分类: sports

  • PM Narendra Modi meets India’s Women’s World Cup-winning team

    PM Narendra Modi meets India’s Women’s World Cup-winning team

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the victorious Indian women’s cricket team at his official residence on Wednesday, celebrating their historic win at the ICC Women’s World Cup. The team, which overcame a challenging start with three consecutive losses and faced significant online criticism, made a remarkable comeback to clinch the title. PM Modi lauded their resilience and determination, emphasizing their achievement as a source of national pride. The players presented the Prime Minister with a signed jersey bearing the inscription ‘Namo 1,’ symbolizing their gratitude and unity. The meeting was also attended by Mithun Manhas, President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

    Captain Harmanpreet Kaur reflected on the team’s journey, recalling their previous meeting with PM Modi in 2017 after a heartbreaking loss in the World Cup final. She expressed joy at returning with the trophy this time and hoped for more such interactions in the future. Vice Captain Smriti Mandhana, who emerged as the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer, credited PM Modi’s motivational words as a driving force behind their success. She highlighted the broader impact of his leadership on empowering women across various fields.

    Deepti Sharma, named ‘Player of the Tournament’ for her all-round performance, shared her excitement about meeting the Prime Minister again. She recounted his advice from 2017 to persevere and strive for excellence, which she believes played a pivotal role in their eventual triumph. PM Modi also praised Amanjot Kaur for her crucial catch in the final, which dismissed South Africa’s in-form captain Laura Wolvaardt, despite initial fumbles. The meeting underscored the team’s journey from adversity to glory and their role as inspirations for aspiring athletes nationwide.

  • Brown leads Team Genesis 2 to victory  in Abu Dhabi HSBC Pro-Ams

    Brown leads Team Genesis 2 to victory in Abu Dhabi HSBC Pro-Ams

    In a thrilling display of skill and teamwork, England’s Daniel Brown spearheaded Team Genesis 2 to a triumphant victory at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship Pro-Am held at Yas Links Abu Dhabi. The team, comprising Cahul Altman, Steven Hall, and Anish Malattari, achieved a remarkable score of 39 under par in the unique ‘Par is your Friend’ 18-hole format, which features one professional and three amateur players. The victory was secured through a back-nine countback, showcasing the team’s resilience and precision. Brown, currently ranked 11th in the Race to Dubai, is eyeing a strong finish to the season, with the top 10 players set to earn dual PGA Tour and DP World Tour cards for the 2026 season. The event saw participation from 13 teams, with another 25 teams competing in the Wednesday morning Pro-Am, won by Nicolai Hojgaard and his HSBC 9 Team. The tournament, featuring a $9 million prize fund, attracted top players from 21 countries, underscoring the DP World Tour’s global appeal. Notable players like Ludvig Aberg and Shane Lowry also participated through Ryder Cup exemptions. The competition continues with the first round scheduled for Thursday, featuring marquee tee times with golfing stars such as Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood.

  • World Series Game 7 averaged 51 million in U.S., Canada and Japan

    World Series Game 7 averaged 51 million in U.S., Canada and Japan

    The Los Angeles Dodgers’ dramatic 5-4 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7 of the World Series captivated a global audience, averaging 51 million viewers across the United States, Canada, and Japan. This marks the most-watched World Series game since the 1991 showdown between the Minnesota Twins and Atlanta Braves. In the U.S., the game drew an average of 27.33 million viewers on Fox Sports, Fox Deportes, and Fox’s streaming platforms, making it the second most-watched broadcast of the week. The game also saw a 16% increase in viewership compared to the 2019 Game 7 between the Washington Nationals and Houston Astros. In Canada, the game averaged 11.6 million viewers on Sportsnet and TVA Sports, becoming the most-watched English-language broadcast since the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. Japan, where the game aired at 9 a.m. local time, recorded an average of 12 million viewers, following Game 6’s record-breaking 13.1 million viewership. The entire seven-game series averaged 15.71 million viewers on Fox, marking a 2% increase from last year’s Dodgers-Yankees series and the first consecutive year of audience growth since 2015-16. The MLB Postseason on Fox, FS1, and FS2 averaged 8.09 million viewers, an 8% increase from 2022, making it Fox’s best postseason since 2017. The World Series was broadcast in 203 countries and territories by 44 media partners in 16 languages, solidifying its global appeal.

