Global Pulse

分类： sports

  • Exclusive: Ex-PCB chief recalls the day India-Pakistan cricket collapsed

    Exclusive: Ex-PCB chief recalls the day India-Pakistan cricket collapsed

    The high-stakes world of international cricket faces its most significant political crisis in years as Pakistan’s government-backed boycott of the February 15 T20 World Cup match against India exposes deep fractures within the sport’s governance. The decision, taken in solidarity with Bangladesh after their removal from the tournament, threatens to derail cricket’s most lucrative rivalry that generates approximately $400 million per match.

    Najam Sethi, former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman with three separate tenures, provided exclusive insight to Khaleej Times regarding the escalating confrontation between Pakistan and the International Cricket Council. According to Sethi, Pakistan’s protest stems from perceived inconsistent application of ICC regulations, particularly referencing the precedent set when India’s matches were relocated to Dubai during the 2025 Champions Trophy due to security concerns.

    The veteran administrator revealed startling behind-the-scenes details of cricket diplomacy, including a 2015 incident where Pakistani officials were allegedly humiliated during a trip to Mumbai. “They received us at the airport, brought us to the hotel, and asked us to wait,” Sethi recounted. “Three hours later, they told us the meeting had been cancelled and police were waiting outside to take us back to the airport.”

    The current standoff represents a dramatic escalation in cricket’s geopolitical tensions. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has publicly endorsed the boycott, characterizing it as a stance against unfair treatment. Sethi suggests informal backchannel negotiations are underway between ICC representatives and Pakistani officials, though he acknowledges the challenging dynamics given the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s considerable influence within international cricket.

    With the Olympics potentially welcoming cricket in 2028, Sethi warns that the sport’s governing body risks damaging its credibility through perceived political bias. “The Olympics will never tolerate a politicized ICC,” he emphasized, noting that the timing of this confrontation could jeopardize cricket’s Olympic aspirations.

    The situation remains fluid with February 15 looming as a critical deadline. Should Pakistan maintain their position and refuse to play India in potential knockout matches, the ICC faces unprecedented disciplinary decisions that could reshape international cricket’s power structure.

  • Canada, the world’s historic curling powerhouse, is feeling the pressure at Cortina

    Canada, the world’s historic curling powerhouse, is feeling the pressure at Cortina

    CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — The Olympic curling arena witnessed a dramatic power shift on Saturday as Great Britain’s Bruce Mouat and Jennifer Dodds delivered a decisive blow to Canadian veterans Brett Gallant and Jocelyn Peterman. The match, characterized by Britain’s aggressive stone placement that systematically dismantled Canada’s strategic formations, represents more than just a round-robin defeat—it symbolizes the complete transformation of international curling competitiveness.

    This marked Canada’s second consecutive loss in the mixed doubles tournament, following an earlier defeat by the United States team. The back-to-back setbacks highlight the erosion of Canada’s historical dominance in a sport it once commanded. Olympic observers now recognize that the competitive landscape has undergone fundamental changes through recent Olympic cycles, with multiple nations developing world-class training programs.

    Devin Heroux, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s seasoned curling analyst, noted: “This outcome perfectly illustrates curling’s current global state. Canada long operated under the assumption that it produced the world’s finest curlers. The reality now is that not only has the international community caught up—they’ve arguably surpassed us.”

    Despite these losses, both teams remain likely to advance to the next round alongside the United States and Italy, with Britain now positioned strongly for qualification among the ten teams competing at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games.

    The British duo’s victory stems from years of dedicated training at Scotland’s National Curling Academy, established in 2017. Their partnership exemplifies the structured development programs that have produced formidable challengers to Canadian supremacy. Since the 2018 Pyeongchang Games—where Canada failed to medal in either four-person team event—the nation’s curling dominance has waned, managing only a single bronze across all disciplines in Beijing.

    Post-match discussions revealed another critical factor: rapidly changing ice conditions at Cortina’s curling center. Athletes noted significant alterations from previous days, with ice playing “up to two seconds faster”—a substantial variation that forced tactical adjustments. Gallant employed an automotive analogy: “It’s like taking a Honda Civic down the highway then jumping into a Ferrari.” He emphasized that while challenging, the conditions didn’t excuse the loss: “The team that adjusts better gains the advantage. They adapted quicker than we did.”

