Virtual Data Rooms from DRSdigital Simplify Transaction Processes for MidCap M&A Advisors

Virtual Data Rooms Increase Efficiency in Complex Sales Processes
MILAN–(Business Wire)–
DRSdigital, transaction service provider and provider of virtual data rooms for
exchanging internal and external confidential information, have made transaction
processes for MidCap M&A advisers simpler by professionally marketing assets via
the DRSdigital Online Teaser.

Using Online Marketing, M&A analysts are able to better regulate and control
access to information about the assets to be sold, in contrast to their previous
method of sending information by e-mail or fax. A protected area presents
information on the item to be sold to all interested parties.

Bidders receive access to the virtual data room for information memos and Due
Diligence. The often time-consuming and painstaking assessment of countless
documents is work which can be made more difficult by a lack of professionalism
during implementation. Storing Due Diligence documents in a virtual data room,
as opposed to a classical physical data room, has significantly improved the
latter in the past few years. Quick, simple, and parallel access to the
documents in the virtual data room makes the work easier for all parties
involved. Of course, this is provided that the data in the data room is well
organized.

The professional online marketing of items to be sold as well as a perfectly
structured virtual data room provide more than just a touch of professionalism;
they also simplify and shorten the transaction process for MidCap M&A advisors.

Company Profile

DRSdigital is a transaction services provider specializing in highly secure,
fast and reliable virtual data rooms. DRSdigital data rooms can be used for a
variety of purposes as the solutions and services are customized to each
customer´s specific needs. DRSdigital facilitates complex transactions in the
areas of M&A, Private Equity, Non-Performing Loans and Initial Public Offerings
although the transaction specialist is likely best known as the market leader
for large cap real estate transactions. www.drs-digital.com

DRS Frankfurt
Meike Mohr
Vice President Marketing
P: +49 (0) 69 478640 – 280
F: +49 (0) 69 478640 – 1
meike.mohr@drs-digital.com
www.drs-digital.com

Copyright Business Wire 2010

‘Next season, we want nothing short of a league victory’

Right from its inception in 2007, Pune FC has taken giant steps towards success at the national level. After qualifying for the I-league in its very first attempt, the club is set to finish in the top three in its debut season. Following are excerpts from an interview with coach Derrick Pereira.

How big is the success of Pune FC?* The success is humungous. The reaction of the crowd after the last home match against Churchill Brothers told the whole story. The atmosphere was such that we felt we had won the Champions League final! The atmosphere was lively as the matches were played at night. It was unlike anything I have ever seen around here and will only increase.

What were your expectations before the tournament? Did you exceed them? * My expectations kept on increasing as the tournament progressed. At the start, I would have been happy with a mid-table finish. At the halfway stage, I knew we had it in us to finish in the top-five. If we had pushed a little harder towards the end we could have even fought for the title.

What has been the key to your successful season? * The key to our success has been the fact that we drew more games than we lost. We kept collecting points wherever we went and our first winning streak helped us reach the top. Other than that, the credit must go to the professionalism of the administration.

How did you motivate the team during the frustrating parts of the season, especially at the start where the team drew six of their first eight games and losing the other two? * Even though the results were not going our way, we were putting in good performances. I just kept on telling the team to keep up the good work and the results would follow. The break was very important for us. We analyzed our mistakes, worked on them and came out a better team in the second half. Since we didn’t have Jeje Lalpekhlua for most of the season, we worked on a strategy to make Edmar play up front on his own. It was just a matter of one win to get our confidence back.

What has been your strategy throughout the season? * We first focus on our strengths and play to our strengths. We then analyze the weakness of the opposition and look to exploit it.

What was the turning point of the season? * The turning point of the season was our Federation Cup victory against Dempo. We had started the season poorly and were in a lowly ninth place. But that victory gave us the much needed confidence and self belief to beat any I-league side. We went from strength to strength from that point on.

What are the plans ahead? * We will first be looking to beat Dempo on Thursday to secure the second place. But for the next season we will want nothing short of a league victory.

Punished Singaporean shuttler denied C’Wealth chance

Singapore’s top badminton player will miss her chance to compete at this year’s Commonwealth Games after being slapped with a suspension for bad behaviour, the sport’s chief in the city-state told Reuters on Thursday.

