Sunday, August 3, 2008

Little Master Blaster




Lankans would love to restrict master blaster Sachin Tendulkar from breaking Brian Lara’s world record in the forthcoming three Test series to be held in Sri Lanka, country’s captain Mahela Jayawardane, said on Monday.

Sachin is mere 171 runs behind Lara’s aggregate of 11,953 runs and is expected to set the new mark during India’s three Test series in Sri Lanka in July-August 2008.

“I would be happy to curtail Sachin with 170 runs in six innings to be played in our country,” Jayawardane said at Sri Lankan Airlines press meet which roped in Sri Lankan cricketers to promote the various tourists destination of that country.

“No doubt Sachin is a great player and we have to admire Sachin’s achievement in the last 19 years,” the Sri Lankan captain said.

“Sachin deserves to surpass Lara’s record, but breaking record won’t be a big deal for the great batsman, as it would not be in his mind,” ace spinner Muthiah Muraleetharan said.

The great spinner said, Twenty20 is a game of fitness and there can’t by any preplan for this short version of the game.

While in Tests one waits and sees how the batsman reacts and of course skill should be good.

All versions of cricket should survive, the spinner said.


Sachin Tendulkar Quotes

And that is the reason why this victory is great, because different players have made contributions to the win.

At least with me, the match starts much, much earlier than the actual match.

Beating Pakistan is always special because they are a tough team and we have a bit if a history regarding Pakistan.

Before coming here I had a minor back problem and I thought whenever I play Pakistan I get a back problem.

But eventually it is a game of cricket.

But it is not fair to blame a particular individual in a team comprising 11 members.

Every individual has his own style, his own way of presenting himself on and off the field.

From the spinners, Anil and I have been together for a long time and I respect him a lot.

I always had a dream to play for India but I never let it put pressure on me.

I am not thinking too far ahead, just want to take it one thing at a time.

I believe every era has its significance and the same holds true for players and coaches.

I didn’t want to prove a point, cause bowlers always want to make a statement and my job is to go out and score runs for India.

I feel when somebody has been playing cricket for a long time, he creates a separate identity for himself.

I find it difficult to sleep even after all these years because my mind is constantly working and that is the way I have always prepared.

I hate losing and cricket being my first love, once I enter the ground it’s a different zone altogether and that hunger for winning is always there.

I have never believed in comparisons, whether they are about different eras, players or coaches.

I have never thought where I will go, or forced any targets on myself.

I have never tried to compare myself to anyone else.

I have played for 15 years and it has been a dream.

I just keep it simple. Watch the ball and play it on merit.

I just want to continue the way I am going.

I myself want to learn to play the guitar because I just love music and I want to learn to play at least one good musical instrument.

I never played with a runner in my entire life, even in schools, because only I know where the ball is going and how hard, when I hit the ball, something my runner will never know about.

I want to give my six hours of serious cricket on the ground and then take whatever the result.

If one man is representing India in cricket, then yes, blame that person when things go wrong.

Imran Khan did not become Imran Khan overnight. He worked hard to become a legend.

Isn’t cricket supposed to be a team sport? I feel people should decide first whether cricket is a team game or an individual sport.

It doesn’t always happen according to the way you have planned things out but I feel if you have covered most of the aspects, it does help out there in the middle.

It has been very good here, but the World Cup game was different. It had a different significance to it.

It is my job to make runs for the country and win. That is the job I have to do.

Lara’s done very well recently and I never had any doubts about the abilities of Lara or Waugh.

Moment there is contact your sub conscious mind knows whether it’s a single or more. It’s that fraction of contact that matters.

My first strategy was not to give any wickets in first five to six overs because first 10 overs were important.

My point of view is that when I am playing cricket I cannot think that this game is less or more important.

New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori is a very good bowler.

Obviously after such a long gap, one itches to get back to the game and score big runs.

Shoaib Akhtar has been playing for 5, 6 years and is an experienced bowler.

The Australian tour was good for us; it was ideal preparation for us.

There are a few players who don’t like to think about the game.

Wasim and Waqar were amazing bowlers. I would put them right up there with the best in the world.

