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Blasters register first win in Durand Cup

Subam Rabha’s men were kept busy by the Tuskers who constantly were creating chances after Roshan went on a running spree, easily getting past three defenders but his shot went wide off the post…reports Asian Lite News

Kerala Blasters FC secured their first victory of their Durand Cup 2022 campaign as they eased past NorthEast United FC in a comfortable 3-0 victory in their Group D match at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, here on Saturday.

A brace from Mohammed Aimen (28′, 90′) and a goal from Muhammed Ajsal (55′) outnumbered NorthEast United FC to hand full points to the Blasters.

NorthEast United FC hit the ground running by being quick on the ball right from kick-off with a handful number of chances being created in the opening minutes of the game, but the Blasters’ shot-stopper Sachin Suresh calmly took charge of the situation.

The Highlanders imposed themselves on the Blasters’, putting them on the back foot as the former kept looking for spaces to create more attacking chances. Tomasz Tchorz’s men found their first big chance of the game in the 21st minute after Roshan’s attempt from a free kick found Marwan on the right, as the latter’s glancing header narrowly sailed over the bar.

A quick counter-attack from the Blasters opened the way for the first goal of the game as Muhammad Ajsal’s blocked shot fell through to Muhammed Aimen, who with an exquisite first touch slot it home to make it 1-0 for his side.

Subam Rabha’s men were kept busy by the Tuskers who constantly were creating chances after Roshan went on a running spree, easily getting past three defenders but his shot went wide off the post.

The Blasters maintained their attacking consistency in the second half and were rewarded with a second goal after Ajsal found himself in an open position to receive Azhar’s ball, and smashed it past the keeper to hand his side a two-goal cushion in the 55th minute.

In the 65th minute, the Blasters almost scored the third goal of the night as a lightning counterattack by Tomasz Tchorz’s men ended up with a quality block by a Highlanders’ defender after their blunder in the opposite half.

Minutes later, the Highlanders were slenderly close to scoring an equaliser but a last-ditch tackle by Tejas scrapped any chance of losing their lead. Right before the stroke of full-time, Aimen netted his second of the night and the third for his side as he went round the keeper and latched it past the net after receiving a long ball from Azhar.

The Tuskers’ take the field again on Wednesday as they face Army Green FT while the Highlanders will lock horns with Sudeva Delhi FC two days later.

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Hong Kong qualify for Asia Cup 2022

In reply, Murtaza and skipper Nizakat Khan powered Hong Kong to a quick start, sharing a stand of 85 runs in 10.5 overs, recording the side’s highest-ever T20I opening partnership…reports Asian Lite News

Hong Kong qualified for the main Asia Cup event after defeating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by eight wickets at the Al Amerat Cricket Stadium in Muscat.

With Hong Kong ending the Qualifiers as the top-ranked side, they will now join India and Pakistan in Group A of the Asia Cup T20 event. Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are in Group B of the competition.

Their match against India will be on August 31 in Dubai, followed by the clash against Pakistan in Sharjah on September 2. Co-incidentally, Hong Kong had defeated UAE in the 2018 qualifiers to join India and Pakistan in the same group of the ODI Asia Cup event.

Ahead of the final match of the Asia Cup qualifiers, Hong Kong and UAE were put in a must-win situation after Kuwait defeated Singapore by six wickets and completed their chase of 105 in 7.5 overs to be on top of the table on the basis of Net Run Rate.

Electing to bowl first, off-spinner Ehsan Khan shined for Hong Kong with the ball, picking 4-24 in his four overs. He was well-supported by right-arm medium pacer Ayush Shukla, picked three for 30 in his three overs, while Aizaz Khan (2-8) and Yasim Murtaza (1-17) chipped in with vital contributions to bowl out UAE for 147 in 19.3 overs.

For the UAE, their captain CP Rizwan top-scored with 49 from 44 balls, including four fours, while all-rounder Zawar Farid smashed 41 off 27 balls after coming in at number seven, hitting two fours and three sixes, to give their bowling attack something to defend.

In reply, Murtaza and skipper Nizakat Khan powered Hong Kong to a quick start, sharing a stand of 85 runs in 10.5 overs, recording the side’s highest-ever T20I opening partnership. Nizakat fell for 39, including five fours, while Murtaza made 58 off 43 balls, smashing seven fours and a six.

Babar Hayat (38 not out) and Kinchit Shah (six not out) ensured Hong Kong crossed the line with six balls to spare to seal the last remaining spot for Asia Cup. Hong Kong, ranked 23rd in the ICC T20I rankings, will be making their first-ever Asia Cup T20I appearance and fourth overall after playing in 2004, 2008 and 2018 editions in ODI format.