    His assessment was echoed by the victorious British pair. “We coped with it very well,” stated Dodds, while Mouat added: “We’re communicating effectively and now understand how the ice will behave for the remainder of the competition.”

    Heroux concluded that adaptation to Cortina’s volatile ice conditions would ultimately determine which team claims gold, marking a new era where flexibility and rapid adjustment have become as crucial as traditional curling skills.

  • Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026: Meet couple who ‘never wins’ but travels world for sport

    Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026: Meet couple who ‘never wins’ but travels world for sport

    ABU DHABI – While elite athletics often focus on podium finishes and medal counts, the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 is showcasing a profoundly different competitive ethos: one where participation transcends victory and community outweighs conquest. This alternative sporting philosophy finds perfect embodiment in German archers Manfred and Maria Wirsing, whose global journey exemplifies the event’s core values.

    Since their inaugural Masters competition in Auckland (2017), the Wirsings have traversed continents not in pursuit of trophies but meaningful human connections. “We never win,” acknowledges 70-year-old Manfred with cheerful acceptance. “We try. We want to meet friends. Meeting people is what matters.” His wife Maria, a 62-year-old archery enthusiast for quarter-century, shares this perspective: “It’s a hobby. If you win, that’s good – but it’s not necessary.”

    Their story converged with thousands of other amateur athletes during Friday’s opening ceremony, where the couple experienced a novel honor – marching behind the archery flag despite their non-competitive status. For the Wirsings, this recognition symbolized something deeper than athletic achievement: validation of their decade-long commitment to global sporting fellowship.

    The ceremony itself marked a historic milestone as the first Open Masters Games hosted in the Middle East, featuring a spectacular fusion of visual effects, cultural storytelling, and live performances. Organizers introduced the concept of the “original athlete” – defined not by medals but by movement, resilience, and collective human endeavor. This narrative framework deliberately emphasized sport’s roots in daily life rather than elite performance.

    Among those embodying this spirit was Emirati athlete Azza Al Ghunaimi, selected to carry the International Masters Games flag. The 49-year-old runner from Abu Dhabi described her unexpected nomination as culminating years of dedication. “When I came for rehearsals and they called my name, I felt that all these years of hard work meant something,” she reflected, preparing for her upcoming half-marathon participation.

    Meanwhile, Lebanese swimmer Racha Kabbara (55) embraced both the honor and anxiety of marching before thousands. “They trained us how to walk, how to hold the flag,” she noted. “It’s not hard – but there is fear. Fear of being in front of all these people.” Kabbara’s ambitions extend far beyond these Games, with plans to attempt an Ironman triathlon at age 60.

    The scale of the event is monumental: over 21,000 participants from more than 100 nations, ranging from their 30s to 91 years old, competing across 38 sports until February 15. As UAE Minister of Sports Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi emphasized, the Games represent a broader vision positioning sport as both lifestyle and unifying force.

    International Masters Games Association President Sergii Bubka highlighted the inspirational message sent by nonagenarian competitors: “The desire to move has no limits.”

    For the Wirsings – already planning future competitions in Kansai and New Zealand – the Abu Dhabi experience reinforces their enduring conviction. As Manfred observed while watching athletes from across the globe parade under stadium lights: “Abu Dhabi is new for us, but this community – it’s always the same spirit.” In an arena where simply participating constitutes victory, the Games continue redefining what it means to be an athlete at any age.

  • Pressure is on freeski star Gu after she falls on first run in slopestyle qualifying at Olympics

    Pressure is on freeski star Gu after she falls on first run in slopestyle qualifying at Olympics

    LIVIGNO, Italy — Reigning Olympic silver medalist Eileen Gu faced an immediate setback during the women’s slopestyle qualifying at the Winter Olympics on Saturday when she fell on her initial run. The Chinese freeskiing sensation lost balance upon exiting the first rail feature, resulting in a tumble that compromised her score potential.

    Demonstrating characteristic resilience, the 22-year-old athlete promptly recovered and completed her routine despite the early error. This performance places significant pressure on Gu’s second and final qualifying attempt, where she must achieve a top-twelve score to advance to Monday’s championship final.

