分类: sports

  • UAE set for big season as countdown begins to 30th Dubai World Cup

    UAE set for big season as countdown begins to 30th Dubai World Cup

    The UAE is gearing up for an extraordinary horse racing season as the countdown begins to the 30th anniversary of the Dubai World Cup, set to take place on March 28, 2026. The 2025–2026 racing season officially commences on November 1, 2025, at Jebel Ali Racecourse, which will host 11 meetings through March 8, 2026. Meanwhile, Meydan Racecourse will stage 16 meetings starting November 7, 2025, as part of the prestigious Dubai World Cup Carnival, culminating in the $12 million Dubai World Cup.

    At a press conference held at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Jebel Ali Racecourse announced a 20% increase in total prize money for the season and introduced the groundbreaking ‘Daaeemm’ scheme, the world’s first racing incentive program designed to support horse owners. This initiative aims to reward participation and competitiveness by offering additional bonuses to horses in selected categories, including maidens and younger horses, beyond their standard race purses.

    Mohamed Ahmed Al Ahmed, Director General of Jebel Ali Racecourse, emphasized the season’s focus on growth and inclusion, highlighting the vision of Maj. General Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. ‘With the launch of the Daaeemm scheme, we’re creating an incentive structure that benefits everyone in the racing community — owners, trainers, and fans alike,’ he said. ‘It’s about building a sustainable, competitive, and vibrant future for UAE racing.’

    Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi, General Manager and Board Member of the Emirates Racing Authority (ERA), described the 2025–2026 season as a milestone in the internationalization of UAE racing. ‘The UAE has long been recognised as a global leader in horse racing, and the build-up to the 30th Dubai World Cup only strengthens that reputation,’ he said. ‘Our goal this season is not just to celebrate history, but to show how far UAE racing has come.’

    The season will feature 64 race meetings across five tracks — Meydan, Jebel Ali, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Al Ain — with Jebel Ali hosting events like the Jebel Ali Mile, Jebel Ali Sprint, and Jebel Ali Stakes. Community-focused initiatives, such as Students and Universities Day, Gallop & Glam Fashion Day, and Ramadan Celebrations, will further enhance the season’s appeal.

    As the UAE racing community prepares for this landmark season, the focus remains on making the 30th Dubai World Cup a historic and unforgettable event for the global sporting world.

  • Ryder Cup heroes Fleetwood & Lowry lead star-studded Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship

    Ryder Cup heroes Fleetwood & Lowry lead star-studded Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship

    The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, the opening event of the DP World Tour Play-Offs, is set to showcase a star-studded lineup at Yas Links Abu Dhabi from November 6th to 9th. Ryder Cup heroes Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry will lead the charge, joined by reigning Masters Champion Rory McIlroy and other top-tier players, promising a thrilling start to the season-ending series. Fleetwood, fresh from a stellar season that included his maiden PGA Tour victory and a pivotal role in Europe’s Ryder Cup triumph, arrives in peak form. The two-time Abu Dhabi HSBC champion (2017, 2018) recently clinched the DP World India Championship, adding to his impressive resume. Lowry, who secured a crucial half-point in the Ryder Cup, returns to Abu Dhabi, where he previously claimed the Falcon Trophy in 2019, a victory that marked a turning point in his career. The Irishman is eager to replicate his past success and finish the season on a high. The championship, organized by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the DP World Tour, will feature the top 70 players from the Race to Dubai, with the top 50 advancing to the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai. With a world-class field and the scenic Yas Links as the backdrop, the event promises to deliver an unforgettable spectacle for golf enthusiasts.

