Stewart also said that despite the sport’s push into Asia, it would take at least a generation before drivers from the continent would be challenging for the championship. Hockey India selection committee chairman Harbinder Singh too vouched for John and said the Australian has everything in him to produce results. The Emirates Arena was sold out for quarters, semis and finals — which the organisers knew wouldn’t star a Scottish name. “My plans from day one was to set long-term goals for India hockey to put the house in order and achieve a level a consistency. When I took up the offer, I knew someday I will be sacked but I was ready for that,” he said. It’s not a particularly adored venue by badminton fans owing to its inaccessibility, and inability of the capital to fill up the stadium. SLAMS FOR SMASHES Badminton is keen on getting its circuit jazzed up, and though everything’s going quite smooth if you ask us, the sport wants to create tennis like Grand Slams. ear after her bruised knee gave her immense pain, the 27-year-old got going after promising to play ‘smart badminton. All but one of Australia’s 20 wickets in the series opener fell to spin, and the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadiumpitch in Chittagong is expected to favour slow bowling. George also had beaten China’s Li Shifeng 21-17 21-14 to set up a semifinal clash with Bharadwaj at the PE Society’s Modern PDMBA Sports Complex.