SPORTS THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 2014 Kuwait Cricket squad makes history First Arab nation to participate in Asian Games

KUWAIT: The Kuwait national cricket team under the lead- the first ever National squad of Kuwaiti players. Mahmoud ership of Sheikh Dari Fahed Al Ahmad Al Sabah comprising Bastaki, the longest serving Kuwaiti player fell in love with of only Kuwaiti Nationals will have the distinction of being cricket during his schooling days in India and continued the first Arab country ever to participate in the forthcom- playing cricket with the expat players upon his return back ing Asian games at Incheon, South Korea during the to Kuwait. A dashing all-rounder who can excel in all month of September 2014. Kuwait Cricket, the apex body department of the game has been playing cricket in of controlling cricket in Kuwait is under the auspicious of Kuwait since the last 30 years. Kuwait Olympic Committee and has been an associate The team has been undergoing vigorous training skills member of International Cricket Council (ICC) since 2005 since 4 months and the team will be heading to Kuala and a full member of Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Kuwait Lumpur, Malaysia to play practice matches with local Cricket was formed in 1996 and they became an affiliate teams to get more exposure and gain experience while member of the ICC two years later. They participated in the playing on different turfs which will help the young ACC Trophy for the first time in 2000 and later on has Kuwaiti players to continue to mature and as the sport pulled off a series of upsets to finish in third place in the grows and improves at the grass-roots level, they will pro- ACC Trophy, only just missing out on qualification for the duce good quality youngsters who can play at a high stan- 2005 ICC Trophy. Kuwait Cricket has hosted eleven dard and can continue the national side’s rapid rise. Ahli International tournaments including the World Cricket United Bank who has been supporting and sponsoring League Division 8 which they won in 2010 and later on cricket events in Kuwait has come forward generously in won the WCL Division Seven in Botswana in May 2011. sponsoring the Kuwaiti team’s trip to Malaysia. Moreover, Cricket made its debut at the 16th Asian Games 2010 at playing matches abroad on various turf grounds will help Guangdong International Cricket Stadium, Guangzhou, the team to adapt and learn about conditions at Incheon China where it was one of 42 sports. The matches were as the bouncy pitches, the swing and seam movement will played in Twenty20 format. Both Men’s and Women’s tour- be very unfamiliar to the Kuwaiti players. Kuwait team will naments were conducted and in the men’s event play its first match against Nepal on September 27th and Bangladesh defeated Afghanistan in the final event to win will clash with Maldives on September 29th. the gold medal while the latter won the silver. Pakistan Team as follows: Mahmood Bastaki; Fahad Bastaki , won its first cricket gold in women’s event while Osamah Al Aradah, Abdulrahman Al Kandri, Mohammed Bangladesh gained silver. Kandari, Ali Zeinal, Talal Beides, Mohammad Al Qallaf, Faleh The Kuwait National cricket team will be led by Al Nadi, Abdulrahman Dashti, Abdullah Bastaki, Ebrahim Al Mahmoud Bastaki, a spirited and inspiring leader who has Dhabyan, Yousef Al Zaid, Ali Boushehri, Fawaz Tawfiqi and been instrumental in forming, mentoring and building up Tareq Beidas. US advocates want NFL to Love struck: Love pledges act on domestic violence NASHVILLE: Ravens running back Ray Rice enhancing drugs. Domestic violence, cov- commitment to Cavaliers is sitting out two games for domestic vio- ered under personal conduct, has been left lence. A positive marijuana test, meanwhile, to the discretion of the commissioner. may have triggered a yearlong ban for The NFL’s personal code of conduct INDEPENDENCE: Kevin Love’s phone rang in July Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon. Critics of makes it clear that domestic violence will and LeBron James asked the All-Star forward if he the NFL’s arbitrary policy toward domestic not be tolerated, Kluger says. But she says wanted to play with him in Cleveland. “I’m in,” Love violence point to the contrast between the the league didn’t follow that code in punish- told James. For the long haul. Getting used to a punishments and say it’s time for the league ing Rice. “It boggles the mind that they did new city and new team after being acquired by the to crack down on players who hurt women. not act in a way that ... sent a message that Cavaliers on Saturday, Love said he’s committed to Three members of Congress wrote NFL this is more serious,” said Kluger, who winning an NBA title with the Cavaliers - however Commissioner Roger Goodell asking him to helped oversee New York putting in courts long it takes. Love, who didn’t make the playoffs reconsider Rice’s suspension, the governor that deal specifically with domestic vio- during six sometimes rocky seasons with of Maine says he’ll boycott the league, and lence. Minnesota, can opt out of his contract and become numerous groups that advocate for women This is not a new issue for the NFL. Since a free agent next summer. But 25-year-old Love, and families condemned the penalty as too January 2000, 77 players have been regarded as the game’s top “spacing” forward, said lenient. involved in 85 domestic violence incidents he intends to stay with James and the Cavs. “I’m League officials may soon take action on with six being cut by their teams, according committed to this team, committed long term to the matter. A person familiar with the NFL’s to USA Today’s NFL Arrests Database. The the end goal and that’s to win championships,” he plans says the league is looking into increas- NFL suspended six players for one game said. ing punishments for players involved in each, and Rice now is the second player to Cleveland is smitten with its newest superstar. domestic violence. The person spoke to The be suspended for two games. Goodell