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Leslie Xavier

Leslie Xavier is a former national wrestler, judoka and karate champion. He has been a sports journalist for more than a decade and writes on Olympic disciplines and motorsport.

Articles by Leslie Xavier

Gaurav Gill to drive in World Rally Championship 2 with Team MRF

Gaurav Gill and Team MRF will take the World Rally Championship 2 (WRC 2) plunge in Italy, at the Rally Italia Sardegna, to be held from June 7-10, joining in the seventh round of the championship as the plan is to play it a little conservative this time, making sure they don’t stretch their resources.

Team MRF announced they will compete in the World Rally Championship 2 (WRC 2) -- the second rung global competition -- and Gaurav Gill, who drove them to three Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) titles, will spearhead their challenge.(HT Photo)
Updated on Apr 16, 2018 04:29 PM IST
Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By

2018 Commonwealth Games: England beat India 2-1, win bronze in men’s hockey - highlights

Get highlights of the bronze medal play-off between India men’s hockey team and England at the 2018 Commonwealth Games (CWG 2018) here. India went down 1-2 after a poor performance -- Sam Ward scored for England twice while Varun Kumar pulled one back for the Indians.

Harry Martin of England (R) vies for the ball with Indian men’s hockey team's Harmanpreet Singh (L) during their men's hockey bronze medal play-off of the 2018 Commonwealth in Gold Coast on Saturday. Get highlights of the bronze medal play-off between India men’s hockey team and England at the 2018 Commonwealth Games (CWG 2018) here.(AFP)
Updated on Apr 14, 2018 04:16 PM IST
Hindustan Times | By

How Commonwealth Games cost Sushil Kumar and Indian wrestling stars a World Cup shot

The Wrestling Federation of India is happy to send a junior side for exposure to the UWW Freestyle Wrestling World Cup since the top wrestlers, led by Sushil Kumar, are set for the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast. But throwing a group of below-par wrestlers into the lion’s den could prove detrimental.

Sushil Kumar is expected to cakewalk to a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast but the double Olympic medallist would have found the experience of competing at the World Cup, against the best in the world, a more worthy exercise keeping in mind the future and the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.(Getty Images)
Updated on Apr 12, 2018 02:48 PM IST
Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By

2018 Commonwealth Games: Erratic India punished by Pakistan in hockey opener - highlights

Get highlights of the India vs Pakistan hockey match from the 2018 Commonwealth Games here. Indian men’s hockey team fell prey to some lax defending and was held to a 2-2 draw by Pakistan in their 2018 Commonwealth Games campaign opener in Gold Coast.

Indian men's hockey team’s SV Sunil (left) and Paksitan hockey team’s Muhammad Faisal Qadir vie for position during their match at the 2018 Commonwealth Games (CWG 2018) in Gold Coast, Australia, on Saturday. Get highlights of the India vs Pakistan hockey match from the 2018 Commonwealth Games here.(AP)
Updated on Apr 07, 2018 01:04 PM IST
Hindustan Times | By

Commonwealth Games 2018: Squash dreams rest on tested warhorses

With the new generation not showing potential, India will have to rely on stalwarts like Dipika Pallikal and Joshna Chinappa to bring home glory in the Commonwealth Games 2018.

Joshna Chinappa, Dipika Pallikal and Saurav Ghosal have been Indian squash’s ambassadors-cum-champions for more than a decade.(PTI)
Updated on Apr 01, 2018 10:04 AM IST
Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By

Commonwealth Games 2018: India possess muscle to have free run in wrestling

Sushil Kumar, Bajrang Punia, Rahul Aware, Mausam Khatri, Sakshi Malik, Babita Kumari and Vinesh Phogat will be some of the biggest names in the Indian wrestling contingent at the Commonwealth Games 2018 in Gold Coast, Australia.

Sushil Kumar will be the biggest name in wrestling for India at the Commonwealth Games 2018 in Gold Coast, Australia.(AFP)
Updated on Mar 29, 2018 10:14 AM IST
Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByNavneet Singh & Leslie Xavier

Review: A Ringside Affair by James Lawton

Though James Lawton occasionally frets about the fate of boxing, his narrative, which includes the fights he covered for US and UK newspapers, also looks at the struggles of the fighter

Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee: Muhammad Ali outside the Alvin theater in New York on October 1, 1968. James Lawton’s A Ringside Affair begins with the final days of Ali’s illustrious pro boxing career in the ring.(The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images)
Updated on Jan 27, 2018 05:14 PM IST
Hindustan Times | By

Motorsports rewind 2017: Lewis Hamilton stars but trouble brews in F1

Lewis Hamilton and Marc Marquez clinched the top titles as motorsports enjoyed a turbulent 2017 season.