We defeated England in Natwest and also in Sri Lanka, but it’s was psychological game and I wanted to settle a score because of memories of losing at Wankhede Stadium were there.

When I was 15, I started playing first class cricket and always dreamt of being a Test cricketer, wanted to do something for the country, married in 1995, have 2 kids it’s been great.

When there is time to think about cricket, I think but when there is time to be with family, I try to do justice to that aspect of my life as well.

My big sister gave it to me after returning from a trip to Kashmir, which is known for its high-quality willows. It wasn’t the best bat, but it was like a piece of gold to me. I used to imagine myself batting for India, hitting fours and sixes, the people cheering.
I used that bat until it broke ..

I was the only one supporting John McEnroe — everyone used to call me “Mac” because I styled myself on him. I made my father buy me the same headbands and sweatbands and even grew my hair long. You wouldn’t believe the pictures of me from that time. I was also extremely naughty. Very, very difficult to handle. …I had a nanny who used to run after me virtually 24 hours a day, because I never wanted to go home

My father, who died in 1999, was never a cricket fan, not at all. He was a writer and a poet: he taught Marathi, my mother tongue, at the local university. But he understood exactly how to get the best out of me. He always encouraged me and told my mother that he had full faith in me. It was probably reverse psychology, but as I got older I felt like I could not misuse that trust. He warned me against taking short cuts and told me to just keep playing, despite the ups and downs. My parents taught me that it is important to live every day of your life with grace and honour.When it came to choosing between cricket and going to university, he said: “You can play cricket, I know that is your first love, so go for it.”
Of course, my parents were extremely happy when I became the youngest player to play for India, at 16. ..

Cricket is something very, very special to me. It has never been about owning this or that car and the other things that come with this life.. An obsession with money or worldly matters was always thumbed down. My only dream was to wear the Indian cap and the Indian colours. In that respect, my childhood dreams have come true…..

Having children brings back all my old childhood memories, wonderful years. Now, every minute is measured and calculated. I still dream — without dreams, life is flat, you stagnate. I don’t go to the temple every morning, but I do pray. I thank God for everything he has given me, because life has been very good to me.

Rahul - The Gandhi

Name Rahul Gandhi
Profession Politician, Consultant
Date of Birth 19th June 1970
Birth Place New Delhi, Delhi
Nationality Indian
Zodiac Sign Gemini
Family Father - Rajiv Gandhi (former Prime Minister)
Mother - Sonia Gandhi (President of the Indian National Congress)
Sister - Priyanka Gandhi Vadra
Brother-in-law - Robert Vadra
Niece-Miraya
Nephew-Raihan
Girlfriend-Veronique
Famous relatives Great grandfather: Jawaharlal Nehru (former and first Prime Minister of India)
Great grandmother: Kamala Nehru
Grandmother: Indira Gandhi (former Prime Minister of India)
Grandfather: Feroze Gandhi (Politician)
Uncle: Sanjay Gandhi (Politician)
Aunt: Maneka Gandhi (active Politician, animal activist)
Cousin Brother: Varun Gandhi (active in politics)
Education

* Schooling at Modern School,New Delhi

* Home schooled for most of his school years
* Enrolled for History (Hons) at St. Stephen's College, New Delhi
* Completed a four-year AB course in Economics at Harvard University but did not get his degree.
* He transferred later due to security reasons to Rollins College in Florida where he completed a B.A. in 1994.
* Received an M. Phil in Development Economics after attending Trinity College, Cambridge.
Constituency Amethi , Uttar Pradesh
Political party INC (Indian National Congress)
Jobs held * He worked in London as a consultant with the strategy consultancy firm Monitor Group
* He currently owns a computer consultancy firm in New Delhi.
Politics * In May 2004, he won the Lok Sabha elections from his father's constituency of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh and won a landslide majority. He won by a margin 300,500 votes.

* His sister Priyanka was his campaign manager.

* He concentrates mainly on constituency issues and the politics of Uttar Pradesh.