    The California-born skier, who represents China internationally, arrived at these Games with established superstar status following her remarkable performance at Beijing 2022. During those home-soil Olympics, Gu narrowly missed achieving an unprecedented triple gold accomplishment, securing victory in both halfpipe and big air events while earning silver in slopestyle.

    All eyes now turn to Gu’s crucial second run as she attempts to maintain her medal contention in the slopestyle discipline, an event that has previously showcased both her technical precision and creative flair on the Olympic stage.

  • Milestones, surprises, and birthday cheers as the Carnival makes more history at Meydan

    Milestones, surprises, and birthday cheers as the Carnival makes more history at Meydan

    The Meydan Racecourse witnessed an extraordinary evening of racing history during Friday’s 11th meeting of the Dubai Racing Carnival, setting unprecedented records as the prestigious Dubai World Cup approaches. The event unfolded as a celebration of breakthrough achievements and unexpected outcomes, captivating audiences with its dynamic display of international horseracing excellence.

    British raiders dominated the turf with remarkable performances, headlined by Dividend’s triumphant victory in the Lord Glitters Handicap. Ridden by Irish jockey Rossa Ryan, who secured his inaugural Meydan win, the four-year-old outperformed Godolphin’s King’s Charter by three-quarters of length. The victory marked a significant milestone for co-trainers Dr. Richard Newland and Jamie Insole, achieving their first international success. “This horse has been consistently competitive in major handicaps,” Newland remarked. “The additional furlong and cheekpieces proved decisive tonight.”

    Northern Champion continued Britain’s winning streak by claiming the Dubai Trophy under five-time champion jockey Oisin Murphy. The colt demonstrated exceptional versatility, dropping back to 1,200 meters after previously winning over 1,400 meters, and secured a two-length victory over Charlie Appleby’s Maximised. Murphy, celebrating his first Meydan triumph since 2020, praised trainer Ed Walker’s strategic decision to shorten the distance.

    The carnival atmosphere intensified as popular jockey Pat Dobbs celebrated his 47th birthday with a spectacular double victory. Dobbs guided Cats By Five to a commanding five-length win in the Burj Azizi Handicap, with trainer Doug Watson confirming plans to advance the impressive grey to Super Saturday’s G3 Mahab Al Shimaal. Dobbs’ earlier victory came aboard Nyaar in the Azizi Creek Views Handicap, where the six-year-old demonstrated exceptional closing speed to overcome early leader Action Point.

    International participation flourished with South African trainer Dylan Cunha securing his second carnival victory through Tailgunner Joe’s narrow triumph in the Azizi Venice Handicap. Jockey Bernardo Pinheiro, who meticulously studied the horse’s Dubai performances, executed a perfect inside ride to edge Jolly Roger by a quarter-length. Pinheiro completed a personal double when Desperate Hero captured the Azizi Riviera Handicap finale by two and a half lengths.

    The evening’s proceedings commenced with Purebred Arabian competition, where Uptown Walk The Line delivered a spectacular ten-length victory under jockey Sandro Paiva. Former champion trainer Bhupat Seemar and jockey Richie Mullen also celebrated success with Watch Collector, who dramatically reversed previous poor form to win the Azizi Reve Maiden.

  • Salama credits local caddie for stunning wire-to-wire victory in Egypt Golf Series finale

    Salama credits local caddie for stunning wire-to-wire victory in Egypt Golf Series finale

    Spanish professional golfer Juan Salama captured his first MENA Golf Tour championship with a dominant wire-to-wire victory at the Egypt Golf Series finale held at Madinaty Golf Club in Cairo. The rising star credited his local caddie’s expertise as instrumental in his spectacular performance that culminated in a three-shot triumph.

    Salama established tournament dominance from the outset by firing a blistering course-record 60 in the opening round, marking his personal best competitive round. He maintained his commanding position throughout the competition, closing with a five-under-par 65 to finish at 17-under overall. The Spaniard’s victory provided redemption after suffering a playoff defeat to Jack Davidson just seven days earlier at Address Marassi.

