分类: sports

  • Qatar’s Al Haydos pledges Gaza school, sports hall after reaching World Cup

    Qatar’s Al Haydos pledges Gaza school, sports hall after reaching World Cup

    Qatar’s national football team captain, Hassan Al Haydos, has announced a significant humanitarian initiative following his team’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 34-year-old forward pledged to fund the construction of a school and a sports hall in Gaza, linking the sporting achievement to broader global concerns. This gesture underscores the intersection of sports and humanitarianism, particularly in light of recent geopolitical developments. Qatar secured their place in the World Cup after a decisive 2–1 victory over the United Arab Emirates in Doha, topping Group A in the Asian qualification process. This marks Qatar’s second World Cup appearance, following their hosting of the 2022 tournament. Al Haydos, who returned to the national team this year after a brief retirement, emphasized the importance of using sporting success as a platform for positive change. In his statement, he highlighted the recent ceasefire agreement in Gaza and the peace summit held in Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh on October 13, expressing hope for a safer future for the region. ‘In moments of celebration, our responsibility remains to remember the suffering of our brothers and sisters across the world,’ Al Haydos said. ‘God willing, I will contribute by donating towards the construction of a school and a sports hall as part of Gaza’s reconstruction — believing that education and sports are the path to life once again.’ The pledge aligns with international efforts to rebuild Gaza after two years of conflict, emphasizing the transformative power of education and sports in fostering resilience and hope.

  • Record high 60 million viewers for Women’s World Cup

    Record high 60 million viewers for Women’s World Cup

    The Women’s Cricket World Cup has set unprecedented milestones, drawing a staggering 60 million viewers for its first 13 matches, as announced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday. This edition marks a historic moment as it becomes the first women’s tournament to offer a prize purse exceeding that of the previous men’s ODI World Cup, with a total of $13.88 million up for grabs. The tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, features eight teams vying for the coveted title, set to be decided in the final on November 2. According to ICC and JioHotstar data, viewership has surged five-fold compared to the 2022 edition. A highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan on October 5 in Colombo broke records as the most-watched women’s international cricket match, attracting 28.4 million viewers. Defending champions Australia are aiming for their eighth title, while hosts India seek their first-ever Women’s World Cup victory. Notably, Pakistan is playing all its matches in Colombo under a compromise agreement allowing both India and Pakistan to compete at neutral venues in multi-nation tournaments.

  • UAE seals T20 World Cup 2026 spot after defeating Japan in 8-wicket win

    UAE seals T20 World Cup 2026 spot after defeating Japan in 8-wicket win

    The UAE cricket team has clinched a spot in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 following a commanding 8-wicket triumph over Japan. This victory ensures the Emirati squad joins Nepal and Oman, who had already secured their places in the tournament earlier in the week. The match, held on October 16, 2025, showcased the UAE’s prowess both on the field and at the crease. Muhammad Farooq set the tone early with a precise direct hit to dismiss Abhishek Anand, while Haider Ali delivered a stellar performance, claiming three crucial wickets for just 12 runs. Japan struggled to recover from a shaky start, managing only 116 runs despite a valiant 45 not out from Wataru Miyauchi. In response, the UAE’s openers, Waseem and Alishan Sharafu, launched a blistering attack, amassing 36 runs in the first three overs. Sharafu’s explosive 46 off 27 balls and Waseem’s 42 off 26 ensured a swift and comfortable chase, wrapping up the match in the 13th over. This victory not only highlights the UAE’s growing cricketing strength but also sets the stage for their participation in the prestigious global tournament.

  • Norris held accountable for McLaren’s scrap in Singapore that tightened up F1 title chase

    Norris held accountable for McLaren’s scrap in Singapore that tightened up F1 title chase

    The McLaren team has put the controversial incident from the Singapore Grand Prix behind them, with both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri now refocusing on their pursuit of the Formula 1 championship. Norris acknowledged on Thursday that he took responsibility for the collision with Piastri at the start of the race, which allowed him to secure a better position and narrow Piastri’s championship lead to just 22 points. Despite the incident, both drivers emphasized that McLaren’s team principles, known as the ‘papaya rules,’ remain unchanged as they head into the United States Grand Prix this weekend. Piastri expressed his dissatisfaction during the Singapore race, claiming that the team’s decision not to order a position swap was unfair, especially after previous incidents where he was instructed to let Norris pass. The tension has sparked concerns about whether the pressure of a title fight between teammates could destabilize the team, which has already secured the constructor’s championship. Norris defended his actions, stating that while he regretted the contact, he would not pass up an opportunity to gain an advantage. He also dismissed comparisons to past rivalries, such as the infamous Hamilton-Rosberg feud at Mercedes, praising McLaren team principal Andrea Stella for maintaining team morale. With six Grand Prix and three sprint races remaining, both drivers are vying for their first F1 championship. Meanwhile, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen is mounting a late-season charge, adding further intensity to the title race. As the teams prepare for the heat-hazard-designated races in Texas, drivers will have the option to use cooling vests to combat the scorching temperatures, which are expected to exceed 88 degrees Fahrenheit (31 degrees Celsius).

