Sachin Tendulkar's autobiography released in Hindi

NEW DELHI: After breaking many sales records since its release in November last year, iconic cricketer Sachin Tendulkar's autobiography 'Playing It My Way' will now enthrall Hindi readers with the book's version in the language -- 'Meri Atmakatha' -- set to hit the stands next month.

The Hindi edition, which was released by Manjul Publishing House at the ongoing World Book Fair in the national capital on Friday, will be available at all book stores from March 1.

The Hindi translation is done by Dr Sudhir Dixit, who has also translated the blockbuster Harry Potter series of books in Hindi, amongst many other very popular translations.

The original English edition, which was co-authored by journalist Boria Majumdar, was published by Hachette India.

The Tamil translation of the popular book, also being published by Manjul Publishing House, will be launched on March 20.

"This engrossing Hindi translation is a collector's item and one that every cricket-worshipping fan must read," says Vikas Rakheja, Managing Director of Manjul Publishing House.

Hindi readers have a lot to cheer about when they read the journey of the Mumbai boy who became the 'God' of millions.

In this fascinating account, Tendulkar, reflects upon his own life from his boisterous and carefree childhood, humble but decent and principled upbringing, his initial tentative steps into cricket.

The Master Blaster also elaborates about his matchless and spotless cricketing career, to his emotional final farewell and its millions of followers and fans, his being conferred the highest civilian award - the Bharat Ratna on the day of his retirement.

The book dwells on the story of how a naughty Mumbai youngster's excess energies were channelled into cricket, the record-breaking batting exploits of schoolboy Sachin, that launched the career of a cricketing phenomenon.

Before long, Sachin became the cornerstone of India's batting line-up and his every move was watched by a cricket-crazy nation's devoted followers. His countless achievements include winning the 2011 World Cup for India and topping the world Test rankings.

Taking the reader deep into the personal and public life of Sachin, the book is a wonderful collection of personal anecdotes, stories from the dressing room, Sachin's views on the Monkeygate controversy and much more.

The fascinating narrative is augmented by photographs from important landmarks from Sachin's life.

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Jwala Gutta rings in Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year is an important celebration in the Gutta household. But this year, it was a low-key affair. "My mom is away in China, and she rang in the new year on Wednesday with her mother," says badminton champ Jwala Gutta, who credits her good looks and gutsy nature to her Chinese roots.

Jwala's mother Yelan, who hails from Tianjin, North China, came to India as a 17-year-old and remained here after she met Kranti Gutta, Jwala's father.

"Today, she is as Indian as she is Chinese," says Kranti, who named his younger daughter Insi, which is short for Indo-Sino.

NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS

Jwala: For me it's all about food. My mom's whole fish platter with oyster sauce is my favourite.

Kranti: She is an awesome cook. She even makes amazing idli, dosa and sambar.

AN INDO-SINO FUSION

Insi: My name reflects my Indo-China connection. In that sense, I am more Chinese than Jwala!

Jwala: Insi actually knows Mandarin, but I can barely distinguish between the sound of Mandarin, Japanese and Korean.

KEEPING THE TRADITIONS ALIVE

Jwala: I have been to my mom's place to visit my grandmother and my two uncles just once, in 2002. My grandmom likes to gift me things in red because it's believed to be auspicious and bring luck. So, even the first chaddi I got from my grandmom was red.

Insi: my uncle and aunt sent me a red jade with a goat on it from China this year. This is the year of the goat, and since I am a 'goat', wearing red is supposed to ward off bad luck.

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Now games on Virat Kohli

NEW DELHI: A mobile game developer will distribute and market games around Indian cricketer Virat Kohli for the next three years.

"Nazara Technologies, a leading mobile game developer and publisher has signed an exclusive deal with CSE (a sister concern of Cornerstone Sport and Entertainment Pvt Ltd) to develop, distribute and market games around Virat Kohli for 3 years."

As per the deal, Nazara will have exclusive rights to build games around the cricketer across digital platforms including mobile, web and DTH.