Lewis Hamilton had an impressive F1 season as he clinched the title in 2017.(AP)
Updated on Dec 28, 2017 11:02 AM IST
Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By

Vijender Singh has home challenger too as Brijesh Kumar Meena issues war cry

Vijender Singh, the reigning WBO Asia Pacific super middleweight champion, will defend his title against Ernest Amuzu but he faces a challenge from Brijesh Kumar Meena who is the No 2 super middleweight boxer in India.

Vijender Singh is aiming for a perfect 10 in his WBO Asia Pacific super middleweight bout against Ernest Amuzu but he faces a potential challenge in Brijesh Kumar Meena.(Getty Images)
Updated on Dec 21, 2017 08:55 AM IST
Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By

Vijender Singh faces an African next - How farcical are his pro boxing bouts

The huge gulf between the world ranking of Vijender Singh and his latest opponent Ernest Amuzu of Ghana hints at another possible mismatch, which could potentially damage the reputation of the Indian boxer and his fledgling professional career.

Vijender Singh will face Ernest Amuzu of Ghana in the tenth bout of his professional boxing career in Jaipur.(PTI)
Updated on Dec 20, 2017 03:51 PM IST
Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By

FIH Hockey World League Final, India beat Belgium in shootout to enter semis, highlights

India beat Belgium 3-2 in shootout to storm into the semifinals of the Hockey World League Final (HWLF) at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday. After regulation time the scores were tied 3-3 with Gurjant Singh, Harmanpreet Singh and Rupinder Pal Singh scoring for the hosts. Get highlights of the FIH Hockey World League Final, India vs Belgium quarterfinal here.

Indian men’s hockey team player SV Sunil (24) attempts to score against Belgium during the second quarter of their quarterfinal match of the FIH Hockey World league Final at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday. Get highlights of the FIH Hockey World League Final, India vs Belgium quarterfinal here.(PTI)
Updated on Dec 06, 2017 10:38 PM IST
Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By

Superbike ‘sabotage’ mars JK Tyre -FMSCI National Racing season finale

Former national champion K Rajini alleged that his Kawasaki Ninja ZX 10R was tampered with and damaged soon after he took pole for the JK Super Bike 1000cc race in the JK Tyre-FMSCI National Racing Championship final round at Buddh International Circuit

Action from the Suzuki Gixxer Cup race at the JK Tyre-FMSCI National Racing Championship final round at Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida on Sunday.(HT Photo)
Published on Nov 19, 2017 11:31 PM IST
Hindustan Times, Greater Noida | By

Wrestler Sushil Kumar’s golden return shrouded in walkover ‘mystery’

A rusty Sushil Kumar won the 74kg freestyle category at the ongoing national wrestling championships in Indore, the twin Olympic medallist receiving three walkovers en route to gold

Wrestler Sushil Kumar greets the crowd after winning the gold medal in the men's 74kg freestyle competition during the Senior National wrestling championships in Indore on Friday.(PTI)
Updated on Nov 18, 2017 10:54 AM IST
Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By

Delhi Half Marathon: A race where runners stand to lose more than win

The Delhi Half Marathon is all set to go off exactly as planned, despite the poor air quality pollution in the capital city and the event taking place when the particulate matter is at its highest

Air pollution in India's capital has hit hazardous levels, but the Delhi Half Marathon is going ahead regardless.(AP)
Updated on Nov 10, 2017 07:55 PM IST
Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By

Andrea Dovizioso wins Malaysian GP, keeps MotoGP title race alive vs Marc Marquez

In a wet race, Andrea Dovizioso of Ducati beat teammate Jorge Lorenzo to win the MotoGP Malaysian Grand Prix, while championship leader Marc Marquez finished fourth. The Repsol Honda rider, however, still commands a 21-point lead over the Dovizioso.

