Credit: X
The sporting world had a lot to offer across various disciplines from around the globe. The Badminton Association of India announces the Indian contingent for the upcoming Badminton Asia Championship 2024 in Malaysia. From one racquet sport to another, the Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova pulled out of the Adelaide International on Tuesday. In the world of football, Franz Beckenbauer, the German footballing legend, has died at the age of 78, with his family stating that he passed away peacefully in his sleep.
Read below to learn details about these top stories and other happenings in the sporting world in the last 24 hours.
Football
German footballing legend Franz Beckenbauer dies aged 78
Franz Beckenbauer, who was one of only three sportsmen to win the FIFA World Cup as a player and manager, died at the age of 78. His family’s statement read, “It is with deep sadness that we announce that my husband and our father, Franz Beckenbauer, passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday, Sunday, surrounded by his family.” Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in the world, the German also secured a Bundesliga title as a player and manager with Bayern Munich.
Thierry Henry reveals his battle with depression from childhood days
The former FIFA World Cup winner for France, Thierry Henry spoke about his battle with depression from childhood days during a candid interview with Steven Bartlett on his podcast. The 46-year-old revealed that he used to cry every single day during his childhood, talking about one of the incidents involving his dad, wherein he was pinpointing all of his mistakes despite scoring six goals in a 6-0 win.
Everton’s Amadou Onana keen on moving to Arsenal: Reports
The Belgium midfielder Amadou Onana is keen on moving from Everton to Arsenal during the January transfer window, as per the report from Sacha Tavolieri. It has been revealed that Arsenal and Everton are currently in intensive talks for the 22-year-old, who has prioritised staying in the Premier League.
Al-Ittifaq not wanting to lose Jordan Henderson during January transfer window: Reports
Al-Ittifaq, the Saudi Arabian club, does not want to lose the services of the former England captain Jordan Henderson, as per the report from Ben Jacobs. The information has emerged that there have been no formal or informal offers, or enquiries being made from any club for the 33-year-old, but the former Liverpool player is exploring his options for a move away from the Middle Eastern country.
Some major results in football are as under:
International Friendlies
Senegal 1-0 Niger
Ghana 0-0 Namibia
FA Cup 2023-24
Wigan Athletic 0-2 Manchester United
Copa del Rey 2023-24
Unionistas 1-1 (7-6) Villarreal
Badminton
BAI announce India squad for Badminton Asia Championship 2024
PV Sindhu returns as the Badminton Association of India announces the Indian contingent for the upcoming Badminton Asia Championship. The tournament is slated to be held in Shah Alam, Malaysia from 13-19 February. Check out India's squad for the Badminton Asia Championship 2024:
Men’s Team: Prannoy HS, Lakshya Sen, Kidambi Srikanth, Chirag Sen, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Dhruv Kapila, M R Arjun, Suraj Goala, Pruthvi Roy
Women’s Team: PV Sindhu, Anmol Kharb, Tanvi Sharma, Ashmita Chaliha, Treesa Jolly, Gayatri Gopichand, Ashwini Ponnappa, Tanisha Crasto, Priya Devi Konjengbam, Shruti Mishra
Basketball
Grizzlies' Ja Morant ruled out of NBA 2023-24 season with a torn labrum
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2023-24 season with a torn labrum. The Grizzlies shared this development on January 8 via a statement on X (formerly known as Twitter). The release said, " At Saturday's training session, Morant suffered a subluxation of his right shoulder. Following ongoing soreness and instability, Morant underwent an MRI that revealed an underlying labral tear. Morant will undergo season-ending surgery and is expected to make a full recovery ahead of the 2024-25 season."
Golf
Tiger Woods and Nike part ways after 28-year partnership
Golf icon Tiger Woods parted ways with American sports goods manufacturer, Nike, after a 28-year partnership. Woods signed with Nike in a five-year, $40 million deal in 1996, which, over the years, grew into one of the most lucrative endorsement deals in sports history. The 15-time major champion shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) to announce this development. The tweet said, "Over 27 years ago, I was fortunate to start a partnership with one of the most iconic brands in the world. The days since have been filled with so many amazing moments and memories, if I started naming them, I could go on forever."
Tennis
Wimbledon champ Marketa Vondrousova withdraws from Adelaide International
Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova pulled out of the Adelaide International on Tuesday. Vondrousova cited a right hip injury just five days before the Australian Open. The world number seven Vondrousova withdrew hours before her first-round match against Russian qualifier Aliaksandra Sasnovich. The Wimbledon Champion will be replaced by Taylor Townsend in the draw.
Boxing
Vladimir Putin grants Kevin Johnson Russian citizenship under a decree
Russian President Vladimir Putin has granted Russian citizenship to U.S. boxer Kevin Johnson under a decree. As per Russian newspaper Izvestia, heavyweight boxer Johnson had asked Putin for Russian citizenship in September. Soon Johnson adopted the Russian-style patronymic Vladimirovich to honour the Russian leader. Similarly, Canadian ice hockey player Brendan Leipsic also received his Russian citizenship after requesting Putin.