"Millions of people in the world over spend hours playing games on their smart phones. When the idea was put forth about creating a Virat Kohli game using my animated character I naturally felt its a great idea; another innovative way for me to connect with my fans and thank them for their continued support. I can't wait to see the final product that my team creates for me," said Kohli.

The games will be available across prominent digital and mobile platforms, and will be accessible to audiences across the globe.

Nazara Technologies are aiming at developing three to five games this year based on the character of Virat Kohli. Users will be able to download the games free of cost with revenues being generated through monetization models such as advertising, sponsorships and in-app purchases.

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Viswanathan Anand tops Zurich Classical

ZURICH: Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand played out an easy draw with Sergey Karjakin of Russia in the fifth and final round to win the Classical section of Zurich Chess Classic.

Awarded two points for a win and one for a draw under new rules in place here, Anand tallied seven points in all, winning two and drawing the remaining three games in the six-player round robin. This also meant a much-needed recovery in ELO points after losing heavily in the preceding Grenke Classic tournament.

Hikaru Nakamura of United States finished a clear second, a full point behind Anand after settling for a draw with Levon Aronian of Armenia. The third game of the fifth and final round in the Classical format was also drawn between Russian Vladimir Kramnik and Fabiano Caruana of Italy.

Kramnik finished third, having drawn all his five games while Aronian, Caruana and Karjakin finished tied fourth on four points apiece.

The battle now shifts to the rapid chess format where all players play once more against each other in the same day.

There are five more rounds remaining to decide the overall winner but in rapid chess each win will be worth only one point and a draw will just earn half a point.

This effectively means the trio of Aronian, Caruana and Karjakin are out of title contention barring a huge turnaround in fortunes. Kramnik, too, is two points behind Anand and it seems unlikely that the Russian can make a match of it either.

Nakamura, however, might fancy his chances under the faster version of the game. However, in the blitz tournament played on the first day to determine the colours of the players, the American had finished out of top three.

Anand played the reverse closed Sicilian as black and was not troubled at all.

The Indian ace gave up the Bishop pair early in the opening to get an active position and Karjakin had to return the favour to maintain the balance. The middle game saw pieces changing hands at regular intervals and the ensuing endgame was just level.

The draw was agreed to in 42 moves.

Nakamura went for the Anti-Berlin, where he played risk free but also without many chances. As is the nature middle games arising out these setups, the King file paved the way for exchanges and even though Aronian was slightly worse, it was not difficult to keep the position together.

Eventually the players reached a hopelessly drawn king and pawns endgame.

Caruana tried the Italian opening against Kramnik but the Russian was well armed. Sacrificing a pawn in the middle game, Kramnik liquidated in quick time to get an equal position and the peace was signed in just 28 moves.

After some exciting chess in the first four days, there was a certain lull on the final day of Classical as those with white played safe. However, much action is promised on the final day with five rounds of rapid chess.

Results round 5 Classical: Sergey Karjakin (Rus, 4) drew with Viswanathan Anand (Ind, 7); Fabiano Caruana (Ita, 4) drew with Vladimir Kramnik (Rus, 5); Hikaru Nakamura (USA, 6) drew with Levon Aronian (Arm, 4).

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Anand loses to Nakamura at last hurdle, finishes 2nd in Zurich

ZURICH (Switzerland): Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand went down to Hikaru Nakamura of United States in the Armageddon game and had to be content with a second place finish in the Zurich Chess Classic that concluded, here on Friday.

A sudden change in rules during the final stages of rapid competition paved the way for a final game even though it was not stipulated in the initial regulations.

Anand, having beaten Nakamura in Classical game, also had the better tiebreak score than the American and would have been crowned the winner but for the sudden inclusion of a final game in case of a tied result at the top.

It was clear that the five times world champion was not mentally ready for another game after a long day of chess and it showed as Anand crumbled with white pieces. For Nakamura, it was the second big win in the year after he had won the just-concluded Gibraltar Masters.

For the records, Anand started the day with a full point lead but two losses against Nakamura and Levon Aronian of Armenia cost him dearly in the five rapid games slated on the final day.

The Indian ace, however, scored a crushing victory against Fabiano Caruana of Italy and drew the remaining two games against Russian duo of Vladimir Kramnik and Sergey Karjakin.

