Sports News

‘Not an illegal substance’: North Melbourne legend Wayne Carey responds to white powder saga

NORTh Melbourne legend Wayne Carey has responded to reports was caught with a bag of white powder in a Perth casino last week.

North Melbourne legend Wayne Carey has responded to reports he will be banned from Crown Resorts premises for two years after being caught with a bag of white powder in a Perth casino last week.

According to The Herald Sun, the 51-year-old was evicted from Crown Burswood on Thursday evening after a zip-lock bag containing a white substance dropped from his pocket onto a gaming room table.

Carey, who commentates for Channel 7, was staying in Perth ahead of Saturday evening’s elimination final between Fremantle and the Western Bulldogs at Perth Stadium.

The former Kangaroos captain was subsequently prohibited from attending Channel 7’s telecast of this month’s Brownlow Medal count at the Crown Palladium in Melbourne, according to the News Corp report.

“We are aware of a recent incident at Crown Perth where a patron was escorted from the premises,” a Crown spokesperson told The Herald Sun.

“The incident was handled within our standard procedures and due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide further comment. At Crown Perth our priority remains keeping our guests, employees and the community safe.

“As trained professionals, our employees are entrusted to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for customers and staff at all times, and will take necessary action to ensure these policies are abided by.”

But speaking to The Age, Carey claimed the substance was an anti-inflammatory he took with dinner.

“It was not an illegal substance, it was offered to security. Security didn’t take it,” he said.

“They just said it’s not a great look, I understood that, and we left without incident.”

Channel 7’s managing director Lewis Martin confirmed to News Corp that Carey has agreed to temporarily stand down from his role.

Last month, reports emerged of an “ugly altercation” between Carey and former teammate Anthony Stevens at North Melbourne’s 1996 premiership gathering at the Railway Hotel in Yarraville.

The reported verbal stoush occurred more than 20 years after Carey’s infamous cheating scandal with Stevens’ then-wife forced him out of the Kangaroos.

“It’s a pretty sad sequel,” footy journalist Sam Edmund told SEN’s Dwayne’s World in August.

“Witnesses said Carey went at Stevens, accusing him of talking behind his back and telling people he couldn’t be contacted and to not bother trying to catch up with him, but then being fine in-person.”

But Carey quickly refuted the report, telling Triple M the following day: “The first story said came to blows and that’s factually incorrect. There were no blows.

“There was a firm conversation – altercation I think is even too firm to say that occurred.

“I wanted to have a conversation about Stevo, I was worried about him. I said, ‘I’m worried about you,’ and he obviously took a little bit of umbrage to me saying I was worried about him.

“I said I’m worried about, I want him to look after himself like people want me to look after myself.

“To say that it was a massive altercation and it came to blows and then we left there and everyone was upset with everyone and it was a big thing is totally incorrect – that’s the disappointing thing about it.

“It wasn’t a story and still isn’t a story.

“I hope I’ve just cleared up that once again this has been blown into something it wasn’t.

“I’m not sure why it should always be talked about – it doesn’t make sense.”

Ganga Prasad of Brisbane won medals at Masters athletics championships

GaNGa Prasad won 8 medals, 7 Gold medals and 1 Silver medal, at Sunshine Coast Masters Athletics championships in Athletics. Ganga competes in Masters Athletics championships around the world representing Fiji and Australia as well.

Ganga’s next championship is international competition Pan Pacific Masters Athletics championship which will be held in Gold Coast, in November 2022. It’s held every 2 years.

“Whole of Punjab as well India stands with Arshdeep today”, says Punjab sports minister Gurmeet singh

ThE Punjab youngster had dropped the catch of Pakistan batsman Asif Ali in the 18th over of the Pakistan Innings with Pakistan requiring 31 runs off 16 balls.

Punjab Sports minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer has encouraged Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh after the 24-year-old dropped a catch against Pakistan in the India Pakistan super four match in Asia Cup, which India lost, in Dubai on Sunday. Talking to Singh’s mother Baljeet Kaur over phone, Hayer told Kaur that Punjab as well whole of India is proud of Singh and youth like Singh are an inspiration for the youth in the country.

“You all should be in high spirits. Whole of Punjab as well India stands with Arshdeep today. People, who have not played cricket ever, are making such comments. Arshdeep carried the hopes of 140 crore Indians and it’s a big thing for a 24-yearold youngster. The captain showed faith over Arshdeep for bowling the last over and that speaks of Arshdeep’s talent,” Hayer told Baljeet Kaur, mother of Arshdeep Singh on Monday morning.

The Punjab youngster had dropped the catch of Pakistan batsman Asif Ali in the 18th over of the Pakistan Innings with Pakistan requiring 31 runs off 16 balls.

