WADA president sporting events imposed on months to reanalyze the sam- Craig Reedie said. his country. ples from the 2012 London Rodchenkov, who once “Finally, fraud, lies and fal- Games because according to headed Russia’s national anti- sifications of unspeakable pro- WADA rules, we only have doping agency before reveal- portions have been punished eight years to review,” the ing the state-backed doping in full swing,” said Grigory Russian whistleblower said. program, said that after he Rodchenkov in a statement. “There is a whole gen- fled his laboratory’s database Rodchenkov, who lives in Grigory Rodchenkov, former head of Russia’s anti-doping agency, who eration of clean athletes who had been destroyed. the US under a witness protec- fled Moscow after turning whistleblower. have painfully abandoned “Tons of files and results tion program after accusing their dreams and lost awards were deleted. After all of this, Russia of widespread doping be punished retroactively.” doping scheme, there is also because of Russian cheaters. who can say whether there are activities, warned however “Doped athletes do not a state-sponsored defense of We need to take the strongest any clean athletes in Russia if that for the World Anti-Dop- work alone. There are medical many cheaters including state action to bring justice back to the crucial data is lost? Russia ing Agency (WADA) “there is doctors, coaches and manag- officials, witnesses and appa- sport,” he said. dug its own grave and has ru- more to do.” ers who provided substances, ratchiks who are lying under The toughest ever sanc- ined the chances for any clean He said those involved in advised and protected them. oath and have falsified evi- tions imposed on Russian Russian athlete to compete,” President of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) Stanislav the doping of athletes “should In Russia’s state-sponsored dence. These individuals are state authorities will see gov- he said. Pozdnyakov holds a press conference in Moscow on Monday. (AFP) What the latest WADA sanctions on Russia mean DPA inspectors gain access to the Will Russians compete at jor event organisation. tration for Sport, and Prime Berlin Moscow lab and its database all at big events? As a result, St Petersburg Minister Dmitry Medvedev 2012-2015. Russia granted Russians can compete at should also remain host of has said it should make use of The World Anti-Doping this but a WADA commission these events as neutral ath- the 2021 Champions League this option. Agency on Monday banned then said that data was “inten- letes if they prove that they final and it appears that Rus- Russia from competing as tionally altered prior to and weren’t among those whose sia would also compete as a Why wasn’t a blanket ban a nation for four years. Fol- while it was being forensically data was tampered with and nation in 2022 World Cup imposed on Russia? lowing are some of the key copied by WADA.” As a result have not violated anti-doping qualifying because it is run by Some athletes and officials have questions answered around of this “blatant breach”, ac- rules. In this way 168 athletes UEFA. However, if qualified, since 2015 called for a blanket the issue. cording to WADA chief Craig from Russia competed of the Russia could then not compete ban because of the grave nature Reedie, WADA imposed stiff 2018 Winter Games in Pyeo- as a nation at the finals in Qa- of Russia’s offences, and to pro- Why was Russia punished sanctions. ngchang, and others in major tar because they are run by the tect clean sport. They included in this way? athletics event after Russia’s global body FIFA which has WADA vice-president Linda WADA suspended RUSADA in What do the sanctions athletics body was suspended signed the WADA Code. Helleland who said it was the 2015 after revelations of wide- mean? since 2015. only way for Russia’s leader- ranging doping practices in the Like at the 2018 Pyeongchang What happens now? ship to realise “the seriousness country, including tampering Winter Olympics, Russian What about Euro 2020 and The International Olympic of the mess they have created.” with samples at the 2014 Win- athletes will not be able to The Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) headquarters in Moscow. (AFP) the 2022 World Cup? Committee (IOC) - which until But the IOC has always insisted ter Olympics in Sochi, con- compete under their national Russia have qualified for next April 2018 had the final saying that it must also protect