Brief Scores: UAE 147 all out in 19.3 overs (CP Rizwan 49, Zawar Farid 41; Ehsan Khan 4-24, Ayush Shukla 3-30) lost to Hong Kong 149-2 in 19 overs (Yasim Murtaza 58, Nizakat Khan 39; Basil Hameed 1-31, Junaid Siddique 1-35) by eight wickets

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Bhaichung Bhutia files fresh nomination for AIFF president’s post

The nominations for the posts can be filed between August 25 to 27 while the scrutiny will be done on August 28, the returning officer had said…reports Asian Lite News

Amid the hectic activities in the All India Football Federation over the filing of nomination for the Executive Committee election, the posterboy of Indian Football, Bhaichung Bhutia has filed his fresh nomination for the post of President.

Sources close to the development told that his nomination was proposed by the Andhra Football Association and seconded by Rajasthan Football Association.

After the termination of the Committee of Administrators (CoA), as demanded by the international football federation (FIFA), the returning officer on Tuesday issued fresh dates for the elections to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Executive Committee.

After the SC order, the returning officer Umesh Sharma had stated that the election will be held on September 2 at the AIFF headquarter in Delhi and the results could be announced either on September 2 or 3.

The nominations for the posts can be filed between August 25 to 27 while the scrutiny will be done on August 28, the returning officer had said.

The candidates will have a chance to withdraw the nomination on August 29 while the returning officer shall prepare the final list of contesting candidates and put it on the AIFF website on August 30.

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Serena believes she will always be involved in tennis

Williams also outlined her plans for the future, adding: “I really want to expand my family, and you know I’ve been putting it off for so long…reports Asian Lite News

Retiring legend Serena Williams has indicated she “will always have some sort of involvement” in tennis as she prepares for the US Open, in what will be the final Grand Slam of her career.

The 40-year-old has won 23 major singles titles, while also adding 14 doubles championships in a brilliant career, but will be hanging up her racquet after she plays in the tournament she has won six times, reports DPA. Her first time lifting the US Open trophy came in 1999, but even after spending over two decades at the top level of the sport, Williams says she will continue to be active in tennis.

“I will never retire from something I absolutely love,” the American told Meghan Markle on the Duchess’ new Spotify podcast.

“I will always have some sort of involvement in it. Maybe not professionally, but I will always want to be involved in some form in tennis. Obviously, I’ve retired professionally, but it’s also an evolution.”

Williams also outlined her plans for the future, adding: “I really want to expand my family, and you know I’ve been putting it off for so long.

“As a woman, there’s only so long you can put that off and other people out there, other men out there, can continue to play. My best is being a mom; I think I can do really good at that.

Fellow tennis legend John McEnroe has heaped praise on Williams ahead of the tournament at Flushing Meadows, commenting: “The way that she moves the needle when she plays, it’s like Tiger Woods and golf.

“You can look at the accomplishments; she has the Grand Slam victories. Off the court, I know that she’s had a lot of difficulties in her life that she talks about in her own documentaries, but she has come out the other end as this icon, global superstar.”

ALSO READ-Bengaluru FC defeat Indian Air Force 4-0

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Bengaluru FC defeat Indian Air Force 4-0

BFC now join Mohammedan on six points in the group and both also have the same goal difference…reports Asian Lite News

Bengaluru FC (BFC) became the third team of the Durand Cup to pick up a second consecutive win in as many games in this season, after they beat the Indian Air Force 4-0 in a Group B encounter at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan (KBK) here on Tuesday.

Roy Krishan opened the scoring in the ninth minute of the match while Sunil Chhetri got the second in the 23rd. The third was scored by Faisal Ali in the 71st minute, while young striker Siva Sakthi got the fourth in the third minute of stoppage time.

As a result, BFC now join Mohammedan on six points in the group and both also have the same goal difference.

The Blues gaffer Simon Grayson made as many as six changes in his starting eleven with defender Hira Mondal being the only forced change due to a red-card picked up in their first game. Priya Darshan the Air Force coach made two, rewarding Prabhjot Singh for his spirited play in the last game when he came on as substitute and dropped Guizam in defence in place of Amal Das. Both surprisingly began with five defenders in the starting line-up.

The goal came early for BFC as Roy Krishna received a cross from the left and drove in to finish with his right, for his second of the tournament. Soon after captain Sunil Chhetri got at the end of a cross from Prabir Das, who was tireless with his runs from the right on the day, to sneak one past Shibinraj in the Air Force goal. It was his second of the tournament as well in as many games.

There was no further damage done for the Airmen in the first half.

BFC got their third goal in the 71st through their new recruit from Kolkata itself, Faisal Ali. Two substitutes, Udanta and Faisal combined for it but credit should go to Suresh Wangjam who chased a ball inside the box with Air Force defender Arashpreet on his shoulder trying to see it to touch.

