Football

London: Liverpool striker Alexander Isak has returned to Anfield after suffering a "minor injury" on international duty with Sweden. Isak scored and played the full 90 minutes in Sweden's victory against Romania in the Nations League on Friday. But the 27-year-old will not feature in Sweden's matches against Poland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Romania over the remainder of the extended international break. "Alexander Isak is to return to Liverpool from international duty due to a minor injury," a statement on the club's website said on Sunday. "The striker will not be involved in Sweden's three remaining fixtures in the current international break and will now be assessed by club medical staff at the AXA Training Centre." Isak had an injury-disrupted first season at Anfield after his acrimonious move from Newcastle. He has fared better this term, scoring four times in his first seven games in all competitions. Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola will hope Isak is fit for their next Premier League game against Manchester City on October 11.

Qatar Sport

Doha: President of the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) Mohammed bin Saad Al Mughaisib praised Qatar's 3x3 national basketball team for securing silver at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, marking its second consecutive runner-up finish in the event. Speaking while receiving the team delegation at Hamad International Airport, Al Mughaisib said the result underlined the progress of Qatari basketball and the national team's ability to compete at the highest level in Asia. He credited the team's success to the continued support for Qatari sport and national teams, as well as the players' strong performances throughout the tournament. Qatar won five consecutive games on its way to the final, where it fell 19-10 to South Korea. Al Mughaisib said reaching the final for a second straight Asian Games was an important milestone for Qatari basketball and would provide further impetus to build on the team's progress, particularly as Qatar prepares to host the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027. He also praised the work of the Federation's technical and administrative teams, saying the result reflected the steady development of 3x3 basketball in Qatar and its growing presence at major continental competitions. QBF Secretary-General, National Teams Director and Head of the Qatar basketball delegation at the Asian Games, Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, said the consecutive silver medals reflected the team's sustained progress and ability to compete deep into major Asian competitions. He said Qatar produced a strong campaign from the outset, topping its group before defeating Mongolia in the quarter-finals and Iran in the semi-finals to reach the gold-medal game. Al Kuwari acknowledged that the team's goal had been to win gold, but said the silver medal remained a significant result given the strength of the Asian field. He praised the players and coaching and administrative staffs and said the team would build on the experience as it prepares for its next challenges. Meanwhile, Qatar 3x3 National Teams Director Yassin Ismail praised the players' performances, saying the run to the final was the product of sustained preparation and hard work. He said the team showed consistency, composure and the ability to adapt under pressure throughout the tournament, adding that the second consecutive Asian Games silver would provide additional motivation for further development.

Qatar Sport

Nagoya (Japan): Qatar defeated Hong Kong 3-1 on Sunday to open its campaign in the men's volleyball competition at the 20th Asian Games, Aichi-Nagoya 2026, which is being held in Japan through Oct. 4. Qatar won the match 25-20, 24-26, 25-20, 25-21. The victory gave Qatar its first three points in Pool C, which also includes India and Vietnam, while Hong Kong, China, finished the opening round without a point. Qatar will face Vietnam in its second Pool C match on Monday before concluding the group stage against India on Tuesday. In other matches played Sunday, Iran defeated Kyrgyzstan, 3-0 (25-11, 25-16, 25-20), in Pool B. Pakistan beat Kazakhstan, 3-1 (25-16, 25-22, 17-25, 25-20), in Pool A, while South Korea defeated the Philippines, 3-0 (25-16, 27-25, 25-22), in Pool D. Sixteen teams are competing in the men's volleyball tournament, divided into four pools of four teams each. Qatar was drawn into Pool C alongside India, Vietnam and Hong Kong, China.