clean firmed in two reports by inde- flag and with symbols such as the 2022 football World Cup is to be stripped – if possible year’s continental tournament on such issues as Olympic par- Russian athletes, and WADA pendent investigator Richard the national anthem at major in Qatar. – of events it is to host, such and with St Petersburg have one ticipation - has already said it compliance commission chair McLaren. RUSADA was rein- events, most notably the 2020 Furthermore, Russia can- as the 2022 men’s volleyball of the 12 host cities. This should would not contest the ruling. Jonathan Taylor said that “those stated in September 2018, un- Olympics in Tokyo, the 2022 not bid to host major events and 2023 ice hockey world not change as WADA doesn’t Russia meanwhile has 21 days who could prove their innocence der the condition that WADA Winter Games in Beijing and in the next four years, and championships. rate the ruling body UEFA a ma- to appeal at the Court of Arbi- should not be punished.” Sports Tuesday, December 10, 2019 15 Hafeez steers Desert Riders to top Salman Butt pulls off a last-ball six to anchor Falcon Hunters to thrilling victory in Qatar T10 Cricket League

Tribune News Network DOHA Brief Scores Desert Riders beat Flying Oryx by seven Ex-Pakistan all-rounder Mohammed Hafeez bagged Flying Oryx: 95 for six (Hussain Talat 16 in 14 a and slammed a balls, Bilawal Iqbal 21 in 17 balls, Asif Raja 17 breezy 45 to engineer a facile in 8 balls; Muhammad Ikram 2/23) Desert Riders: 96 for three in 8.2 overs seven-wicket win for Desert (Mohammad Hafeez 45 in 23 balls, Adnan Riders against Flying Oryx in Mirza 20 in 8 balls, Muhammad Tanveer 19 in the Qatar T10 Cricket League 16 balls, Naved Malik 2/8). on Monday. Man of the match: Mohammad Hafeez At the Asian Town Sta- (Desert Riders) dium, this win with 10 balls to spare was second for De- Falcon Hunters beat Heat Stormers by six sert Riders and placed them wickets Heat Stormers: 103 for six (Andri Berenger atop the six-team stand- 18 in 10 balls, Scott Edwars 18 in 12 balls, ings. For Flying Oryx, it was Satvir Singh 23 in 13 balls, Dharmang Patel one win and one loss in two 26 in 14 balls; Tamoor Sajjad 2/21) matches so far. Falcon Hunters: 104 for four in 10 overs In pursuit of the 96-run (Salman Butt 39 not out in 27 balls, Kamran target, Desert Riders could Khan 18 in 10 balls, Mohammad Rizlan 24 in have won with more wick- 11 balls; Owais Ahmed 3/19). ets. They were sitting pretty Man of the match: Salman Butt (Falcon with one down for 81 in seven QCA President Yousef Jeham al Kuwari presents the man of the match award to Desert Riders’ Falcon Hunters’ Salman Butt receives his man of the match award after leading Hunters) overs. However Naved Malik and man of the match Mohammed Hafeez at the Asia Town Stadium on Monday. his team to a thrilling victory against Heat Stormers at the Asia Town Stadium on removed Hafeez and new man International Pro Event CEO Sajjad Chaudhry (right) was also present on the occasion. Sunday night. four in 18 off 10 balls and Ri- Sohail Tanvir off successive zlan needed a six and three balls. But Muhammad Tan- a six and three fours. vir, Hafeez and Ajay Lalchea Stormers laid a demanding got the team-high 26 not out, African star Hashim Amla fours in his 11-ball to mus- veer (19 in 16 balls with a six) Earlier, Flying Oryx shared the remaining four. 104-run target. Two useful which included two sixes and smashed 36 runs off the first ter 24. The latter got out to and Himanshu Rathod (five fell a bit short of the target In the second match on partnerships – 38 for third a four in his 14-ball stay. four overs. After Owais Ahmed Gayan Munaweera with two not out) ensured the victory they wanted to set after be- Sunday, former Pakistan wicket between Satvir Singh In the last 19 balls, Patel dismissed Amla as one of his balls remaining. New man without getting separated. ing asked to bat first. Bila- captain and opener Salman and Scott Edwards and 30 for and Amir collected 30 runs to three victims, Kamran Khan Sajjad took a single off the Man of the match Hafeez wal Iqbal was their top run- Butt utilised his big inter- sixth wicket by Dharmang Pa- put up the challenging total. and Mohammed Rizlan took next and then Butt ham- cut loose and took just 23 maker with 21, including two national experience and tel and Raja Amir – boosted Tamoor Sajjad got two wick- to the centre and helped Butt mered Munaweera for a bril- balls to post 45. His excit- fours. Asif Raja