Ending the rapid with two points out of a possible five, Anand gave Nakamura the chance to catch him on points table as the American scored three points to reach nine points for a shared first with the Indian.

Anand still had the consolation of winning the Classical section and the Indian ace also wins back majority of points lost at the preceding Grenke Chess Classic just a few days before this event.

It may be recalled that Anand had finished a disappointing seventh out of eight participants in that tournament and this was indeed the great turnaround performance the Indian has been known to produce for many years now.

Kramnik won the rapid section scoring 3.5 points out of his five games. The second place here was shared by Aronian and Nakamura on three points each while Anand ended tied fourth with Karjakin. Caruana could not find his form here too and ended last scoring just 1.5 points.

In the combined standings, Kramnik finished third on 8.5 points after Anand and Nakamura, while Aronian was a distant fourth tallying seven points in all.

Karjakin ended another point adrift of the Armenian while Caruana finished at the bottom of the tables securing 5.5 points in all. The Classical games netted two points for a win and one for a draw but in rapid the players got just one for a win and half a point for a draw.

Having regained his form, Anand is likely to take part in the Gashimov memorial in Azerbaijan in April. A tournament which may also see World champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway in action.

Results rapid round 1: Vladimir Kramnik (Rus) drew with V Anand; Sergey Karjakin (Rus) lost to Levon Aronian (Arm); Hikaru Nakamura (Usa) beat Fabiano Caruana (Ita).

Round 2: Nakamura lost to Kramnik; Caruana beat Karjakin; Aronian beat Anand.

Round 3: Kramnik beat Aronian; Anand beat Caruana; Karjakin drew with Nakamura

Round 4: Karjakin beat Kramnik; Nakamura beat Anand; Caruana drew with Aronian;

Round 5: Kramnik beat Caruana; Anand drew with Karjakin; Aronian drew with Nakamura.

Final standing: 1-2: Nakamura, Anand (9 points); 3. Kramnik (8.5 pts); 4. Aronian (7 pts); 5. Karjakin (6 pts); 6. Caruana (5.5 pts).

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Lance Armstrong admits careless driving in Colorado hit-and-run

DENVER: Lance Armstrong has pleaded guilty to careless driving for side-swiping two parked cars in the Colorado ski resort of Aspen late last year in an incident for which his girlfriend initially took the blame, authorities said on Wednesday.

The 43-year-old disgraced professional cyclist avoided a court appearance by paying $238.50 in fines and court costs by mail last week, according to the Pitkin County clerk's office.

Armstrong was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and banned for life from racing in 2012 after a U.S. Anti-Doping investigation. He later admitted in a television interview using performance-enhancing drugs during his championship run.

This week arbitrators ordered Armstrong to pay $10 million to a sports insurance company for bonuses he reaped from his tainted victories, calling the case "an unparalleled pageant of international perjury, fraud and conspiracy."

In the Aspen incident, Armstrong was initially cited for leaving the scene of an accident and driving too fast for the icy road conditions when he crashed into the cars in the upscale ski resort one night in late December.

According to police reports, a resident who heard the crash said that when he came outside to investigate, a woman, later identified as Armstrong's longtime girlfriend Anna Hansen, approached him.

Hansen apologized for the accident, the resident told police, said she would pay for the damages, and left the scene.

When investigators went to the Aspen home the couple shared they found a vehicle registered to Armstrong with "significant damage."

Police said Hansen told officers she was driving because Armstrong had been drinking "a little bit" at a charity event the couple attended at an Aspen hotel.

But a hotel valet later told police that Armstrong was behind the wheel when they left, and after police challenged Hansen's story she ultimately admitted the couple made "a joint decision" to say she was driving to avoid publicity.

Armstrong was then cited for the accidents.

Pitkin County prosecutor Andrea Bryan said earlier that Hansen was not cited for making false statements to police because authorities encourage witnesses to be truthful, and charging people who volunteer information is counterproductive.

A representative for Armstrong had no comment on his Colorado guilty plea.

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Pacquiao scores first point of maligned pro career

MANILA: Philippine boxing champion Manny Pacquiao has scored his first point as a professional basketballer, but it did little to douse criticism that the pint-sized guard does not belong on the court.

