The sporting world was in for a treat over the last 24 hours with the start of a few major events at the Asian Games 2023. The Indian contingent had a mixed performance with positive results in Men’s football and Sailing events. Whereas, the Indian Women's football team suffered a heartbreaking defeat against Chinese Taipei.
Outside Asia, Europe saw its annual football competition in full flow as Liverpool scripted another comeback against LASK while Jose Muriniho’s AS Roma also registered a win. We have talked about them and a lot from all around the globe in today's sports wrap. Do give it a read.
Asian Games:
Indian Women's football team suffers 2-1 defeat against Chinese Taipei
The Indian Women's football team suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat against Chinese Taipei in their Asian Games 2023 opener at the Wenzhou Sports Olympic Centre Stadium, in Wenzhou, China. Anju Tamang scored past Ming Jung after multiple rebounded shots to give India a 1-0 lead. But unfortunately for the Blue Tigeresses, Chinese Taipei came back to score twice to seal the win.
Skipper Sunil Chettri helps India beat Bangladesh
The Indian men’s football team defeated Bangladesh 1-0 in its second Asian Games 2023 Group A match in Hangzhou on Thursday. Sunil Chhetri scored the winning goal via a penalty in the 85th minute. The Blue Tigers returned to winning ways after suffering a 1-5 loss against China in their Asiad opener.
Nethra Kumanan and Vishnu Saravanan, third and second in sailing events
The Asian Games will kick off in Hangzhou on September 23, but the sailing events will begin on September 21 at the Ningbo Xiangshan Sailing Centre. The 16-man Indian contingent is led by Nethra Kumanan, Vishnu Saravanan, KC Ganapathy, and Varun Thakkar and impressively started the competition, as Kumanan ended the day in third place in the ILCA6 event while Saravanan was second in the ILCA7.
Football:
Sheffield United's Maddy Cusack dies aged 27
Sheffield United Women midfielder Maddy Cusack passed away at the age of 27. The Women's Championship club released a statement confirming the development. Cusack completed 100 appearances for the club last season after making her debut in 2019. She also worked in the club's offices at Bramall Lane as a marketing executive.
Nagelsmann replace Flick as Germany's coach ahead of Euro 2024
Former Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann was named Germany's new head coach ahead of Euro 2024 on home soil. Nagelsmann replaced Hansi Flick, who was on the back of a long string of poor results. Germany parted ways with Flick earlier this month, a day after Die Manschaft’s 4-1 home loss to Japan in a friendly match. Similarly, Germany also failed to perform well in the recent World Cup with a group-stage exit.
Major Results
ISL 2023-24:
Kerala Blasters 2-1 Bengaluru FC
UEFA EUROPA League 2023-24:
LASK 1 - 3 Liverpool
Sheriff FC 1 - 2 AS Roma
Tennis
Davis Cup: Pakistan refuse to play against India at neutral venue
In the Davis Cup World Group 1 Play-offs tie, Pakistan are drawn to play against India after both these teams won their home ties to qualify through to this stage. Shortly afterwards, the President of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Saifullah Khan, in an interview, refused to play at the neutral venue, if India didn’t send their team to the country.
Billie Jean King to be honoured with Congressional Gold Medal: Reports
Billie Jean King may soon become history's first female individual athlete to receive the Congressional Gold Medal. Three U.S. senators are expected to introduce a measure on Wednesday that will grant King the honour, according to ESPN. She defeated Bobby Riggs in the "Battle of the Sexes," which is still the most-watched tennis match of all time.
Formula One:
Le Mans winner Hirakawa joins Mclaren F1 team as reserve driver
McLaren has signed Japan’s 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Ryo Hirakawa as a Formula One reserve driver for next season. The 29-year-old won last year’s Le Mans with New Zealand’s Brendon Hartley and Switzerland’s Sebastien Buemi as well as the endurance world championship with Toyota, a series the trio currently lead in the Hypercar category.
Moto GP:
Moto GP issues apology for broadcasting distorted Indian map during Grand Prix of India
Moto GP on Friday, September 22, released a statement apologising for broadcasting a distorted map of India during their live telecast of the Indian Oil Grand Prix of India. The map omitted the union territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.