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Asia in action: Top sports news this week from Asia
In this article, we have mentioned all the seven important and famous sports-related news from the Asia of this week in detail.
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Explore the latest sports highlights from Asia, featuring significant achievements and events. From the expansion of Junior Hockey World Cups to India’s triumph in Davis Cup 2024 and PT Usha’s Lifetime Achievement Award, get a comprehensive overview of the region’s sports news. Notable moments include the Prime Volleyball League Season 3 kickoff in Chennai and insights into challenges faced by chess player Divya Deshmukh.
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Prime Volleyball League Season 3 is scheduled to take place in Chennai from February 15
The exciting third season of the Prime Volleyball League kicks off on February 15 in Chennai, featuring nine teams competing for the championship. Teams like Ahmedabad Defenders, Bengaluru Torpedoes, and others will vie for victory, with the showdown on March 21 at the SDAT Multipurpose Indoor Stadium, Chennai. The opening clash sees defending champs Ahmedabad Defenders against hosts Chennai Blitz, while Bengaluru Torpedoes take on Season 1 winners Kolkata Thunderbolts. The new Super 5s format from March 11 to March 18 adds more thrill, ensuring direct Final qualification for the top team. Tamil Nadu’s Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin is excited about hosting, hoping it inspires future volleyball stars.
FIH raises the number of teams in Junior Hockey World Cups from 16 to 24
The International Hockey Association (FIH) Executive Board decided to expand the teams participating in the 2025 FIH Hockey Junior World Cups from 16 to 24. This means more young athletes from eight additional countries will get global competition opportunities. The tournament format ensures each team plays six matches. The decision was made during the FIH President Tayyab Ikram’s chairmanship at the first-ever FIH Hockey5s World Cup in Oman. The board also approved the Hockey Association of Kyrgyzstan as a provisional member, focusing on sustainability strategies in 2024, and discussed various updates, including preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympic hockey tournaments.
India falls to the Netherlands 4-7 in the quarterfinals of the Hockey5s Men’s World Cup
India faced a 4-7 defeat against the Netherlands in the FIH Hockey5s Men’s World Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday. Mohammed Raheel secured a hat-trick (1’, 7’, 25’), and Mandeep Mor (11’) added a goal for India. The Netherlands responded with goals from Sander de Wijn (4’, 15’) and Alexander Schop (10’, 26’), each scoring twice, along with goals from Lucas Middendorp (12’), Jamie van Aart (13’), and Pepijn Reyenga (20’). Although India started promisingly with an early lead by Raheel, the Netherlands’ resilience and successive goals turned the tide. India will now face Kenya in the 5-8th place match.
“At just 18, I’ve dealt with a lot of hate”: Divya Deshmukh speaks out against sexism and misogyny in Chess
Indian chess talent Divya Deshmukh has highlighted issues of sexism and misogyny in chess after participating in the Tata Steel Chess Tournament in the Netherlands. Finishing 12th with a score of 4.5 out of 13, she expressed disappointment in a social media post about how female players are often treated by spectators. Deshmukh revealed that despite her strong performance, attention was diverted to irrelevant aspects such as her clothes, hair, and accent. She called for equal respect, emphasizing the need to acknowledge women in chess for their skills and achievements, rather than judging them based on irrelevant criteria.
Indian women’s hockey team loses 1-3 to the Netherlands in FIH Pro League
The Indian women’s hockey team lost 1-3 against the Netherlands in the FIH Hockey Pro League. Yibbi Jansen and Fay van der Elst scored for the Netherlands, while Navneet Kaur scored the lone goal for India. The Netherlands took an early lead with a penalty corner, but India equalized with a thunderous strike by Navneet Kaur. Despite both teams creating chances, the Netherlands secured the win with two more goals. India will face Australia next on February 7.
PT Usha receives the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ from SJFI and DSJA
Legendary sprinter PT Usha, also the IOA President, received the ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award from SJFI and DSJA. She’s the fifth recipient, joining Vijay Amritraj, Prakash Padukone, Sunil Gavaskar, and Milkha Singh. Usha won 103 international medals from 1977 to 2000, including four gold and seven silver in the Asian Games. At the ceremony, she expressed gratitude and highlighted the challenges during her era. Rajeev Shukla praised her as an icon, while Jaspal Rana lauded her as a guiding spirit and expressed confidence in her IOA leadership. Usha emphasized IOA’s focus on the Paris Olympics and India’s sporting power vision by 2036.
India defeats Pakistan to advance to Davis Cup 2024 World Group I
The Indian tennis team secured a historic victory over Pakistan, reaching the Davis Cup 2024 World Group I on their visit after 60 years. Yuki Bhambri and Saketh Myneni clinched the win with a 6-2, 7-6 victory in the doubles match against Aqeel Khan and Muzammil Murtaza. This marked India’s eighth consecutive Davis Cup win against Pakistan. With earlier singles victories by Ramkumar Ramanathan and Sriram Balaji, India established an unassailable 3-0 lead in the play-off tie. The upcoming reverse singles are considered dead rubbers as India has already sealed the victory.
Conclusion
In a week packed with sports highlights across Asia, the Prime Volleyball League Season 3 kicks off in Chennai, FIH expands Junior Hockey World Cup participation, and India experiences both triumphs and setbacks in hockey and tennis. PT Usha receives a prestigious award, while chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh speaks out against sexism. The dynamic week showcases Asia’s sporting prowess and resilience.
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