Pacquiao sank the second of two free throws after he was fouled on a lay-up 11 minutes into the match between his Kia Carnival team and the Purefoods Star Hotshots in the Philippine professional league on Wednesday night.

However Pacquiao, the shortest player on the court that night at 1.69 metres (5ft 6in), struggled to keep pace with his taller and stronger opponents.

In just under five minutes of playing time, he did not score again, and a three-point attempt under no pressure ended in an air ball.

"I'm not used to this feeling," Pacquiao acknowledged afterwards when talking about scoring, his first point in three games since being drafted to the league in October last year.

Pacquiao's team, which he also coaches, won 95-84, improving their standing in the league to ninth out of 12 teams with two wins and four losses.

Pacquiao has sought to turn his national hero status as a boxer into a dizzying array of other careers.

Aside from trying to be a professional basketball player, he is a congressman with ambitions of becoming president of the Philippines. He has also flirted with acting, singing and has made millions from endorsements.

But despite his popularity for boxing, he is often lampooned for lack of talent in the other fields, particularly basketball.

Purefoods player Daniel Orton, an American import, said after Wednesday night's game that Pacquiao on the court was a "joke", sentiments widely echoed in local basketball circles.

"He is not basketball material," former amateur basketball league commissioner Chino Trinidad said.

"Pacquiao is so gullible, he thinks he belongs. If he wants to become the butt of jokes, so be it."

Pacquiao was the oldest rookie to be drafted by the Philippine Basketball Association at 36 last year, opening the league to criticism for patronizing the boxing champion.

"The league is supposed to be a dream factory for kids. But it turns out, you can buy your way into it," Trinidad said.

"The problem with us Filipinos is we accommodate Pacquiao so much." Pacquiao has also been criticized for a lack of commitment to politics. Last year, Pacquiao attended only four of 34 sessions in parliament, where he represents a poor farming province in the south.

But there's no denying the nation is behind Pacquiao as he looks to secure a mega-fight with his arch-rival American Floyd Mayweather.

Pacquiao said on Monday that the fight was "near", after he agreed to terms of a drug test demanded by Mayweather. Both claim the "world's best pound-for-pound boxer" title.

The mega-fight could go down in history as boxing's biggest and most lucrative, with a British newspaper reporting at the weekend that the pair had agreed to a $250-million deal.

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Viswanathan Anand tops Zurich Classical

ZURICH: Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand played out an easy draw with Sergey Karjakin of Russia in the fifth and final round to win the Classical section of Zurich Chess Classic.

Awarded two points for a win and one for a draw under new rules in place here, Anand tallied seven points in all, winning two and drawing the remaining three games in the six-player round robin. This also meant a much-needed recovery in ELO points after losing heavily in the preceding Grenke Classic tournament.

Hikaru Nakamura of United States finished a clear second, a full point behind Anand after settling for a draw with Levon Aronian of Armenia. The third game of the fifth and final round in the Classical format was also drawn between Russian Vladimir Kramnik and Fabiano Caruana of Italy.

Kramnik finished third, having drawn all his five games while Aronian, Caruana and Karjakin finished tied fourth on four points apiece.

The battle now shifts to the rapid chess format where all players play once more against each other in the same day.

There are five more rounds remaining to decide the overall winner but in rapid chess each win will be worth only one point and a draw will just earn half a point.

This effectively means the trio of Aronian, Caruana and Karjakin are out of title contention barring a huge turnaround in fortunes. Kramnik, too, is two points behind Anand and it seems unlikely that the Russian can make a match of it either.

Nakamura, however, might fancy his chances under the faster version of the game. However, in the blitz tournament played on the first day to determine the colours of the players, the American had finished out of top three.

Anand played the reverse closed Sicilian as black and was not troubled at all.

The Indian ace gave up the Bishop pair early in the opening to get an active position and Karjakin had to return the favour to maintain the balance. The middle game saw pieces changing hands at regular intervals and the ensuing endgame was just level.

The draw was agreed to in 42 moves.