has Love was introduced Tuesday by the Cavs, who Associated Press on condition of anonymity defended the Rice suspension, saying the acquired him in a blockbuster, three-team trade because no announcement had been made league can’t just “make up the discipline” that instantly turned Cleveland, which won just 33 on such a decision. “The first time with mari- and needs to be consistent. He also said games last season, into an NBA championship juana is different from the first time you are Rice took responsibility and had not been in favorite. The deal also gives the team a star-pow- knocking your wife unconscious,” said Judy trouble before. ered trio in Love, James and Kyrie Irving. Love and Harris Kluger, executive director of US Senators Richard Blumenthal and James became friends two summers ago as U.S. Sanctuary for Families and a former judge in Chris Murphy of Connecticut and Tammy Olympic teammates in London. It was there, while chasing a gold medal together, that James began New York City. “It’s not what they did was Baldwin of Wisconsin sent a letter to recruiting Love, who wasn’t sure what to make of such a small sort of slap on the wrist. Goodell and Ravens general manager Ozzie the four-time league MVP’s overtures. Punishment to me, they should have sus- Newsome decrying Rice’s punishment and “Sitting next to me, a locker really close to me pended for a season at least and let him suggesting the Ravens also discipline the and he would always tell me how good he thought appeal. At least you send a message that running back. “The decision to suspend Mr. I was,” Love said. “For me I would just kind of brush MINNEAPOLIS: In this file photo, Minnesota Timberwolves’ Kevin Love (left) and Chicago Bulls’ this is not tolerated, that this matters.” Rice for a mere two games sends the it off and shake it off because I was standoffish Joakim Noah battle for the ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Minneapolis. The Rice’s suspension begins Saturday, a inescapable message that the NFL does not because I didn’t know him well.” James persisted Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers completed a blockbuster trade sending punishment handed down after grainy take domestic or intimate-partner violence and after more conversations, Love realized there Love to team up with LeBron James in Cleveland for 2014 No 1 draft pick Andrew Wiggins. — AP video showed him dragging his then- with the seriousness they deserve,” the letter could be a time when their careers could intersect and I can’t say enough good things about it.” While veterans Shawn Marion, Mike Miller and James fiancee off a casino elevator unconscious said. The NFL has yet to punish Carolina Pro again. “I thought that one day maybe I could play Love was saying good things about his former Jones, the Cavs have the makings of a champi- Feb. 15. He has not divulged what hap- Bowl defensive end Greg Hardy, who is with LeBron James,” he said. And now that Love is team, his old boss wasn’t as warm about him. onship team - this season and for many more to pened in the elevator except to call his awaiting a jury trial on his conviction for gone, the Timberwolves are left to rebuild around Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor isn’t sure Love fits come. actions “totally inexcusable.” His assault attacking his ex-girlfriend in his apartment No 1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins and last year’s in Cleveland as well as many believe. “I question “This is culmination of a year and a half of con- charges could be expunged once he com- in May. A judge gave him a 60-day suspend- top pick, Anthony Bennett, two young players they Kevin if this is going to be the best deal for him versations to trade for Kevin,” general manager pletes a diversion program. So the NFL gave ed jail sentence and 18 months’ probation, were able to pry from Cleveland. because I think he’s going to be the third player on David Griffin said. “This is a player that, quite him the only punishment he likely faces in a which he is appealing. Love didn’t leave the Timberwolves on the best the team,” Taylor said. “I don’t think he’s going to frankly, fits us as well as any player could have.” suspension and a fine that totals more than What the NFL does next is being of terms. He was the face of the franchise, and get a lot of credit if they do really well. I think he’ll Love will wear No 0 for the Cavs. His No 42, the $500,000. “My daughter is 2 years old now. watched closely, according to a consultant Minnesota is where he developed into one of the get blame if they don’t do well. number he wore in college and with the One day she’s going to know the power of who helps train police, lawyers and judges game’s top rebounders and scorers, a dual threat “He’s around a couple guys that are awful good. Timberwolves, was worn by Nate Thurmond and Google. Me having to explain that to her, on domestic violence. “I hope they reflect from inside and out. But the years of losing wore I’m not saying Kevin isn’t good. I think where retired in Cleveland. He considered No 11, his what happened that night, that’s something and self-assess themselves and come out on him and it was no secret that he wanted out. maybe he got away with some stuff not playing Olympic number, but that was worn by Zydrunas I have to live with the rest of my life,” Rice and say, ‘We want to be the national stan- Still, Love said he’ll look back on his first NBA home defense on our team, I’m not sure that’s how it’s Ilgauskas and also hangs from the rafters at said at training camp. dard for how we feel about violence against as a positive experience. “The people of Minnesota going to work in Cleveland. I would guess they’re Quicken Loans Arena. So he went with 0, the num- By comparison, Washington safety women,’” said Mark Wynn, a former were great, the fans were great, they showed up, going to ask him to play more defense - and he’s ber he first wore as a kid in Beaverton, Oregon. “I Brandon Meriweather was handed a two- Nashville police lieutenant working to