Indian sports wrap, September 23: Punjab FC appoints Cristaldi as Technical Director of youth program

Here are all the major updates, scores, and results of Indians in the world of sports on September 23.

Giuseppe Cristaldi has joined Punjab FC has technical director of youth program. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

FOOTBALL

Punjab FC appoints Cristaldi as technical director of youth program

Punjab FC appointed Giuseppe Cristaldi as the Technical Director of youth program, replacing Ed Engelkes, who served from December 2021 to July 2024.

The 37-year-old San Severo-born Cristaldi has over 15 years of experience working with the youth sides of clubs like Empoli FC in Italy, Hibernians FC in Scotland and Gzira United FC in Malta.

He last served as the Technical Director of Lithuanian club Utenis.

The Italian will leading the technical framework for the youth academy and development centres along with developing and standardising coaching methodologies and assessment tools.

- Team Sportstar

India arrives at Laos for U-20 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

The India U-20 men’s team at Vientiane, Laos’s capital, on Monday ahead of its AFC U-20 Asian Cup Qualifiers. India plays its first match against Mongolia on Thursday.

India, placed in Group G, will play Mongolia (September 25), IR Iran (September 27), and hosts Laos (September 29), at the Lao National Stadium KM16.

After their semifinal defeat in the SAFF U-20 Championship on penalties against Bangladesh last month, the India U-20s will have a point to prove. | Photo Credit: AIFF

After their semifinal defeat in the SAFF U-20 Championship on penalties against Bangladesh last month, the India U-20s will have a point to prove.

While India’s opposition look like a tough bunch, the Blue Colts have spent 18 hard days training in Goa for the tournament.

“The SAFF exit was an unpleasant experience for us, but I can see just how that has motivated the boys. We’ve had a 18-day camp in Goa, where we’ve played a number of closed-doors practice matches,” said Chaudhuri.

“We just want to do one thing, and that is to qualify for the U-20 Asian Cup and create history,” he said. “Not only will it be good for our players, but for the upcoming generations as well.”

-Team Sportstar

CRICKET

Maharashtra government approves land for Rahane’s academy

The Maharashtra government on Monday approved land in Bandra to Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane for his international academy.

After the announcement was made by the Chief Minister’s office, Rahane took to social media to thank the government for helping him.

“This academy will empower young sportspersons with top-notch facilities and guidance, fostering the next generation of champions in the city where my own cricketing journey began,” Rahane wrote on social media.

“Grateful for your encouragement & leadership inspiring a brighter future for Maharashtra,” he added.

Rahane, who has featured in 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is for India, guided Mumbai to a Ranji Trophy title win last season and will be leading the team for the Irani Cup match next month.

-Team Sportstar

PICKLEBALL

World Pickleball: Former India women’s tennis player Isha Lakhani in Indian team

Former Indian women’s tennis player Isha Lakhani is part of the Indian team that will take part in the upcoming Bali leg of the World Pickleball Championship. The All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) selected an Indian team that also comprises of Vrushali, Vanshik, Mayur, Kuldip Mahajan, and Tejas Mahajan.

Additionally, AIPA is sending a contingent of 14 junior players to the Asian Pickleball Junior Championships in Vietnam.

The line-up includes Arav Khamkar, Hardik Jain, Jinisha Kshirsagar, Parth Vijayvagria, Neel Linge, Aarav Surve, Jay Agarwal, Shreyas Rajaram, Aditi Matta, Stavya Shah, Janhavi Iyer, Anjali Pol and Kavya Nandandhane.

-PTI