Singaporean officials hit Zhang Beiwen with the stiffest penalty ever meted out by the Republic when they suspended her for three months without pay and stripped her of the right to train with the national team or attend selection trials and tournaments.

The punishment, imposed for ill discipline and disruptive behaviour at training the Singapore Badminton Association said, means the world number 31 will not be eligible to compete in the trials for New Delhi’s Oct. 3-14 Commonwealth Games.

“SBA would like to send a clear message on the emphasis we place on the professionalism of our players,” SBA chief Edwin Pang told Reuters.

“We will not tolerate acts of ill-discipline by our players as they have an adverse effect on the national team, regardless of how highly-ranked they may be or how potentially valuable they may be to Singapore in major tournaments.

“In the past, SBA has levied fines and suspension from competitions on errant national players but this is the first time in recent years that we have suspended a national player employed by the Association from both training and competitions without pay.”

The SBA said China-born 19-year-old Zhang, a team bronze medallist at last year’s Southeast Asian Games in Laos, had shown “poor attitude at training and tournaments.

“On a number of occasions, she failed to carry out instructions by her coach and comply with the training requirements made of the team. Beiwen had been lacking in discipline and determination, as expected of a professional and a national player.”

Men’s doubles and mixed doubles player Hendra Wijaya was also suspended for three months but will receive 50 percent salary for the duration of the suspension and will continue training, Pang said. His punishment was for skipping training.

Pang said both players’ places in the national team would be reviewed at the end of their suspensions.

(Editing by Ian Ransom; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)

US man returns to finish marathon after suffering heart attack

New York, May 21 (ANI): A Texas dentist, who suffered a heart attack while taking part in the New York City marathon, returned after six months to the Big Apple to finish what he started.

Michael Goulding, 51, who is an avid runner, had collapsed in Harlem, seven miles from the finish line when he ran the course for the first time November 1.

Paramedics on the scene restarted his heart with a two shocks from a defibrillator. Two months later he ran a half marathon and did fine.

He said he trained six months before attempting his first marathon, and couldn’t believe when he woke up in the hospital that his heart had given out.

Before the reunion, Goulding went to the Harlem street corner where he had collapsed and ran the last seven miles by himself. There were no cheering crowds or blue line to follow, but he was satisfied just the same.

“It felt good. It shows how close the line is between life and death. I’m just very humbled,” the New York Post quoted him as saying.

Of the paramedics who saved his life, Goulding had nothing but praise for them.

“I was just touched by their professionalism,” he said on May 20 after a reunion with his rescuers.

“This isn’t a job for them. It’s a calling,” he added. (ANI)

Rehman Malik had significant role in Bhutto’s security management: Report

Lahore, Apr 19(ANI): The Benazir Bhutto Commission Report has found that Pakistani Interior Minister Rehman Malik, who was in charge of former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, had a significant role in her security management.

Malik told the commission that he was just the Pakistan People”s Party (PPP) leader’s “national security adviser”, but the commission report said “occupants of the car, not least Malik, should realise that they have been found wanting.”

“It is now up to them to decide whether or not falling on their swords is the right thing to do,” The Dawn quoted the Commission’s report, as stating.

The commission report also makes clear that the primary blame for the inadequate security around Bhutto must lie with then-President General Musharraf’s government.

“Despite considerable and valiant efforts by individual PPP members to protect Bhutto, the PPP as an organisation was inadequate to handle the challenges. There was no person in overall charge of the PPP’s provision of security. As a result, the PPP’s security for Bhutto was characterised by a lack of direction and professionalism,” it said.

Bhutto was assassinated on December 27, 2007 after departing a PPP rally in Rawalpindi, two weeks before the scheduled Pakistani general election of 2008, where she was a leading opposition candidate.

The PPP has held Musharraf for not providing adequate security cover to Bhutto despite having information about the impending threat to her life.

They have also insisted that steps would be taken to bring back Musharraf, if he was found responsible for the tragic incident. (ANI)

Rehman Malik had significant role in Bhutto’s security management: Report

Lahore, Apr 19(ANI): The Benazir Bhutto Commission Report has found that Pakistani Interior Minister Rehman Malik, who was in charge of former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, had a significant role in her security management.

