Sports India

Jaspal Rana won the gold medal in his pet event – centre fire pistol – as India wound up its campaign with a 1-2 finish on the last day of pistol and rifle competitions in the sixth Commonwealth Shooting Championships in Melbourne on Friday.

India’s medal count read: 27 medals, including 12 gold, nine silver and six bronze.

Rana, who won the gold in the 2001 edition in Bisley, England, tallied 585/600 to beat the challenge of veteran compatriot Ashok Pandit (576), who took silver.

David Moor of Australia finished third with a total of 572 points.

India added another bronze medal to its kitty through Sushil Ghale, in the men’s free rifle three-position.

Ghale totalled 1235.3 (1147 + 88.3) to finish behind New Zealand’s Slinn 1242.7 (1145 + 97.7) and Australian Brown M 1237.9 (1145 + 92.9).

After proving himself to be the best F1 rookie in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Albert Park, Melbourne, Narain Karthikeyan is looking forward to continuing his good work for Jordan on Sunday.

The Indian is eagerly looking forward to the next race even though weather conditions in Malaysia will be much more demanding than in Melbourne. Karthikeyan flew directly from Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur to give himself enough time to acclimatise.

“Even though I haven’t raced on the track before, I know the Sepang international circuit site is a good one, but it’s quite difficult. It’s got a lot of interesting corners, both high-speed and low-speed, and it’s quite long.

“This seven-year-old circuit is high speed and at the same time, it looks really technical and challenging for a driver. At least this is what I guessed from seeing the track from last year’s on-board footage film,” Karthikeyan said.

“I’m sure that the challenge will make me enjoy driving around the track despite the high temperature,” he said.

On expectations back home, the 28-year-old said: “The Indian media has explained to the public that I am not capable of winning races at the moment. I have also told them we have realistic goals, which is first to finish races and in the few races we can, we’ll pick up points.

Back to his Sepang preparation, Karthikeyan said he is being supplied lot of inputs. “The engineers have analysed last week’s race and have a lot of data to pass on to me for a better race this time round. We’ve got a lot of work to do especially because the conditions will be different than in Australia.

“My trainer Gerard came along with me and we worked for four intensive hours every day on the cardio-ratio rhythm, and on building up my neck muscles to absorb the g-forces in the F1 car and to also acclimatise to the humidity and heat-stress factors.”

Schumi warning
Meanwhile, Michael Schumacher has warned Ferrari’s rivals that the F1 season is a marathon, not a sprint.

“I’m pretty relaxed about what’s going on. I know it’s 19 races and it’s just one that’s passed by. It’s nothing more,” he said on Thursday.

Till last year, Formula One aficionado Sachin Tendulkar passionately rooted for “good friend” Michael Schumacher and Ferrari.

The iconic cricketer hasn’t dumped the seven-time world champion in the less-than-a-fortnight-old 2005 season, but he is certainly giving tips to compatriot Narain Karthikeyan of Jordan.

In Sepang today, four days before the Malaysian Grand Prix, India’s only Formula One driver confirmed having received tips.

“Frankly, I haven’t said much,” insisted Sachin, when contacted after stumps on Day II of the second Test here versus Pakistan.

Sachin, who yesterday joined the elite 10,000 Test runs’ club (joint fastest, in 195 innings, with Brian Lara), is recognised as a mental toughness guru.

Initially reluctant to say anything, Sachin opened up but still remained wary about his comments “getting a splash.”

That can’t be avoided, though.

“I’ve asked Narain to concentrate on what he’s good at and not get weighed down by the expectations of others… That he should just give off his best,” Sachin said.

He added: “Further, I’ve suggested that Narain ignore third-party advice, simply because no other Indian has ever made it to Formula One….

“Fact is no one knows its demands better and, so, Narain must not get influenced by somebody else’s thoughts and opinion. After all, it’s easy for others to talk.”