hit 17 in eight steered Falcon Hunters to the score into three figures. ets. Opener Andri Berenger in sustaining the impressive liant six off the final ing knock was studded with balls and Hussain Talat got a six-victory against Heat Satvir Singh hit three sixes chipped in with 18, which had run-chase. Amla clobbered a to seal the pulsating victory. two sixes and half a dozen 16 off 14 deliveries. Muham- Stormers with a last-ball six in his 13-ball 23 and Edwards a six and two fours. six and two fours to get 17 off He fired two sixes and three boundaries. Adnan Mirza mad Ikram picked two for in his spirited 39 not out. had two fours in his 18, facing Falcon Hunters forged a just nine balls. fours in 27 balls to finish un- made 20 in eight balls, firing 23, while Awais Malik, Tan- Put in to bat first, Heat 12 balls. Patel, a local player, solid start as Butt and South Khan had a six and two beaten on 39. Sri Lanka begin first Pakistan Sports scholarships on offer for Test tour since 2009 attack young Qatari, Kuwaiti athletes Tribune News Network Doha AFP they haven’t seen their team Islamabad playing in Pakistan.” Young sports men and wom- The PCB are now hoping to en from Qatar and Kuwait have Sri Lanka embarked on the turn things around thanks to a the chance to earn sought-after firstT est cricket tour of Paki- dramatic improvement in se- scholarships in the US thanks stan in 10 years on Monday curity in recent years, following to special trial days being held following the deadly 2009 a wave of crackdowns on mili- in both countries next week. attack on their team that tants across the country. The first-ever assessment plunged Pakistan into sport- The return of international events of their kind to be held ing isolation. games and Pakistan Super in both Qatar and Kuwait are “Touchdown Islamabad,” League matches – as well as being hosted by FirstPoint tweeted the Pakistan Cricket behind-the-scenes diplomacy USA, the world’s leading au- Board, along with video of the – are finally paying dividends, thority in American sports and players at the airport, while Pa- according to Waseem. academic scholarships. kistan Cricket Board chief exec- “The eight (PSL) matches in The Qatar event is open to utive Waseem Khan called their Karachi earlier this year... were male and female footballers, arrival a “historic occasion”. eye-openers for the 43 foreign and rugby players. Sri Lanka will play two cricketers who returned as our The trial day in Kuwait is events in Qatar takes place believe that Kuwait and Qatar Tests under heavy security, one Pakistan’s cricket head coach Misbah-ul-Haq (centre) during a practice ambassadors,” he said. open to male and female foot- on December 12 (Thursday) boast incredible talent across in Rawalpindi - where Paki- session at the Pindi Cricket Stadium ahead of the first Test cricket The series -- the second ballers, basketball players and – the football trial is at Evolu- football, rugby, basketball stan’s army is headquartered - match against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on Monday. (AFP) for both teams in the ongo- volleyball players and will also tion Sports (Doha College – Al and volleyball. Our first as- and the second in Karachi, end- ing World Test championship provide general information Waab) in the afternoon while sessment events in Kuwait ing a decade-long absence for good cricket in Pakistan and “Pakistan cricket sup- -- promises to be intriguing, on studying in the US. the rugby trial takes place at and Qatar should be bril- cricket’s five-day format since hope they give us some good porters have been denied the not least because of the tussle As the official recruitment Doha Rugby Club in the even- liant occasions and we look the attack. security.” opportunity to see their he- between the two coaches: Pa- partner of American college ing. Anyone interested in tak- forward to meeting some of Eight people were killed The 2009 attack slammed roes play live in our national kistan’s Misbah-ul-Haq and Sri governing body the National ing part should visit https:// those many talented sports and several players and officials the door shut on international stadiums.” Lanka’s Mickey Arthur. Association of Intercollegiate www.firstpointusa.com/inter- men and women on Wednes- were wounded when militants sporting fixtures in cricket-lov- Arthur was Pakistan’s Athletes (NAIA), FirstPoint is national-events/ day and Thursday.” opened fire on a convoy of bus- ing Pakistan as foreign teams