Malik told the commission that he was just the Pakistan People”s Party (PPP) leader’s “national security adviser”, but the commission report said “occupants of the car, not least Malik, should realise that they have been found wanting.”

“It is now up to them to decide whether or not falling on their swords is the right thing to do,” The Dawn quoted the Commission’s report, as stating.

The commission report also makes clear that the primary blame for the inadequate security around Bhutto must lie with then-President General Musharraf’s government.

“Despite considerable and valiant efforts by individual PPP members to protect Bhutto, the PPP as an organisation was inadequate to handle the challenges. There was no person in overall charge of the PPP’s provision of security. As a result, the PPP’s security for Bhutto was characterised by a lack of direction and professionalism,” it said.

Bhutto was assassinated on December 27, 2007 after departing a PPP rally in Rawalpindi, two weeks before the scheduled Pakistani general election of 2008, where she was a leading opposition candidate.

The PPP has held Musharraf for not providing adequate security cover to Bhutto despite having information about the impending threat to her life.

They have also insisted that steps would be taken to bring back Musharraf, if he was found responsible for the tragic incident. (ANI)

Timor security ‘close’ to taking over

The Australian Defence Force Chief says he believes East Timorese forces will be able to take full responsibility for the country’s security in the near future.

The number of Australian troops in East Timor has been recently reduced to 400.

Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston says the East Timorese military are continuing to improve their professionalism.

He has told Australia Network that he is confident they will be able to take care of their own security.

“I think as we look forward they’ll reach that stage in the not too distant future,” he said.

“What we’re seeing at the moment is the United Nations transition a lot of the police stations around Timor Leste to the Timorese police service.”

USINPAC calls Shahrukh Khan incident a teaching moment

Washington, Aug.18 (ANI): The US India Political Action Committee (USINPAC) has termed the questioning and checking of Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan at the Newark International Airport in New Jersey as a teaching moment, and while lauding immigration officials for their professionalism, has demanded fair treatment to all tourists and visitors.

USINPAC chairman Sanjay Puri said: “We commend the Department of Homeland Security for protecting our homeland. United States has not suffered a single terror attack after 9/11, and that is a testament to their efforts. But fair treatment for tourists and visitors based on their race, religion or national origin and protecting our homeland are not mutually exclusive and in fact are part of the ethos of what makes the United States a magnet for people seeking freedom and opportunity. President Obama in Cairo talked about a new beginning with Muslims around the world. One of the quickest paths towards that goal is fair treatment for visitors to the United States of different religious faiths.”

USINPAC National Security Coordinator, Manish Thakur added: “These kinds of incidents heighten the need for racial sensitivity. The reaction in India should be seen in the same light as the outcry in this country after the arrest of prominent African American Harvard scholar, Henry Louis Gates at his home.

President Obama called that a teaching moment for the country on race relations and maybe this can turn into a teaching moment as it relates to fair treatment of visitors to the United States.”

USINPAC is the political voice of 2.7 million Indian-Americans and provides bipartisan support to candidates for federal, state and local office who support the issues that are important to the Indian-American community. (ANI)

Beckham slams Donovan for questioning his professionalism

Los Angeles, July 13 (ANI): England football star David Beckham has slammed Los Angeles Galaxy captain Landon Donovan for questioning his professionalism and criticising him in public.

Earlier, Donovan had criticised Beckham for leaving his Major League Soccer team and going on a glamorous six-month loan to Italian giants AC Milan.

“In 17 years I have played at some of the biggest clubs in the world and with some of the biggest players in the world, not to mention some of the strongest managers. And not once in those 17 years has there been a question about my professionalism. Me and Landon will talk but it will be a private conversation,” The Sun quoted Beckham, as saying.

“I’m sure if you asked any Galaxy player or any player in this league if they had the chance to finish the season with AC Milan they would do. I have been fortunate to have that experience and I thoroughly enjoyed it and I hope to go back,” he added.

Donovan had alleged in his book called ‘The Beckham Experiment’ that despite the fact that Beckham was being paid double than any other player in the league, his level of dedication had dropped since his arrival in July 2007.

Beckham, who returns to training on Monday ahead of Thursday’s clash with New York Red Bulls has stressed his continued commitment to the team.