  • The Milan-Cortina Olympic Opening Ceremony will spread across regions, like the Games themselves

    The Milan-Cortina Olympic Opening Ceremony will spread across regions, like the Games themselves

    The Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games, scheduled from February 6 to 22, 2026, will mark a historic milestone with its uniquely dispersed Opening Ceremony. Organizers revealed on Thursday that the Parade of Nations will not only take place at Milan’s iconic San Siro Stadium, accommodating 60,000 spectators, but will also extend to three additional locations: Cortina, Predazzo, and Livigno. This unprecedented format ensures athletes from all disciplines, regardless of their competition venues, can participate in the ceremony. Andrea Varnier, CEO of the Milan-Cortina organizing committee, emphasized the Opening Ceremony as a unifying moment, stating, ‘It is the moment that defines that edition of the Games, in their spirit.’ The event will highlight the duality of urban and mountain settings, symbolizing harmony amid global tensions. Each nation will have two flagbearers, with Italy, as the host, featuring four. The Olympic flame will burn simultaneously in Milan’s Arco della Pace and Cortina’s Piazza Dibona. The ceremony will also pay tribute to the late fashion designer Giorgio Armani, who designed Italy’s Olympic uniforms for decades. San Siro Stadium, set for demolition and replacement, will host its first and only Olympic Ceremony, cementing its legacy as a city icon.

  • Labuschagne hits another ton to push for Ashes recall

    Labuschagne hits another ton to push for Ashes recall

    Marnus Labuschagne has reignited his cricketing career with a remarkable fourth century in just five innings, strengthening his case for a return to Australia’s Ashes squad. The 31-year-old batsman delivered a commanding 159 on the second day of Queensland’s Sheffield Shield match against South Australia. This performance follows his impressive scores of 130 and 105 in Australia’s domestic 50-over competition and a 160 in the previous round of red-ball matches. Labuschagne, who boasts 11 centuries in 58 Tests, was notably omitted from Australia’s three-Test series against the West Indies earlier this summer due to a slump in form. His last Test century dates back to the fourth Test of the 2023 Ashes, with an average of 24.74 over 30 subsequent innings. Despite his resurgence, Labuschagne’s return alone may not address all the batting concerns for Australia’s first Test against England in Perth on November 21. In his most recent Test, the World Test Championship final loss to South Africa, he scored 17 and 22 after being promoted to open. Currently batting at number three for Queensland, his traditional position, Australia still faces a dilemma in finding a reliable opener. Youngster Sam Konstas, who managed only 50 runs across six innings in the West Indies, has struggled in domestic cricket this season. Meanwhile, uncapped opener Jake Weatherald made a strong case with a 99-ball 94 in a low-scoring match against Western Australia. If Labuschagne were to open, it could allow Cameron Green to bat at number three, retaining all-rounder Beau Webster in the middle order, though Green has only one fifty in eight innings in that position. Webster is currently sidelined with an ankle injury, while Green is part of Australia’s squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against India. The Ashes series between Australia and England is set to run from November 21, 2025, to January 7, 2026, with comprehensive coverage available on BBC Sounds, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, and the BBC Sport website and app.

  • Australia reaches semifinals after thrashing Bangladesh in Women’s Cricket World Cup

    Australia reaches semifinals after thrashing Bangladesh in Women’s Cricket World Cup

    In a commanding display of skill and strategy, Australia secured their place in the semifinals of the Women’s Cricket World Cup with a resounding 10-wicket victory over Bangladesh on Thursday. The match, held in Visakhapatnam, India, saw Australia effortlessly chase down Bangladesh’s total of 198-9 in just 24.5 overs, finishing at 202 without loss. Captain Alyssa Healy led the charge with an unbeaten 113 off 77 balls, while Phoebe Litchfield contributed a solid 84 not out off 72 deliveries. Healy’s innings, marked by 20 boundaries, was the fastest century of the tournament, showcasing her exceptional form following her 142-run performance against India earlier in the week. Litchfield also impressed with 12 fours and a six. The Australian spinners, particularly Alana King who took 2-18 in 10 overs, played a pivotal role in restricting Bangladesh’s batting lineup. King’s performance earned her the Player of the Match award. Despite a steady start by Bangladesh’s opener Rubya Haider, who scored 44, and Sobhana Mostary’s resilient 66 not out, the team struggled to build momentum, with none of the last six batters reaching double figures. Australia’s victory extends their unbeaten streak in the World Cup to 13 consecutive games, solidifying their status as seven-time champions. The team now looks ahead to their next match against England in Indore, while Bangladesh prepares to face Sri Lanka in Navi Mumbai.

