The Chinese Swimming Association (CSA) Tuesday said that it believed tainted swimmer Sun Yang is innocent although he failed a dope test in May and was consequently banned for three months.
The multi-Olympic and World Champion tested positive for stimulant trimetazidine May 17 during the national championships.
CSA said that Sun provided sufficient evidence in July's hearing that he was not aware that the substance was prohibited and took the prescription drug Vasorel to treat a heart condition.
"Sun took the drug without an intention to improve his result but both he and the Zhejiang swimming association (from where Sun belongs) had made mistakes," said a CSA statement.
Sun's was stripped off the 1,500 metre freestyle title at the nationals and was also fined around $816. The Zhejiang swimming association and some of its related officials were also punished by CSA.
"We believe Sun did not intend to cheat. He is an excellent swimmer and his good results came from his talent and hard training. Sun cherishes his reputation and he had no reason to cheat in the national championships," said Xu Qi, leader of the Chinese national swimming team.
Xu added that the punishment was reasonable. "The punishment was in accordance with related rules and reasonable."
According to China Anti-Doping Agency (CHINADA), both Sun and Zhejiang team doctor Ba Zhen failed to file the therapeutic use exemption when Sun took the test. Sun had been taking Vasorel from time to time since 2008 when he started to suffer heart palpitations. Trimetazidine is able to increase coronary flow reserve and was added to the prohibited list in January.
A two-time Olympic champion, Sun took to social media Monday saying he didn't intend to cheat.
"I have been tested numerous times during years of training and competition and I had never failed once before. I was shocked and depressed at that time but at the same time it made me cherish my sporting life even more. I will take it as a lesson and be more careful in the future," Sun said, who has five World Championship titles.
Xu admitted Sun had been under a lot of pressure since failing the test.
"He has to deal with the pressure and we should understand his situation and offer him some help," said Xu.
The three-month suspension ended Aug 17, before Sun's participation at the Incheon Asian Games in September where he won three gold medals.
The multi-Olympic and World Champion tested positive for stimulant trimetazidine May 17 during the national championships.
CSA said that Sun provided sufficient evidence in July's hearing that he was not aware that the substance was prohibited and took the prescription drug Vasorel to treat a heart condition.
"Sun took the drug without an intention to improve his result but both he and the Zhejiang swimming association (from where Sun belongs) had made mistakes," said a CSA statement.
Sun's was stripped off the 1,500 metre freestyle title at the nationals and was also fined around $816. The Zhejiang swimming association and some of its related officials were also punished by CSA.
"We believe Sun did not intend to cheat. He is an excellent swimmer and his good results came from his talent and hard training. Sun cherishes his reputation and he had no reason to cheat in the national championships," said Xu Qi, leader of the Chinese national swimming team.
Xu added that the punishment was reasonable. "The punishment was in accordance with related rules and reasonable."
According to China Anti-Doping Agency (CHINADA), both Sun and Zhejiang team doctor Ba Zhen failed to file the therapeutic use exemption when Sun took the test. Sun had been taking Vasorel from time to time since 2008 when he started to suffer heart palpitations. Trimetazidine is able to increase coronary flow reserve and was added to the prohibited list in January.
A two-time Olympic champion, Sun took to social media Monday saying he didn't intend to cheat.
"I have been tested numerous times during years of training and competition and I had never failed once before. I was shocked and depressed at that time but at the same time it made me cherish my sporting life even more. I will take it as a lesson and be more careful in the future," Sun said, who has five World Championship titles.
Xu admitted Sun had been under a lot of pressure since failing the test.
"He has to deal with the pressure and we should understand his situation and offer him some help," said Xu.
The three-month suspension ended Aug 17, before Sun's participation at the Incheon Asian Games in September where he won three gold medals.
Saina Nehwal said it was not an easy decision to move away from long-time coach Pullela Gopichand but added that she was glad to win the China Open and prove how hard her new coach Vimal Kumar was working with her. The ace Indian shuttler said as a player, she had to be selfish and think about her game, which is why she decided to try a new coach after 10 years.
In a dramatic move, Saina had dumped Gopichand, weeks before the Asian Games. The change of coaches paid immediate dividends as Saina went on to win the team bronze at the Asian Games, reached the quarter-finals of the Denmark Open before finally winning the China Open, breaking into the top five.
