Apart from scoring the final goal of the game, the Al Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo became a peacemaker and intervened while two Al Raed players started arguing over a penalty kick. On the other hand, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has said that he doesn't know whether or not Jadon Sancho will play for their side. India's Golden Boy and Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra finished second in the Diamond League final on September 17, Sunday.
A lot more happened across various sports disciplines and in this sports wrap, we will talk about all of it. Do read to know what.
Athletics
Neeraj Cho pra finishes second in the Diamond League final
The 2020 Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra finished second in the Diamond League final on September 17, Sunday (IST). Chopra failed to defend his Diamond League final title in Eugene, USA. The reigning world number one athlete finished behind Czech Jakob Vadlejch, a former Diamond League champion in 2016 and 2017.
Notably, the 25-year-old athlete stood second with an 83.80 m throw, whereas Finland's Oliver Helander finished third, with a throw of 83.74m.
WWE
Old video of WWE Superstars grooving to tunes of RRR's Naacho Naacho in Hyderabad resurfaces
An old video of WWE superstars Drew McIntyre, Jinder Mahal, Sami Zayn, and Kevin Owens dancing to the tunes of Indian number Naacho Naacho has resurfaced on social media. The video is from a 3-hour live show called the WWE Superstar Spectacle in Hyderabad, earlier this month. Since then, the video has been reshared multiple times over social media and has garnered thousands of views.
Tennis
Novak Djokovic is the best player of all time: Pat Rafter
Former world number tennis player Pat Rafter feels that with Novak Djokovic winning the Grand Slam for the 24th time puts an end to the GOAT debate, and he is the clear winner. During the launch of the Brisbane International, the ex-US Open champion said, " To me, (with) 24, it’s pretty evident that he’s best player of all time."
Rafter added, “He’s got the record and he’s probably got the best win-loss record against all the players against each other as well, and against the other top players."
Rohan Bopanna ends Davis Cup career with victory
India's tennis ace Rohan Bopanna brought an end to his Davis Cup career by winning the doubles match against Elliot Benchetrit and Younes Lalami Laaroussi in a game that lasted for more than one hour at the Mini Stadium in Lucknow.
Bopanna teamed up with Yuki Bhambri to get a comfortable 6-2, 6-1 win over their rivals. This was the 33rd final tie of Bopanna, who recently finished as runner-up in men's doubles at the US Open 2023. With this victory, India leads the tie tally 2-1 against Morocco.
Football
Matches Recap
In the Saudi Pro League game on September 16, Saturday, Cristiano Ronaldo-led Al Nassr defeated Al Raed 3-1, where the Portuguese international scored the last goal of the match. In the Premier League, Liverpool took down Wolves 3-1, whereas Manchester United slumped to Brighton 3-1.
Speaking of La Liga, Athletic Club defeated Cadiz 3-0 in a lopsided game on Saturday, September 16.
Cristiano Ronaldo separates two Al-Raed players fighting over penalty kick
Al Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo became a peacemaker when two Al Raed players started fighting over a penalty shot in a Saudi Pro League game on September 17, Sunday. Al Raed's only goal came from Mohamed Fouzair who was fouled on Al-Nassr's goal area, which led to a penalty.
The disappointment among the players got to such a point that they started arguing in between the matches over who would go for the penalty kick. Before things could heat up more, their rival captain, Cristiano Ronaldo decided to intervene and resolve the matter.
I don’t know: Erik ten Hag on whether Jadon Sancho will play for Manchester United again
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said that he doesn’t know whether Jadon Sancho will play for the club again. After Sancho refused to apologise to Hag after a disciplinary issue, he has been exiled from the club and is practising alone, away from the teammates. The forward had earlier involved in a disciplinary issue after he said in a social media statement that he has been made ‘scapegoat’ following his omission from the squad after their loss against Arsenal.
Sunil Chhetri and Sandesh Jhingan to miss Asia Cup 2023 opener against China says Igor Stimac
India football captain Sunil Chhetri and Sandesh Jhingan will miss out on the season opener against China on September 19, Tuesday. Notably, the forthcoming season of the Asian Games is set to begin on September 23, but the football matches will begin on September 19.
At a press conference ahead of the marquee event, the Bridge quoted Stimac as saying, “I am not thinking about the China game, don't be surprised if Sandesh Jhingan and Sunil Chhetri are left out in the first game. I'm thinking of Bangladesh and Myanmar.”
“This Chinese team has been playing together for some time. They will play in a 4-4-2 formation, and they have a tower of a striker, they will be a very very tough opposition. They have invested a lot in this team, we need to consider if we want to invest our full energy into this game or skip it,”
Al-Hilal fans whistle at Salem Al-Dawsari for not letting Neymar Jr. take penalty
Al Hilal fans booed Salem Al-Dawsari for not letting Neymar Jr take a penalty during the game between Al Hilal and Al Riyadh. Neymar joined Al Hilal earlier this summer, and on September 15, the former PSG footballer played his first game for his new side.
However, in the 87th minute of the game, while Neymar stepped up for the penalty, he was swapped out for Salem Al-Dawsari. This thing didn't go well with the fans and they booed Al-Dawsari for the same.
Miscellaneous
North Korean players to participate in Asian Games 2023: Reports
North Korean players are likely to participate in the forthcoming edition of the Asian Games, which are set to take place in Hangzhou, China, from September 23 to October 8, a year after being postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), players have left for Hangzhou. This would mark their first international multisport event since the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia.