Ducati rider Andrea Dovizioso (C) celebrates his victory with second-placed Jorge Lorenzo (L) and third-placed Johann Zarco (R) on the podium after winning the Malaysia MotoGP at the Sepang International Circuit on Sunday.(AFP)
Updated on Oct 29, 2017 10:44 PM IST
Hindustan Times, Sepang (Malaysia) | By

Moto GP: Marc Marquez crashes, Honda teammate Dani Pedrosa takes pole at Sepang

A win or second-place finish would give Marc Marquez the 2017 MotoGP world title. However, his poor form and crash during qualifying at Sepang Circuit -- the Repsol Honda rider’s Malaysia jinx -- has given Ducati’s Andrea Dovizioso, who is starting from third place behind pole-setter Dani Pedrosa, a window of hope

Honda’s Dani Pedrosa (C) grabbed the pole position at the Malaysian GP on Saturday.(AP)
Published on Oct 28, 2017 07:06 PM IST
Sepang, Malaysia | By

MotoGP: Andrea Dovizioso, Sepang ghosts stand between Marc Marquez and world title

With a 33-point cushion and two races to go, Repsol Honda’s defending world champion Marc Marquez could seal the 2017 title at the Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang Circuit this weekend, while Ducati’s veteran rider Andrea Dovizioso plans to spoil the party at his ‘favourite’ track

Marc Marquez sits inside his team garage during the first practice session of the Malaysia MotoGP at the Sepang International circuit.(AP)
Updated on Oct 27, 2017 05:46 PM IST
Hindustan Times, Kuala Lumpur | By

Salwan Race and a vision to transform video gamers into fit marathoners

While the idea of running for sport or recreation has caught up in India in the last five years or so -- with many marathons and races being staged across the country -- the demography of Indian runners show that our children don’t run. Salwan Cross Country Race strives to get the kids moving, envisaging a fitter future for India.

The 22nd edition of the Salwan Cross Country Race will be staged this year at the Army Equestrian Centre Polo Ground in New Delhi on November 5.(HT Photo)
Updated on Oct 20, 2017 04:06 PM IST
Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By

FIFA U-17 World Cup, Mexico vs Chile highlights: MEX qualify for Round of 16 after 0-0 draw

Mexico and Chile played out a 0-0 in their FIFA U-17 Group F match in Guwahati on Saturday. The result saw Mexico finish third in the group and qualify for the Round of 16. Get highlights of the Mexico vs Chile match here.

Mexico's Luis Olivas (on the ground) and Raul Sandoval fight for the ball with Chile's Yerco Oyanedel (left) during their FIFA U-17 World Cup Group F football match in Guwahati on Saturday. Get highlights of the Mexico vs Chile match here.(AP)
Updated on Oct 14, 2017 10:25 PM IST
Hindustan Times, Guwahati | By

FIFA U-17 World Cup, USA vs Colombia highlights: COL win 3-1, enter round of 16

Colombia national football team beat USA in their final FIFA U-17 World Cup Group A match in Navi Mumbai on Thursday to progress to the round of 16 stage. Juan Vidal, Juan Penaloza and Deider Caicedo scored for Colombia while George Acosta hit the target for USA national football team. Get full-time score and highlights of USA vs Colombia match here.

Juan Penaloza (R) of Colombia national football team celebrates after scoring against Colombia national football team in their FIFA U-17 World Cup match at the DY Patil stadium in Navi Mumbai on Thursday. Get full-time score and highlights of USA vs Colombia match here.(AFP)
Updated on Oct 12, 2017 10:23 PM IST
Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By

India vs Macau AFC Asian Cup qualifier highlights: IND win 4-1, qualify for finals

Indian national football team beat Macau 4-1 in their AFC Asian Cup qualifying match at Bangalore’s Sree Kanteerava Stadium. Rowllin Borges, Sunil Chhetri and Jeje Lalpekhlua scored for the hosts who have qualified for the the finals in the UAE (2019) Get final football score and highlights of the India vs Macau match here

Rowllin Borges of Indian national football team (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal in their AFC Asian Cup qualifier football match vs Macau at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bangalore on Wednesday. Get final football score and highlights of the India vs Macau match here(AFP)
Updated on Oct 11, 2017 10:38 PM IST
Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By

Hockey India’s appointment of Sjoerd Marijne as men’s coach defies logic

Hockey India have pulled off a surprise and appointed Dutchman Sjoerd Marijne, the head of the women’s team, as coach of the men’s hockey team after Roelant Oltmans was dismissed from the post. Harendra Singh will take over as the women’s team’s high performance specialist coach.

Sjoerd Marijne, who was the coach of the Indian women’s hockey team, will take over over as the head of the men’s team after Roelant Oltmans was sacked from the post. Harendra Singh has been named as the women’s team’s high performance specialist coach.(Hockey India)
Updated on Sep 09, 2017 09:15 AM IST
Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By

Floyd Mayweather wins, Conor McGregor too, as boxing loses some more ground

Floyd Mayweather’s 10th round TKO of Conor McGregor in the super fight in Las Vegas gave him a 50-0 career record, but despite raising a lot of money for both boxers, the bout has perhaps damaged boxing’s credibility

Floyd Mayweather (R) needed 10 rounds to beat Conor McGregor in their super fight at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas Saturday night.(AFP)
Updated on Aug 28, 2017 05:52 PM IST
Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By

Floyd Mayweather vs Conor McGregor: Boxing super fight or a circus?