  • Quetta Qavalry to take on Northern Warriors in Abu Dhabi T10 opener

    Quetta Qavalry to take on Northern Warriors in Abu Dhabi T10 opener

    The much-anticipated 2025 Abu Dhabi T10 cricket tournament is scheduled to kick off on November 18, 2025, and will conclude on November 30, 2025. This high-octane event promises to deliver nearly two weeks of exhilarating cricket action, featuring some of the sport’s most renowned players. The opening match will see Quetta Qavalry face off against Northern Warriors, setting the stage for an exciting season. Defending champions Deccan Gladiators will also make their debut in a thrilling encounter against Delhi Bulls. The tournament will adopt a Round-Robin format, with the top four teams from the initial stage advancing to the playoffs. The playoff stage begins on November 29, 2025, with Qualifier 1, where the top two teams from the league stage will compete for a direct spot in the final. The losing team will get another chance in Qualifier 2. On the same day, the third and fourth-placed teams will battle it out in the Eliminator, with the winner moving on to Qualifier 2 and the loser being eliminated. Qualifier 2, scheduled for November 30, 2025, will determine the second finalist, who will join the winner of Qualifier 1 in the championship match. The tournament will culminate with the final and a grand closing ceremony, celebrating the champions and the thrilling cricketing spectacle. Fans can access the full schedule on the tournament’s official website.

  • ‘Football is life’ – The Gambian administrator on a mission

    ‘Football is life’ – The Gambian administrator on a mission

    Sainey Sissohore Mboge, a Gambian football administrator, has turned her childhood struggles into a powerful mission to empower young girls through the sport. Growing up, Mboge was unfairly branded a ‘bad influence’ simply for her passion for football. However, she defied societal expectations, representing The Gambia at a youth World Cup and carving out a successful career in the game. Today, she leverages her position to support and inspire young girls who share her love for football. Her story, captured in a video by Joshua Akinyemi and edited by Ian Williams and Isaiah Akinremi, highlights her dedication to breaking barriers and fostering inclusivity in African sports. Published just a day ago, her journey serves as a testament to resilience and the transformative power of football.

  • Dynamic duo drive to victory in BMW Open Social at Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club

    Dynamic duo drive to victory in BMW Open Social at Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club

    The Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club witnessed a thrilling display of skill and teamwork as Young Koo Khang and Dae Il Kim emerged victorious at the BMW Open Social on Saturday, October 25. The dynamic duo posted an impressive 9-under-par score, securing the top spot on the leaderboard. Their remarkable performance featured ten net birdies and four net eagles, showcasing their precision and consistency throughout the tournament.

    Supported by AGMC, the event attracted a diverse field of participants who enjoyed ideal weather conditions and a well-maintained course. The better-ball format encouraged low scoring and friendly competition, with notable achievements across the board. Jonathon Morris and Adam Warrener clinched the Front Nine prize with a stellar 6-under-par 30, while Paul McPhillmy and Sai Pagadala demonstrated their prowess by winning the Best Back Nine with a 5-under-par 31.

    The BMW Open Social continues to be a highlight on the club’s calendar, blending competitive spirit with camaraderie. Golfers of all skill levels relished the opportunity to connect and challenge themselves in a relaxed yet engaging environment. The event underscored the club’s commitment to fostering a vibrant golfing community.

    Organizers expressed gratitude to AGMC for their unwavering support and partnership, which has been instrumental in the success of such events. For those interested in future golfing activities, further details can be found at www.golfandshootingshj.com or by calling 06 5487777.

  • Debate on dangerous ski training courses flares at the start of Olympic season

    Debate on dangerous ski training courses flares at the start of Olympic season

    Mikaela Shiffrin, the renowned American skier, returned to the slopes with heightened caution after a severe crash last year left her with a punctured abdomen and damaged abdominal muscles. Her injuries, sustained during a World Cup giant slalom race, underscored the inherent risks of both competitive skiing and training. Shiffrin’s experience is not unique. French skier Alexis Pinturault echoed similar concerns, highlighting the unsafe conditions often faced during training sessions. The issue of safety in Alpine skiing gained renewed attention following the tragic death of Italian skier Matteo Franzoso in a preseason training accident in Chile. Franzoso’s death, the third among young Italian skiers in less than a year, has sparked urgent calls for improved safety measures. Shiffrin, who battled post-traumatic stress disorder after her crash, emphasized the need to reassess the risks athletes face. She argued that while skiing inherently involves danger, it is unacceptable to dismiss life-threatening risks as part of the sport. Training courses, often lacking the safety standards of race courses due to financial constraints, pose significant hazards. Smaller crews, fewer safety nets, and limited medical resources exacerbate the risks. Sofia Goggia, the 2018 Olympic downhill champion, likened high-level skiing to Formula 1 or MotoGP, emphasizing the extreme speeds and dangers involved. While increased safety netting is a partial solution, it is not a panacea. The Italian Winter Sports Federation has urged the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) to establish dedicated training courses with safety standards akin to those of World Cup races. FIS President Johan Eliasch acknowledged the need for improved safety measures, including better scheduling, more medical staff, and enhanced course preparation. However, implementing these changes remains a challenge, particularly for smaller federations with limited resources. The responsibility for safer training courses, according to Austrian coach Roland Assinger, cannot rest solely on local ski resorts. A coordinated effort among national federations is essential. As the skiing community grapples with these issues, the question of who will fund the necessary safety upgrades remains unanswered.

