This week in Asian sports: Mary Kom says she is not retiring from boxing, Novak Djokovic is into the Australian Open 2024 semis, India’s hockey team gets second place, new coaches are picked for Indian women’s football, hockey player Deep Grace Ekka retires, and awards go to squash player Joshna Chinappa and para swimmer Satyendra Singh Lohia. Also, young weightlifters break records at KIYG 2023.
Here are the top seven news of the week
Mary Kom: “The news is fake of my retirement on social media”
The boxing legend Mary Kom clarified that she is not retiring and still wants to compete, also the news which is circulating on social media related to her retirement is baseless. She had a knee injury and surgery because of that she missed the Commonwealth Games. Last seen at the Tokyo Olympics, she has determined to return. Mary Kom was the first Indian woman to win boxing gold at the 2014 Asian Games, aiming for another major tournament before retiring. Despite the age barrier for the Paris Olympics and Asian Games, she is eager to come back, considering her surgery a challenge to overcome. Mary Kom with six world titles, is focused on regaining full fitness within six months.
Australian Open 2024: Novak Djokovic beats Fritz to qualify for semifinals
Novak Djokovic extended his unbeaten winning streak against American players to 11 at the Australian Open. He faced a tough challenge from Taylor Fritz but managed to secure a 7-6(7-3), 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 victory, denying Fritz his first major semifinal. This win marked Djokovic’s 32nd consecutive victory against a US opponent at tour level and his 10th in a row at a major tournament. Despite facing difficulties in the match, Novak Djokovic who is a 10-time Melbourne champion, capitalized on break opportunities in the third set, ultimately regaining control and securing the win.
Hockey 5s Women: India loses 2-7 to Netherlands in finale
India came second in the FIH Hockey5s Women’s World Cup losing 2-7 to the Netherlands in the final. Jyoti Chhatri and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal scored for India while Janneke van de Venne, Bente van der Veldt, and Lana Kalse netted two goals each for the Netherlands which secured their win. Hockey India has awarded Rs 3 lakh to each player and Rs 1.5 lakh to support staff for their outstanding performance in the tournament. The Netherlands took the lead with Janneke van de Venne’s shot, and Bente van der Veldt doubled it shortly after.
L Choba Devi has been recommended as football coach for the senior India women’s football team
The Technical Committee of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) suggested appointing former India international Langam Chaoba Devi as the head coach of the Indian senior women’s team. Chaoba Devi, a two-time AFC Women’s Championships participant, is currently the head coach of Kickstart FC. Priya PV, recognized as AIFF Women’s Coach of the Year in 2023, is recommended as the assistant coach. Lourembam Ronibala Chanu is proposed to continue as the goalkeeper coach. The team is set to participate in the 2024 Turkish Women’s Cup in February. The decision was made in a meeting chaired by former India captain IM Vijayan, aiming to provide more international exposure to the women’s team.
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Deep Grace Ekka announced her retirement from International Hockey
Deep Grace Ekka is a strong defender and penalty corner specialist who announced her retirement from international hockey. Hockey India praised the two-time Olympian for her contributions to the Indian Women’s Hockey Team. Starting in 2011 at 17, Ekka played in various tournaments and earned a Bronze at the 2013 Women’s Junior Hockey World Cup contributing to the Senior team’s success. She played an important role in qualifying for the Rio Olympics and was a key defender in the Tokyo Olympics where India finished fourth. Hockey India’s President, Dr. Dilip Tirkey, congratulated her on an illustrious career and wished her the best for the future.
Joshna Chinappa and Satyendra Singh Lohia honored by Padma Shri Award
Joshna Chinappa is a squash expert, 37-year-old who won a bronze medal in the team category at the Asian Games 2023. She also won the women’s doubles world championship in 2022 and also gold in the Commonwealth Games. She has medals for five Asian Games, four World Championships, and two Commonwealth Games. On the other hand, Satyendra Singh Lohia, a para swimmer who was honored with the Vikram Award in 2014, also participated in international competitions and won four medals. He has completed a 33 km circuit in Bombay just in 5 hours and 42 minutes even after being disabled with both legs. Both champions have been awarded by Padma Shri Awards.
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KIYG 2023: Arti Tatguni and AV Sushmitha break National records as they win Gold medal
Aarti Tatgunti from Maharashtra and A.V. Susmita from Andhra Pradesh set new national youth records by winning gold in the girls’ 49 kg and 55 kg weightlifting categories. Haryana dominated wrestling with four out of five gold medals securing the lead in the medal table. Monica, Neha, Amarjeet, and Vinay won gold in wrestling for Haryana, while the Haryana girls’ hockey team clinched their fifth consecutive title. Maharashtra continued to lead the medal tally, with Mahadev Vadar, Samarth, and Rutuja Rajdanya winning gold in weightlifting, wrestling, and swimming, respectively. Rajdanya became the fastest girls’ swimmer, while Jananjay Jyoti Hazarika claimed the title among boys. Other gold medals were won in cycling, shooting, and more by participants from various states.
Upcoming Matches
This week will be full of excitement and interest because of the upcoming matches like the second test match between India vs England, FIH Hockey Women’s Pro League, Australia Open 2024, Khelo India Youth Games, and more.
