Picture Credit: Twitter
Medals are raining for the Indian contingent in the 19th season of the Asian Games in Hangzhou, the Republic of China. The Indian tennis veteran Rohan Bopanna, along with his mixed doubles partner Rutuja Bhosle won gold for India. However, it was a forgettable day for the Indian weightlifter and Olympic medalist Mirabai Chanu after she suffered a thigh injury and missed her Asiad medal.
In our today's sports wrap, we have covered all the top news from the tournament along with a lot more. Read on.
Rohan Bopanna and Rutuja Bhos le clinch gold for India
The Indian pair of tennis veteran Rohan Bopanna and Rutuja Bhosale clinched gold in the mixed doubles event in the 19th Asian Games 2023 going on in Hangzhou, Republic of China. Bopanna and Bhosle recorded a stellar come-from-behind victory on Saturday, September 30, over their Chinese Taipei counterparts as they defeated, the ninth-seeded Tsung-hao Huang and En-shuo Liang, 2-6, 6-3, 10-4.
Narender Berwal storms into +92kg semifinal; confirms India's fourth boxing medal
Indian heavyweight boxer Narender Berwal made it to the semi-final of the +92 kg category on September 30, Saturday, in the 19th edition of the Asian Games in Hangzhou, the Republic of China. With his victory, Berwal has ensured fourth medal in boxing after Nikhat Zareen, Preeti Pawar and Lovlina Borgohain. After losing first round, Berwal registered a stellar 5-0 win in the quarterfinals as he beat Iman Ramezanpourdelavar of Iran. In addition, Berwal now stands just one win away from securing the Paris Olympics quota.
Mirabai Chanu suffers thigh injury; misses Asiad medal
Indian Olympian Mirabai Chanu suffered a thigh injury in the continental showpiece and hence, failed to secure a medal on September 30, Saturday. Chanu finished fourth in women's 49kg Weightlifting event. In the final standings, the two-time Commonwealth gold medalist stood fourth after lifting a total of 191 kg.
Chanu fell on her back while attempting the 117kg clean and jerk lift, and after failing twice in the same attempt, she collapsed in her final attempt.
Jyothi Yarraji, Nithya Ramraj sail into women's 100m hurdles final
Indian athletes Jyothi Yarraji and Nithya Ramraj reserved their berth in the final of the women's 100m hurdles final. Yarraji clocked the time of 13.03 seconds during the women's 100m heats and finished second in the same. On the flip side, Nithya Ramraj stood fifth with a time of 13.30 seconds in the women's second heat. The final of the women's 100m hurdles will take place on October 1, Sunday at 16:45 IST.
Don't send us anywhere if we can't get our best players to represent the country: Igor Stimac after Asian Games exit
The coach of the Indian men's football team lashed out and blamed the lack of preparation time for the team's exit from the tournament. Notably, the Indian men, under the leadership of Sunil Chhetri lost to Saudi Arabia in the Round of 16 stage. Stimac was in a conversation with RevSportz, where he said, "Big lesson from this tournament is - Don't send us anywhere if we can't get our best players to represent the country. Also, do not send us anywhere if you can provide time for us to work and prepare well."
Stimac added, "We were here exposed while representing India. We took it well and the Indian fans can be proud of these boys who came here unprepared and without having played a single training session together."
Football
It was tougher than just what the score showed: Juan Pedro Benali on NorthEast United FC's win
The head coach of NorthEast United FC Juan Pedro Benali heaped praise on his team after they recorded a 3-0 win over Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League 2023-2024. Not only this, but Benali also went on to say that the game was a lot tougher than what the points showed.
Benali said, “It was tougher than just what the score showed. All the players put up a good performance. It’s not just Parthib (Gogoi) and Phalguni (Singh), all the players were strong defensively. The midfield was strong, Nestor gave us a lot of options, the full-back and Mirshad (Michu) were great."
Benali added, “They played according to the game plan as we practised. Today we played against a very good team with great players. Slowly we tell everyone that we are here. We need the fans to trust in us and we need their support. We don’t have fans on social media, we want them on the field.”
We have to be prepared for everything: Carles Cuadrat ahead of clash against Hyderabad FC
Head coach of West Bengal FC said that their team is prepared for everything ahead of the clash against Hyderabad FC in Indian Super League 2023-24. After their goalless draw with Jamshedpur FC, Cuadrat addressed the media and shed a light on the team's preparation for the next fixture.
He said, “We have to be prepared for everything. The most important thing is that we work on what tactics we have to use. In regard to that, I am happy because we were finding spaces and creating chances with the crosses. It is something we have been working on. The opponent is going to make things difficult, but we are doing the necessary work to win the game.”
Antony to resume training with Manchester United; club releases official statement
Manchester United confirmed that Antony will resume his first-team training with the club after allegations of domestic violence. Not only this, but the Brazilian winger will also be available for selection and could probably be seen in their squad to lock horns with Crystal Palace in the Premier League this weekend. The Red Devils said that the youngster has been cooperating with police since the case was registered.
United put Antony on a paid leave earlier this month so that he could focus on clearing his name after he refused allegations of assault by three women.
MotoGP
Jorge Martin win Japan MotoGP sprint race
Jorge Martin won the Japan MotoGP sprint race on September 30, Saturday, and secured a pole position for Sunday’s race with a record lap at Motegi. The Ducati rider now stands just eight points away from reigning world champion and current season's leader Francesco Bagania.
After his race, Martin said, “I feel really happy and let’s go for another victory tomorrow."
Tennis
Carlos Alcaraz reveals how he can dethrone Novak Djokovic from Number 1 position
Carlos Alcaraz, the 2023 Wimbledon champion, opened up on how he is planning ahead to get closer to the number 1 spot and dethrone Novak Djokovic. The world number two said that with Djokovic not playing China Open and Shanghai Masters, he holds good chances of claiming the spot.
Alcaraz said, " I think Novak Djokovic defends some points soon, in the race he is like 700 or 800 points ahead. By playing these two tournaments and Novak Djokovic does not participate I have the opportunity to get closer to number one."
The Spaniard added, "That is the meaning of these two tournaments, to be able to do well here in Beijing and Shanghai and be able to regain number one soon. If I don't achieve it and get closer to it, it will also be great, because there are still some tournaments ahead."