Nakamura went for the Anti-Berlin, where he played risk free but also without many chances. As is the nature middle games arising out these setups, the King file paved the way for exchanges and even though Aronian was slightly worse, it was not difficult to keep the position together.

Eventually the players reached a hopelessly drawn king and pawns endgame.

Caruana tried the Italian opening against Kramnik but the Russian was well armed. Sacrificing a pawn in the middle game, Kramnik liquidated in quick time to get an equal position and the peace was signed in just 28 moves.

After some exciting chess in the first four days, there was a certain lull on the final day of Classical as those with white played safe. However, much action is promised on the final day with five rounds of rapid chess.

Results round 5 Classical: Sergey Karjakin (Rus, 4) drew with Viswanathan Anand (Ind, 7); Fabiano Caruana (Ita, 4) drew with Vladimir Kramnik (Rus, 5); Hikaru Nakamura (USA, 6) drew with Levon Aronian (Arm, 4).

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Now games on Virat Kohli

NEW DELHI: A mobile game developer will distribute and market games around Indian cricketer Virat Kohli for the next three years.

"Nazara Technologies, a leading mobile game developer and publisher has signed an exclusive deal with CSE (a sister concern of Cornerstone Sport and Entertainment Pvt Ltd) to develop, distribute and market games around Virat Kohli for 3 years."

As per the deal, Nazara will have exclusive rights to build games around the cricketer across digital platforms including mobile, web and DTH.

"Millions of people in the world over spend hours playing games on their smart phones. When the idea was put forth about creating a Virat Kohli game using my animated character I naturally felt its a great idea; another innovative way for me to connect with my fans and thank them for their continued support. I can't wait to see the final product that my team creates for me," said Kohli.

The games will be available across prominent digital and mobile platforms, and will be accessible to audiences across the globe.

Nazara Technologies are aiming at developing three to five games this year based on the character of Virat Kohli. Users will be able to download the games free of cost with revenues being generated through monetization models such as advertising, sponsorships and in-app purchases.

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Sachin Tendulkar's autobiography released in Hindi

NEW DELHI: After breaking many sales records since its release in November last year, iconic cricketer Sachin Tendulkar's autobiography 'Playing It My Way' will now enthrall Hindi readers with the book's version in the language -- 'Meri Atmakatha' -- set to hit the stands next month.

The Hindi edition, which was released by Manjul Publishing House at the ongoing World Book Fair in the national capital on Friday, will be available at all book stores from March 1.

The Hindi translation is done by Dr Sudhir Dixit, who has also translated the blockbuster Harry Potter series of books in Hindi, amongst many other very popular translations.

The original English edition, which was co-authored by journalist Boria Majumdar, was published by Hachette India.

The Tamil translation of the popular book, also being published by Manjul Publishing House, will be launched on March 20.

"This engrossing Hindi translation is a collector's item and one that every cricket-worshipping fan must read," says Vikas Rakheja, Managing Director of Manjul Publishing House.

Hindi readers have a lot to cheer about when they read the journey of the Mumbai boy who became the 'God' of millions.

In this fascinating account, Tendulkar, reflects upon his own life from his boisterous and carefree childhood, humble but decent and principled upbringing, his initial tentative steps into cricket.

The Master Blaster also elaborates about his matchless and spotless cricketing career, to his emotional final farewell and its millions of followers and fans, his being conferred the highest civilian award - the Bharat Ratna on the day of his retirement.

The book dwells on the story of how a naughty Mumbai youngster's excess energies were channelled into cricket, the record-breaking batting exploits of schoolboy Sachin, that launched the career of a cricketing phenomenon.

Before long, Sachin became the cornerstone of India's batting line-up and his every move was watched by a cricket-crazy nation's devoted followers. His countless achievements include winning the 2011 World Cup for India and topping the world Test rankings.

Taking the reader deep into the personal and public life of Sachin, the book is a wonderful collection of personal anecdotes, stories from the dressing room, Sachin's views on the Monkeygate controversy and much more.

The fascinating narrative is augmented by photographs from important landmarks from Sachin's life.

Follow TOI Sports on Twitter >>> @TOISportsNews

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