分类： sports

Indian all-rounder Richa Ghosh is setting her sights on Twenty20 World Cup glory following her pivotal role in India’s historic one-day international victory. Despite battling a hairline fracture, the 22-year-old from Siliguri, West Bengal, remains confident that her participation in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) will be instrumental in preparing for the shortest format of the game ahead of the T20 World Cup in England next year. Representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the WPL, Ghosh is determined to leverage the league to sharpen her skills and contribute to her team’s success. ‘The T20 World Cup is going to be very important for me. We have ticked the one-day World Cup off our list, but we have to tick the T20 World Cup as well,’ Ghosh stated in a recent interview. She emphasized her focus on helping RCB win, regardless of the tournament or format. Ghosh, who has been retained by RCB alongside seasoned players like Smriti Mandhana and Ellyse Perry, is optimistic about repeating their 2024 title success. ‘I can’t disclose all the things as of now, but our main focus is to bring the second trophy home,’ she added. Ghosh’s remarkable performance during India’s ODI World Cup win, where she equalled Deandra Dottin’s record for most sixes (12) in a women’s World Cup edition, has solidified her reputation as a power-hitter. Her contributions were crucial in the knockout stages, including a 26 off 16 balls in the semifinal against Australia and a 24-ball 34 in the final against South Africa. Reflecting on her journey, Ghosh acknowledged the challenges of managing injuries but credited her mindset and the support of physios for her resilience. ‘Each and every player faces ups and downs, but how you tackle those lows is the real test of a player,’ she said. With a trophy cabinet that includes the 2023 Under-19 World Cup, the 2022 Asian Games gold, and the 2022 Commonwealth Games silver, Ghosh also expressed her aspirations for success in Test cricket. ‘There is a different feeling while playing Test cricket because as a batter you get many balls to bat. So, I want to score more and do much better in the red-ball format,’ she concluded.

The 15th National Games, currently taking place across Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, has drawn attention not only for its athletic competitions but also for its inspirational messages. Hui Ruoqi, a celebrated Olympic champion and former captain of the Chinese women’s volleyball team, has extended her heartfelt wishes to the event. She emphasized the power of sports to uplift spirits and disseminate positivity and joy among participants and spectators alike. Hui’s message resonates deeply in a world increasingly in need of unity and encouragement. Her illustrious career, marked by resilience and teamwork, serves as a testament to the enduring impact of sportsmanship. As the games unfold, her words aim to inspire a new generation of athletes and fans, fostering a collective sense of achievement and camaraderie.

The 15th National Games, currently underway, have made history by involving Hong Kong and Macao as co-hosts for the first time in a national-level sports event. This unprecedented collaboration is seen as a significant milestone in the integration and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). The event not only showcases the region’s ability to host large-scale international competitions but also strengthens ties between the mainland and the two Special Administrative Regions (SARs). Experts believe that this initiative will foster deeper economic, cultural, and social cooperation within the GBA, paving the way for a more unified and prosperous region. The Games serve as a platform to highlight the GBA’s potential as a global hub for sports, innovation, and collaboration.

Inter Milan surged to the top of Serie A following a commanding 2-0 victory over Lazio, capitalizing on Napoli’s unexpected 2-0 defeat at Bologna. The match at San Siro saw Lautaro Martinez open the scoring just three minutes in, setting the tone for Inter’s dominance. Ange-Yoan Bonny sealed the win with a close-range strike on the hour mark, solidifying Inter’s position at the summit. Meanwhile, Napoli’s title defense suffered a blow as they faltered at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. Thijs Dallinga and Jhon Lucumi scored in the second half, handing Bologna a well-deserved victory. Earlier, Roma briefly held the top spot after a 2-0 win over Udinese, but Inter’s superior goal difference ensured they reclaimed the lead. Elsewhere, Sassuolo triumphed 3-0 over Atalanta, while Genoa and Fiorentina played out a 2-2 draw. The results have reshaped the Serie A standings, with Inter now leading the pack and Napoli slipping to fourth.

Robert Lewandowski delivered a stunning hat-trick to propel Barcelona to a thrilling 4-2 victory over Celta Vigo in La Liga, narrowing the gap to league leaders Real Madrid to just three points. The Polish striker’s exceptional performance came on the heels of Real Madrid’s goalless draw against Rayo Vallecano earlier in the day. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal also found the net for Barcelona, while Marcus Rashford contributed two crucial assists in a match that showcased the champions’ relentless attacking style. Despite Frenkie de Jong’s late dismissal for two yellow cards, Barcelona secured the win, moving into second place in the league standings. Lewandowski, who has battled injuries early in the season, expressed his delight at returning to form, describing the game as ‘one of the craziest’ of the season. Manager Hansi Flick praised Lewandowski’s resilience and confidence, emphasizing the striker’s positive mindset following his injury recovery. The match was a rollercoaster, with both teams exchanging goals in a frenetic first half. Lewandowski opened the scoring with a penalty, but Celta Vigo quickly equalized. Rashford’s missed opportunity allowed Celta to take the lead, but Lewandowski’s second goal restored parity. Borja Iglesias put Celta back in front, only for Yamal to give Barcelona the lead before halftime. The second half saw Barcelona dominate, with Lewandowski completing his hat-trick with a header from Rashford’s corner. The victory highlighted Barcelona’s determination to challenge for the title, while Real Madrid’s struggles continued as they failed to break down a resilient Rayo Vallecano side. Despite their dominance, Madrid could not find a breakthrough, with Rayo’s defense and goalkeeper Augusto Batalla standing firm. Manager Xabi Alonso acknowledged the need for improvement but remained optimistic about the season ahead.

In a rain-soaked Manchester, Pep Guardiola celebrated his 1,000th managerial game with a commanding 3-0 victory over Liverpool, silencing doubts about his enduring influence. This match, held on a damp Sunday afternoon, was a testament to Guardiola’s tactical genius and Manchester City’s resurgence. Despite losing key players like Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan, and a rocky start to the season, City has won 11 of their last 14 games across all competitions. The victory over Liverpool, their fiercest rival since Guardiola’s arrival in England in 2016, was particularly sweet, as it marked a return to form for the team. Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Jeremy Doku delivered standout performances, with Doku’s stunning third goal sealing the win. Guardiola, reflecting on his milestone, credited his early days at Barcelona B as the foundation of his success. He expressed pride in achieving this milestone in Manchester and optimism for the current season, emphasizing the importance of consistent growth. Guardiola’s legacy, built on 12 league titles and three Champions League trophies, remains unshaken, and this victory reaffirms his status as one of football’s greatest managers.