“I have never said I was leaving. My future is here for the long-term. Before I left I sat down with all the players and told them I was not giving up on Galaxy. Some obviously didn’t believe me. But I’m an honest person and if I didn’t want to be here I’d say,” Beckham said.

“Even if I do go back to Milan, or any another club on loan at the end of the season, I will be back. My family is happy here, we love living here and it’s been hard to be away from them while I was in Italy,” he added. (ANI)

Friends and fans ‘devastated’ by Jacko’s sudden death

London, June 26 (ANI): King of Pop Michael Jackson’s sudden death on Thursday has left his friends and fans absolutely devastated.

The 50-year-old singer is said to have died after suffering a heart attack at his home in Los Angeles.

“Like the whole world I’m absolutely devastated and lost for words because everyone expected him to come to London for the concerts,” Sky News quoted his friend Uri Geller, the self-proclaimed psychic, as saying.

“He was in good health, he was rehearsing, dancing , practising for the shows in England. I am shocked. I cannot – I do not want to – believe what I’m hearing or seeing,” Geller added.

Another pal and former PR representative Jonathan Morrish said: “I worked with him for over 25 years. It was a complete privilege.”

“I last saw him when he was last in London, which was for the World Music Awards, and he was his usual, lovely gentlemanly self.

“He was fine (health-wise). You don’t get to the top of the tree like he did without being incredibly strong – mentally and physically,” Morrish added.

Music legend Quincy Jones, who produced Jackson’s legendary “Thriller” album, said: “I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news.

“To this day, the music we created together on Off The Wall, Thriller and Bad is played in every corner of the world and the reason for that is because he had it all…talent, grace, professionalism and dedication.

“He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever.

“I’ve lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him,” Jones added.

Actor Ashton Kutcher has posted a message on his Twitter blog: “RIP. Sending love and light to family and friend but especially his kids.” (ANI)

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton – US Secretary of State Hillary – US Secretary of State Clinton – US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton injured – Hillary Clinton fractured her right elbow

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton – US Secretary of State Hillary – US Secretary of State  Clinton – US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton injured – Hillary Clinton fractured her right elbow

June 18 US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has fractured her right elbow in a fall, BBC reported Thursday.  Clinton had been on her way to the White House when she fell Wednesday afternoon, her chief of staff Cheryl Mills said in a statement.

The secretary of state was treated at the George Washington University Hospital and then went home. She is to have surgery to repair her elbow in the coming week, Cheryl Mills said.

“Secretary Clinton appreciates the professionalism and kindness she received from the medical team who treated her this evening and looks forward to resuming her full schedule soon,” her chief of staff added.

Clinton had been due to join actress Angelina Jolie Thursday morning at an event in Washington marking World Refugee Day, but pulled out after her accident.

UK not to ask family of Gurkha soldier killed in action to leave the country

London, May 10 (ANI): The Home Office has said it would not ask the family of any British Gurkha soldier killed in action to leave the United Kingdom, after reports appeared that widow of a hero Gurkha killed in Afghanistan was told she has no right to stay in Britain.

Under the rules Parbati Pun and her two young children would have no automatic right to remain and would have to apply for new residency visas, but the Home Office said it would not ask the widow to leave.

The death of Corporal Kumar Purja Pun, 30, from the Royal Gurkha Rifles, has given the campaign to allow Gurkhas to stay a new purpose, The Times reported.

Kumar, who had been in Afghanistan for just a month, was on patrol in the market town of Gereshk when a suicide motorbike bomber struck. As the soldier got out of his his Vixen Snatch vehicle, the jihadist raced towards him, blowing himself up as soon as he got close enough.

Kumar and military policeman Sgt Ben Ross, standing next to him, were killed instantly. The blast injured 30 Afghans and three other troops. Two more British soldiers in Afghanistan died in separate attacks within hours of the bombing.

Kumar, a corporal praised by Army top brass for his bravery and professionalism, joined the Army in 1996 when he was 17.

The attack happened on Thursday, the same day that Joanna Lumley, the actress and daughter of a British officer with the Gurkhas, confronted Immigration Minister Phil Woolas in front of television cameras and gave him a dressing-down about the government’s refusal to allow more Gurkhas to stay.