"Many people said it was a risk, moving away from a long-time coach. Even I thought I was taking a risk. But I had to take that chance - for the last one and a half years, I somehow felt I was lacking struggling against the top three players in the world. I was feeling stuck against them. So I spoke to Gopi sir and told him there was something else required in my game. But with so many players in the academy, I realised it was not easy for him and I understood his problem. That's why I said we need more coaches. Obviously, it's not easy to shift from someone you have been training for so many years"
Saina said she had to think for herself and had no regrets being "selfish", leaving behind an academy that had given her fame and several other world titles. She said her goal this year was to break into the top five and she did just that. With her China Open triumph, the Hyderabad girl moved to number four from world number nine.
Besides seeking more success on the tour, Saina said she is focused on maintaining fitness in the run up to the 2016 Olympics.
"It is very important to stay fit now as the Olympics are coming nearer. It will be more about remaining fit and playing the best against the top three Chinese players in the world. I will try to beat them as many times as possible or try to give them a very tough fight which is very important," she said. She said she would work hard to achieve the number one position, but no time-frame can be put to it."
Saina also credited fellow-Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth, who won the men's title in China by defeating the legendary Lin Dan but said his victory did not overshadow her own achievement.
"Two Indians winning in China is special. It was a great achievement for Srikanth to beat a player of Lin Dan's class but I wouldn't say he overshadowed me. I always get all the attention I need," said Saina who celebrated her triumph by eating a vanilla ice-cream.
In a dramatic move, Saina had dumped Gopichand, weeks before the Asian Games. The change of coaches paid immediate dividends as Saina went on to win the team bronze at the Asian Games, reached the quarter-finals of the Denmark Open before finally winning the China Open, breaking into the top five.
"Many people said it was a risk, moving away from a long-time coach. Even I thought I was taking a risk. But I had to take that chance - for the last one and a half years, I somehow felt I was lacking struggling against the top three players in the world. I was feeling stuck against them. So I spoke to Gopi sir and told him there was something else required in my game. But with so many players in the academy, I realised it was not easy for him and I understood his problem. That's why I said we need more coaches. Obviously, it's not easy to shift from someone you have been training for so many years"
Saina said she had to think for herself and had no regrets being "selfish", leaving behind an academy that had given her fame and several other world titles. She said her goal this year was to break into the top five and she did just that. With her China Open triumph, the Hyderabad girl moved to number four from world number nine.
Besides seeking more success on the tour, Saina said she is focused on maintaining fitness in the run up to the 2016 Olympics.
"It is very important to stay fit now as the Olympics are coming nearer. It will be more about remaining fit and playing the best against the top three Chinese players in the world. I will try to beat them as many times as possible or try to give them a very tough fight which is very important," she said. She said she would work hard to achieve the number one position, but no time-frame can be put to it."
Saina also credited fellow-Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth, who won the men's title in China by defeating the legendary Lin Dan but said his victory did not overshadow her own achievement.
"Two Indians winning in China is special. It was a great achievement for Srikanth to beat a player of Lin Dan's class but I wouldn't say he overshadowed me. I always get all the attention I need," said Saina who celebrated her triumph by eating a vanilla ice-cream.
Veteran golfer Jyoti Randhawa will aim to eclipse the young stars at the Indonesia Open next week.
The experienced Indian will be among a star-studded cast at the $750,000 Asian Tour event which includes multiple Major champion Padraig Harrington of Ireland, title holder and Indian Gaganjeet Bhullar, and veterans Mardan Mamat and Prayad Marksaeng.
A cosmopolitan line-up from over 25 countries, including Scott Hend of Australia, will also vie for honours at the Pantai Indah Kapuk Course Dec 4-7.
The 42-year-old Randhawa, a former Asian No.1, hopes to win his ninth Asian Tour title here.
He was defeated by countryman Rashid Khan at the Chiangmai Golf Classic two weeks ago but his performance gave him a much needed boost towards the tail-end of the 2014 season.
"These young guys look up to me and try to beat me but now I have to keep up with them. I'm looking forward to it and I'm glad that I'm there and a threat to them," said Randhawa.
The experienced Indian will be among a star-studded cast at the $750,000 Asian Tour event which includes multiple Major champion Padraig Harrington of Ireland, title holder and Indian Gaganjeet Bhullar, and veterans Mardan Mamat and Prayad Marksaeng.
A cosmopolitan line-up from over 25 countries, including Scott Hend of Australia, will also vie for honours at the Pantai Indah Kapuk Course Dec 4-7.
The 42-year-old Randhawa, a former Asian No.1, hopes to win his ninth Asian Tour title here.
