Credit: Twitter
The last 24 hours were an exciting affair for the fans of various sporting disciplines. While the Indian football skipper Sunil Chhetri appealed for the best possible team for the upcoming Asian Games 2023, Indian 10m air pistol shooter Sagar Dangi qualified for the final of the ISSF World Cup in Rio De Janeiro. A lot more happened across the sporting fraternity; read to know what.
Football
Match recap
In the Saudi Prof League games on September 14, Thursday, Al-Ittihad defeated Al-Okhdood 1-0, whereas Al-Wehda took down Damac 4-2.
Either the team doesn’t go, or we field the best possible team: Sunil Chhetri ahead of Asian Games 2023
Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri has appealed for the best combination for the forthcoming Asian Games 2023. Chhetri has said that either they will field the best possible team in the continental tournament, or they won't go since it is a large-magnitude tournament.
Chhetri said, “Either the team doesn’t go, or we field the best possible team. Because it is the Asian Games. I am not blaming anyone. We can do all that later. I am not taking a dig at anyone. I am going because it is the Asian Games, and my club wants me to though Simon is not happy. And I cannot say no to playing for the country. But with no disrespect to anyone, I do not want to lose face."
Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham set to leave club in 2024
The CEO of the Arsenal FC Vinai Venkatesham is set to leave the club next year after being associated with the side for more than 14 years. Over his tenure with the club, Venkatesham has held several roles, right from managing director to chief commercial officer. He was appointed as the CEO of the club in 2020. During a team's announcement, Venkatesham said, "This was a tough decision, but it is time to pursue another challenge."
Jadon Sancho exiled from Manchester United after refusing to aplogise to Erik ten Hag
Jadon Sancho has been exiled from Manchester United after he refused to aplogise to Erik ten Hag. The forward engaged in a war of words with Hag last week after the Dutchman implied that he had been dropped from the team due to his poor training performances.
United released a statement on September 14, Thursday, and said that Sancho would train away from his teammates until the matter is resolved. The statement read, “Jadon Sancho will remain on a personal training programme away from the first-team group, pending resolution of a squad discipline issue.”
West Bengal government signs MOU with La Liga
The government of West Bengal signed a Memorandum of Understanding with La Liga to start a football academy and develop the sport in the state. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee signed the MOU with La Liga President Javier Tebas in Madrid in the presence of the former BCCI President Sourav Ganguly.
On the occasion, Mamta Banerjee said, " On behalf of all of us, including football and sports lovers, we convey our gratitude and humble regards to Javier Tebas and his team. Following discussions today, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding that La Liga will start their football academy in Bengal very soon."
Arsène Wenger confirms visit to India in October
Legendary coach and FIFA Chief of Global Football Development Arsene Wenger confirmed his visit to India. Wenger talked about AIFF and said, "I would say that football is the most popular sport in the world and it looks logical that one of the biggest countries in the world has access to football development. I’d say that India is a sporting country, and I’m hopeful that we can bring great joy to children in India and have fun by playing football."
He said, "I’m confident because I believe that success is linked to education. We want to give the opportunity to educate young people to watch football in India."
Cristiano Ronaldo flaunts brand new haircut before Al-Raed hurdle
Cristiano Ronaldo, the footballing legend known for his remarkable skills and ever-evolving style, has once again captured the headlines, but this time, it's not for a jaw-dropping goal or a stunning assist. It's for his new haircut that he proudly displayed ahead of Al-Nassr's crucial clash against Al-Raed.
Shooting
Sagar Dangi finishes sixth at ISSF World Cup in Rio De Janeiro
Indian shooter Sagar Dangi stood sixth in the final of the 10m air pistol event of the ongoing ISSF World Cup in Rio De Janeiro. Earlier, Dangi produced a shot of 581 to secure his berth in the finale clash. In the final round, the Indian ultimately finished in the sixth spot with a total score of 157.4.
Tennis
India's five-member Davis Cup squad against Morocco announced
India's five-member squad for the Davis Cup World Group II was announced on September 14, Thursday. The Indian team are set to take on Morocco on September 16 and September 17 at the Vijayant Khand Mini Stadium in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow.
The squad is as follows: Rohan Bopanna, Sumit Nagal, Yuki Bhambri, Sasikumar Mukund and Digvijay Pratap Singh
NBA
LeBron James set for Team USA return for Paris Olympics 2024: Reports
Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James is set to make his return to the men's national team along with several top NBA players after the USA’s displayed poor performance in the FIBA World Cup 2023. Team USA ended their campaign in the tournament without a win and finished fourth after they lost to Germany in the semifinals.
According to The Athletic, LeBron James is set to compete in another edition of the Olympics. Players like Anthony Davis, Jayson Tatum, Draymond Green, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant are likely to commit.
