The Los Angeles 2028 Olympics is set to make history with a groundbreaking schedule and unprecedented gender equality initiatives. World Athletics president Lord Coe announced that the Games will commence ‘with a bang,’ featuring the women’s 100m final on the opening day and the men’s 100m final on the second day. The opening ceremony will take place on July 14, with the closing ceremony scheduled for July 30. In a historic swap, athletics will dominate the first week, while swimming will take center stage in the second week. The event will span 18 zones across the Los Angeles region and Oklahoma City, encompassing 36 sports and 51 disciplines across 49 venues. A highlight of the Games will be ‘Super Saturday’ on July 29, featuring 26 finals across 23 sports. British sprinter Dina Asher-Smith expressed her excitement, stating, ‘It’s such an exciting opportunity—celebrating the enduring legacy, strength, and global power of women’s sprinting, exactly 100 years on from the first time women competed in Olympic track and field.’ The LA28 Olympic Games will also mark a milestone in gender equality, with 50.5% of the total athlete quota allocated to women, ensuring every team sport features an equal or greater number of women’s teams compared to men’s teams. The athletics events will be held at the LA Memorial Coliseum, while the first medal event will be the women’s triathlon, and the last will be in swimming. Swimming has been moved to the second week to coincide with the opening ceremony venue, SoFi Stadium. The first official day of the Olympics will also feature the most women’s finals in a single day. Details for the Olympic football tournament and the Los Angeles Paralympics, scheduled for August 15-27, are yet to be announced.
分类： sports
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India bank on spin and big first-innings total against South Africa
India is set to leverage its traditional strengths of spin bowling and substantial first-innings totals as they face South Africa in a two-Test series starting in Kolkata on Friday. The Indian team, led by Shubman Gill, currently holds the third position in the World Test Championship rankings. Their recent performances include a 2-2 draw in England and a 2-0 sweep against the West Indies at home. South Africa, the reigning world champions, managed a 1-1 draw in Pakistan but face a formidable challenge in India, particularly with eight players in their squad lacking Test experience in Indian conditions. India’s strategy will focus on their top-order batsmen to counter the pace attack led by South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada. The return of wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant adds depth to the middle order, creating a selection dilemma as Dhruv Jurel had impressed in Pant’s absence. India’s spin attack, featuring Kuldeep Yadav, along with the conditions favoring low bounce and reverse swing, will be crucial. Jasprit Bumrah’s prowess with both new and old balls will test the South African batsmen. South Africa, aware of the challenges, has included three specialist spinners and remains optimistic about their chances, with Keshav Maharaj emphasizing the team’s hunger to succeed in one of the toughest tours on their calendar.
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‘His aura is amazing’ – Iwobi on Aubameyang
In a heartfelt revelation, Alex Iwobi, now a midfielder for Fulham, reminisced about his time playing alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at Arsenal, describing him as a ‘big brother’ figure. The two football stars are set to face each other in an upcoming World Cup play-off as Nigeria takes on Gabon. Iwobi shared these sentiments during an interview with BBC Sport Africa at the Best of Africa Awards, where he reflected on Aubameyang’s impactful presence both on and off the pitch. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both players bringing their A-game to the international stage. Produced and edited by Ian Williams, with footage captured by Ameer Ahmed, the story highlights the camaraderie and mutual respect between the two athletes.
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Nigeria boycott training before World Cup play-off
Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, has thrown their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign into uncertainty after players and technical staff boycotted training on Tuesday. The protest, just two days before their crucial play-off match against Gabon in Morocco, stems from longstanding unpaid allowances and match bonuses. Reports suggest the squad is demanding a special bonus for this month’s African play-offs, adding to the financial grievances.
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Table tennis gains pace as new league links cultures
Table tennis is experiencing a resurgence in the United States, fueled by the growing success of Major League Table Tennis (MLTT), the nation’s first professional table tennis league. The league, now in its third season, has become a vibrant platform for international talent and cultural exchange, attracting players and fans from across the globe.
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From YouTube team to the Prem: Ndiaye’s unusual run to the top
Iliman Ndiaye’s journey to becoming a Premier League star with Everton is a testament to resilience and determination. Born in France, Ndiaye faced numerous rejections from top clubs like Chelsea and Tottenham before finding his footing. His breakthrough came through Rising Ballers, a media brand that spotlights unsigned talent, which helped him showcase his skills and stay fit during uncertain times. Ndiaye’s perseverance paid off when he signed with Sheffield United and later joined Everton, where his electrifying performances have captivated fans. His early goal against Sunderland this season, marked by speed and precision, is a highlight of his growing influence. Ndiaye’s story is an inspiration to aspiring footballers, proving that success is possible even without traditional academy pathways. He emphasizes the importance of self-belief, hard work, and seizing opportunities when they arise. Rising Ballers, which has helped over 15 players secure professional contracts, continues to support grassroots talent, with young players like Kevar March-Mckenzie and George Edwards looking to follow in Ndiaye’s footsteps. Ndiaye’s journey underscores the value of skill, determination, and the power of grassroots initiatives in shaping football careers.