With Pakistan needing seven runs in the last over, Singh bowled the last over and removed Asif Ali off the fourth ball of the over with Pakistan requiring two runs off two balls.

Iftikhar Khan scored two runs off the penultimate ball to hand Pakistan the win.

“A lot of people fail to see the hard work done by the players to play for India. Arshdeep bowled the last over superbly. When Arshdeep will come after winning the Asia Cup, I will accompany you to welcome him at the airport. Please tell Arshdeep to concentrate on the rest of the matches and he is an inspiration for the youth. We have seen players like Sachin Tendulkar too not scoring runs in some matches and things like these happen in sports,” Hayer said.

Former Indian hockey captain Sandeep Singh has also come out in support of the fast bowler who is facing brutal social media trolls for dropping the catch

Meanwhile, Arshdeep’s mother Baljeet Kaur, who along with her Husband Darshan Singh, is in UAE to watch the Asia Cup matches, told Hayer that the whole Indian team is with Arshdeep Singh.

“When we sat with him after the match, Arshdeep told us not to worry and he will give his best as always. The whole Indian team has supported him and he will answer the critics with his performance,” Kaur told Hayer.

Grassroot Cricket Fund Gives $2M to the heart of Community Cricket

aUSTRalIa’S professional cricketers will continue their commitment to nurture community cricket this season by making up to $2 million available through the Grassroots Cricket Fund (GCF).

The GCF is a partnership between the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) and Cricket Australia (CA) that has so far provided $10.6 million to support more than 2,000 local Clubs and Centres.

There will be two new targeted GCF grant categories this season to help clubs and centres meet goals such as increasing participation, improving volunteer experience and ensuring they can provide assistance with playing costs.

For the first time, Clubs and Centres can apply for the provision of an AED Defibrillator Package to help safeguard the wellbeing of their players.

This initiative was endorsed by former member of The Wiggles, Greg Page, and Australian Test batter, Darren Lehmann.

Both Page and Lehmann survived heart attacks and are all too aware just how important immediate attention is for those who suffer an attack.

DaRREN lEhMaNN SaID:

“It’s a great initiative from the ACA, the players especially, giving back to community clubs.

“With the help of Greg and Heart of the Nation it’d be fantastic to get these little machines that save lives to as many clubs as possible.

“If you can get to them between three and five minutes, you can save 70 per cent of people. It’s a valuable tool.”

Todd Greenberg, Chief Executive Officer, ACA said:

“Our players are very conscious of strengthening the links between elite cricket and club cricket. The investment of millions of dollars of players’ money into the Grassroots Cricket Fund is as good a demonstration as you’ll get in to how committed they are to the health of the Australian game.

“The Fund has already provided thousands of clubs and centres throughout Australia with funds to buy equipment and go towards improved facilities that will strengthen grassroots cricket for generations to come.

“This is a really important summer for community cricket clubs and centres after a very difficult two years. The players know just how important these clubs are in building social capital in their local communities.”

Nick Hockley, Chief Executive Officer, Cricket Australia, said:

“We’re delighted the Grassroots Cricket Fund will continue to make a valuable contribution to community cricket. The great work the players are doing to give something back to the game is making a real difference.

“We’re particularly pleased the grants are being used to provide support for the volunteers who do so much for their communities and to fund initiatives that help grow participation. These are extremely important objectives for our game.”

Head to www. grassrootscricketfund.com. au for further information.

ABC Bullion rises to Diwali challenge with launch of limited-edition gold and silver coins

aBC BUllION, Australasia’s largest independent precious metals and bullion dealer, has launched two new, limited-edition products – gold and silver coins embossed with Lakshmi, the Hindu Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity in celebration of Diwali at an exclusive event attended by prominent Indian community and business leaders on 30 August 2022.

ABC Bullion’s Diwali coins are part of the annual mintage and the exquisitely crafted 5g gold coin and 1oz silver coins are expected to sell out in anticipation of the festival of lights, which is celebrated by one of the largest and fastest growing diasporas in Australia.

The Indian diaspora has registered 47 per cent growth in the past four years according to Census 2021.

Janie Simpson, Managing Director of ABC Bullion, said: “ABC Bullion is a leading and inclusive organisation who understands their customers’ special needs, especially aligned to festive periods such as Diwali. Australian Indians have made significant contributions to the Australian economy and enriched our multicultural society. To celebrate Indian people, culture, and accomplishments, we wanted to create something specifically for this flourishing community which we hope will be well received. Diwali celebrations are the perfect opportunity to tap into the very auspicious tradition of buying gold and silver among Indians.”

Each coin is backed by its purity certificate and comes in a luxurious presentation box. These limited-edition Diwali coins will be available for purchase on a special Diwali link on the ABC Bullion website which will go live from 20th September 2022 onwards. Stay tuned for updates via social media.