Sachin gave his tips in the lead-up to the season’s first GP, in Melbourne on March 6. On his debut there, Karthikeyan finished 15th. Incidentally, Michael couldn’t complete the 58-lap race.

Asked whether he intended giving another ‘pep talk’ before Sunday, Sachin answered: “Probably, yes… It’s an important weekend for both of us… Narain’s got to focus on his job, mine is also clear… Neither would like to get distracted.”

Sunday, of course, is also the scheduled last day of the ongoing Test. At close today, Pakistan were a handsome 273 for two in response to India’s first innings’ 407.

Narain Karthikeyan is quite modest when it comes to expectations. In the big league of Formula One, where mega bucks bring in fame, the 28-year-old sill finds himself on the learning curve. While the who’s who of the sport kept moving around in the lobby of the official hotel of the Malaysia GP, Narain makes his appearance quietly, almost unnoticed!

Clad in a black Jordan T-shirt, cap and haversack to match, the Indian has just a handful of support unlike most other drivers. Similarly, with almost the entire F1 circus spending their day at the Sepang International Circuit, Narain’s presence is hardly felt. In fact, Narain’s frail figure easily passes him off as a fan. When asked if the other drivers have started accepting him in the fold, Narain curtly replies: ‘‘Some are quite complimenting — like Mark Webber, Takuma Sato, whom I know well. But for the rest, I haven’t spoken to anybody else.”

However, his dropping tone sums it up: ‘‘That’s how F1 is.’’ After all, he knows only winners and past records counted while the rest were somewhere down the line. When the reality strikes, Narain makes the point loud and clear: ‘‘There is nothing to hide that Jordan is not capable of running in the front or the top-8 at the moment. But our car is capable of being quicker than Minardi’s irrespective of who drives it.’’

He substantiates his assessment by referring to Nick Heidfeld — Narain rates him as a great — who last year got Jordean three points. ‘‘All those came due to somebody heavily crashing. But now, he’s challenging Webber.’’ He suddenly drops jaws with a warning, ‘‘Don’t be surprised if I finish 16th or 17th.’’

Having surpassed expectations in Melbourne, which includes bringing in the best result among the rookies, Narain expects to do better. But he says, he will be happy if he manages to do something similar to what he did in the season opener. As for the fraternity, Narain says, ‘‘Everybody knows what Jordan are capable of. So realistically the best way to go about things is just dish out your best.’’ Having made his point, Narain sportingly adds he was targeting long term. ‘‘I would like to drive for as many years as I could. Maybe, even become a world champ.’’

NARAIN SPEAK
On the circuit
• Very flowing. Lot different to Melbourne, but once the lines are known it would be easier.
On the heat factor
• Well, there is a higher chance of graining (wearing out of tyres). Hopefully we have chosen the right compounds and there be no chances of a ‘blow out’. Secondly, strain on the neck is also a possibility, though I would say Melbourne was tougher since there were always a quick sequence of corners, straights and braking.
On his practice session
• I get a two-hour run. If the car reliability works out well then 40 laps are possible. This is not enough on such a long technical circuit.

The cool ambience of an ice castle at the Mandarin Oriental provided an alluring and dazzling backdrop to a star-studded event that featured the country’s Who’s Who last night, to kick off the world’s hottest race.

The Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix Ice Gala 2005 also saw team drivers and principals mingling with high society for the perfect lead up to this weekend’s race at the Sepang F1 Circuit.

Twinkling crystal fairy light bulbs greeted the glittering parade of guests, led by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putra Jamalullail and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Fauziah Tengku Abdul Rashid.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his wife Datin Seri Endon Mahmood received the royal couple when they arrived at 9pm.

Other guests started arriving as early as 7pm dressed to the nines, with the women setting a glamorous tone as they strolled in with their designer outfits and jewellery. Not to be outdone, the men wore their best tuxedos and suits to match their partners.

