India pass the 'Test'
India retained their number one position on the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test team rankings following the annual update in which series results from 2013-14 are no longer included and outcomes from the 2015-16 series are weighted at 50 per cent. The Virat Kohli-led side now leads South Africa by six points following the annual update, only nine points separate third-ranked Australia from seventh-ranked Sri Lanka, with ninth-ranked Bangladesh trailing eighth-ranked West Indies by six points. India has moved to 123 points after gaining one point. However, second-ranked South Africa now have the table-toppers firmly within their sights after vaulting from 109 points to 117 points. Australia have retained their third place but has plummeted from 108 points to 100 points, England are in fourth but have slipped to 99 points after conceding two points, whereas Pakistan dropped behind New Zealand in sixth place after conceding four points to sit on 93 points.
FIFA delegation impressed with Kochi
The visiting FIFA technical delegation, after going around the main stadium and the practice facilities in Kochi, have expressed satisfaction with the city as one of the venues for the U-17 World Cup. According to the FIFA delegation, the venue, which is scheduled to host one pre-quarterfinal, a quarterfinal and six qualifying matches, has undertaken all the work as prescribed by world football's governing body. The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the venue for the matches, has been asked to limit the seating capacity to 41,748 seats due to security reasons. FIFA official Javier Ceppi, who is the tournament director for the U-17 World Cup, was the one who announced the decision and informed that the delegation members are happy with the preparations in Kochi. Ceppi asserted that the delegation members know that rain might have caused a delay in the preparation of the four practice venues and understand the problems faced by the organisers.
Manpreet to lead India in HWL semis
Young midfielder Manpreet Singh replaced injured P.R. Sreejesh as the captain of the Indian hockey team that will leave for Germanys 3 Nations Invitational Tournament, followed by Englands World League semifinal. The announcement was made after regular captain and goalkeeper Sreejesh was ruled out for the series and HWL due to a knee injury. India is set to play Germany and Belgium in the 3 Nations Invitational tournament and are clubbed with Canada, Netherlands, Pakistan and Scotland for the tournament in London. Goalkeepers Akash Chikte and Vikas Dahiya will fill in for Sreejesh, who sustained an injury while playing against Australia at the 26th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
Sachin film made tax-free in Kerala, Chhattisgarh
"Sachin: A Billion Dreams", a film based on the life of cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar, has been declared tax-free in Kerala and Chhattisgarh. The decisions in this regard were taken by the respective cabinets of each state, in compliance with government policies, read a statement from the makers of the film. The film, directed by James Erskine, is about Tendulkar's personal journey from a young boy to a cricketing icon. It is scheduled to release on May 26.
Monaco secure first Ligue 1 title in 17 years
AS Monaco secured their first Ligue 1 title since 2000 with a 2-0 home win against Saint-Etienne in a rescheduled match. Monaco have virtually won the french top division football championship ahead of the rescheduled 31st round of matches, as they led defending champions Paris Saint-Germain, who had one game remaining, by three points with a far superior goal difference, and a draw with eighth-ranked Saint-Etienne would earn them a tight grip on the trophy.
Dutch football great Kuyt retires
Feyenoord Rotterdam captain and former Liverpool star Dirk Kuyt announced his retirement, ending a 19-year-long professional career which has seen him become one of the most versatile footballers. "Throughout my career I have always followed my heart when taking decisions and that goes for this one too," Kuyt said in a statement posted on the Feyenoord website. "To me this feels like the right time to retire. I have had two fantastic years here since returning to Feyenoord, with this season's title as the absolute pinnacle. I had the dream of winning trophies and becoming a champion with Feyenoord. All my dreams have come true," he added. Kuyt will focus on gaining a position within Feyenoord's technical management team. With that goal in mind, over the coming time he will follow a sports management-oriented programme. Technical director Martin van Geel will act as his mentor. Kuyt, who can play at multiple positions like forward, winger and attacking midfielder, also made 104 international appearances, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup final and the third place at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The Netherlands' win over Brazil in the 2014 World Cup bronze medal match was the last time Kuyt featured in an international match.
