Omar Abdulrahman, affectionately known as ‘Amoory,’ one of the most celebrated footballers in UAE history, has announced his retirement at the age of 34. The Al Ain FC legend, who recently played as a midfielder for Al Wasl F.C., made the announcement on social media on Thursday, marking the end of a remarkable 17-year career. In his heartfelt message, Omar expressed gratitude for the journey, stating, ‘Today, with love and gratitude, I announce my retirement from football, after a beautiful journey that spanned years filled with challenges and achievements.’ He credited his success to hard work and the unwavering support of loyal fans and mentors. Omar made his senior debut with Al Ain Club during the 2008–09 season and went on to play 72 international matches for the UAE, contributing significantly to the team’s third-place finish in the 2015 Asian Cup. He also acknowledged the support of Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of Al Ain Club, and other key figures who played pivotal roles in his career. Omar’s career included stints with Al Hilal, Al Jazira, Shabab Al Ahli, and Al Wasl, each of which he described as holding a special place in his heart. As he closes this chapter, Omar looks forward to a new journey, thanking his fans for their love and encouragement, which he described as the driving force behind his persistence and performance.
分类： sports
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Small-town India to cricket World champions: The women who made history
The Indian women’s cricket team recently etched their names in history by clinching their first-ever World Cup title, a monumental achievement nearly five decades after their international debut. Their journey to victory was fraught with challenges, including a three-match losing streak in the round-robin stage. However, the team showcased unparalleled resilience, overcoming both external and internal obstacles to triumph over the previously unbeaten Australia in the semi-final and a determined South African side in the final. The players’ grit and determination on the field mirrored their off-field struggles, as many hailed from modest backgrounds in India’s small towns, where their families made significant sacrifices to support their dreams. These women, who honed their skills in village lanes with second-hand equipment, defied societal norms and gender biases to forge a legacy of perseverance and success. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s emotional celebration with her father, Harmandar Singh Bhullar, underscored the profound familial support that fueled her journey from Moga, Punjab, to lifting the World Cup trophy in Mumbai. Similarly, pace-bowling all-rounder Amanjot Kaur’s story of her father crafting her first bat from leftover wood in his carpentry workshop highlighted the unwavering belief in her potential. Left-arm spinner Radha Yadav’s ascent from a small grocery shop in Mumbai to the global stage, supported by her family’s sacrifices, further exemplified the team’s collective spirit. Fast bowler Renuka Singh Thakur’s perseverance, driven by her mother’s sacrifices, culminated in a stellar performance in the final. This historic win not only celebrates their cricketing prowess but also honors the enduring spirit of their families and communities.
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‘Flying’ Sarr easing Crystal Palace’s Eze loss
Replacing a star player like Eberechi Eze was always going to be a daunting task for Crystal Palace. Eze, who left for Arsenal this summer, had been instrumental in the team’s success, including scoring the historic goal that secured Palace’s first major trophy at Wembley. However, Ismaila Sarr, the Senegalese forward, has stepped up magnificently, netting eight goals in 15 games this season. His recent double in a 3-1 victory over AZ Alkmaar not only marked Palace’s first home win in the Conference League but also solidified their status as title contenders. Sarr’s performance was a masterclass in attacking prowess, combining pace, precision, and intelligent runs. He hit the post early on, won a penalty, and scored twice, showcasing his composure and clinical finishing. Former Palace defender Joel Ward praised Sarr’s form, highlighting his ability to exploit spaces and create opportunities. Sarr’s contributions have been pivotal, especially after the departures of Eze and Michael Olise. Manager Oliver Glasner lauded Sarr as a key player, emphasizing his speed and finishing ability. With Palace eyeing Conference League glory, Sarr’s form could be the catalyst for their success. Glasner expressed hope that this victory is just the beginning of a memorable campaign.
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Dubai Racing Carnival returns with star power and fresh stories
The 2025-2026 Dubai Racing Carnival kicked off in grand style at the iconic Meydan Racecourse, marking the beginning of a thrilling season that culminates in the 30th anniversary of the $12 million Dubai World Cup next March. This year’s opening night, sponsored by Emirates Airline with a prize pool of Dh 1.2 million, felt like a mini-festival, showcasing a blend of star power, fresh narratives, and global racing talent.
