Indian sports news wrap, January 1

Here are all the major developments in Indian sport on January 1, 2023.

Nijo Gilbert making a move for Kerala against Andhra in the Santosh Trophy qualifying football tournament at Kozhikode. | Photo Credit: K.Ragesh

FOOTBALL

Kerala blanks Andhra Pradesh for third successive Santhosh Trophy win

Host Kerala crushed Andhra 5-0 to post its third straight win in the Santosh Trophy qualifying football tournament here on Sunday. Kerala went 2-0 inside the first 20 minutes through goals from Nijo Gilbert and Mohammed Salim, and continued to torment the Andhra defence right through.

Nijo scored the opening goal off a fine back pass from Mohammed Salim. Three minutes later, the roles reversed, as Salim slotted home the corner-kick by Nijo. Then K. Abdu Raheem made it 3-0 in the injury time of the opening half, off a superb through ball from Nijo. The rout was completed by Vishak Mohanan and M. Viknesh, who scored in the second half. 

Earlier, Mizoram defeated Bihar 3-1.

The results:

Kerala 5 (Nijo Gilbert 16, Mohammed Salim 19, K. Abdu Raheem 45+4, Vishak Mohanan 53, M. Viknesh 62) bt Andhra 0. Mizoram 3 (Vanlalhriatzuala 2, Lalbiakdika 59 & 90+4) bt Bihar 1 (Munna Mandi 33).  

-P.K. Ajith Kumar

WEIGHTLIFTING

Popy Hazarika wins 59kg gold in National Weightlifting Championships

Railways’ Popy Hazarika warded off a tough challenge from Sukarna Adak and Sneha to win the women’s 59kg gold medal at the National weightlifting championships in Nagercoil on Sunday.

A National record holder in snatch (94kg), Popy came up with an 85kg effort but held her own amidst mounting pressure to finish the clean & jerk at 107kg, which was one more than Sukarna and three more than Sneha. Popy cleared 107 in her second attempt but failed to lift 110 in her third. Sneha (108) and Sukarna (109) failed to lift in their third and final attempts.

“I am not happy with my lifts. I was tired too after having competed in seven tournaments in 2022,” said Popy.

The results: Senior: Women: 59kg: 1. Popy Hazarika (RSPB) 85, 107, 192; 2. Sukarna Adak (WB) 85, 106, 191; 3. Sneha (Har) 83, 104, 187.

Junior: Women: 59kg: Sonam Singh (UP) 80, 104, 184; 2. M. Deepana Yomi (AP) 75, 105, 180; 3. Nikita Kamalakar (Mah) 75, 103, 178.

Youth: Women: 59kg: Nikita Kamalakar (Mah) 75, 103, 178; 2. B. Harika (AP) 76, 94, 170; 3. Sagun Rav (UP) 74, 91,165.

- K. Keerthivasan