Among the crowd’s favourites were former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali. Their son, Sepang International Circuit chairman Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir, played the perfect host with his wife Datin Mastisa Hani Mohamed Abid.

GRAND VIEW: The transformed grand ballroom of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. Seated on the main table were (from left) Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman, Tourism Minister Datuk Leo Michael Toyad, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Yang diPertuan Agong Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin, the Queen Tuanku Fauziah, Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Toyad’s wife Datin Matilda Ho.
Abdullah’s children, Nori and husband Khairy Jamaluddin, Kamaluddin and his wife Azrene were also present.

The spotlight, however, were on the F1 drivers, who included seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher and team mate Rubens Barrichello.

Others were Sauber Petronas drivers Jacques Villeneuve and Felipe Massa, Williams’ Nick Heidfeld and Mark Webber, Jordan’s Narain Karthikeyan and Minardi drivers Christijan Albers and Patrick Friesacher.

Schumacher looked relaxed in his suit with a dark brown shirt and tie while Barichello wore a tuxedo.

Villeneuve, Massa and Heidfeld chose to wear batik while Webber wore a suit.

Malaysia’s Bond girl Datuk Michelle Yeoh looked radiant in a Bernard Chandran haute couture light green gown while Baywatch actress Carmen Electra wore a light green designer outfit.

International artistes Black Eyed Peas, Back Street Boys and Boyz II Men wore suits while the usually outrageously dressed Bai Ling was clad in a pink dress with a sequined top and a flowing skirt.

Also among the celebrities were kung-fu action star Jackie Chan, street magician David Blaine and local stars Soong Ai Ling and Camelia.

The hues of silver, blue and white as well as black drapes on the sidewalls and ceiling gave a haunting atmosphere of a magical wintry night.

Chandeliers that glowed with crystal white and ice blue lighting and a magnificent winter garden with towering tree trunks added to the charm.

Outside the ballroom, the organisers displayed F1 memorabilia that went up for auction, with proceeds going to the Force of Nature Foundation to help tsunami victims.

Grammy award winning singer Diana Krall and Malaysian Idol Jaclyn Victor provided the entertainment for the evening.

Tourism Minister Datuk Dr Michael Leo Toyad in his speech said it was the most glamorous event before Sunday’s race.

He added that international sports events like the F1 contributed to the tourism growth in the country and gave Malaysia an opportunity to acquire the necessary expertise.

Ever since he secured a seat with Jordan, India’s first-ever F1 driver Narain Karthikeyan has been studying the Sepang F1 Circuit from television footage.

And he will get a chance to test out what he has learnt when the first practice session of the Petronas Malaysian F1 Grand Prix gets underway today.

Narain, the son of former Indian national rally champion Karthikeyan, said he was eagerly looking forward to his second F1 race despite its challenging hot and humid weather.

�To me, this country is special. It�s a very special feeling as it�s so close to my home country,� said Narain, who will be racing at Sepang F1 Circuit for the first time although he has had plenty of experience driving in the now-closed Batu Tiga Circuit in Shah Alam.

�Even if I have not raced on the track before, I know that it is a good circuit, and quite difficult. It�s got a lot of interesting corners, both high-speed and low-speed, and it�s quite long.

�This circuit is high speed and at the same time, it looks really technical and challenging for a driver. At least this is what I guessed from seeing the track from last year�s on-board footage film only!� added the Jordan driver.

�Above all, about Malaysia, I really enjoy the food, which is excellent. It�s such an interesting mixture of every culture including Indian, Malay and Chinese and other international cuisine. This melting pot makes you feel good wherever you are and whatever you feel like doing,� he said.

Narain flew directly from Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur last week to allow himself plenty of time to acclimatise to the weather. He is currently staying in the deluxe five-star Westin hotel in Kuala Lumpur and has been working out at the gym daily.

�My trainer Gerard came along with me and we worked for four intensive hours every day on the cardio-ratio rhythm, and on building up my neck muscles to absorb the G-forces in the F1 car and to also to acclimatise to the humidity and heat-stress factors.