Among the highlights was the return of Dark Saffron, the three-year-old colt who made history by winning the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen in April. Trained by Emirati handler Ahmad bin Harmash, Dark Saffron is set to compete in the Dh 210,000 Emirates Airline Conditions sprint, with ambitions for an international double in Saudi Arabia and Dubai.
The event also featured a trio of Dubai’s top trainers—Doug Watson, Musabbeh Al Mheiri, and Bhupat Seemar—who are already vying for dominance in the new season. They face stiff competition from international trainers like Jamie Osborne and Julio Olascoaga, adding a cosmopolitan edge to the competition.
One of the most compelling stories of the night was the comeback of Chantal Sutherland, the trailblazing jockey who returned to racing after a life-threatening accident in 2023. Riding Kalidasa in the Emirates Airline Handicap, Sutherland’s presence added a layer of inspiration and glamour to the event.
The opening night also highlighted Dubai’s global racing appeal, with participants from Britain, Brazil, Canada, and Denmark. British trainer Jamie Osborne and Danish trainer Veronika Jandova brought their unique flair, while Brazilian jockeys Silvestre de Sousa, Sandro Paiva, and Bernardo Pinheiro added to the international excitement.
As the Dubai Racing Carnival returns bigger and better than ever, the stage is set for a season of high stakes, global stars, and the unparalleled magic of Meydan Racecourse.
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Ryder Cup stars Fleetwood, Lowry impress at Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship
The 2025 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship kicked off with an electrifying first round, as Ryder Cup stalwarts Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry showcased their prowess, sharing the lead with a stellar eight under par. The duo, paired together for the opening day, were joined by New Zealand’s Kazuma Kobori, South Africa’s Richard Sterne, and France’s Adrien Saddier in a five-way tie at the top. Fleetwood delivered a flawless round with eight birdies, while Lowry impressed with nine birdies and a single bogey. Saddier briefly surged to nine under but dropped back after a bogey on the 17th. Sterne, a former runner-up in this event, dazzled with two eagles, including a remarkable 75-foot putt on the 18th. Kobori also shone with an eagle and six birdies in a bogey-free round. Off the course, the tournament’s schools program introduced over 1,000 children to golf, while The R&A’s Golf in the Community Forum highlighted the sport’s growing impact in the region, focusing on inclusivity, health, and youth engagement. The event continues to blend world-class competition with initiatives to grow the game globally.
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Spinners bowl India to big win over Australia on Gold Coast
In a thrilling display of spin bowling, India clinched a commanding 48-run victory over Australia in the fourth T20I at Carrara Stadium on the Gold Coast. The match, held on Thursday, saw India’s spinners orchestrate a remarkable collapse of the Australian batting lineup, taking six crucial wickets and restricting the hosts to a mere 119 runs in their pursuit of 168. Washington Sundar, making his bowling debut in the series, delivered a standout performance with figures of 3-3 in just 1.2 overs, while Axar Patel contributed significantly with 2-20. Australia, after a promising start, lost their last nine wickets for a paltry 52 runs, crumbling under the pressure of India’s spin attack. Earlier in the match, Australia’s Adam Zampa and Nathan Ellis had each claimed three wickets, limiting India to what initially seemed a modest total of 167-8. However, India’s batsmen, led by Shubman Gill’s 46, laid a solid foundation, allowing the spinners to capitalize in the second innings. Patel, named Man of the Match, also chipped in with an unbeaten 21 runs. With this win, India now leads the series 2-1 heading into the final match in Brisbane. Australian captain Mitchell Marsh acknowledged India’s prowess, stating, ‘Fair play to India, they are a world-class team.’ The series outcome now hinges on the fifth T20I, where Australia will aim to level the series.