Lumley said Pun’s death showed the Gurkhas were giving up their lives for Britain and deserved the right to settle here.

“It just goes to show the Gurkhas are at the centre of the army and are willing to fight for the British and give up their lives for this country,” she said.

“That is why we have to give the veteran Gurkhas the right of a second homeland and it proves how brave the Gurkhas are,” Lumley added. (ANI)

Natalie Cole undergoes chemotherapy in dressing room

Washington, Apr 15 (ANI): Renowned vocalist Natalie Cole, who is known for her utter professionalism, decided to undergo chemotherapy treatment in her concert dressing room, in a bid to continue performing.

Cole, who is battling with Hepatitis C, did not check into a hospital to get treated because she did not want to take time off from work.

However, Cole did agree that Chemotherapy does leave a patient in incredible pain.

“Whatever horror stories you have heard about chemo is true. It is absolutely one of the most debilitating and difficult experiences that could ever happen to a human being. Trying to perform was a real challenge. Just picture an IV (intravenous) hanging from a wardrobe rack in my dressing room in Japan as I tried to prepare for two shows in a night,” Contactmusic quoted her as saying.

Meanwhile, Cole’s chemotherapy has sadly caused her kidneys to fail, and she’s currently hoping for a life-saving transplant. (ANI)

Juan Williams, Speaker at Chancellor University Commencement

CLEVELAND, April 12 /PRNewswire/ — National political correspondent and
author, Juan Williams, is the keynote speaker at Chancellor University’s 160th
graduation taking place Saturday, May 2, 2009. As senior correspondent for
NPR’s Morning Edition, host of America’s Black Forum, a nationally syndicated
weekly news program, and regular panelist on FoxNews Sunday, Williams is at
the cutting edge of America’s culture and politics. In addition to
prize-winning columns and editorial writing for The Washington Post, he has
also authored six books.

Prior to writing bestsellers, Williams was a political columnist and national
correspondent for The Washington Post. In a 21-year career at The Post he
served as an editorial writer, op-ed columnist, and White House correspondent.
He won several journalism awards for his writing and investigative reporting.
He also won an Emmy Award for TV documentary writing. He was given widespread,
critical acclaim for a series of documentaries including Politics-The New
Black Power. His documentary on A. Phillip Randolph was featured on PBS. His
articles have appeared in magazines such as Newsweek, Fortune, The Atlantic
Monthly, Ebony, and The New Republic.

The Commencement is being held at the Masonic Auditorium and Performing Arts
Center in Cleveland, Ohio.

ABOUT CHANCELLOR UNIVERSITY
Chancellor University, the second oldest business school in the U.S., rooted
in northeast Ohio, is a premier global institution offering educational
opportunities to a multi-national student body, which includes
first-generation college students and working adults. Chancellor University
students graduate with real-world knowledge and skills that prepare them for a
lifetime of professional achievement, civic engagement, and personal
fulfillment in a fast-paced, ever-changing, pluralistic world. Chancellor
University graduates demonstrate critical thinking, integrity,
professionalism, and leadership in their careers and in their communities.

Chancellor University provides opportunities to earn associate, bachelor, and
master degrees in business and select professional fields, including
accounting, corporate management, criminal justice, finance, health-services
management, human resources management, small business entrepreneurship,
marketing, paralegal, and public administration.

Chancellor University has a rich and deep heritage, having graduated several
titans of business, including John D. Rockefeller, Sr., founder of the
Standard Oil Company; Harvey Firestone, founder of Firestone Tire and Rubber;
Theodore Ernst, founder of Ernst and Young; and leading Cleveland businessman
and philanthropist David N. Myers.

The school’s website is www.ChancellorU.edu.

SOURCE Chancellor University

Shaun Redgate, COO of Chancellor University, +1-216-361-2753,
sredgate@ChancellorU.edu

Kylie Minogue ‘banks œ1m for Blue’s item song’

London, March 14 (ANI): Kylie Minogue reportedly grossed almost a million pounds for a single dance number in a new Bollywood flick ‘Blue’.

The stunning singer was said to have earned 800,000 pounds for her one-scene appearance in the film, making her the highest-paid foreign celebrity in Bollywood history.

