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The 19th edition of the Asian Games officially kicked off in Hangzhou, China on September 23, Sunday, in a glittery ceremony. On the first day of the multi-sport tournament, Indian women's football team and Indian men's volleyball team lost their respective clashes, and while the football team got knocked out of the tournament, the men will now lock horns in the fifth-sixth qualifications.
A lot more happened in the past 24 hours, and we have talked about it in our today's sports wrap.
Football
Matches Recap
In yesterday's matches of Premier League, Manchester City defeated Nottingham Forrest 2-0, whereas Brentford slumped to Everton 1-3. In the Indian Super League, Odisha defeated Chennaiyin 2-0, while Mohun Bagan SG defeated Punjab FC 3-1. If we have a look at the Italy Serie-A, Barcelona took down Celta Vigo 3-2.
Cristiano Ronaldo is convincing David de Gea to join Al-Nassr: Reports
The Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly convincing his former Manchester United teammate David de Gea to join his Saudi Pro side Al-Nassr. According to reports by 90min, the Al Nassr captain has been trying to convince his former teammate to join him in his new team. However, the reports further state that De Gea doesn't want to leave the current side as he wants to continue playing UEFA Champions League.
Odisha FC took their chances: Chennaiyin FC head coach Owen Coyle after defeat in ISL
The head coach of Chennaiyin FC, Owen Coyle, said that he now wishes to look forward to what lies ahead after his side lost to Odisha FC 0-2 in their opening match of the Indian Super League 2023-24. About the Saturday match that took place at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Saturday, Coyle said that his team didn't take enough chances in the match.
The head coach later said that Odisha capitalised the opportunities offered to them in the game. Addressing the media in the post-match press conference, he said, “Odisha FC took their chances. I think they had one other chance in the first half. I don't recall another chance of note. We've come here, we've dominated in terms of the chances we had. We missed some absolute, real chances and that's where we need to be clinical."
Rodri receives red card for punching Morgan Gibbs-White during Manchester City vs Nottingham Forest
Manchester City’s Rodri received a red card for engaging in an on-field altercation with Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White on September 23, Saturday. The Spaniard was sent off immediately after he grabbed Gibbs-White by the neck and pushed him during the game.
As a result, Rodri will be suspended for the next three matches for his side, who are currently leading the Premier League.
Asian Games 2023
The 19th edition of the Asian Games 2023 kicked off in Hangzhou, China in a glitchy and grand opening ceremony on Saturday, September 23. The ceremony was attended by leaders from countries including Cambodia, Syria, Nepal, South Korea and Malaysia.
Indian boxer Lovina Borgohain and men’s hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh were India’s torch bearers in the ceremony that officially declared the Asian Games 2023 open. The tournament has 45 countries and territories across Asia participating in 40 sports events across 61 disciplines.
Volleyball: Indian men's team loses to Japan in quarterfinal; bow out of medal run
The Indian men's volleyball team lost their quarterfinal clash to Japan in three straight sets, and with this, ended their medal run in the tournament. In the clash that took place on September 24, Sunday, the world number 5th team defeated India 16-25, 18-25, 17-25 to advance to the semifinal, where they will meet China.
In the next round, the Indian men will lock horns with the losers of Pakistan and Qatar’s clash in the fifth-sixth qualifications.
Football: Indian women bow out with their lose to Thailand 0-1
The Indian women's football team lost their must-win match against Thailand 0-1 on Sunday, September 24 at the Olympic Sports Centre Stadium in Hangzhou, the People’s Republic of China.
The only goal of the encounter came from Parichat Thongrong in the 58th minute of the match. With the defeat, it means that India, who currently stand at the 61st position in the FIFA rankings, will now finish at third spot in the Group B standings.
Rowing: India wins two silver and one bronze medal on day 1 of Asian Games
The Indian men's eight rowing team finished second on the podium at the Asian Games 2023. Falling 2.84 seconds behind the gold winners, China, India finished the race with a time of 5:43.01. On the other hand, Babu Lal Yadav and Lekh Ram secured a bronze for the country in the men's pair event.
Not only this, but Arjun Lal Jat and Arvind Singh won a silver medal in Men's Lightweight Double Sculls.
Wushu
APWA condemns China debarring Arunachal players from participating in Asian Games 2023
The Arunachal Pradesh Wushu Association (APWA) condemned the Chinese government's step of debarring three players from Arunachal Pradesh to participate in the Asian Games 2023. Three players from the state, Onilu Tega, Mepung Lamgu and Nyeman Wangu were supposed to leave for China for the multi-sport continental tournament. However, all three of them didn't get clearance from the host nation.
Tennis
Roger Federer gives cheeky reply to Rafael Nadal’s quirky question at Laver Cup
Tennis legend Roger Federer made a special appearance at the Laver Cup on Friday, September 22. During the session, Rafael Nadal appeared during the question-answer round and asked a cheeky question to the 20-time Grand Slam winner. While the question was enough to leave everyone in splits, the reply by the former tennis player didn’t hold himself back and gave a similar reply to Nadal.
The Swiss star, who was the guest of honour at the Laver Cup on Friday was asked to name his favourite doubles partner. Federer, who was finding it difficult to hold back his laughter, came up with a suitable reply and said, "I mean, I mean…"I thought it was my wife! Until this guy showed up. So yeah, Rafa can have it!"
