Asian Games Equestrian: Why was Hriday Chheda disqualified in Dressage? – The Bridge

Two days back Indian dressage team made the headlines for breaking 41 years of medal drought in Equestrian at the Asian Games, and one of the significant members of the winning team was Hriday Chheda.
Earlier today, Chhedas wish for the ending the Games on a happy note by bagging a medal in the individual mens dressage event was shattered by a disqualification. Hriday Chheda and his countryman, ace rider Anush Aggarwala, qualified for the final and were in the medal contention. While Hriday faced dejection for failing to qualify for the medal round, Aggarwala added a medal to his bag by winning a historic bronze medal in the same event, the first for India in the event.
But, overall, it was a bittersweet finish for Indian equestrians at the Asiad in Hangzhou.
Why Hriday Chedda faced disqualification
Just after his gold medal-winning display with the dressage team, Chedda, being in good form, was dreaming of a medal at the individual round.
However, he ended up being disqualified due to a violation of animal protection rules in place at the Games as his horse, Chemxpro Emerald, had some blood spots on the left leg which forced the officials to stop him from further participation in the competition.
According to the global governing of equestrian, FEI, blood rule, Article 242: Disqualifications 3.1 Horses bleeding on the flank(s), in the mouth or nose, or marks indicating excessive use of the whip and/or spurs on the flank(s) or horses back.
Proper procedures are in place to ensure rules are correct. If riders have concerns, they can request the FEI to review the blood rule to ensure its appropriateness. Even though the horses condition is not intentional, they clearly contravene the written FEI rule outlining disqualification caused by the horses bleeding.
By taking the reference from the rule book of Equine Canada, elimination from a class for evidence of blood on the horse, environmental causes such as insect bites shall not normally be cause for elimination.
So the disqualification is not for environmental causes. Even though Chheda could not clinch the medal, he will not return home empty-handed. The gold medal-winning show of the equestrian team at the Asiad means the Indian team has started an equestrian awareness revolution, and we could soon witness the rise of the sport.

India vs Saudi Arabia, Asian Games, highlights: Chhetri and Co. bow out of Asiad – Hindustan Times

India vs Saudi Arabia football match, Asian Games 2023 live updates: Did you know?All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced a 22-member squad which was cut to 17 after Indian clubs reportedly raised their concerns over releasing players for the Asian Games. Senior players Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Sandesh Jhingan were left out of the second list. However, goal machine Chhetri was retained in Stimac’s Indian side for the Asian Games. Later, star defender Jhingan was also added to India’s squad. India have also included Chinglensana Singh, Lalchungnunga and Deepak Tangri in its Asian Games squad.
A look at full squad of Indian mens football team for Asian Games:
Goalkeepers: Gurmeet Singh, Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem.
Defenders: Sumit Rathi, Narender Gahlot, Deepak Tangri, Sandesh Jhingan, Chinglensana Singh, Lalchungnunga.
Midfielders: Amarjit Singh Kiyam, Samuel James Lyngdoh, Rahul KP, Abdul Rabeeh, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Bryce Miranda, Azfar Noorani, Vincy Barretto.
Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Rahim Ali, Rohit Danu, Gurkirat Singh, Aniket Jadhav.

Asian Games 2023 Day 5 Highlights: India Excel In Wushu, Shooting On Medal-Filled Day – NDTV Sports

Asian Games 2023 Highlights, Day 5: The medal rush continued for India on Day 5 of the medal events. Shooters Sarabjot Singh, Arjun Singh Cheema and Shiva Narwal won the country’s sixth gold medal of the Asian Games 2023 in Men’s 10m Air Pistol Team event. Then, Wushu star Roshibina Devi won a silver medal in the Women’s 60 kg final. Anush Agarwalla won India’s first medal in individual dressage event at Asian Games. In tennis, Rohan Bopanna and Rutuja Bhosale entered the mixed doubles semi-final to be assured of a medal while Ramkumar Ramanathan/Saketh Myneni assured India of at least a silver medal in men’s double by entering the final. In Squash, the men’s and women’s teams entered the semi-finals to be assured of a medal each. India also defeated Japan in men’s hockey.
(Asian Games 2023 Medals Tally | Asian Games 2023 Full Schedule)