* Is Member, Committee on Home Affairs

* Was made Congress general secretary and inducted into the Congress Working Committee on September 24, 2007. Will be in charge of the Youth Congress and the National Students Union of India (NSUI)
Cricket He and his sister, Priyanka went to Karachi and watched the first ODI match between India and Pakistan in March 2004 and the public in Pakistan were happy to see them.
Controversies * Newsweek alleged in late 2006 that he had not completed his degrees at Harvard and Cambridge or kept his job at the Monitor Group.

*He says that if anyone from the Gandhi-Nehru family had been active in politics then, the Babri Masjid would not have fallen.

*He says once the Gandhi family decides on something, it makes sure that is accomplished — whether it is throwing out the British, breaking up Pakistan or taking India into the 21st century.

* According to him Bachchans are liars
Special Interests * Promotion of primary education

* Issues related to the empowerment of the dalits and other oppressed sections of society

* Preservation of marine environment

* International Affairs
Pastimes Reading, internet, listening to music, playing chess and flying
Sports and Clubs * Scuba diving, swimming, cycling, playing squash, target shooting; Member, Indian Habitat Centre
* Excelled in rifle shooting
Social And Cultural Activities Associated with :
* Rajiv Gandhi Foundation
* Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund
* Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Trust
* Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust
* Rajiv Gandhi Computer Shiksha Kendra
Veronique She is an architect and met her when he was studying in England.
Facts * He was 14 years old when his grandmother, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, was assassinated by her security men.

* Incidentally, he is the same age as his late uncle Sanjay Gandhi was when he won the elections from Amethi years ago.

* Like his father he trained at a shooting range in the Aravalli ranges near Delhi.

*He was not admitted to St Stephen's on merit, but from the sports quota.

* Media enquiries report that he attended under the alias "Rahul Vinci".
Goal "There is a work that my father had started, a dream he had dreamt. I come to you today saying…allow me to turn that dream into reality"
About him Dr Anil Wilson, the principal of St Stephen's College: "He was a diligent student. He had no airs about the famous family he belonged to. I think he left college because of security concerns. We really did not get an opportunity to assess his academic brilliance."

Astrologers: Communicator. Social, outgoing. Sees and blends opposites/both sides of an issue. Vivacious, quick, flexible, versatile, lively and changeable. Mentally ambitious.

The Strongest Man of India

The Great Khali is often referred to as "The Strongest Man of India" and has made his country proud on the International Wrestling Scene. He is one of the very few Indians to make it to the International Professional Wrestling scene. The only other Indian currently wrestling professionally is Ritesh Bhalla who wrestles under the name of Sonjay Dutt in the TNA (The Wrestler Sabu is billed as being from India but he is neither an Indian nor has any Indian ancestry)

The Great Khali hails from the Dhirana village of Himachal Pradesh (India) and currently resides at Jalandhar in the Punjab State of India. He is one of the tallest and most powerful wrestlers ever to set foot in the World Wrestling Federation, with only Giant Gonzales (also referred to as El Gigante) being taller. The Great Khali has wrestled throughout the world, including Japan, where he is regarded as a popular wrestling icon.

The Great Khali has also worked in a film in Hollywood called The Longest Yard. The film enjoyed considerable success and Khali played his part well.

Khali's fan site Khali.info aims at keeping people updated with all the latest news on The Great Khali, our website also has The Great Khali wallpapers, Ringtones, Videos, Audios, Interviews and all other news that you require. So sit back and browse... the Lair of The Great Khali.

Moreover if you are a fan of the Great Khali you could leave a message over at the fans section and we will send your messages regularly by email and post to the Great Khali himself, if we get a response we will share that will the other fans too!


Mini Biography of The Great Khali

The Great Khali's real name is Dalip Singh Rana. He was born on 27th August 1972 in a poor family of the Dhirana village in Himachal Pradesh, his parents weren't as tall as he is today, but his Grandfather was a tall person of over Six Feet Six inches. He had Seven other brothers and sisters, and was the third oldest among them in age.

He didn't attend much school due to poverty but because of his exceptional growth and power, he started working as a Roadside stone breaker at a young age on daily wages to provide bread for his poor family. As he grew up he started playing various sports and prooved to be a really good sportsman. He also took interest in Body building and carved his body in a wonderful shape, at this time he was still working as a Roadside laborer.