pre- win, lose or draw, and I really developed a lot of foul prone.” The Cavs know nothing is certain, and thought this was a chance to start fresh,” Love said, game suspension for a hit during an exhibi- vent violence against women for 30 years. relationships all the way down through the organi- there’s risk in bringing aboard Love. But with “and pick a new number that would suit me. I just tion game for a sixth violation of player safe- Goodell emphasized Rice’s punishment was zation,” he said. James, Love, Irving, guard Dion Waiters, relentless decided that 0 was the right fit for me.”And so was ty rules. Broncos kicker Matt Prater has been for a first offense. Wynn says a crisis line “It was a great six years, and I enjoyed my time, rebounder Anderson Varejao and newly signed the chance to play again with James. — AP suspended four games for violating terms of director told him victims don’t usually call the league’s alcohol program as a repeat for help until the fifth incident. “The offender. Gordon, who has appealed, was stronger voice of the NFL about this that we suspended for two games last season, and have no tolerance for violence against Figure skating NFL and FIFA join forces his potential one-year ban is for violating women, no tolerance of coercion, no toler- the substance abuse policy at least a third ance of objectifying women, that to me to evaluate concussions time. The NFL has guidelines bargained with would be a real pivotal moment for profes- the NFL Players Association setting out sional sports where they say enough is Japanese figure skating NEW YORK: Medical officials from the of Neuroscience and Mental Health. penalties for using illegal and performance- enough,” Wynn said.— AP NFL, FIFA and other sports organiza- McCrory, who works with Australian king Hanyu warns rivals tions are banding together to look Rules Football, also emphasized the into better ways to identify, manage need to work collectively. “This is an and treat concussions. The “think exciting development in the science TOKYO: Japan’s figure skating king Yuzuru Hanyu yesterday warned tank,” funded by an educational grant of sports concussion,” he said. rivals that his Olympic and world gold medal double earlier this year from the NFL, was held Sunday and “Working with international sports was no fluke, promising more fireworks in the new season. The 19- Monday at league headquarters in leaders not only benefits athletes in year-old, who also won the Grand Prix Final before repeating his New York. Dozens of scientific and professional sports but amateur par- Sochi heroics on home ice at the world championships in March, medical personnel from football, rug- ticipants throughout the world.” told local media: “As Olympic champion I want people to realise that by and equestrian circles participat- Handling concussions was a major my gold medals were no coincidence-I won them because of my ed. Dr Rich Ellenbogen, chairman of topic at the recently concluded World ability.” the NFL’s head, neck and spine com- Cup in Brazil. In the wake of FIFA Hanyu won Japan’s only gold medal of the Sochi Olympics in mittee, said the various sports organi- being criticized during the tourna- February as he broke his own world record in the short program en zations “need to look at all variations ment for not effectively policing con- route to becoming the first man from his country to win Olympic of what is being done around the cussions, Dvorak insisted that the gold in the sport. Achieving so much at such a tender age, including world.” “This will change the para- team doctor has final say over players becoming the youngest Olympic men’s champion in 66 years, has digm,” Ellenbogen said of such coop- returning to action after an apparent clearly not diminished his hunger for more success. “There is pres- eration among sports. “How can we head injury. He promised that FIFA sure of course but that comes with the expectation,” said Hanyu, set accelerate the information? This can would make it clear who is in charge to unveil a free program featuring three quad jump attempts in the provide a unique perspective to get if a player is suspected to be con- new season. “I’m glad people have those expectations of me. It people back to health. There are a lot cussed. “There is a controversy about shows what they think I am capable of. My goals are always the of big ideas that can come out of this overruling the decision of the team same. I want to win everything.” that resonated with all the leagues doctor,” he said. “From FIFA’s side, we His astonishing sweep last season carried extra poignancies after that may have not come up if they will strengthen the position of the the story emerged of his escape from the terrifying magnitude 9.0 had done it in isolation.” team doctor, as we did already in the earthquake which triggered a deadly tsunami in northeast Japan Among those on hand were FIFA’s past.” More meetings are planned, while he was training in 2011. Hanyu, who had to crawl off the ice as chief medical officer, Dr Jiri Dvorak; Dr perhaps as soon as later this year. The it cracked beneath him and flee the rink as the building began to Martin Raftery of the International methodology for future research collapse around him, became the poster boy for Japanese figure Rugby Board; Dr Willem Meeuwisse of must be determined, as well as which TEXAS: In this file photo, Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) runs during skating after storming to victory in Sochi. His first competitive the University of Calgary’s sports sports might have particularly strong an NFL preseason football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas. appearance of the season will be the Finlandia Trophy in Helsinki in injury prevention research center; insight into certain treatments. Ravens running back Ray Rice is sitting out two games for domestic violence. — AP October, an event he won last year. — AFP and Dr Paul McCrory, an associate Funding for any initiatives must also professor at Australia’s Florey Institute still be decided. — AP