The Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, which is slated to host 10 Under-17 football World Cup matches, including the October 28 final, can be evacuated in only eight minutes in case of any emergency, the police said.  “We have prepared a detailed evacuation plan. The entire stadium, even if full to the brim, can be evacuated safely and smoothly in only eight minutes in emergency situations,” said Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Gyanwant Singh.

Marcus Cromartie: Houston Texans sign free agent safety

Free agent safety Marcus Cromartie has signed with the Houston Texans.The Texans announced the signing early Thursday . Houston placed running back Tyler Ervin on the injured reserve list in a corresponding move. Ervin suffered a season-ending knee injury. Cromartie, 26, began his NFL career in 2013 as an undrafted free agent signing by the San Diego Chargers. He spent two seasons with the Chargers before suiting up for the San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns, Buffalo Bills and Seattle Seahawks.

Cromartie was placed on injured reserve in August, when he was with the Seahawks. He was waived in September with an injury settlement. The 6 foot 1 inch tall and weight  192 pound defensive back has 21 combined tackles, three passes defensed, and a fumble recovery during his NFL career.

Roger Federer back for Switzerland

Roger Federer will return to partner Belinda Bendic for Switzerland at the Hopman Cup, while Japan will make its first appearance in 16 years at the international mixed team event.

After the last Hopman Cup, Federer went on to win the Australian Open and Wimbledon, his 18th and 19th Grand Slam singles titles.

Two-time Grand Slam singles Angelique Kerber will represent Germany with ATP No. 4 Alexander Zverev, tournament officials said.

Yuichi Sugita and Naomi Osaka will play for Japan, while Australia will be represented by Daria Gavrilova and Thanasi Kokkinakis.

The other teams in Decembeer 30-January 6 event at Perth Arena are — the United States: Jack Sock and CoCo Vandeweghe; Russia: Svetlana Kuznetsova and Karen Khachanov; Belgium: David Goffin and Elise Mertens; and Canada: Eugenie Bouchard and Vasek Pospisil.