ODI World Cup 2023: Virender Sehwag shares ultimate judgement on India’s middle-order; key player falls just short of inclusion – Cricket Times

As India gear up for the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, the team’s middle-order batting lineup poses an intriguing challenge. The depth and versatility in India’s batting options have led to a welcome conundrum. Players like Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav have all demonstrated their skills in this crucial segment of the team.
Formidable performances in recent contests
India’s middle-order candidates have left a significant mark on the team’s recent performances. Kishan displayed his batting brilliance with a memorable performance against Pakistan during the Asia Cup 2023. Rahul, too, showcased his batting talent by scoring a splendid century against the same opposition during the Super Four round of the tournament.
Shreyas Iyer demonstrated his mettle by crafting a century against Australia in the second ODI in Indore. Yadav, a dynamic batter, delivered impressive back-to-back fifties during the initial games of the India-Australia series.
Selecting the standout performers
The task at hand is to choose best standout performers from this pool of talented individuals to form the middle-order batting lineup for the World Cup. The importance of making these decisions swiftly cannot be overstated, as a player’s role needs to be clearly defined before such a significant event.
Sehwag’s perspective
Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag offered his perspective on this selection conundrum, indicating that Suryakumar may not find a spot in the playing XI due to the presence of Rahul and Pandya. While he expressed initial ambiguity between Kishan and Iyer, Sehwag leans towards the latter for the No.4 position.
“At No. 6 and 7 KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya will be there. So Suryakumar won’t be there at either of those positions. There is No. 5 though. But if Hardik Pandya is your sixth bowler then Rahul will bat at No. 5, and Hardik at No. 6, then comes the bowlers,” Sehwag said to Cricbuzz.
“We thought Ishan Kishan could fit in somewhere in the line-up, but that hundred which Shreyas Iyer scored, if he plays at No. 4 then it will be Iyer, Rahul, and Hardik at No. 4, 5, and 6 respectively,” the 44-year-old added.
Sehwag’s queries regarding Pandya’s bowling capacity
Sehwag, however, questioned Hardik’s capacity to complete a full 10-over quota as a bowler for India, emphasizing its significance in determining India’s middle-order composition.
” Now it depends on how India looks at this combination, whether they feel Hardik will certainly bowl 10 overs because that will give India an extra bowler. So then Suryakumar cannot fit in there and even if there is a slot, then Ishan should be picked ahead because he is a left-hander which had happened in Asia Cup,” the Najafgarh-born cricketer ellaborated.
Sehwag’s take on Suryakumar’s unexplored potential
Sehwag also discussed Suryakumar, expressing that the batter has yet to unleash his full potential in the format. If Suryakumar gets an opportunity in either of the two warm-up matches, he must register a substantial century to boost confidence.
“Suryakumar hasn’t done anything big yet in ODI cricket. He only bats in those final 15-20 overs where he utilizes his T20 abilities which undoubtedly is important as well. But Hardik, Ishan, and Rahul can all do that same job as well. So Iyer is confirmed for No. 4. Suraykumar will have to wait and if he does get a chance at No. 4 he has to score a big hundred and show that he can also score a ton as well,” Sehwag concluded.