    “Shooting 60 was my personal best round, so to open the tournament like that really set everything up,” Salama acknowledged. “I had a local caddie this week who read the greens exceptionally well, and it’s been a fantastic start to the year.”

    The final round presented tense moments as Salama’s pursuers attempted to close the gap. After extending his lead with four birdies on the front nine, a dropped shot at the 15th hole briefly offered hope to competitors. However, Salama demonstrated remarkable composure, navigating the challenging water hazard at the 16th before sealing his victory with a birdie at the 17th.

    “I felt solid but was definitely nervous,” Salama confessed. “I focused on staying present on every shot, maintaining my routine, and handling each moment individually. The water hazard at 16 created particular tension, but I managed to navigate it successfully.”

    Welsh golfer Jack Davidson, last week’s champion, shared second place at 14-under with overnight co-leader Owen Edwards. Davidson posted a 66 in the final round but acknowledged that catching Salama proved ultimately impossible given the Spaniard’s consistent performance.

    England’s Ben Jones delivered the joint best round of the final day with a six-under 64, climbing to fourth position at 13-under. compatriot Curtis Knipes matched Jones’s 64 to secure fifth place at ten-under.

    The tournament concluded the MENA Golf Tour’s successful four-event Egypt swing, which distributed $400,000 in prize money across world-class venues. Salama collected $18,000 from the $100,000 prize fund along with valuable Official World Golf Ranking points. The tour now progresses to Morocco before continuing to Jordan and the GCC region.

  • Sofia Goggia lights the cauldron in Cortina after helping Italy secure Olympic hosting rights

    Sofia Goggia lights the cauldron in Cortina after helping Italy secure Olympic hosting rights

    CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — Italian skiing champion Sofia Goggia, whose pivotal role in securing the 2026 Winter Olympics for Italy, delivered a symbolic culmination to Friday’s opening ceremony by lighting the Olympic cauldron in Cortina d’Ampezzo. The honor occurred simultaneously with retired Olympic legends Alberto Tomba and Deborah Compagnoni performing identical duties in Milan, creating a historic dual-city spectacle.

    Goggia’s selection as torchlighter carried profound significance given her instrumental involvement in Milan-Cortina’s successful bid. During the critical 2019 IOC voting session, Goggia and snowboarder Michela Moioli delivered a charismatic joint presentation that reportedly swayed nearly 100 committee members with their infectious enthusiasm. Their demonstration, which included a synchronized dab gesture, ultimately helped overcome Sweden’s competing candidacy through an exhibition of authentic Italian athletic spirit.

    The 2018 Olympic downhill gold medalist and 2022 Beijing silver medalist now prepares to compete in Sunday’s women’s downhill event on her home slope. Goggia maintains a complex relationship with the Cortina course, having secured four World Cup downhill victories here while simultaneously missing the 2021 world championships due to injury.

    The ceremony additionally featured defending World Cup champion Federica Brignone as one of Italy’s flag bearers, with Olympic curling champion Amos Mosaner physically elevating her during the athletes’ parade—a moment Brignone later remarked upon with humorous concern about her weight. The dual-city opening ceremony established a powerful visual narrative of Italian winter sports heritage bridging generations of athletic excellence.

  • India’s Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashes record with blistering 175 in U-19 World Cup final

    India’s Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashes record with blistering 175 in U-19 World Cup final

    In a breathtaking display of youthful brilliance, 14-year-old Indian cricketer Vaibhav Suryavanshi delivered one of the most extraordinary performances in youth cricket history during the Under-19 World Cup final against England. The teenage sensation demolished the English bowling attack at Harare Sports Club, hammering an unprecedented 175 runs from just 80 deliveries in what cricket experts are already calling a generational innings.

    Suryavanshi’s monumental effort featured a staggering 15 boundaries and 15 sixes, propelling India to a formidable total of 411-9 in their 50 overs after winning the toss and electing to bat. The innings represented multiple record-breaking achievements: surpassing Unmukt Chand’s previous final record of 111 not out (set in 2012), eclipsing Raj Bawa’s Indian U-19 World Cup best of 162 not out (2022), and establishing a new tournament benchmark for six-hitting with 30 maximums throughout the competition.