  • Patrick Kluivert exits as Indonesia’s head coach after missing out on a World Cup spot

    Patrick Kluivert exits as Indonesia’s head coach after missing out on a World Cup spot

    Patrick Kluivert has resigned from his position as head coach of the Indonesian national football team, just days after the country’s aspirations to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup were dashed. The former Barcelona striker, who was appointed in January on a two-year contract, aimed to lead Indonesia to its first World Cup appearance since gaining independence in 1945. However, recent defeats to Saudi Arabia and Iraq in the qualifying rounds sealed Indonesia’s fate, prompting an early termination of Kluivert’s tenure. The Football Association of Indonesia announced the mutual decision, citing a comprehensive evaluation of the national team’s coaching and development program as the reason for the change. In a heartfelt message to fans on social media, Kluivert expressed his disappointment and took full responsibility for the team’s performance. He described the losses as ‘bitter lessons’ but also as reminders of the shared dreams for Indonesian football. Kluivert’s appointment was part of the federation’s strategy to naturalize players of Indonesian heritage from Europe, a policy that helped the team reach the final stages of World Cup qualification for the first time since 1938, when it competed as the Dutch East Indies. Despite the majority of his 23-player squad being born overseas, primarily in the Netherlands, the team’s performance under Kluivert’s leadership remained inconsistent, with only three wins in eight matches.

  • Australian Olympic swim star Ariarne Titmus retires at 25

    Australian Olympic swim star Ariarne Titmus retires at 25

    Australian swimming sensation Ariarne Titmus has announced her retirement from competitive swimming at the age of 25, marking the end of an illustrious career that saw her clinch four Olympic gold medals and set world records. In a heartfelt Instagram post on Thursday, Titmus revealed that the decision to step away from the sport was a difficult but fulfilling one. ‘The time feels right to step away,’ she wrote, reflecting on her 18-year journey in swimming. ‘I’ve always loved swimming, it’s been my passion since I was a little girl.’ Titmus, who took a break after the 2024 Paris Olympics, shared that she had come to realize other aspects of life now held greater importance. The world record holder in the 200m freestyle, Titmus retires with an impressive tally of 32 international medals, including eight Olympic medals. Her career highlights include victories in the 400m freestyle at both the Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 Olympics, as well as gold in the 200m freestyle in Tokyo and a team gold in the 4x200m freestyle relay in Paris. Titmus also opened up about the health challenges she faced, including surgery to remove an ovarian tumor before the Paris Games, which she described as a mentally taxing experience. In a poignant letter to her seven-year-old self, Titmus expressed pride in her relentless pursuit of excellence, stating, ‘You walk away knowing every stone was turned, no regrets. You’re fulfilled, content, and happy.’ Tributes poured in from fellow swimmers, including American rival Katie Ledecky, who hailed Titmus as an ‘outstanding competitor, champion, and person,’ and Australian teammate Mollie O’Callaghan, who celebrated her ‘amazing career.’

  • Brazilian club Botafogo in court for $21M transfer fee dispute with Atlanta United and FIFA

    Brazilian club Botafogo in court for $21M transfer fee dispute with Atlanta United and FIFA

    South American champions Botafogo, owned by American businessman John Textor, have escalated a financial dispute with Major League Soccer club Atlanta United to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The Brazilian club is contesting FIFA’s order to pay a $21 million transfer fee for Argentina attacker Thiago Almada, a 2022 World Cup winner. The hearing took place on Wednesday, though no verdict deadline has been set. FIFA’s ruling revealed that Botafogo failed to make the first two installment payments of $3 million each in July and September 2023, leading to default notices from MLS. The Brazilian club had requested additional time to resolve the issue, but FIFA imposed a $150,000 fine and $25,000 in legal costs, citing Botafogo’s history of previous sanctions as an aggravating factor. FIFA also set a 45-day deadline for Botafogo to settle its debts or face a ban on registering new players. Almada, who played for Argentina in the 2022 World Cup and now represents Atletico Madrid, was transferred to Botafogo in June 2023 in a record-breaking MLS deal. After helping Botafogo win the Copa Libertadores, Almada was loaned to Lyon, another club owned by Textor, in January 2024. Lyon’s financial instability nearly led to their demotion from Ligue 1, but they secured a Europa League spot, indirectly affecting Crystal Palace’s UEFA competition status due to ownership integrity rules. Palace’s appeal to CAS to overturn their demotion to the Conference League was unsuccessful.