Suresh persisted and kept the ball in play with a lunge and Udanta was at hand. The speedy Manipuri winger delivered a cross across the face of goal with pin-point accuracy and Faisal coming in following the game, had an easy tap in.

The Airmen had their best chance in the 81st minute when off a Prabhjot corner, Arashpreet jumped the highest to deflect a powerful header towards goal but it grazed the top of the net and went out.

ALSO READ-Neeraj to participate Diamond League Meeting in Lausanne

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Neeraj to participate Diamond League Meeting in Lausanne

Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Jakub Vadlejch of Czech Republic leads the standings with 20 points, followed by Germany’s Julian Weber (19 points) and world champion Anderson Peters (16 points) of Grenada…reports Asian Lite News

Olympic champion and World Championships silver medalist javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has recovered from his groin injury and will participate in the Diamond League Meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland, on August 26.

This will be Chopra’s first event since the world championship silver and after missing the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham due to injury. The star athlete had suffered the injury during the final of the World Championships on July 24 in Eugene, USA.

The 24-year-old athlete is currently based in Saarbrcken, Germany, along with his coach Dr Klaus Bartonietz and physio Ishaan Marwaha.

“Feeling strong and ready for Friday. Thanks for the support, everyone. See you in Lausanne! @athletissima,” tweeted Neeraj along with his picture on Tuesday.

The Lausanne meet of the Diamond League will decide the top-six finalists for the big final to be held in Zurich on September 7 and 8. Chopra is currently at the fourth spot on the Diamond League standings after his second place finish at the Stockholm event and a good show in the upcoming event can ensure him a berth in the Finals.

Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Jakub Vadlejch of Czech Republic leads the standings with 20 points, followed by Germany’s Julian Weber (19 points) and world champion Anderson Peters (16 points) of Grenada.

After winning the silver at the World Championships, Neeraj had spoken about the Diamond League title being the one he wants to add to his cabinet which also includes gold medals at the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games in 2018.

This will be Chopra’s second competition in a Diamond League Meeting this season after the Stockholm event in June. He broke the national record for the second time in a month with an opening throw of 89.94 metres during that event.

The Olympic Champion finished second to world champion Anderson Peters in Stockholm and was the first time he had finished in the top three in a Diamond League event.

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Sania Mirza puts retirement plans on hold

Earlier this year, Sania had declared that 2022 would be her last season in professional tennis but the six-time Grand Slam champion hinted that the latest developments may change her plans to retire…reports Asian Lite News

The Indian tennis star Sania Mirza on Tuesday pulled out of the US Open 2022 due to a tendon injury in her forearm and hinted about some change in her retirement plans.

The 35-year-old picked up the injury while competing at the Canadian Open earlier this month. She played at last week’s Cincinnati Open before reaching the semifinals of the women’s doubles in Toronto with partner Madison Keys.

Earlier this year, Sania had declared that 2022 would be her last season in professional tennis but the six-time Grand Slam champion hinted that the latest developments may change her plans to retire.

“I have some not-so-great news. I hurt my forearm/elbow while playing in Canada two weeks ago and obviously didn’t realise how bad it was until I got my scans yesterday. I have torn a little bit of my tendon,” Sania Mirza said in a statement on Instagram.

“I will be out for a (few) weeks and have pulled out of the US Open. This isn’t ideal, and it’s terrible timing. It will change some of my retirement plans, but I will keep you all posted,” she added.

The former doubles World No 1 was on a maternity break from 2018 till her return to the court in January 2020 in Hobart. Sania partnered with Nadiia Kichenok of Ukraine to clinch the title. At the Tokyo Olympics 2020, the newly-formed pair of Sania and Ankita Raina could not shine and suffered a first-round exit. The Ukrainian pair of Nadiia and Lyudmyla beat them convincingly.

Earlier this year, Sania and her Czech partner Lucie Hradecka were knocked out in the third round of the women’s doubles at the French Open. The Indian star also bid adieu to Wimbledon after she and her partner Mate Pavic from Croatia lost the mixed doubles semi-final against Neal Skupski and Desirae Krawczyk.

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England women midfielder Jill Scott retires

England head coach Sarina Wiegman said the Lionesses will miss Scott’s presence but insists the former midfielder still has plenty to offer the game in her days after professional football…reports Asian Lite News

Jill Scott, England Women’s second-highest capped player, on Tuesday announced her retirement from football at the age of 35.

The decision comes after the midfielder was part of the England squad that won Euro 2022 last month. She made four substitute appearances during the triumphant campaign, including the final against Germany.

Scott won 161 caps for the Lionesses and scored 27 goals, while also winning the Women’s Super League title and four women’s FA Cups.