    The young opener demonstrated remarkable maturity and power, reaching his half-century in merely 32 balls and accelerating to triple figures in just 55 deliveries. His dismissal in the 26th over prompted a rare display of sportsmanship as England’s entire team approached to congratulate the departing batsman, acknowledging the historic nature of his performance.

    Suryavanshi’s emergence as a cricketing prodigy began last year when he became the youngest centurion in men’s Twenty20 cricket during an Indian Premier League match, scoring 101 off 38 balls for Rajasthan Royals. His appetite for dominant performances against England was previously demonstrated in July when he registered 143 runs from 78 deliveries in Worcester.

    The record-breaking innings positions India to claim their unprecedented sixth Under-19 World Cup title, while England seeks only their second championship since their 1998 triumph.

  • More than a game: What the Super Bowl means to Americans

    More than a game: What the Super Bowl means to Americans

    As the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks prepare for their monumental clash at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, Super Bowl LX has evolved into far more than a championship football game. This annual spectacle represents a deeply ingrained cultural ritual that captivates millions of Americans across demographic and geographic divides.

    The migration of NFL enthusiasts to California exemplifies the event’s magnetic pull, transforming the championship into a nationwide pilgrimage. Beyond the athletic competition between two football powerhouses, the Super Bowl has matured into a multifaceted social institution that combines athletic excellence, entertainment extravaganza, and commercial powerhouse.

    This cultural touchstone generates unprecedented viewership numbers annually, creating shared experiences that transcend mere sports fandom. The event functions as an economic catalyst for host cities while serving as advertising’s most coveted platform, where commercial spots command premium prices for their guaranteed mass audience.

    Families and friends gather in homes nationwide, participating in traditions that have evolved around the game itself. The spectacle incorporates cutting-edge halftime performances, culinary traditions, and social rituals that have become inseparable from the athletic contest. For many Americans, the event provides seasonal rhythmmarking the transition from winter to spring through collective experience.

    The cultural significance extends beyond entertainment, reflecting American values of competition, excellence, and community. The game generates conversations about leadership, strategy, and perseverance that resonate in broader societal contexts, while simultaneously providing escapism and shared celebration.

  • Veteran Vonn completes training run despite torn ACL

    Veteran Vonn completes training run despite torn ACL

    In an extraordinary display of athletic resilience, American skiing legend Lindsey Vonn has successfully completed her mandatory downhill training run at the Winter Olympics just seven days after sustaining a complete rupture of her left anterior cruciate ligament. The 41-year-old champion, who previously announced her devastating knee injury following a crash during the final World Cup race in Switzerland, navigated the challenging Olimpia delle Tofane course in Cortina with remarkable composure.

    Vonn, the 2010 Olympic downhill gold medalist, posted a time of 1:44.33 during Thursday’s session, finishing 1.39 seconds behind the day’s fastest skier. The training run, initially scheduled for Thursday but postponed due to adverse weather conditions, faced significant delays owing to dense fog at the course’s summit. These challenging conditions resulted in numerous competitors missing gates on the softened slope surface.

    The four-time world champion, competing with her injured knee supported by a protective brace, demonstrated aggressive technical precision to ensure she cleared all gates successfully. Following her run, Vonn exchanged a celebratory fist bump with compatriot Breezy Johnson before briefly confirming her satisfactory condition to officials.

    Norwegian coach and double Olympic gold medalist Aksel Lund Svindal expressed confidence in Vonn’s medal prospects, stating: ‘From today’s performance, I believe she maintains competitive potential. Her technique appeared symmetrical, and she demonstrated reserved capacity. Given her proven ability to win when skiing well this season, she could potentially deliver medal-winning performance on Sunday.’

    Vonn’s participation in Sunday’s downhill event became possible after completing this mandatory training session, though her availability for subsequent team and Super-G events on February 10th and 12th remains uncertain. The skiing icon has reported minimal swelling and pain, contributing to her confidence in competing despite the significant injury.

    This remarkable comeback attempt follows Vonn’s retirement from professional skiing in 2019 and subsequent return to competition in December 2024 after undergoing partial replacement surgery on her right knee. Prior to her recent injury, she had been considered among the top favorites for gold in Cortina and currently leads the downhill World Cup standings.