�Because of the high temperature and high rate of evaporation, Malaysia is physically very tough for a driver.�

Narain feels Malaysia is like a second home to him.

�Amongst the multi-national population there are lots of Indians who speak Tamil even if the national language is Bahasa Malaysia, and I feel at home,� said the 28-year-old from Chennai in Tamil Nadu, India.

�I know the country well as I have raced before in the Junior Formula Asia on the Shah Alam track and I have lots of friends here.

�I suppose that being familiar with the country is one of the reasons why people and fans recognise me on the street. I went to the shopping mall in the Kuala Lumpur for instance and attracted a lot of interest. It’s also because of the number of people of Indian origin here.�

Narain feels he will be better prepared for his second race after finishing 15th in his debut race in Australia two weeks ago. He was the highest achiever among the four rookies who made their debut in Melbourne.

�The engineers have analysed last week�s race and have a lot of data to pass on to me for a better race this time round. We�ve got a lot of work to do especially because the conditions will be different than in Australia.

�The key priority to doing well here will be fitness and acclimatising. One also has to fight against dehydration because of the high ambient temperatures and humidity,� he added.

That means a hot, hot race for the aspiring Indian star.

TATA Indicom has roped in the services of teenage tennis sensation Sania Mirza to serve as its brand ambassador.

In partnership, Tata Indicom plans to launch limited edition Signature Series handsets called Sania Fone with attractive features.

The Chief Operating Officer of Tata Indicom, Mr Prabhat Pani, said “Tata Indicom is rapidly growing youthful and energetic brand. Sania reflects these qualities and her association with Tata Indicom personifies brand identity. The youth is a big market and the launch of Signature Fones is one such effort to connect with this segment.” Sania Mirza said, “I look forward to long and fruitful association with Tata Indicom and it is a matter of pride to be part of Tata Indicom family, which epitomises leadership and trust.”

Signature Series, which includes Saurav Fone, are limited edition handsets, which will be available to both post-paid as well as pre-paid customers across 20 circles.

While the Sania Fone has been priced at Rs 4,999, the Saurav Fone is available for Rs 2,999. The signature handsets are supported by cricket and tennis contests and have other features such as wallpapers, favourite ringtones, live cricket scores and interactive cricket services.

Narain Karthikeyan, India’s first Formula One driver, has been taking tips from cricket great Sachin Tendulkar in how to deal with pressure.

Karthikeyan finished 15th on his debut for Jordan at the season-opening race in Melbourne earlier this month and credited Indian batsman Tendulkar for helping him keep his feet on the ground.

“Sachin Tendulkar is a very big fan of Formula One and I’m good friends with him,” Karthikeyan said on Thursday. “He has a lot more people watching him so he knows what it’s like. He is clearly happy for me.

“Sachin has given me advice. He told me just to concentrate on the job and not be bothered what happens in India… just do the best I can and what happens, happens.”

The Madras-based Karthikeyan realised a lifetime’s dream by racing in Australia and will to be firm crowd favourite at this weekend’s Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang.

“It’s about three hours from Madras,” he said. “There is a big Indian community here and (the race has) been promoted a lot in India so we expect quite a few people coming here.”

Karthikeyan started ahead of seven-times world champion Michael Schumacher on the grid in Melbourne but lost six places on the opening lap and failed to overtake anyone. Realistic Goas: “The Indian media has explained to the public that I am not capable of winning races at the moment,” said the 28-year-old.

“I have also told them we have realistic goals, which is first to finish races and in the few races we can we will pick up points.

“There are a lot of eyes watching me but that’s always been the case. Now it’s on a little bit bigger scale. I’ve dealt with it okay so far.”

Karthikeyan’s goals are understandably modest for Sunday’s race in steamy Sepang - for him and Portuguese team mate Tiago Monteiro to finish again.

“We have two rookie drivers so the aim is always to finish,” he said. “It’s a steep learning curve.”