He was defeated by countryman Rashid Khan at the Chiangmai Golf Classic two weeks ago but his performance gave him a much needed boost towards the tail-end of the 2014 season.
"These young guys look up to me and try to beat me but now I have to keep up with them. I'm looking forward to it and I'm glad that I'm there and a threat to them," said Randhawa.
Hockey India (HI) president Narinder Batra on Tuesday clearly stated that they do not require the services of former men's team chief coach Terry Walsh and will start their search for a replacement "with approval of SAI".
This move from Batra comes just as Walsh expressed his willingness to continue as India chief coach despite recently resigning from his post due to bureaucratic red-tapism. (Walsh Ready to Return, Puts Onus on Hockey India)
In a letter addressed to the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Director General Jiji Thomson, Batra wrote: "We have received a mail from Hockey USA as confidential and as per that mail the issue of financial irregularity by Mr. Walsh in USA is not settled even as of today, hence his contention that his issue with USA was settled in 2012 is false and incorrect."
A week ago, Batra had alleged that the Australian coach was involved in financial impropriety during his tenure with USA Field Hockey. (Walsh Exit Won't Hurt India: Nobbs)
"Further Mr. Terry Walsh thru press and media has been threatening to file legal cases. Mr. Walsh has been given sufficient time to clarify on the financial irregularity issue and he instead tried to beat around the bush. HI now does not require services of Mr. Terry Walsh and will look for a new chief coach with approval of SAI," added Batra.
The Indian hockey strongman continued his attack on Walsh, writing that Walsh was trying to project as a "martyr" and HI as a "villain".
"Regarding his showing commitment for players, I had in presence of HI CEO and Mr. Oltmans offered full salary for one month after Nov 19 to Terry Walsh to stay on with the Indian team till Champions Trophy (but this was prior to the issue of USA Hockey coming to our notice) and he refused to stay back till SAI agreed on his 120 days paid holiday in Australia and at that time he showed no concern for the Indian team, now he wants to project himself as martyr before the media and HI a villain," wrote Batra.
"We would very kindly request your goodself to forward our mail to Hon'ble Minister as HI views on Mr. Terry Walsh's re-employment for hockey in India."
Walsh on Monday had written to Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal where he clarified his position about the entire affair. The 60-year-old Australian thanked SAI for being cooperative and expressed his desire to continue coaching India.
"I will keep faith with SAI and undertake to accede to their request to continue to coach the national team in the medium-term subject to the resolution of several issues with HI. Hopefully truth and common sense will prevail in the interests of the game," wrote Walsh.
"One issue that has clouded discussions has been the introduction of a reprehensible allegation relating to my tenure with the USA Field Hockey Federation. The allegation is baseless and has already been refuted by US hockey officials. It is still being peddled.
Walsh, an Olympic silver medallist, had also written that he is considering legal recourse.
"I have instituted legal proceedings in the United States to seek restitution and protect my reputation. I am considering similar actions in India. This is very unfortunate and distracts from the task of placing Indian hockey on an upward path to modern practices and procedures," wrote Walsh.
"Regardless of the nature of my future involvement in India I remain committed to my players. I believe that feeling is reciprocated. They are a fine bunch of men. Hockey is part of the soul of India and they are conscious of their responsibility in this regard."
He added: "I remain willing to return to India immediately to resume positive discussions with SAI and at the same time publicly refute the detestable misinformation being introduced into the public arena.
"My earnest wish is that HI joins with us to enable the national team to begin its preparations for the 2016 Olympics free of controversy and irrelevant other issues."
This move from Batra comes just as Walsh expressed his willingness to continue as India chief coach despite recently resigning from his post due to bureaucratic red-tapism. (Walsh Ready to Return, Puts Onus on Hockey India)
In a letter addressed to the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Director General Jiji Thomson, Batra wrote: "We have received a mail from Hockey USA as confidential and as per that mail the issue of financial irregularity by Mr. Walsh in USA is not settled even as of today, hence his contention that his issue with USA was settled in 2012 is false and incorrect."
A week ago, Batra had alleged that the Australian coach was involved in financial impropriety during his tenure with USA Field Hockey. (Walsh Exit Won't Hurt India: Nobbs)
"Further Mr. Terry Walsh thru press and media has been threatening to file legal cases. Mr. Walsh has been given sufficient time to clarify on the financial irregularity issue and he instead tried to beat around the bush. HI now does not require services of Mr. Terry Walsh and will look for a new chief coach with approval of SAI," added Batra.
