分类： sports

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.

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.

The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup narrows for Iraq and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as they prepare for a decisive two-leg playoff in the fifth round of Asian qualification. The first match will take place in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, followed by the return leg in Basra, Iraq, next Tuesday. The winner of this high-stakes encounter will advance to FIFA’s intercontinental playoffs in March, where they will compete for one of the final two spots in the expanded 48-team tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Iraq coach Graham Arnold emphasized the historic significance of this opportunity, stating, ‘Our first goal is to secure Iraq’s qualification to the World Cup, which is the most important achievement for us.’ Arnold, who led Australia to the round of 16 in the 2022 World Cup, took charge of Iraq in March and aims to guide the team to their first World Cup appearance since 1986. UAE coach Cosmin Olaroiu echoed the importance of the upcoming matches, urging his players to focus on the task at hand despite frustrations over the previous qualification round. Both teams narrowly missed automatic qualification in earlier rounds, finishing behind Qatar and Saudi Arabia. With passionate home crowds expected in both legs, the stage is set for a thrilling battle to keep World Cup dreams alive.

Rory McIlroy, the reigning Masters champion, is poised to make history at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai this weekend. With a commanding 767-point lead over his closest competitor, Marco Penge, McIlroy is on the verge of securing the Harry Vardon Trophy for an unprecedented seventh time. This achievement would see him surpass the legendary Seve Ballesteros, who holds six titles, and edge closer to Colin Montgomerie’s record of eight. McIlroy’s dominance in the Race to Dubai standings has been consistent, as he aims to claim the season-long title for the fourth consecutive year. The Northern Irishman is well aware of the stakes, with 2,000 points awarded to the winner of the final Rolex Series event at Jumeirah Golf Estates. While victory is not guaranteed, McIlroy remains focused on delivering a strong performance. Reflecting on his recent form, McIlroy highlighted his impressive showing at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, where he extended his lead with a flawless 62 on Sunday. He expressed optimism about maintaining his momentum in Dubai, a tournament he has won three times, including last year. McIlroy’s confidence is bolstered by the DP World Tour’s announcement of the Rory McIlroy Award, a new annual trophy honoring Europe’s first Career Grand Slam winner. The award will recognize the DP World Tour member with the best performance across all four major championships in a season. McIlroy joins an elite group of golfing legends, including Harry Vardon and Seve Ballesteros, in having a tour award named after him. As he prepares for the season finale, McIlroy remains determined to cement his legacy as one of European golf’s greatest players.

In a landmark meeting, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed the enduring partnership between France and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). The discussions underscored shared priorities in motorsport, road safety, sustainable mobility, and the protection of young people online. France, home to the FIA’s headquarters in Paris, remains a cornerstone of the Federation’s legacy, with Macron and Ben Sulayem celebrating the nation’s pivotal role in global motorsport. From the historic Paris–Rouen trial in 1894 to the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans, France has consistently driven innovation and economic impact in the industry, supporting over 1,000 jobs and contributing €162 million annually to the French economy. The leaders also addressed France’s representation in the FIA Formula 1 Championship, the contributions of French manufacturers and promoters, and the facilitation of visas for FIA delegates. Joining the meeting were Yann de Pontbriand, President of the Automobile Club de France (ACF), and Pierre Gosselin, President of the Fédération Française du Sport Automobile (FFSA). Their discussions emphasized the central role of these clubs in promoting safe and responsible mobility and motorsport. Road safety and sustainable mobility were key focal points, with Ben Sulayem and Macron exchanging views on initiatives like the FIA Driver Safety Index, a groundbreaking AI-powered tool to measure driver risk. The leaders also highlighted the FIA’s United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) campaign, which aligns with France’s policies on social media safety for children. By combining regulation, education, and technology, the campaign aims to create safer, more inclusive environments for the global sporting community. Ben Sulayem remarked, ‘Today highlights the deep and historic connection between France and the FIA, a bond that stretches back to the founding of our Federation in Paris over a century ago. Together, we are committed to advancing safer roads, more sustainable and accessible mobility for all, and fostering innovation in motorsport that benefits communities worldwide.’

The DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates witnessed a heartwarming fusion of art and sport as young athletes from Heroes of Hope, a UAE-based non-profit sports academy for people of determination, collaborated with local abstract artist Rabab Tantawy to complete a stunning mural at the Earth Lounge. The vibrant artwork, located beside the 16th green, added a fresh and creative touch to the championship venue as it prepared to crown its 2025 champion from November 13–16. The mural, blending traditional oil paint with contemporary spray art techniques, symbolized the inclusive spirit of the event. The young participants, including Noah Evans, Thomas O’Brien, and Marwan Al Khaja, have been part of a golf coaching programme at the Tommy Fleetwood Academy, a partnership between the DP World Tour and Heroes of Hope. This initiative aims to provide people of determination with opportunities to engage with golf both on and off the course. The programme culminated with a final lesson from one of the tournament’s leading players, offering the young athletes a memorable experience of the championship atmosphere. Noah, a Year 7 student at Dubai Heights Academy, shared his passion for golf, which he has been playing for three years alongside his father. His father, Tom, highlighted how the sport has boosted Noah’s confidence, hand-eye coordination, and overall well-being. The family expressed gratitude to Heroes of Hope, DP World, the Tommy Fleetwood Academy, and the DP World Tour for their unwavering support, enabling Noah and his peers to participate in such enriching activities.

In a significant stride for golf development in the UAE, the Tommy Fleetwood Academy (TFA) has officially opened its doors at Yas Links Abu Dhabi. This expansion marks a new chapter for the sport in the region, coinciding with the DP World Tour’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. The academy’s launch follows a comprehensive upgrade of Yas Links’ training facilities, now operating fully under the TFA brand. This move strengthens the partnership between Viya Golf and Tommy Fleetwood, one of golf’s most respected figures, and cements Yas Links’ reputation as a hub for golf excellence in the Middle East.

Tommy Fleetwood, the academy’s founder, expressed his deep connection to the UAE, describing it as a ‘second home’ for him and his family. He emphasized the academy’s mission to give back to the region that has supported his career. ‘We’ve built something truly special in Dubai, and expanding to Abu Dhabi is a privilege. I’m proud of the community we’ve created and the opportunity to inspire more golfers,’ Fleetwood said.

The new facility boasts cutting-edge technology, including two swing studios with advanced simulators, an indoor putting studio, and world-class training systems like PLATFORM Golf, Trackman, Swing Catalyst, and Sam PuttLab. These resources, combined with TFA’s proven player-development philosophy, aim to elevate golf performance at all levels.

Karl Whitehead, Cluster Manager at Viya Golf, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, ‘Abu Dhabi continues to lead in growing the game, and TFA’s expertise and technology will further enhance this vision.’ Chris May, CEO of Viya Golf, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the academy’s alignment with Viya’s commitment to excellence and player development.

The launch aligns with rising golf participation in Abu Dhabi, supported by expanded junior and ladies’ programs and the club’s largest-ever team of PGA professionals. As the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship puts Yas Links on the global stage, the new academy underscores Viya’s mission to make golf more accessible, inclusive, and performance-driven across the Middle East.