Sports

India “Prepared to Shine” in Crucial Asian Cup Qualifier Against Hong Kong, Asserts Marquez

Published

7 months ago

June 10, 2025

On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, India will face off against Hong Kong, China in Matchday 2 of Group C during the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round. The match will take place at the Kai Tak Stadium in Kowloon.

The Group C standings are currently even, with all four teams sharing a single point after goalless draws on Matchday 1, held on March 25. India and Bangladesh played to a stalemate in Shillong, while Hong Kong managed a draw against Singapore. Only the group winner will secure qualification for the 2027 Asian Cup. India, which reached the Asian Cup for the first time in successive tournaments in 2023, aims to maintain this historic momentum, while Hong Kong is also vying for a spot after qualifying for the last tournament. With just one berth available, one of these teams will be left out.

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Ahead of the match, India head coach Manolo Márquez expressed confidence in his team’s preparations. “This time, we’ve had a much better preparation compared to previous FIFA windows, where time was limited. We’ve spent around three weeks training across Kolkata, Bangkok, and here in Hong Kong. We are ready to perform,” Márquez stated.

He further emphasized the positive atmosphere within the team, saying, “Naturally, team morale improves when you’re winning consistently. However, the relationships among our players remain strong, regardless of the outcomes.”

Centre-back Konsham Chinglensana Singh supported the coach’s sentiments, noting, “After three weeks of training, we are well prepared mentally and physically for this game.”

Although the Blue Tigers haven’t had the best run lately—winning one, drawing one, and losing a recent match against Thailand—Márquez isn’t concerned about the 0-2 loss. “Many coaches aren’t focused on scores in friendly matches; our attention is on the crucial game against Hong Kong. If we had capitalized on our scoring chances against Thailand, the outcome would have been different. That’s football,” he said.

This match will mark the inaugural event at the newly constructed 50,000-capacity Kai Tak Stadium, and tickets have reportedly sold out. With a full crowd expected, the stadium features a retractable roof that will remain closed during the match. The Blue Tigers held an official training session at the venue on Monday to acclimatize to the conditions.

“We aim to enjoy the atmosphere at this stadium. While I can’t confirm a full house, there will be a significant turnout. It promises to be a memorable event, but our primary focus remains on winning the match,” Márquez added.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s head coach, Ashley Westwood, who has experience coaching in India with clubs like Bengaluru FC, praised the advancements in Indian football since his time there. “When I visited India in 2013, the progress has been immense. I respect their coach and have observed the ISL; he’s doing commendable work with FC Goa,” he commented.

Hong Kong midfielder Ngan Cheuk Pan emphasized that his team must concentrate on their own performance. “We’re committed to implementing the coach’s tactics and improving our individual and collective game,” he remarked.

India and Hong Kong, China have faced each other 24 times, with India winning nine matches, Hong Kong securing eight victories, and seven matches ending in draws.

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Sports

Storm in the First Over: RCB Create New WPL Record

Published

3 days ago

January 17, 2026

Namma Kudla

Royal Challengers Bengaluru created history in the Women’s Premier League by scoring the highest number of runs in the first over of a match. RCB scored a massive 23 runs in the opening over, setting a new WPL record.

This historic moment took place during the match against Gujarat Giants at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Gujarat Giants bowler Renuka Singh Thakur conceded 23 runs in the first over, making it the most expensive opening over in WPL history.

Renuka began the over with a wide delivery. The ball went past the wicketkeeper and crossed the boundary, resulting in five runs. RCB batter Grace Harris then took charge of the over. She smashed four consecutive boundaries, putting the Gujarat Giants under pressure.

During the over, Renuka Singh bowled two more wides, adding extra runs to the total. On the final delivery of the over, Grace Harris struck another boundary. This completed a dramatic and record-breaking first over for RCB.

With this, Renuka Singh Thakur recorded the most expensive first over ever bowled in the Women’s Premier League. The previous record was held by Tanuja Kanwar. She had conceded 21 runs in the first over while playing for Gujarat Giants against Mumbai Indians in the 2023 season.

In the same match, Royal Challengers Bengaluru batted first and put up a strong total. RCB scored 182 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs. The team showed aggressive batting throughout the innings.

Gujarat Giants chased the target but failed to keep up with the required run rate. They were bowled out for 150 runs in 18.5 overs. As a result, Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the match by 32 runs.

This victory strengthened RCB’s position in the tournament and added a historic achievement to the Women’s Premier League records.

Sports

Historic Test Debut in Guwahati as South Africa Reach 247/6 on Day 1

Published

2 months ago

November 23, 2025

Namma Kudla

On the first day of the second Test between India and South Africa at Barsapara Stadium, South Africa made a strong start, reaching 247 for 6 at stumps.The venue, Barsapara Cricket Stadium, hosted its very first Test match in history — making the day special for Guwahati and cricket in Assam.

South African skipper Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bat first.Their openers, Aiden Markram (38) and Ryan Rickelton (35), gave a solid start with a partnership of 82 runs.Later, Tristan Stubbs added 49 before getting out, while Bavuma made 41.

India fought back well thanks to a strong performance by spinner Kuldeep Yadav. He picked up 3 wickets and gave away only 48 runs in 17 overs.Ravindra Jadeja also chipped in with an important wicket, dismissing Bavuma. In the final over before stumps, Mohammed Siraj struck, getting Tony de Zorzi out.At the end of play, Senuran Muthusamy was unbeaten on 25, and Kyle Verreynne was 1 not out.

The light became a concern late in the day. As visibility dropped, play was stopped, and light issues forced the umpires to call it a day early.Overall, India ended Day 1 with a degree of satisfaction. The bowling attack showed discipline, especially through their spinners, and they managed to check the South African momentum.

Sports

India A Post 297/4 as Vaibhav Suryavanshi Smashes 144 Off 42 Balls

Published

2 months ago

November 14, 2025

Namma Kudla

India A began their Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 campaign with a huge total against the UAE in Doha. Captain Jitesh Sharma won the toss and chose to bat first. Vaibhav Suryavanshi then produced a stunning innings. He scored 144 runs from just 42 balls. His knock included 11 fours and 15 sixes.

Suryavanshi reached his fifty in 17 balls. He completed his century in only 32 balls. He added 163 runs for the second wicket with Naman Dhir, who made 34. Jitesh Sharma also played a quick innings and scored a fast fifty.

India A finished at 297 for 4 in 20 overs. The team now holds a strong position in the match.