Picture Credit: Twitter

Picture Credit: Twitter

The 19th edition of the Asian Games finally kicked off in Hangzhou for sports like cricket, football, volleyball and beach volleyball on September 19. On the opening day, India's men team outclassed Cambodia 3-0 in the opening match of the tournament. On the other hand, the men's football team had a forgettable season opener as they ended up losing to hosts China 1-5. 

A lot more happened across sports fraternity around the globe in the past 24 hours; here are a few headlines. 

Asian Games 2023

Indian men's volleyball team defeat Cambodia 3-0

The Indian men's volleyball team displayed sheer class on the opening day of the Asian Games as they took down Cambodia 3-0. The Indian men gained a comfortable victory over their rivals 25-14, 25-13, and 25-19 in a Pool C match. In the next match, they will lock horns with the world number 27 team South Korea. 

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Indian men's football team slump to hosts China

The Indian men's football team slumped to the hosts, China on the first day of the continental showpiece. The Chinese team defeated the Men in Blue 1-5, with goals that came from Giao Tianyi (17th min), Dai Weijun (51st min), Tao Qianglong (72nd and 75th minute) and Hao Fang (90+2) scored for China. Rahul KP (45+1 minute). 

On the other hand, the only Indian goal came from Rahul. 

Tennis

I've just 900 euros left in my bank account: Sumit Nagal

India's top singles player Sumit Nagal revealed that he is going through a financial crunch as he is left with just 900 Euros (INR 80,000) in his bank balance. Nagal has been training at the Nansel Tennis Academy in Germany for quite a few years now, but he has reached a point where even training has become a hassle for him. 

In an interview with the PTI, the tennis player said, “If I look at my bank balance, I have what I had at the beginning of the year. It is 900 euros (approx ₹80,000). I did get a bit of help. Mr Prashant Sutar is helping me with MAHA Tennis Foundation, and I also get monthly (salary) from IOCL but I don’t have any big sponsor." 

Football

Jenni Hermoso slams RFEF's 'strategy for manipulation'

Spain's star footballer Jenni Hermoso slammed RFEF's supposed 'strategy for manipulation' and said what they are trying to 'protect' her from. 

Hermoso responded Spain's new head coach Montse Tome's 'protection' comment and said, “A claim was made today stating that the environment within the federation would be safe for my colleagues to rejoin, yet at the press conference it was announced that they were not calling me as a means to protect me.  Protect me from what? And from whom?”

Al-Nassr earn 2-0 victory over Persepolis in Asian Championship League

Football great Cristiano Ronaldo enjoyed a triumphing debut in the Asian Championship League as his side Al-Nassr defeated Persepolis on Tuesday, September 19. Ronaldo-led side gained a comfortable 2-0 win over their rivals. The match at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran was played without fans as the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) gave a one-match ban to Persepolis in 2021. 

Manchester City are in trouble after Bernardo Silva's injury, says Pep Guardiola

In another exciting game of the Champions League on September 19, Tuesday, Manchester City defeated FK Crvena Zvezda 3-1.  Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said that their side Manchester City are in deep trouble after their midfielder Bernardo Silva got injured. During the game against Red Star Belgrade, Silva was forced off before the halftime. 

Notably, Silva signed an extension last month, which means he would be a part of the club till 2026. 

Sergio Lobera backs Odisha FC after horrible defeat in inaugural AFC Cup game against Mohun Bagan

Odisha FC slumped to Mohun Bagan 4-0 in their inaugural game of the AFC Cup on Tuesday, September 19. However, their head coach Sergio Lobera came in support of the team and said, “They are obviously a good team. But we competed well and also had our chances. Obviously, we need some improvement, but as a coach I’m proud of my players, the way they defended with 10 players in the first half, that is exceptional.”

eSports

BGMI's collaboration with Hardik Pandya to launch soon

Battlegrounds Mobile India's collaboration with Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya is set to launch soon.  Krafton hinted at Hardik Pandya's collaboration with the game in its recent BGMI Ki Boli Challenge video, where players need to find BGMI Easter eggs. In the video, Krafton gave a sign of Hardik Pandya' s jersey number, “HP33” with voice commands in Gujarati, “Aava De,” which is the official song of Pandya’s IPL side, Gujarat Titans, and means ‘bring it on’.

Formula 1

Oscar Piastri signs contract extension with McLaren ahead of Japan Grand Prix 2023

Ahead of the Japan Grand Prix 2023, McLaren have confirmed their one seat until 2026. McLaren has signed a multi-year contract extension with Oscar Piastri, that will keep the Australian with the British team till 2026. Piastri already had a deal with the British team until 2024, further firming their association and extending it to 2026 now, looking at the long-time future.