Her co-star and Bollywood heartthrob Akshay Kumar showered praises on the pop diva, who also worked new tunes with double Oscar-winning composer A.R.Rehman.

“Kylie couldn’t have been more perfect. Her beautiful voice and bubbly personality are adored by so many. She is the perfect diva,” the Daily Star quoted Akshay as saying.

Kylie, who appears as herself in the Anthony D’Souza movie, had said: “My overriding memory is the warmth and professionalism of people. I arrived as a stranger but left considering myself as family.”

Other Hollywood celebrities offered bumper payouts included Sylvester Stallone and Brandon Routh who are reportedly banking more than 300,000 pounds each for cameos in “Kambakht Ishq”. (ANI)

Former Olympian Hardeep Singh busy marring young hockey aspirants

Ludhiana, Feb.16 (ANI): Having contributed his bit as an Olympian, Hardeep Singh Grewal, who used to play as India’s center-half in the team, is helping a new crop of youngsters to rise in hockey.

Hardeep believes the success of Indian hockey at the international stage depends training a new crop of motivated youngsters.

“To uplift Hockey, it is important to nurture boys at the growing stage at schools and colleges. Previously, the boys used to be dedicated about Hockey. But now the charm is less. We don’t see students playing Hockey in schools and colleges, from where we can able to get young talent. I feel we need to bring professionalism in Hockey,” say Hardeep Singh.

“Funds are also required for the promotion of Hockey, as it is available for cricket. Boys are more into playing cricket because it help than earn more money and publicity. At present, the cricketers are earning money equivalent to Bollywood stars. Hockey should also be promoted and brought to limelight,” Hardeep adds.

The former Olympian regrets that despite being such a large country, we don’t have abundant players to play hockey.

“We are a big country with a population of over a billion people so in comparison to that, we have very less presence of Hockey. In European countries like Germany, Holland and England, they have over 1000 lacrosse. We should prepare for Hockey in schools because lacrosse is different from hockey and played in grass grounds. When there was a trend to play hockey on grass ground, only India and Pakistan used to win the matches. If we return to grass ground again on the international-level, India and Pakistan will be on top again,” said Hardeep suggests

He suggests lacrosse for the benefit of Indian hockey and also availability of Astroturf grounds.

“Today, kids get to play hockey on grass. And, thus it develops as their style, so I want to say that more of Astroturf grounds should be provided in schools and colleges. It’s very important and noticeable point because when these kids get used to play on grass grounds, it becomes their style. When they go for training camps for the selection in the Indian team, they fail to qualify. I have seen many boys aged 8-10 years playing hockey on Astroturf, so their basics and style get developed,” he said.

Suggesting that Indian Hockey should adapt a mix of Asian and European style in the game and should have a knowledgeable coach conversant with both styles, Hardeep says: “Australia learned hockey from India and now they are teaching us.

They basically formed a very good team, so they have mixed Indian style and European style hockey. Until we adapt a mix of Asian and European style hockey, we can’t triumph over European teams. We should be provided a coach who has a good knowledge of both Asian and European styles of hockey. Our coaches need to be imparted training in the international camps.” By Karan Kapoor (ANI)

Former Olympian Hardeep Singh busy marring young hockey aspirants

Ludhiana, Feb.16 (ANI): Having contributed his bit as an Olympian, Hardeep Singh Grewal, who used to play as India’s center-half in the team, is helping a new crop of youngsters to rise in hockey.

Hardeep believes the success of Indian hockey at the international stage depends training a new crop of motivated youngsters.

“To uplift Hockey, it is important to nurture boys at the growing stage at schools and colleges. Previously, the boys used to be dedicated about Hockey. But now the charm is less. We don’t see students playing Hockey in schools and colleges, from where we can able to get young talent. I feel we need to bring professionalism in Hockey,” say Hardeep Singh.

“Funds are also required for the promotion of Hockey, as it is available for cricket. Boys are more into playing cricket because it help than earn more money and publicity. At present, the cricketers are earning money equivalent to Bollywood stars. Hockey should also be promoted and brought to limelight,” Hardeep adds.

The former Olympian regrets that despite being such a large country, we don’t have abundant players to play hockey.