The Director General of Punjab police Mr. M.S. Bhullar (now retired) saw Dalip and his talent in bodybuilding and decided to help him. He got Dalip a job in the Punjab Police as a constable in 1993. Due to the increased wages, Dalip got more financially relaxed and began putting more effort into bodybuilding. He also joined various Gyms and Boxing clubs in Jalandhar.

The Great Khali with his bodybuilding coach and sponsors
Bodybuilding days. From Left to Right: Dr. Randhir Kumar (Khali's Bodybuilding Coach), Dr. Balvir Hastir & Dr. Raj Hastir (The then Sponsors of Khali)

After years of hard work and practice in the local gyms, he won the title of Mr. India in 1997 and 1998 out of hundreds of other participants , which gave him a huge boost in terms of confidence and popularity and he quickly became an icon for the youth of Punjab.

The Great Khali body
The Magnificient structure of The Great Khali

In 1999, with due support from his colleagues and family, Dalip Singh went to United States of America on a Work permit and joined the wrestling school of All Pro Wrestling. Where he was kept in training for a few months, here he learnt how to use different wrestling moves safely and how to receive them as well, because of his hard working and quick learning attitude, he was made to debut in the year 2000 at All Pro Wrestling.

Wrestling Career of the Great Khali Continued in The Great Khali's Wrestling Career page.



NANO


Tata Motors took the covers off the world’s cheapest car — the Nano.

Over the past year, Tata has been building hype for a car that would cost a mere 100,000 rupees (roughly $2,500) and bring automotive transportation to the mainstream Indian population. It has been nicknamed the “People’s Car.” Over the course of the New Delhi Auto Expo, which began this week, anticipation had grown to fever pitch.

With the theme from “2001: A Space Odyssey” playing, Ratan Tata, chairman of Tata Motors drove the small white bubble car onto Tata’s show stage, where it joined two others.

Tata NanoThe Tata Nano could sell for around $2,500. (Photo by Raveendran/Agence France-Presse/Getty Images)

“They are not concept cars, they are not prototypes,” Mr. Tata announced when he got out of the car. “They are the production cars that will roll out of the Singur plant later this year.”

The four-door Nano is a little over 10 feet long and nearly 5 feet wide. It is powered by a 623cc two-cylinder engine at the back of the car. With 33 horsepower, the Nano is capable of 65 miles an hour. Its four small wheels are at the absolute corners of the car to improve handling. There is a small trunk, big enough for a duffel bag.

“Today, we indeed have a People’s Car, which is affordable and yet built to meet safety requirements and emission norms, to be fuel efficient and low on emissions,” Mr. Tata added. “We are happy to present the People’s Car to India and we hope it brings the joy, pride and utility of owning a car to many families who need personal mobility.”

The base price for the Nano will be 120,000 rupees, including road tax and delivery. Higher level models will cost more and come with air-conditioning. Sun visors and radios are extra.

The nearest priced competitor is the Maruti 800, which costs roughly twice as much as the Nano. In comparing the Nano to the Maruti 800, Mr. Tata said, “It is 8 percent smaller — bumper to bumper — and has 21 percent larger seating capacity than Maruti 800.”

The Hindustan Times reports reactions from a couple of Tata’s competitors, Maruti and Hyundai:

Jagdish Khattar, a former head of Maruti 800 manufacturer Maruti Udyog Ltd., says it’s too early to say whether the Nano will overtake the original.

“It’s a good product but it’s still too early to say whether it will overtake the 800 because it caters to a totally new market segment,” he said while watching a live telecast of Tata’s press conference after unveiling of the Nano.

But clearly, at least one other manufacturer was worried.

An official of Hyundai Motors, which unveiled an LPG version of its Santro Thursday, was more circumspect.

“We definitely see it as impacting our sales,” he said in halting English, preferring to maintain anonymity.

Anand Mahindra, managing director for Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Motors’ primary competitor, said before the unveiling, “I think it’s a moment of history and I’m delighted an Indian company is leading the way.”

The Nano will go on sale in India later this year with an initial production run of 250,000 a year. Tata says it will offer the Nano in other emerging markets in Latin America, Southeast Asia and Africa within four years.