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.
分类： sports
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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.
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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.
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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.
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‘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.
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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.
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Who are the players in Australia’s Ashes squad?
Australia has unveiled its squad for the opening Ashes Test against England, aiming to extend their dominance over the urn into a second decade. The team faces a significant setback as captain and pace bowler Pat Cummins will miss the first Test due to a back injury. Scott Boland is set to step in as his replacement. Tasmania’s Jake Weatherald has earned his maiden call-up and could potentially open the batting, adding a fresh dynamic to the squad. The series kicks off on November 21, with the final Test scheduled for January 4.
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Beirne free to play against Japan after red card rescinded
DUBLIN (AP) — Tadhg Beirne, the Ireland backrower, has been cleared to participate in the upcoming match against Japan this Saturday following the successful appeal of his red card. The decision to rescind the red card was announced after an independent disciplinary committee reviewed the incident on Tuesday. Beirne had initially received a yellow card for a high tackle on Beauden Barrett during the third minute of Ireland’s 26-13 loss to New Zealand in Chicago. The yellow card was subsequently upgraded to a 20-minute red card after a bunker review. However, the disciplinary committee concluded that while Beirne’s action constituted foul play, it did not warrant a red card. ‘Having considered the player’s and the other evidence and reviewed the footage, the disciplinary committee accepted the player’s submissions that whilst an act of foul play had occurred, it did not meet the red card threshold,’ stated the committee, as reported by the BBC. Ireland is set to face Australia and South Africa in additional test matches later this month.
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Bailey defends age of Australia Ashes squad
Australia’s chief selector, George Bailey, has come under fire for his squad selection for the first Ashes Test against England, with critics pointing to the team’s aging lineup. The 15-man squad, announced on Wednesday for the Perth Test starting on 21 November, features only one player under 30—26-year-old all-rounder Cameron Green. Former captain Steve Waugh led the criticism, accusing Bailey of lacking the ‘appetite’ to make tough decisions to rejuvenate the team. Bailey, however, defended the selection, emphasizing the players’ performance and right to be chosen. ‘We’re aware of the age profile of the team,’ Bailey stated. ‘You’ve got to give due respect that the guys are performing very well.’ The squad includes seasoned players like Nathan Lyon (37), Mitchell Starc (35), and Josh Hazlewood (34), alongside uncapped players Sean Abbott (33) and Brendan Doggett (31). Opener Sam Konstas, 20, was notably dropped for the second time in 12 months, with Bailey expressing confidence in his long-term potential. Captain Pat Cummins, recovering from a back injury, was left out, with Steve Smith stepping in as skipper. Australia, the current Ashes holders, face an England team that has struggled in recent tours. The five-Test series, set to conclude on 8 January, promises high stakes and intense competition.
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Pakistan win ODI against South Africa in last over as Salman shows the way
In a nail-biting finish at Faisalabad, Pakistan clinched a dramatic two-wicket victory over South Africa in the first of three One Day Internationals (ODIs) on Tuesday. Chasing a target of 264, Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha emerged as the hero, scoring a crucial 62 runs to guide his team to victory with just two balls to spare. The match, marked by intense moments and strategic plays, showcased the resilience of both teams. South Africa, batting first, posted a competitive total of 263, thanks to notable contributions from Quinton de Kock (63) and Corbin Bosch (41). Pakistan’s chase was anchored by a solid 87-run opening partnership between Fakhar Zaman (45) and Saim Ayub (39), followed by a pivotal 91-run stand between Mohammad Rizwan (55) and Salman. Despite a late collapse that saw three wickets fall in quick succession, new captain Shaheen Shah Afridi steadied the ship to secure the win. The series continues on Thursday at Iqbal Stadium, which is hosting international cricket after a 17-year hiatus.