Australian Indian CEO, Sheba Nandkeolyar from MultiConnexions Group, said: “I am absolutely blown away by the beauty of these intricately designed Diwali limited-edition silver and gold coins. What a gift to the Australian Indian community, who will be celebrating Diwali next month. ABC Bullion is certainly an organisation which connects with the hearts of their audience and understands their special needs.”

Prominent Indian community and business leaders at the VIP launch praised ABC Bullion’s initiative of crafting these beautiful gold and silver coins for Diwali and expressed their eagerness to purchase as soon as they were available.

Ghazal Maestro PaNKaJ UDhas - live in Concert at sydney opera house

CONTD. FROM PG 1

The magical show was presented by Akash Lodia and Commonwealth Bank of Australia. Sydney Opera House has undergone a massive renovation, with enhanced sound and lighting capabilities. This was the first Indian concert to be held in the Sydney Opera House after the upgrades.

The sound, Lighting, and visuals were superb; Kartik Mohandas, as the MC, lived up to his name; Akash Lodia welcomed everyone to the show and thanked the sponsors and supporters. He unfolded the story of their family’s relationship with Pankaj Ji and how he is now the second generation organizing a show for the same artist. His father had arranged the original show for Pankaj Ji in Fiji. Pankaj Ji, in his opening remarks, expressed his sincere gratitude to the family.

The packed concert hall was full of eager music lovers who just loved the concert and were very responsive; they had come from New Zealand, Fiji, and interstate to be at this historic concert. The cheer, clapping, applauding, and general vibe of the show was electrifying.

Pankaj Udhas Ji, in an interview a few years back, had described how got his unique style of singing. “When I started singing, I was influenced by Begum Akhtar and Mehdi Hassan’s styles. But as I grew up, I realized I shouldn’t keep singing like them. I wanted to create my own space. That’s when I started making a style of my own. I wanted to reach out to the masses, as the ghazal was always limited to a small audience.

It was meant for people who could understand Urdu and Persian. I wanted to make it more accessible. So, I composed the ghazal, ‘Aap jinke kareeb hote hain’. Anyone who could speak Hindi could understand it. I composed it in such a tune that everyone could sing along. That clicked, and I realized that I had found the success formula. So, in all my albums, I have kept my singing style simple, with intense and meaningful poetry, without using Persian and Arabic lyrics extensively. That’s what sets me apart”.

Here are some of tHe reviews of tHe sHow: maDHuri aZam:

“When you have the privilege of attending one of your all-time favorite... maestro ... one of the best Ghazal singers I have listened to most of my life...

The quality, the depth, the art of each musical instrument, and the velvety vocals with emotions are attached... I absolutely felt blessed to be able to be part of this event.

Celebrating 40 years of his singing career and launching his new album... something that certainly doesn't happen easily. Concerts come and go, singers come and go, but there are legends like him who are able to sooth the soul and touch your hearts...”

naseema mustapHa

“What an absolutely incredible show by Ghazal Maestro PUNKAJ UDHAS at the Concert Hall in the Opera House!

He sang his classics and new releases too.

He launched his new album GHALIB and everyone in the audience was gifted a copy of the new album.

The musicians, particularly the Indian Flute, Tabla and Mandolin musicians, were beyond fantastic! How beautifully modest Indian people are, their gracefulness and humbleness always astounds me.

It was a packed Concert Hall full sold out event with 1,000 vibrant energetic, music-loving people in the audience. Some people actually flew from New Zealand to attend this, and plenty from interstate too.

An amazing night, my first event inside the Opera House and what a way to celebrate - with a night in beloved India

Tonight, I am grateful to my parents for taking me to every Mehfil when I was a child, for the many events we hosted at home and attended with Uncle Hafeez Alikhan and Uncle Raz Zullah. I actually remembered the lyrics and tunes. Even though I was raised here, away from our culture and people, my parents made a huge effort to keep us connected to our identity culturally and religiously. Grateful.

Thank You Mum & Dad

My heart is happy

Ghungroo Toot Gaye

Chitthi Aayee Hai

Khuda Ka Shukra Hai

I LOVE INDIA

It was a packed, fully sold-out concert with over one thousand vibrant, energetic, music-loving people in the audience. Some people actually flew in from New Zealand, Fiji, Melbourne, and Brisbane to attend this megaconcert.”

Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio were proud to be exclusive media partners for Queensland; Umesh Chandra OAM and Usha Chandra were present at the concert and said they were proud to see their logos displayed in the prestigious Opera house for this mega concert.

The mega event also served as a backdrop for the launch of Pankaj Udhas Ji’s new album “Forever Ghalib”, Consul General Mr. Manish Gupta, and Lodhia brothers officially released the album, each and every attendee were given a copy as a memento for having attended this mega concert.