Welcome return coach until August when he was responsible for sourcing high Andrew Kean, founder FirstPoint USA is predomi- es travelling to a Test in Lahore refused to visit over security None of the players on axed by the country’s cricket of- quality sporting and academic and chief executive of First- nantly made up of former pro- in March 2009. fears. Pakistan’s current roster, in- ficials, who included Misbah, talent to gain scholarships to Point USA, said: “Everyone at fessional sports men and wom- “This is my first tour to Test matches – consid- cluding skipper Azhar Ali (75 following a disappointing per- study in the States. Working FirstPoint USA is hugely ex- en who have played in the UK Pakistan,” said Sri Lanka skip- ered the pinnacle of interna- Tests) and Asad Shafiq (71), has formance at this year’s World with 2,500 US colleges and cited to be coming to Kuwait and USA. Former FirstPoint per Dimuth Karunaratne, who tional cricket – have until now played a Test at home. Cup. universities since 2001, to date and Qatar for the first time clients include 2016 Masters opted out of the team’s recent remained absent. The first “I am happy Test cricket The South African, who was FirstPoint has secured more to meet, scout and talk to Champion Danny Willett, Eng- limited-overs tour of Pakistan. Test starts in Rawalpindi on has finally return to Pakistan,” only appointed by Sri Lanka than $200 million in scholar- the undoubted sporting tal- land and Leicester City football “After the 2009 incidents Wednesday and the second is said fan Ashfaq Ahmed, 48. last week, will hope to pile the ship awards for approximately ent there is throughout both star Jamie Vardy and HSBC players were scared to tour Pa- in Karachi from December 19. “Cricket in Pakistan is dy- pressure on Pakistan who are 12,000 athletes. nations. “As an organisation Shanghai Masters Champion kistan but in the last two years “Pakistan’s losses due to ing and our kids aren’t as keen coming off a humiliating 2-0 FirstPoint’s first ever as- we’re mandated to identify Russell Knox. or so Sri Lanka and other teams non-hosting of international toward the game as we were Test thrashing in Australia sessment event in Kuwait suitable sporting talent on For more information on have toured Pakistan.” cricket have been substantial,” once. But one can’t blame the which pushed them down to takes place on December 11. behalf of 2,500 American col- FirstPoint USA visit: https:// He added: “We want to play Waseem told AFP. younger generations because eighth in the rankings. The inaugural assessment leges and universities and we www.firstpointusa.com/ M Pallonji claim First Division crown in Gulf Lights cricket 2019

Tribune News Network hit back to wrap up their in- DOHA M Pallonji began well and nings at 100. Edrick and Efaz kept building their innings grabbed three scalps each and M Pallonji emerged the proud solidly and secured the tri- Dikshit dismissed two players. winners of the First Division umph in the 15th over at M Pallonji began well and in the third Gulf Lights Cricket the expense of five play- kept building their innings Tournament after they pulled ers. Rauf compiled 25 solidly and secured the tri- off a facile six-wicket triumph runs and captain Neeraj umph in the 15th over at the against CCRC in the final at expense of five players. Rauf the Losail Cricket Complex. added 19. Omar and Gul compiled 25 runs and captain The decision of CCRC, shared four wickets. Neeraj added 19. Omar and who got just 100 all out in 19.2 Gul shared four wickets. overs, to bat first after winning Edrick of M Pallonji was the toss did not go well. They Special awards declared the man of the match. lost their top four players for The following were adjudged the best in Seema Mubin, Technical just 27 runs in six overs. Mu- different categories of the tournament: Director of Gulf Lights, guests zammil and Gul steadied them of honour Dr Mubin of PHCC a bit with a fine stand. Both hit Best batsman: Muzammil of CCRC and Master Abid of Gems Wel- 27 each, taking the total to 55 Best bowler: Omar of CCRC lington School presented the for four in 10 overs. Best all-rounder: Razik of M Pallonji awards and trophies. There The two players were split Best wicket-keeper: Neeraj of M Pallonji was a lucky draw for specta- Gulf Lights Technical Director Seema Mubin with 3rd Gulf Lights Cricket 1st Division title winners M Pallonji, runners-up CCRC and organisers in Losail. at this stage and M Pallonji tors as well.