The Indian hockey strongman continued his attack on Walsh, writing that Walsh was trying to project as a "martyr" and HI as a "villain".
"Regarding his showing commitment for players, I had in presence of HI CEO and Mr. Oltmans offered full salary for one month after Nov 19 to Terry Walsh to stay on with the Indian team till Champions Trophy (but this was prior to the issue of USA Hockey coming to our notice) and he refused to stay back till SAI agreed on his 120 days paid holiday in Australia and at that time he showed no concern for the Indian team, now he wants to project himself as martyr before the media and HI a villain," wrote Batra.
"We would very kindly request your goodself to forward our mail to Hon'ble Minister as HI views on Mr. Terry Walsh's re-employment for hockey in India."
Walsh on Monday had written to Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal where he clarified his position about the entire affair. The 60-year-old Australian thanked SAI for being cooperative and expressed his desire to continue coaching India.
"I will keep faith with SAI and undertake to accede to their request to continue to coach the national team in the medium-term subject to the resolution of several issues with HI. Hopefully truth and common sense will prevail in the interests of the game," wrote Walsh.
"One issue that has clouded discussions has been the introduction of a reprehensible allegation relating to my tenure with the USA Field Hockey Federation. The allegation is baseless and has already been refuted by US hockey officials. It is still being peddled.
Walsh, an Olympic silver medallist, had also written that he is considering legal recourse.
"I have instituted legal proceedings in the United States to seek restitution and protect my reputation. I am considering similar actions in India. This is very unfortunate and distracts from the task of placing Indian hockey on an upward path to modern practices and procedures," wrote Walsh.
"Regardless of the nature of my future involvement in India I remain committed to my players. I believe that feeling is reciprocated. They are a fine bunch of men. Hockey is part of the soul of India and they are conscious of their responsibility in this regard."
He added: "I remain willing to return to India immediately to resume positive discussions with SAI and at the same time publicly refute the detestable misinformation being introduced into the public arena.
"My earnest wish is that HI joins with us to enable the national team to begin its preparations for the 2016 Olympics free of controversy and irrelevant other issues."
New Delhi: She might be one of the most sought-after sportspersons in India but tennis ace Sania Mirza says "it's difficult to be a Sania Mirza in this country" due to the prevailing "gender inequality" and called for an urgent need to bring about a cultural change.
"Yes, it is difficult to be a Sania Mirza in this country," the tennis star said while explaining the difficulties she faced during her career as a sportswoman.
She added, "I think a lot of controversies that I had faced in my career was because I am woman. Had I been a man, I could have avoided some of the controversies." (Read: Sania Says she is Spared of Nonsense Writing Only When She's Not Playing)
Sania on Tuesday became the United Nations Women's goodwill ambassador for the South Asian region, joining the campaign to end violence against women and girls and also raise awareness on gender equality.
"I think for more women to come into sports (in India), the culture needs to be changed. Government is getting involved and I guess that is going to change a lot of things. Our current Sports Minister, Mr Sarbananda Sonowal supports women sports a lot and I have personally seen it," she said.
"I am happy that the government is also opening up and speaking about the gender inequality that is present in our society. And the fact that they are trying to do something about it, speaks volume about it.
"We need a cultural change and I hope media takes the responsibility, too. Media has the biggest voice, they can and should make a difference," Sania added. (Small-Screen Explosion: Sania Promises to Wow All in 'Bond' Avatar)
Sania said she today vowed to take up the most important battle "I might face off the field".
"Gender equality is something we all advocate. Some speak about it, some don't. I have chosen to speak about it. I hope one day everyone will say that we are equal and women are not treated as objects. I will try and do everything I can to bring about a change," said Sania after becoming the first South Asian woman to be appointed the goodwill ambassador in UN Women's history.
Stating that the mentality of not just men but women also needed to undergo a major transformation for a country to achieve gender equality, Sania said, "Women's safety is something that has been going on. Nirbhaya case had opened our eyes. Not that it was the first case that had happened, but a lot of people woke up to 'what's going on'.
"Women face discrimination. They are treated like animals and it is not right. The thinking needs to be changed. Mentality needs to be changed. Men must understand that women also go out to do their work just as they do. But even women have to realise their own worth," India's most successful women's tennis player said. (Sania Wants to Win a Grand Slam in Women's Doubles)
Meanwhile, Sania said she was looking forward to playing in the upcoming Indian Premier Tennis League (ITPL), starting on December 6.
"I am actually leaving tonight...in a few hours. I heading to practice from here and then to the airport. I am very excited about it. I am looking forward to playing in the ITPL," she concluded.