Floyd Mayweather’s bout against Conor McGregor is being billed as the ‘Fight of the Millennium’, but will it live up to the build-up?

Floyd Mayweather Jr. (L) of the US will aim to extend his undefeated streak to a record 50-0 when he faces UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor of Ireland at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday.(REUTERS)
Updated on Aug 26, 2017 03:17 PM IST
Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By

Khel Ratna, Arjuna: Authorities should set norms, and athletes their priorities, straight

The announcement of the Arjuna, Dronacharya and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna awards have always attracted controversies and this year was no different with Rohan Bopanna’s angry outburst at the tennis association and Sardar Singh’s nomination

(File picture) The Arjuna (trophy in picture), Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and the Dronacharya award for coaches are presented by the President on National Sports Day every year (August 29, the birth anniversary of hockey legend Dhyan Chand).(HT Photo)
Updated on Aug 06, 2017 09:49 AM IST
Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By

Rohan Bopanna: 7-year itch & freedom - expect more Slams from French Open champ

Rohan Bopanna, at 37, became the fourth Indian to win a Grand Slam, capturing the French Open 2017 mixed doubles crown with partner Gabriela Dabrowski at Roland Garros.

Rohan Bopanna and Gabriela Dabrowski of Canada won the French Open 2017 mixed doubles title, defeating Anna-Lena Groenefeld and Robert Farah.(AP)
Updated on Jun 11, 2017 08:34 PM IST
Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By

Pakistan in do-or-die vs South Africa: Emotional fans boost demoralised PAK

Pakistan cricket team had a little over two days to recover -- from Sunday, when they lost to Virat Kohli-led Indian cricket team at Edbaston, to the match against South Africa cricket team in the same venue. Sarfraz Ahmed and Co. seem to have shaken off the blues, in typical Pakistani style that too.

Pakistan cricket fans during the ICC Champions Trophy match against Indian cricket team at Edgbaston, in Birmingham. The city has a sizable Pakistani population which is expected to come out again in huge numbers to support their team in the crucial match against South Africa cricket team on Wednesday.(Getty Images)
Updated on Jun 07, 2017 02:04 PM IST
Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By

Jehan Daruvala becomes 1st Indian to take pole in FIA F3 European Championship

Jehan Daruvala’s pole position in FIA Formula 3 Championship and his second place finish in the race -- in the second round (Monza) of his rookie season -- is a good start. But putting in consistent performances through the season is important so that the 18-year-old Indian can look to graduate to higher championships without stagnating like many other Indians before him.

Jehan Daruvala of Carlin team in action during the qualifying session for Race 1 the FIA Formula 3 European Championship second round at Monza in Italy on Friday. The Indian finished Race 1 in second position.(HT Photo)
Updated on Apr 29, 2017 03:45 PM IST
Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By

Steffi Graf brought out the best in me: Arantxa Sanchez on her famous rivalry

Former World No. 1 Spanish tennis star Arantxa Sanchez opens up to Hindustan Times about the game, the future of the sport in India and her career, including her rivalry with Steffi Graf

Spanish former World No. 1 professional tennis player, Arantxa Sánchez Vicario, at the HT office in New Delhi on Monday.(Saumya Khandelwal/HT PHOTO)
Updated on Apr 18, 2017 09:02 AM IST
New Delhi | By

Hero’s J-Rod wins India Baja, Abdul Wahid Tanveer of TVS bags Merzouga ticket

Joaquim Rodrigues of Hero Motosport won with ease in the moto segment of India Baja, beating TVS riders KP Aravind and Abdul Wahid Tanveer, who qualified for Merzouga Rally in Morocco next month, finishing which he would qualify for next year’s Dakar Rally. In Xtreme (four-wheelers), Gaurav Chiripal pipped Raj Singh Rathore to win in Jaisalmer

Joaquim “J-Rod” Rodrigues of Hero Motosport, won the moto segment of the India Baja, beating KP Aravind of TVS Racing, while Abdul Wahid Tanveer finished third.(HT photo)
Updated on Apr 30, 2017 05:07 PM IST
HT Correspondent | By, Jaisalmer
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