FIFA’s female star

The one girl in a boy’s world, Delhi-babe Mayanti Langer is creating quite a buzz this FIFA World Cup. Langer, who hosts the match analysis show on ESPN with veteran commentator John Dykes, has become an overnight sensation.

The one girl in a boy’s world, Delhi-babe Mayanti Langer is creating quite a buzz this FIFA World Cup. Langer, who hosts the match analysis show on ESPN with veteran commentator John Dykes, has become an overnight sensation, with ‘Hot Wallpaper’ downloads, and ‘sexy’ videos of Langer doing the rounds of the Internet.

On YouTube, a video titled ‘Mayanthi Langer — Sexy host...’ has 28,500 views. She also has a fanpage on Facebook with over 17,00 fans, with comments on most sites ranging from ‘I love you’ to some lewd remarks. But Langer, who’s riding high on the magic of football, says, “I don’t let these things bother me. But, if people think I do look good, I don’t mind. I think it’s important to look your best, because that gives you greater confidence.”

Does she have a designer coordinating her look for FIFA? “No. I like wearing dresses, so I checked with the channel earlier if that would be okay. I just wear my own stuff.” For most Indian viewers, a female sports presenter brings backs memories of Mandira Bedi and her infamous ‘noodle strap’ blouses. Does any of that weigh on her mind? “No, not at all. I wear what I’m comfortable in. My parents are watching the show too, and if they’re cool with it, why should I bother about what anyone else says?”

Though she hasn’t had a chance to meet any of the footballers, Langer’s not too heartbroken. “I don’t have a favourite footballer. Anyway, the best generation of good looking Italian players — the Paolo Maldini generation —has gone,” she sighs.
Her pick for the winner? “I’m just looking forward to the Germany-Argentina match for now! It’ll be huge.”

HT Image

Numbers know it all
Numbers may well hold the key to who wins this World Cup, says numerologist Sanjay B Jumaani
Brazil won the World Cup in 1994 and in 1970. 1970+1994=3964
Argentina won the cup in 1986 and 1978. 1978+1986=3964
Germany won in 1990 and before that in 1974. 1974+1990=3964
Now, if you subtract 2010 from 3964, you get 1954 — the year West Germany won the World Cup