"Yes, it is difficult to be a Sania Mirza in this country," the tennis star said while explaining the difficulties she faced during her career as a sportswoman.
She added, "I think a lot of controversies that I had faced in my career was because I am woman. Had I been a man, I could have avoided some of the controversies." (Read: Sania Says she is Spared of Nonsense Writing Only When She's Not Playing)
Sania on Tuesday became the United Nations Women's goodwill ambassador for the South Asian region, joining the campaign to end violence against women and girls and also raise awareness on gender equality.
"I think for more women to come into sports (in India), the culture needs to be changed. Government is getting involved and I guess that is going to change a lot of things. Our current Sports Minister, Mr Sarbananda Sonowal supports women sports a lot and I have personally seen it," she said.
"I am happy that the government is also opening up and speaking about the gender inequality that is present in our society. And the fact that they are trying to do something about it, speaks volume about it.
"We need a cultural change and I hope media takes the responsibility, too. Media has the biggest voice, they can and should make a difference," Sania added. (Small-Screen Explosion: Sania Promises to Wow All in 'Bond' Avatar)
Sania said she today vowed to take up the most important battle "I might face off the field".
"Gender equality is something we all advocate. Some speak about it, some don't. I have chosen to speak about it. I hope one day everyone will say that we are equal and women are not treated as objects. I will try and do everything I can to bring about a change," said Sania after becoming the first South Asian woman to be appointed the goodwill ambassador in UN Women's history.
Stating that the mentality of not just men but women also needed to undergo a major transformation for a country to achieve gender equality, Sania said, "Women's safety is something that has been going on. Nirbhaya case had opened our eyes. Not that it was the first case that had happened, but a lot of people woke up to 'what's going on'.
"Women face discrimination. They are treated like animals and it is not right. The thinking needs to be changed. Mentality needs to be changed. Men must understand that women also go out to do their work just as they do. But even women have to realise their own worth," India's most successful women's tennis player said. (Sania Wants to Win a Grand Slam in Women's Doubles)
Meanwhile, Sania said she was looking forward to playing in the upcoming Indian Premier Tennis League (ITPL), starting on December 6.
"I am actually leaving tonight...in a few hours. I heading to practice from here and then to the airport. I am very excited about it. I am looking forward to playing in the ITPL," she concluded.
New Delhi: Formula One legend Sir Jackie Stewart feels Lewis Hamilton was the deserving champion of the "not so competitive" 2014 season.
Hamilton, who beat teammate and fierce rival Nico Rosberg in the championship battle in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, is the fourth British driver to win multiple world titles and the first since Stewart achieved the feat in 1971.
"In a way it was not the most exciting season for F1.
Mercedes unquestionably had the best team, chassis and engine and as the season progressed, it was very clear that other teams on Mercedes engines were more competitive than they have been for a long time. Having said that, I think Lewis Hamilton is totally being justified as the new world champion," Stewart told PTI on Tuesday over the phone.
Stewart, famously known as 'The Flying Scotsman', says Hamilton was the faster driver than Rosberg when it mattered most.
"He has won more races than anyone else this season and Nico Rosberg of course was faster in qualifying, but it is always about the man who wins and with 11 wins (out of 19) it is a very resounding victory.
"However, for Grand Prix racing it would have surely been better if we had a more competitive year. Ferrari, Red bull or McLaren were not competitive in the true sense," said the three time-champion of 1969, 1971, 1973.
Stewart is not a fan of the current regulations but has predicted a more competitive 2015 with the return of Honda, who will supply engines to McLaren.
"We have to look forward to the next season, particularly, with Honda coming in and Renault with a better engine, at least that is what Red Bull believe, and of course the Williams may be even be better off than this year. I think we are going to see a better season for racing," reckoned the 75-year-old.
Talking about Mercedes' dominating run, he says, "you have got to take your hat off to Mercedes-Benz and of course Lewis. I also have a lot of praise for Nico, who had a disappointing last race. The Silver Arrows are not in there to be midfield runners, they are in the business to win titles, but I would like to believe there is more competition coming from the other teams in the next 12 months.
"We have had enough of one team domination. Before Mercedes it was the combine of Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel," he said.
Success in F1 for long has been money-driven. Top and financially sound teams are locked in a battle of their own while the ones at the back of grid struggle for mere survival.
Stewart stresses a more competitive grid is a must for the sport.