Karthikeyan could be more popular in India than Schumacher himself but he knows his place in the Formula One firmament.

“It’s a dream come true. In India from a very young age, I looked up to Schumacher and suddenly now I’m racing with him,” he said.

“But the people don’t expect me to go and beat Schumacher.”

The cricket-crazy public back home had almost forgotten Sachin Tendulkar’s tennis elbow. They deviated from the norm - cricket - to a sport that is fast catching their imagination. Millions were more interested about Narain Karthikeyan’s deal with Jordan for the Formula One season than probably Tendulkar.

On March 6 came Narain’s exploits in the Formula One season-opener in Melbourne.

His 15th place finish on his debut Grand Prix (GP) had millions rejoicing back home. Now, with the Malaysian GP -the hottest race of the season - this Sunday, fans back home will be hoping that Narain, driving his gleaming yellow Jordan, will better his performance at a place he is not new to.

It will be a sort of a home race for the 28-year-old Coimbatore driver, for there will be a lot of Malaysians of Indian-origin who will be rooting for him here. Excerpts of interview:

How has the training been for the Malaysian Grand Prix?
After coming back from Melbourne, we started training on Tuesday (March 8). Most of the sessions have been outdoors and from two hours a day we’ve gone up to four hours a day.
It is all cardio and more neck exercises now.

Did you experience any neck pain in Melbourne then?
No, there was no neck pain in Melbourne and it is not a high downforce circuit. We are expecting it here.

You have raced in Malaysia before, do you think that will stand you in good stead?
Yes I have raced here, but that was at Shah Alam (Formula Asia) and not at Sepang. Most of the races then were in winter and I had just started off and was in a different league then. This time, I am a rookie and this is F-1.

What are your expectations here?
Similar expectations to Melbourne I guess. Basically finish the race. Yes, that has to be the first role. And there is nothing to hide Jordan is not capable of running in the front or in the top-eight. I expect to do better but it is not that simple. The car is basically the same and it won’t be that easy. This is basically the 2004 car and we don’t have a new car. Everything was done late and nevertheless, I will have to do the same job as I did in Melbourne. You know, I got a lot of respect from everywhere and I just need to keep doing the job. Everyone knows what Jordan is capable of. It has been a learning year for them as well.

Will you be looking to improve on your Melbourne exploits?
We won’t be surprised if we finish 16th or 17th here. At the moment, no matter who drives, our car is capable of being quicker than only Minardi. Nick Heidfeld is a good driver and all he managed for Jordan was three points, that too because somebody had a crash. He is challenging Mark Webber (both drive for Williams).

Can you be aggressive at the Sepang circuit?
You can’t be too aggressive here because the tyre needs to last the entire weekend. You can’t try and do daring manoeuvres in the last minute. Once you lock-up, that’s it the race is over. Moreover, it is hot here and high chances of tyre wear. Hopefully, we have chosen the right compound and hopefully it won’t (tyre) blister. If it does, then we have a chance of a blow out.

What do you feel about the circuit?
Very flowing and one of the hardest circuits in the calendar. It has come very early in my debut season. I have to cope with it. Overtaking will be tough at the corners, because many of them are high-speed corners. You can’t get very close to the cars. It is not only the engine, but aerodynamics will play a big part in this circuit. The better the design of the car, the better you can do in the corners.

Do you think one day will be enough to get the feel of the circuit?
I will be in the track for about two hours (free practice) on Friday. But at this long and technical circuit, 40 laps won’t be enough. It will be the same for others too.

Which car (team) do you think has both the power and the aerodynamics?
It is the Renault.

Your short-term targets are to finish the races you said, what are your long-term targets?
Long term, how many? One, two, three years� yes, like to be a world champion (laughs) what the heck. First my dream was to compete in F-1 and I have done that. Hopefully now we can get some points this year. Then your dreams get bigger and bigger. Who knows!