Robin Uthappa predicts his India XI for the clash against Australia in ODI World Cup 2023 – Cricket Times

The ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 is just around the corner, and the excitement among cricket fans is reaching a fever pitch. As teams gear up for this highly anticipated tournament, former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has stepped into the spotlight by sharing his ideal India XI for the pivotal clash against Australia. Let’s delve into Uthappa’s lineup for this crucial showdown.
Rohit, Shubman to open
Uthappa’s selection for captain is none other than the stylish opener, Rohit Sharma. Known for his impeccable timing and knack for big scores, Rohit will shoulder the responsibility of leading the team from the front. Partnering with the Nagpur-born cricketer at the opening slot is the immensely talented Shubman Gill. His impressive technique and ability to build partnerships make him a valuable asset.
Virat headlines the middle-order
In the pivotal number three position is the batting maestro, Virat Kohli. Renowned for his consistency and ability to chase down targets, Kohli’s presence strengthens the Indian lineup. Handling wicket-keeping duties and batting in the middle order is the versatile KL Rahul. His adaptability and dependable glovework provide balance to the team. Uthappa has chosen the fearless Ishan Kishan to bat at number five. Kishan’s aggressive approach and ability to take on bowlers add firepower to the lineup.
Dynamic all-rounders
Hardik Pandya occupies the sixth spot in Uthappa’s XI. Known for his explosive batting and contributions with the ball, Pandya provides a dynamic dimension to the team. Ravindra Jadeja, often referred to as the ‘Rockstar,’ features at number seven. His prowess as a spin-bowling all-rounder and outstanding fielding skills make him an invaluable asset.
Ashwin-Kuldeep to lead spin
In the spin department, the 37-year-old has chosen the seasoned campaigner, Ravichandran Ashwin. Ashwin’s experience and ability to provide crucial breakthroughs are essential in the ODI format. At number nine is the crafty left-arm wrist-spinner, Kuldeep Yadav. His ability to deceive batsmen with variations and turn the ball both ways makes him a potent weapon.
Bumrah, Siraj as pacers
Leading the pace attack is Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pace spearhead. Bumrah’s accuracy, pace, and yorker skills in the death overs make him a potent threat to any batting lineup. Completing Uthappa’s XI is the fiery fast bowler, Mohammed Siraj. His ability to generate bounce and seam movement can trouble even the best of batters.
Robin Uthappa’s India XI for ODI World Cup 2023 clash against Australia:
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (wk), Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

Sri Lanka’s Danushka Gunathilaka Cleared Of Sexual Assault Charges in Australia – News18

Sri Lankan cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka was cleared of sexual assault in Sydney on Thursday, saying outside the court that he cant wait to play again.
The 32-year-old batsman was arrested in November last year just hours after his country lost to England in their final Twenty20 World Cup match in Australia.
He was initially accused of four counts of sexual intercourse without consent after arranging to meet a woman at a bar near the Sydney Opera House through a dating app.
Three of those charges were dropped in May.
On the remaining count, Judge Sarah Huggett found him not guilty, according to a document provided by the New South Wales District Court in Sydney.
The last 11 months have been really hard for me, Gunathilaka told reporters outside the court.
Everyone believed me, so that means a lot to me, he said.
I am happy that my life is normal again so I cant wait to go back and play cricket.
WATCH: Sri Lanka Star All-Rounder Wanindu Hasranga To Miss ODI World Cup 2023 | Sri Lanka Final Squad
Prosecutors had argued he removed a condom during sex without telling the woman, who had only agreed to protected sex, according to a report by Australian public broadcaster ABC.
But the judge said the woman did not have a clear memory of what happened at the time, it said.
Gunathilaka made his international debut in 2015 and has played eight Tests, 47 ODIs and 46 T20s. Sri Lanka Cricket suspended him after he was charged.
Asian Games 2023: Medal Tally,  Schedule, Results, Date, Venues & More
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – AFP)

R Ashwin finds a place in World Cup Team, injured Axar Patel replaced – Times of India

Sep 28, 2023, 09:56PM ISTSource: TOI.inVeteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin replaced injured Axar Patel in Team India squad for the upcoming cricket World Cup. “Axar Patel has failed to recover in time for the World Cup after sustaining a left quadriceps strain during India’s Asia Cup Super Four encounter against Bangladesh. The spin-bowling all-rounder missed the final of the Asia Cup as a result,” ICC stated in a media release. “Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been named his replacement, who was impressive on his return to ODI cricket in the recently concluded series against Australia where he picked up four wickets in two games,” the release further stated.