“We are a big country with a population of over a billion people so in comparison to that, we have very less presence of Hockey. In European countries like Germany, Holland and England, they have over 1000 lacrosse. We should prepare for Hockey in schools because lacrosse is different from hockey and played in grass grounds. When there was a trend to play hockey on grass ground, only India and Pakistan used to win the matches. If we return to grass ground again on the international-level, India and Pakistan will be on top again,” said Hardeep suggests

He suggests lacrosse for the benefit of Indian hockey and also availability of Astroturf grounds.

“Today, kids get to play hockey on grass. And, thus it develops as their style, so I want to say that more of Astroturf grounds should be provided in schools and colleges. It’s very important and noticeable point because when these kids get used to play on grass grounds, it becomes their style. When they go for training camps for the selection in the Indian team, they fail to qualify. I have seen many boys aged 8-10 years playing hockey on Astroturf, so their basics and style get developed,” he said.

Suggesting that Indian Hockey should adapt a mix of Asian and European style in the game and should have a knowledgeable coach conversant with both styles, Hardeep says: “Australia learned hockey from India and now they are teaching us.

They basically formed a very good team, so they have mixed Indian style and European style hockey. Until we adapt a mix of Asian and European style hockey, we can’t triumph over European teams. We should be provided a coach who has a good knowledge of both Asian and European styles of hockey. Our coaches need to be imparted training in the international camps.” By Karan Kapoor (ANI)

Top UK police officer tells ‘scruffy’ staff to smarten up

London, Feb.11 (ANI): New Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson has told his 2,000-strong officers and staff to smarten up and get rid of their “scruffy” appearance.

A Daily Telegraph report said that he told them he believed in doing the basics properly – including taking “pride in the uniform and looking smart” and attentive in public.

Asked by an officer about the issue of dress codes, Sir Paul said he preferred traditional, straight forward clothing to the modern fleeces and Airtex shirts worn by some other forces and units of the Met.

Studies have found that the police uniform has a profound psychological impact on the public and that even slight alterations to its style can change how officers are perceived.

Attempts to modernise uniforms, like the proposed change in headgear from helmets to baseball caps, have not been successful.

The Scotland Yard chief said that he wanted every sworn officer, police community support officer (PCSO) and member of staff to abide by what he called the five “Ps” – professionalism, pride, presence, productivity and performance.

He urged officers to get away from their desks and offices as often as possible o give a greater “presence” on the streets. He said that during the recession, the Met would have to strive to use their resources as “productively” as possible.

And he emphasised the basics again, in saying that “performance” was about “catching criminals”.

The two-hour speech and question-and-answer session at a conference hall near Scotland Yard, was said to have been “well received”.

Sir Paul has established himself as a straight-talking, no frills leader who in his first day in office said that he wanted to avoid becoming a “celebrity” police chief.

Asked about the controversies that dogged his predecessor, Sir Ian Blair, he said: “Ian Blair did it his way and I was a loyal deputy. Now I’m going to do it my way.”

The 55-year-old laid out a straightforward agenda – solving crime, securing the streets, delivering common sense policing and being “intolerant of violence in any form”. (ANI)

Pak coach Alam on mission to get players to support each other

Lahore, Jan.26 (ANI): The coach of the Pakistan cricket team, Intikhab Alam has revealed that he is a man on a mission, and his main objective is to get players to talk and to support each other.

‘People have the wrong perception about coaching. My job is to lighten the load off their (players) shoulders so they can leave all the baggage behind before they step on the field,” the Dawn quoted Alam as saying.

Alam sees his role as that of motivator and not someone who tells a player how to grip a bat.

In his view, a player may not be performing for ten different reasons, but he adds that discipline is the key and a lack of it, pulls a team down.

‘To fix this, a team does not necessarily need specialist coaches, just an extended run and unity,” claims Alam.

“People have criticized the domestic scene so much, that the departments, which I believe are the only feasible option here, have stopped taking risks and investing in their sport programmes,” says Alam.

‘This is the same structure that produced so many stars, they need to be encouraged. There is no doubt that the domestic game needs professionalism and if departments can start generating revenue through sport, things will naturally start to happen,” he says, adding in conclusion that the real key to energizing cricket lies in getting the sport back into the school system. (ANI)