Credit: X
In the world of football, Lazio stunned Bayern Munich by 1-0 in the UCL round of 16 first leg to get a step closer to reaching the quarter-final stages of the Europe’s elite club football tournament. Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik issued a warning to the government after the United World Wrestling (UWW) lifted the ban on the Wrestling Federation of India. The Indian men’s badminton team was beaten by China 2-3 in the group stage clash of Badminton Asia Team C’ships.
Read below to learn details about these top stories and other happenings in the sporting world in the last 24 hours.
Football
Lazio stun Bayern Munich in UCL round of 16 first leg
Lazio put up a stunning performance at the Stadio Olimpico against the German Champions Bayern Munich to defeat them by 1-0 in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) round of 16 first leg. In the other fixture, Paris Saint-Germain secured a very impressive 2-0 win against Real Sociedad to take a step forward towards winning the elusive European silverware for the first time in their history.
Manchester United approach Newcastle Sporting Director Dan Ashworth to join their club
Manchester United have approached Newcastle Sporting Director Dan Ashworth to join them at Old Trafford, initiated by INEOS, who are set to be the 25% owners of the English giants, but the talks over compensation are yet to take place between the two clubs. The BBC have reported that Dan Ashworth is keen on joining Manchester United due to his long-standing relationship with the INEOS Head of Sport Sir Dave Brailsford during their time working for the Football Association (FA).
Crystal Palace set to sack Roy Hodgson from managerial role: Reports
Crystal Palace are reportedly set to sack Roy Hodgson from the managerial role after they are languishing in the bottom half of the table in the Premier League in the 15th spot, just five points clear of the relegation zone, according to the BBC. But just before the announcement could have been made, Crystal Palace stated that the 76-year-old was taken ill during training in the morning before cancelling the scheduled news conference.
Barcelona make Amadou Onana their main summer transfer target: Reports
Barcelona have reportedly made the Everton midfielder Amadou Onana their main summer transfer target, to bolster their squad for the new season, according to Fichajes. The Catalan giants are looking to take advantage of Everton’s problems in the Premier League, not adhering to the FFP rules, to bring the 22-year-old’s imposing physique and tactical versatility to their squad.
Some major results in football are as under:
UEFA Champions League 2023-24
Lazio 1-0 Bayern Munich
Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 Real Sociedad
Serie A 2023-24
Bologna 2-0 Fiorentina
Wrestling
Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia warn government after UWW uplifts WFI ban
Olympic medalists Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik issued a warning to the government after the United World Wrestling (UWW) lifted the ban on the Wrestling Federation of India. Not only this but Malik and Punia also alleged that the WFI chief Sanjay Singh used devious means to get the ban lifted. The UWW lifted the provisional suspension on the Indian governing wrestling body; however, it also directed the federation to provide written guarantees. In a video posted on X, Malik warned the government, she said, “I urge the government to make sure that Brij Bhushan or his group are banned from the federation and good people are entrusted the task Otherwise, we will have to restart the path of protest.”
Tennis
I am not ready to compete: Rafael Nadal pulls out of Qatar Open 2024
Spanish tennis wizard Rafael Nadal dropped a shock bomb on his fans announcing his decision to withdraw from Qatar Open 2024. The tournament is set to kick off in Doha, Qatar from February 19-24. The Spaniard posted on X, “I would have loved to play in Doha, where the tournament team, as well as the amazing Qatar fans, have always supported me greatly. Unfortunately, I am not ready to compete and I won’t be able to come to Doha where I really wanted to be and play again after that unforgettable win in 2014. I will focus on keep working to be ready for the exhibition in Las Vegas and the amazing Indian Wells tournament.”
I think he's a good person: Rafael Nadal on Novak Djokovic
Spanish tennis icon Novak Djokovic heaped praise on Rafael Nadal and said that he is a good person than he is projected. Nadal was asked about picking the best from the Top 3, which comprises of him, Djokovic along Roger Federer. The 22-time Grand Slam winner said, "The numbers say yes, for me yes (he is the best in history). The image he projects is worse than he really is; I think he's a good person.” He added, "There are moments of frustration. Novak breaks his racquet, but the next point he is ready to play at 100% again and it is the best I have ever seen."
I would never do it again because I’m scared: Jannik Sinner on attempting skiing
Newly crowned Australian Open 2024 champion Jannik Sinner said that he would never attempt skiing as he is scared of it. Sinner recalled his days as a top junior skier and said that the sport taught him balance. The 22-year-old said, "It brings me a little bit of balance, maybe, or when you slide because of the balance. But I think the biggest thing was mentally. Mentally, in skiing, especially when you do downhill, I did couple of races downhill.” He added, "I would never do it again because I’m scared. I was a specialist in slalom and giant slalom but downhill, when you know that if you make a mistake that you can hurt yourself, it’s tough.”
Badminton
China beat Indian men in Badminton Asia Team C’ships group stage clash
The Indian men’s badminton team was beaten by China 2-3 in the group stage clash of Badminton Asia Team C’ships in Shah Alam, Malaysia on Thursday, February 15. India started on a favourable note as HS Prannoy got better of Weng Hong Yang 6-21, 21-28, 21-19. Following it, the doubles duo of Dhruv Kapila and Arjun MR went down 15-21, 21-19, 19-21 against their rival duo of Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi, helping China level the clash 1-1. Lakshya Sen guided his side to another victory as he defeated Lei Lan XI. However, the doubles duo of Suraj Goala-Pruthvi Roy lost the fourth clash, forcing a decider. In the final clash, national champion Chirag Sen slumped to his opponent and ended the game on the defeating side of the game.