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Watch: Australian windsurfer escapes shark attack
In a heart-stopping incident off the coast of Western Australia, professional windsurfer Andy McDonald narrowly escaped a shark attack earlier this week. McDonald, an experienced water sports enthusiast, was enjoying a routine windsurfing session when he suddenly found himself face-to-face with a shark. The predator, believed to be a great white, lunged at McDonald, prompting him to react swiftly to avoid a potentially fatal encounter. Using his quick reflexes and extensive knowledge of the ocean, McDonald managed to maneuver his board away from the shark and make a safe return to shore. This harrowing experience serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers that lurk beneath the waves, even for seasoned athletes. Local authorities have since issued warnings to beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions when venturing into shark-prone waters. McDonald’s escape has sparked conversations about marine safety and the importance of respecting the natural habitat of these apex predators.
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Hazlewood cleared of injury but Abbott out of Test
Australian cricket fans can breathe a sigh of relief as veteran pace bowler Josh Hazlewood has been declared fit to join the squad for the first Ashes Test against England, despite a recent injury scare. However, the team has suffered a setback with the exclusion of fellow fast bowler Sean Abbott due to a hamstring injury. Both players sustained their injuries during a Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and Victoria earlier this week. Scans revealed that Hazlewood, 34, did not suffer a muscle strain, while Abbott, 33, has been diagnosed with a ‘moderate grade’ injury. The absence of Abbott, who is yet to make his Test debut, is unlikely to significantly impact the team’s strategy for the Perth Test, as Hazlewood is expected to partner Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland as the primary seamers. Meanwhile, Australia’s captain Pat Cummins remains sidelined for the opening Test as he recovers from a back injury, with Steve Smith stepping in as interim captain. Cummins is anticipated to return for the second Test in Brisbane. Hazlewood, who had not played a first-class match in over a year prior to this week, experienced tightness in his hamstring during the match against Victoria but opted for precautionary measures. Both he and Abbott refrained from batting in New South Wales’ second innings, which ended in a 300-run defeat. Cummins emphasized the importance of caution, stating, ‘We’re a week away from the Test series – always err on the side of caution.’ He also expressed relief at seeing Hazlewood in good spirits after the injury scare. Abbott, a seasoned white-ball cricketer with 57 caps, will be missed, but uncapped seamer Brendan Doggett has been included in the squad as backup. The Ashes series, set to begin on November 21, promises high stakes as Australia aims to defend its title against a formidable English side.
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Early tea break: India flips menu for Guwahati Test against South Africa
In a groundbreaking move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has redefined traditional cricket schedules for the second Test match between India and South Africa in Guwahati. Scheduled to commence on November 22, this historic match at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium will feature an early tea break before lunch, a first in Test cricket history. This innovative adjustment is a response to the unique climatic conditions of north-east India, where early sunrise and sunset significantly impact daylight availability. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia explained, ‘In winters, sunrise and sunset occur very early here. By 4 pm, the light fades, making it challenging to continue play. Starting early ensures maximum utilization of daylight.’ Consequently, the match will begin at 9 am, half an hour earlier than the standard start time for red-ball Tests in India. The revised schedule includes a 20-minute tea break at 11 am, lunch between 1:20 pm and 2 pm, and the final session concluding by 4 pm. Both teams will see the return of key players, with India’s Rishabh Pant making a comeback from a foot fracture and South Africa’s Temba Bavuma recovering from a calf injury. Currently, India holds the third position in the World Test Championship, while South Africa, the defending champions, are in fourth place.
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India’s Sumit Nagal appeals to Chinese officials after visa denied for Grand Slam tennis qualifier
Indian tennis sensation Sumit Nagal has reached out to Chinese authorities after his visa application was unexpectedly rejected, preventing him from participating in the Australian Open wild-card playoff tournament in Chengdu, China. The event, scheduled from November 24 to 29, serves as a crucial pathway for players to secure a spot in the first Grand Slam of the year. Nagal, India’s top-ranked male player, took to social media to seek intervention from the Chinese ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, and the Chinese embassy. In his plea, Nagal expressed his frustration, stating, ‘I am supposed to fly to China soon to represent India at the Australian Open playoff, but my visa was rejected without reason. Your urgent help would be much appreciated.’ The 28-year-old athlete, who achieved a career-high singles ranking of 68 in July 2024, is currently ranked 290th globally. His career highlights include winning the 2015 Wimbledon boys’ doubles title and taking the opening set against tennis legend Roger Federer in the 2019 U.S. Open. The Australian Open officials have yet to comment on the situation. This incident comes amid improving diplomatic relations between India and China, including the recent resumption of direct flights between the two nations after a five-year hiatus. The Asia-Pacific wild-card playoff, held at the Sichuan International Tennis Centre, features 16 players in men’s and women’s singles and 12 teams in doubles. Last year’s edition saw Chinese player Zhang Shuai and Thailand’s Kasidit Samrej secure spots in the 2025 Australian Open main draw.