  • McIlroy eyes elusive Falcon Trophy at Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship

    McIlroy eyes elusive Falcon Trophy at Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship

    Rory McIlroy, the current leader in the Race to Dubai Rankings, is set to compete in the 20th edition of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship with his sights firmly set on the Falcon Trophy. Despite his impressive track record in the UAE, including seven DP World Tour victories—four Hero Dubai Desert Classic titles and three DP World Tour Championship wins—McIlroy has yet to claim victory in Abu Dhabi. This tournament remains a notable gap in his illustrious career, which boasts five Major Championships and 29 PGA TOUR victories.

    McIlroy has come close to winning in Abu Dhabi on multiple occasions, with four runner-up finishes and five third-place finishes. Reflecting on his past performances, McIlroy noted that the tournament’s timing at the start of the year often left him less prepared than he would have liked. However, with the event now moved to the end of the season, he feels better positioned to finally secure the title. ‘I’ve been close,’ McIlroy stated in his pre-tournament press conference. ‘This year, I’m hoping to finally get that Falcon Trophy.’

    The Northern Irishman enters the tournament with a commanding 441.32-point lead over England’s Marco Penge in the Race to Dubai Rankings. A strong performance could see McIlroy claim his seventh Harry Vardon Trophy, bringing him within one of Colin Montgomerie’s record of eight season-long titles. ‘Getting to six last year and tying Seve was special, and now Monty’s record feels within reach,’ McIlroy added. ‘I’m excited for the challenge over these next couple of weeks.’

    The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship offers fans an exceptional viewing experience, with general admission tickets free for the first two days and starting at just Dh 100 for the final two days. For those seeking a premium experience, the Championship Chalet on the 18th green provides five-star hospitality and unparalleled views of the action. Spectators can enjoy the air-conditioned chalet and a shaded balcony overlooking the final hole, making it the perfect spot to witness McIlroy’s quest for the Falcon Trophy.

  • Khaled Al Shehhi adds another gold for UAE at Jiu-Jitsu World Championship

    Khaled Al Shehhi adds another gold for UAE at Jiu-Jitsu World Championship

    Khaled Al Shehhi, a standout athlete from the UAE, clinched the gold medal in the men’s 62kg division at the Jiu-Jitsu World Championship held in Bangkok. This remarkable achievement has elevated the UAE national team’s medal tally to seven, comprising four gold, one silver, and two bronze medals across both men’s and women’s categories. Al Shehhi’s victory underscores the UAE’s growing prominence in the global jiu-jitsu arena, reflecting the nation’s commitment to nurturing athletic excellence. The championship, which commenced with a grand opening ceremony attended by Thai government officials, Jiu-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF) representatives, and delegations from 60 countries, is set to continue until November 15 at Bangkok’s Huamark Indoor Stadium. The UAE’s participation is bolstered by a robust delegation of 110 athletes across various age groups, supported by a comprehensive team of technical, administrative, and medical staff. Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, lauded the athletes’ dedication and professionalism, expressing confidence in their ability to secure more medals. Al Shehhi, in his victory speech, attributed his success to the unwavering support of the UAE leadership and the meticulous preparation provided by the Federation and coaching staff. The men’s competition is set to conclude tomorrow, with UAE athletes competing in the 85kg and 94kg divisions, aiming to further solidify their standing in the championship.

  • Australia selector Bailey defends age profile of Ashes squad after Waugh criticism

    Australia selector Bailey defends age profile of Ashes squad after Waugh criticism

    Australia’s chief selector George Bailey has firmly defended the age profile of the 15-man Ashes squad, which features only one player under 30, following criticism from former captain Steve Waugh. Waugh had expressed concerns that the team’s reliance on older players could jeopardize Australia’s future success. Bailey, however, emphasized that the squad was selected based on performance rather than age, dismissing Waugh’s remarks as unfounded. The squad includes seasoned players like Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, and Usman Khawaja, alongside all-rounder Cameron Green, the sole under-30 inclusion. Bailey questioned the logic of dropping players solely due to their age, stating, ‘You’ve got to give due respect that the guys are performing very well and they have the right to be selected.’ The selectors opted for experience over youth, recalling 31-year-old Marnus Labuschagne and including uncapped opener Jake Weatherald, while dropping 20-year-old Sam Konstas. Bailey also addressed concerns about Cameron Green’s fitness, noting that his ability to bowl would influence the final lineup. Steve Smith will captain the team in the absence of injured Pat Cummins, who is expected to return for the second Test. Bailey highlighted the importance of continuity and leadership within the squad, emphasizing Smith’s role in maintaining stability. The series against England begins on November 21 in Perth, with Australia aiming to retain the Ashes with their veteran-heavy lineup.