"People were asking me at the end of the last year if Vettel was the greatest driver of all times, and now I am being asked the same about Lewis. It all depends on how good the team is. Those days when there was uniformity in the cars and engine performance, it was more about the driver than the car. It is a different world out there now," he summed up.
Hamilton, who beat teammate and fierce rival Nico Rosberg in the championship battle in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, is the fourth British driver to win multiple world titles and the first since Stewart achieved the feat in 1971.
"In a way it was not the most exciting season for F1.
Mercedes unquestionably had the best team, chassis and engine and as the season progressed, it was very clear that other teams on Mercedes engines were more competitive than they have been for a long time. Having said that, I think Lewis Hamilton is totally being justified as the new world champion," Stewart told PTI on Tuesday over the phone.
Stewart, famously known as 'The Flying Scotsman', says Hamilton was the faster driver than Rosberg when it mattered most.
"He has won more races than anyone else this season and Nico Rosberg of course was faster in qualifying, but it is always about the man who wins and with 11 wins (out of 19) it is a very resounding victory.
"However, for Grand Prix racing it would have surely been better if we had a more competitive year. Ferrari, Red bull or McLaren were not competitive in the true sense," said the three time-champion of 1969, 1971, 1973.
Stewart is not a fan of the current regulations but has predicted a more competitive 2015 with the return of Honda, who will supply engines to McLaren.
"We have to look forward to the next season, particularly, with Honda coming in and Renault with a better engine, at least that is what Red Bull believe, and of course the Williams may be even be better off than this year. I think we are going to see a better season for racing," reckoned the 75-year-old.
Talking about Mercedes' dominating run, he says, "you have got to take your hat off to Mercedes-Benz and of course Lewis. I also have a lot of praise for Nico, who had a disappointing last race. The Silver Arrows are not in there to be midfield runners, they are in the business to win titles, but I would like to believe there is more competition coming from the other teams in the next 12 months.
"We have had enough of one team domination. Before Mercedes it was the combine of Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel," he said.
Success in F1 for long has been money-driven. Top and financially sound teams are locked in a battle of their own while the ones at the back of grid struggle for mere survival.
Stewart stresses a more competitive grid is a must for the sport.
"People were asking me at the end of the last year if Vettel was the greatest driver of all times, and now I am being asked the same about Lewis. It all depends on how good the team is. Those days when there was uniformity in the cars and engine performance, it was more about the driver than the car. It is a different world out there now," he summed up.
Holders Uruguay have been drawn in the same group as arch-rivals Argentina for next year's Copa America which will be held in Chile from June 11 to July 4.
The two met in the quarter-finals at the last Copa America in 2011 with Uruguay winning 5-4 on penalties in Santa Fe after the game had finished tied on 1-1 after extra-time.
They will be joined in Group B by Paraguay and Jamaica, one of two teams, alongside Mexico, outside of South America invited to take part in the competition.
The Mexicans are in Group A with hosts Chile, Ecuador and Bolivia.
Group C sees Brazil and Colombia facing a rematch of their World Cup quarter-final clash which the Brazilians won 2-1, star player Neymar sustaining a back injury that ruled him out of the rest of the tournament.
For company they have Peru and Venezuela.
After the round-robin group phase, the top two teams from each section will qualify for the quarter-finals along with the two best third-placed teams, at which point the tournament takes on a standard knockout format before the final on July 4 in Santiago.
The draw for the Copa America football tournament which will take place in Chile from June 11-July 4:-
Group A: Chile, Mexico, Ecuador, Bolivia
Group B: Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Jamaica
Group C: Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela
The two met in the quarter-finals at the last Copa America in 2011 with Uruguay winning 5-4 on penalties in Santa Fe after the game had finished tied on 1-1 after extra-time.
They will be joined in Group B by Paraguay and Jamaica, one of two teams, alongside Mexico, outside of South America invited to take part in the competition.
The Mexicans are in Group A with hosts Chile, Ecuador and Bolivia.
Group C sees Brazil and Colombia facing a rematch of their World Cup quarter-final clash which the Brazilians won 2-1, star player Neymar sustaining a back injury that ruled him out of the rest of the tournament.
For company they have Peru and Venezuela.
After the round-robin group phase, the top two teams from each section will qualify for the quarter-finals along with the two best third-placed teams, at which point the tournament takes on a standard knockout format before the final on July 4 in Santiago.
The draw for the Copa America football tournament which will take place in Chile from June 11-July 4:-
Group A: Chile, Mexico, Ecuador, Bolivia
Group B: Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Jamaica
Group C: Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela