FIVB training ends

KATHMANDU: The six-day FIVB (International Volleyball Federation) VCP Teachers’ Training, organised by Nepal Volleyball Association, concluded here on Wednesday. In all, 26 men and three women took part in the course conducted by FIVB Coaching Commission member and Qatar Volleyball Association technical director Imam Ali Hussein. Of the 29 participant, 27 passed the course. Minister for Youth and Sports Gopal Shakya presented Hussein with a memento on the occasion. — HNS

Rosicky pulls out

PRAGUE: The Czech Republic will be without captain Tomas Rosicky in the country’s last World Cup qualifier. The Czechs play at San Marino on November 19 in the final European qualifier of 2008 and need three points to get into contention for a spot at the 2010 tournament in South Africa. Rosicky underwent further surgery this week on his injured left knee and is expected to returned within two months. The midfielder hasn’t played since sustaining a tendon injury in January during Arsenal’s FA Cup match against Newcastle. — AP

Akhtar ruled out

LAHORE: Pakistan’s veteran fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar was ruled out of the first one-day international against the West Indies in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday because of a calf injury. Pakistan Cricket Board’s media manager Raza Rashid said that the injury to the express fast bowler was “not serious”. The three-match series concludes on Sunday. Akhtar, 33, has not played one-day international for the past year due to fitness and disciplinary problems. He last competed against India in November, 2007. — AP

Moore out of qualifier

BRISBANE: Former Glasgow Rangers and Newcastle United defender Craig Moore has had surgery for testicular cancer and withdrawn from Australia’s team for next week’s World Cup qualifier against Bahrain. Moore, who returned from a brief international retirement to play in the Socceroos’ victorious World Cup qualifier win over Qatar here last month, is being treated by a urologist and said his “outlook is good.” A key member of Australia’s 2006 World Cup campaign, Moore had been advised to rest for two weeks and will have further tests in six weeks. — AP