  • Slot lauds Liverpool’s spirited win over Real Madrid at Anfield

    Slot lauds Liverpool’s spirited win over Real Madrid at Anfield

    In a thrilling Champions League clash at Anfield, Liverpool secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Real Madrid, handing the LaLiga leaders their first defeat in Europe’s elite competition this season. The decisive moment came in the second half when Alexis Mac Allister headed home the game’s only goal, capping off a spirited performance by Arne Slot’s side. The Dutch manager lauded both the quality of the opposition and the unwavering support of the Anfield crowd, which he credited for inspiring the team’s resurgence. Slot emphasized the significance of the win, particularly against a Real Madrid side that had been in formidable form, losing just once in their previous matches. He also highlighted the defensive discipline that kept star players Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior at bay, with young right-back Conor Bradley earning special praise for his standout performance against Vinicius. This victory marks Liverpool’s second consecutive win, following a 2-0 Premier League triumph over Aston Villa, and signals a potential turnaround after a challenging period that saw the team endure four consecutive league losses and six defeats in seven games across all competitions. Slot acknowledged the grueling schedule but emphasized the importance of playing at home, where the fans provided the extra edge needed to overcome fatigue.

  • Morocco sweat as PSG star Hakimi ruled out for ‘several weeks’

    Morocco sweat as PSG star Hakimi ruled out for ‘several weeks’

    Paris St-Germain and Morocco’s star right-back, Achraf Hakimi, has been sidelined for “several weeks” due to a severe left ankle sprain. The injury, sustained during PSG’s 2-1 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich on Tuesday, has raised significant concerns for Morocco’s national team coach, Walid Regragui, as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) approaches. The tournament, set to begin on December 21 in Morocco, marks the first time the nation has hosted the event since 1988. Hakimi’s absence could be a major blow to the Atlas Lions’ aspirations. The 27-year-old was forced off the pitch in tears during first-half stoppage time following a reckless challenge from Bayern’s Luis Diaz, who was subsequently sent off after a VAR review. Hakimi, a key figure in Morocco’s historic run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals and their flawless qualification for the 2026 World Cup, is also among the top contenders for the 2025 African Footballer of the Year Award. His recent inclusion in the Fifpro World XI further underscores his global stature. PSG confirmed the injury on their official website, with manager Luis Enrique lamenting the “bad luck” of the incident. Bayern’s Vincent Kompany echoed the sentiment, wishing Hakimi a swift recovery. The injury not only impacts PSG’s campaign but also casts a shadow over Morocco’s AFCON preparations, as they aim to capitalize on home advantage to secure continental glory.

  • ‘Australia not a bunch of old-timers – they’re an outstanding team’

    ‘Australia not a bunch of old-timers – they’re an outstanding team’

    As the Ashes series approaches, Australia’s cricket team is under the spotlight for its reliance on seasoned veterans, raising questions about the future of its squad. With just 16 days until the first Test, the anticipation is palpable, and the narrative is dominated by the age and experience of the Australian players. The team, led by chief selector George Bailey, boasts a wealth of talent, including Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, who collectively have over 1,200 Test wickets. However, the squad’s average age is a point of concern, with only all-rounder Cameron Green under 30.

  • Fit-again Rishabh Pant returns for India-South Africa test series

    Fit-again Rishabh Pant returns for India-South Africa test series

    Indian cricket star Rishabh Pant has made a triumphant return to the field, set to play a pivotal role in the upcoming two-test series against South Africa, commencing on November 14 in Kolkata. The wicketkeeper-batter, who has been sidelined since sustaining a foot injury during the five-test series in England earlier this year, is back in action and will serve as vice-captain under Shubman Gill, a role he previously held during the England tour. Pant’s comeback follows a successful stint with India A, where he led the team to a three-wicket victory against South Africa A in Bengaluru, scoring an impressive 90 runs in the second innings. He will continue to captain India A in the second unofficial test starting this Thursday. The senior test squad also includes promising talents like KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel, Devdutt Padikkal, and Mohammed Siraj, who are set to bolster India’s lineup. Notably, wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav has been released from India’s T20 tour to Australia to focus on the South Africa series. However, Mohammed Shami and Karun Nair remain absent from the squad despite their strong performances in domestic cricket. South Africa, the reigning world test champion, recently drew 1-1 in Pakistan, setting the stage for an intense showdown with India.