“I may be saying my goodbyes to football, but we’re going to make this a celebration. No sad faces!! We’ve had too much fun for any tears,” Scott said in a video for The Players’ Tribune

“Imagine, if you would have told me that I’d go on to play for England for 16 years? If you would have told me that I’d live to see 90,000 people packed into Wembley Stadium for a women’s European final? And that I’d be playing in it? Impossible,” she added.

She began her career in her hometown, Sunderland, before spending seven years at Everton and then joining City in 2013. She later had loan spells back at Everton and Aston Villa. She won every domestic honour during her time in the game, including the Women’s Super League title with City in 2017.

Scott’s other career highlights include scoring England’s winner in extra-time against Holland in the Euro 2009 semifinals and also netting in City’s 2017 Women’s FA Cup final victory over Birmingham. She also represented Great Britain at the 2012 and delayed 2020 Olympics.

England head coach Sarina Wiegman said the Lionesses will miss Scott’s presence but insists the former midfielder still has plenty to offer the game in her days after professional football.

“I must congratulate Jill on a very special career. I am so glad she was able to end on such a positive memory. It will be hard to imagine an England squad without her as she has been an icon of the team for so long,” Wiegman said.

“I respect her decision, but we will miss her positive impact on and off the pitch for sure. To be able to play at the highest level for so long tells you how good a player Jill has been, and her story is a positive example that others will continue to follow.

She still has a huge amount to offer, so I hope she won’t be lost to the women’s game in the future — whatever that role may be. She is a very special person, and although it was only for a short period, I feel privileged to have had the chance to work with her,” she added.

ALSO READ-East Bengal play goalless draw with Indian Navy

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East Bengal play goalless draw with Indian Navy

EB came out with intent in the second half. Coach Constantine brought on Brazilian Alex Lima in place of Aniket Jadhav at the break in a clear show of that intent…reports Asian Lite News

East Bengal (EB) began their Durand Cup campaign with a goalless draw against the Indian Navy in a Group B clash at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) here on Monday.

Harikrishna A.U. was awarded the Man of the Match in a game that saw the Red & Gold dominate, particularly in the second half.

It was a cagey first half with EB coach Stephen Constantine opting for a four-man midfield and an all-Indian playing eleven. His plans probably went haywire right at the start when Naorem Mahesh Singh picked up an injury and had to be replaced by Tuhin Das.

The only chance of note in the half probably came when EB’s V.P. Suhair broke through inside the box and played it out wide to Tuhin, whose cross back-in found Amarjit Kiyam in space, but the midfielder could not get the direction right.

EB came out with intent in the second half. Coach Constantine brought on Brazilian Alex Lima in place of Aniket Jadhav at the break in a clear show of that intent.

Skipper on the day Sumit Passi created the first chance of the half when his brilliant pile-driver from at least 30 yards out beat Navy keeper Vishnu and thundered the right upright before coming back.

With the opening goal still elusive, Constantine kept ringing in the changes, and brought in midfielder Souvik Chakrabarti and forward Mahitosh Roy in place of Angousana and Amarjit Kiyam to infuse fresh legs into the attack.

Just before the drinks break, Suhair, who had a brilliant second half from the right wing, found Sumit Passi’s run in the box with a wonderful defense-splitting cross, but the striker hit straight at the keeper. Lima was at hand to pounce on the rebound, but his hurried punch was the way-off target.

In the 82nd, Tuhin, who eventually had a good game, provided a great cross from the left and the ball crossed the keeper, crying out from a connection from an on-rushing Suhair, but his slide missed the ball.

With three minutes of regulation time remaining, Tuhin delivered another great cross, but the header from Passi brought off a brilliant flying save from Vishnu. Lima was again at hand for the rebound but yet again failed to score from close.

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India wins bronze in Asian Men’s U18 Volleyball Championship

This was the title bronze medal in this competition for India won their lone title in 2003 when they hosted the event in Visakhapatnam…reports Asian Lite News

India defeated South Korea 3-2 to finish third and claim the bronze medal in the 2022 Asian Boys’ U18 Volleyball Championship here on Monday.

India, who had lost 0-3 to hosts Iran in the semifinals, overcame South Korea in the hard-fought encounter, winning 25-20, 25-21, 26-28, 19-25, 15-12.

The 2007 runners-up India, who finished second behind Japan in Pool B, defeated Chinese Taipei 3-1 in the quarterfinals of the eight-team competition.

This was the title bronze medal in this competition for India won their lone title in 2003 when they hosted the event in Visakhapatnam.

Later, in the final, defending champions Japan outplayed hosts Iran 3-0, winning 25-22, 25-22, 25-23 to claim the gold medal. Iran are the most successful team in this competition, having won the title seven times.

Japan, Iran, India and South Korea, who finished in the top four in this order, also qualified for the 2023 FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U19 World Championship as the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) representatives.

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