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Ballet star Roberto Bolle will headline 2026 Winter Olympics closing ceremony in Verona
Internationally renowned ballet star Roberto Bolle has been confirmed as the headline performer for the closing ceremony of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. The event, titled “Beauty in Motion,” will take place on February 22 in Verona’s ancient Roman amphitheater, the Arena, one of the world’s oldest and most iconic venues. The ceremony will honor Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Arena’s legacy as the stage for a celebrated summer opera festival. It will also celebrate athletic achievements and highlight the urgent issue of climate change, according to Alfredo Accatino, the artistic director for the closing ceremony. Accatino emphasized the symbolic significance of the central stage, shaped like a waterdrop, which will connect the mountain venues with the fertile Po River Valley and the Venetian lagoon. Bolle, who previously performed at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, is a familiar figure at the Arena, where he hosts his annual “Roberto Bolle and Friends” gala. The 2026 Winter Games, scheduled from February 6 to 22, will mark the first time two cities—Milan and Cortina—officially co-host the event. The opening and closing ceremonies will also be held in separate locations: Milan and Verona, respectively. Verona, a picturesque city with cobblestone streets and pre-Alpine landscapes, has generated significant excitement among Olympic delegations. Giovanni Malagò, president of the Milan Cortina Foundation, described the choice of Verona as a unique opportunity to showcase the city’s charm. Mayor Damiano Tommasi noted that Verona’s central location among Olympic venues makes it a convenient base for visitors. The city is approximately an hour and 15 minutes by train from Milan and three hours by car from Bormio and Cortina. Organizers are finalizing ticket details, with the Arena’s capacity expected to be lower than its usual 15,000 seats due to stage expansions and reserved seating for athletes and delegations.
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Mena Golf Tour is really good for the region, says Rory McIlroy
The Mena Golf Tour, the Middle East and North Africa’s sole professional golf circuit recognized by the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), has garnered high praise from five-time major champion Rory McIlroy. Speaking at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links, McIlroy emphasized the Tour’s significance in creating opportunities for regional players to advance to the sport’s highest levels. ‘Any region that provides pathways for players to reach bigger stages is a really good thing,’ McIlroy stated. The Tour’s relaunch begins later this month with Q School in Portugal, followed by a series of events across Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, and the GCC, offering guaranteed, tax-free prize funds of $100,000 per event. Additionally, the Q-Sprint event provides newcomers a chance to qualify for the latter half of the season, with a $50,000 purse. The Tour’s Chairman and Commissioner, Keith Waters, expressed pride in McIlroy’s endorsement, highlighting the Tour’s commitment to fostering talent through a player-first approach, fast payouts, and strategic event routing. The Mena Golf Tour not only offers OWGR points for professionals but also World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points for elite amateurs, further solidifying its role as a crucial stepping stone for aspiring golfers in the region.
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Max seeks more Brazil magic to maintain pressure on McLaren duo
As the Formula 1 season enters its final stretch, Max Verstappen is poised to make history at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The 28-year-old Red Bull driver, a four-time world champion, has already claimed victory at Interlagos three times—in 2019, 2023, and 2024. Last year, he delivered a masterclass in challenging conditions, starting from 17th on the grid to secure a dramatic win. This weekend, Verstappen seeks to complete a hat-trick of victories in Brazil, a track he describes as ‘special’ due to its rich history and personal significance.
Verstappen, currently 36 points behind championship leader Lando Norris, is determined to close the gap on the McLaren duo. Norris, fresh off a win in Mexico, leads teammate Oscar Piastri by a single point. However, Verstappen’s recent form—three wins and six consecutive podium finishes—has reignited his title hopes. The Dutchman has openly expressed his affection for the Interlagos circuit, citing its unpredictable weather and ‘old-school’ charm as key factors that make it a favorite.
McLaren, despite having secured their second constructors’ title, faces mounting pressure from Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes. Team chief Andrea Stella remains confident in his drivers’ abilities, emphasizing their improved understanding of the car’s performance. Meanwhile, Mercedes’ Toto Wolff has vowed to bounce back after a challenging run, with George Russell and Lewis Hamilton aiming to replicate their past successes in Brazil.
With rain forecasted, the stage is set for a thrilling and unpredictable race weekend. Verstappen’s determination, combined with the fierce competition among the top teams, promises high drama and intense battles on the iconic Interlagos track.
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Vivian Kong on National Games: ‘showcasing our city to the world’
At the Greater Bay Area Conference 2025, Hong Kong’s renowned fencing champion, Vivian Kong Man-wai, expressed her aspirations for the upcoming National Games. Kong emphasized her hope that the event would not only bring joy and health to participants but also serve as a platform to highlight the unique charm of Hong Kong to a global audience. She encouraged everyone to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship, find happiness in their passion for sports, and take pride in representing their city on an international stage. Kong’s remarks underscored the significance of the National Games as both a celebration of athletic excellence and an opportunity to promote cultural and urban pride.