  • Dodgers outlast Blue Jays in World Series epic

    Dodgers outlast Blue Jays in World Series epic

    In a historic and marathon showdown, Freddie Freeman delivered a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 18th inning, propelling the Los Angeles Dodgers to a dramatic 6-5 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 3 of the World Series. This epic clash, lasting over six-and-a-half hours, tied the record for the longest postseason game in Major League Baseball history in terms of innings. The Dodgers now lead the best-of-seven series 2-1, with the next game set to take place at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday.

    Japanese sensation Shohei Ohtani showcased his brilliance with two home runs, but it was Freeman, the 2024 World Series MVP, who stole the spotlight. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams exchanging leads and opportunities. Toronto initially surged ahead in the fourth inning, thanks to Alejandro Kirk’s three-run homer, but the Dodgers clawed back to tie the score at 4-4 in the fifth inning, fueled by Ohtani’s clutch hitting and Freeman’s RBI.

    The Blue Jays regained the lead in the seventh inning, but Ohtani’s second homer of the night leveled the score again at 5-5. From there, the game descended into a tense stalemate, with both teams stranding multiple baserunners and failing to capitalize on loaded bases. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who had earlier apologized for complaining about travel delays, finally savored a hard-fought home victory.

    The game also featured notable moments, including Ohtani being intentionally walked four times and veteran pitcher Clayton Kershaw making a brief appearance in his final series before retirement. Ultimately, Freeman’s heroics in the 18th inning ended the marathon, leaving fans breathless and setting the stage for an intense Game 4.

  • India’s hopes hit as Pratika Rawal ruled out of Women’s Cricket World Cup semifinals

    India’s hopes hit as Pratika Rawal ruled out of Women’s Cricket World Cup semifinals

    India’s aspirations for clinching their maiden Women’s Cricket World Cup title have suffered a significant setback with the injury-induced withdrawal of star opening batter Pratika Rawal. Rawal, who has been in stellar form throughout the tournament, sustained an ankle injury during India’s final league-stage match against Bangladesh on Sunday. The match ended in a washout, but Rawal’s absence looms large as India prepares to face defending champions Australia in the semifinals.

  • History beckons as UAE eye Asian Youth Games endurance gold

    History beckons as UAE eye Asian Youth Games endurance gold

    The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is poised to make equestrian history at the 2025 Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, as it seeks to become the first nation to clinch an endurance gold medal. The event, making its debut at the Games, will take place on October 30 at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir. The UAE’s formidable squad includes Essa Rashed Al Mazrouei, Ahmad Abdulrahman Al Bastaki, Ali Abdulla Al Falasi, Humaid Fahad Al Kaabi, and Khalifa Rashed Al Ameemi, who are set to compete in both individual and team categories. Known as a powerhouse in the sport, the UAE team is among the top contenders, drawing significant attention from spectators and competitors alike. Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Equestrian Club, expressed pride in the team’s preparation, stating, ‘Their dedication, discipline, and passion have already made the nation proud. We are confident they will deliver outstanding results.’ Ahmed Rashed Al Kaabi, General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the team’s commitment to excellence and unity. Meanwhile, the UAE has already made waves at the Games, amassing 18 medals, including seven golds, six silvers, and five bronzes. Notable achievements include gold medals in camel racing and show jumping, as well as a bronze in swimming. The UAE currently ranks sixth overall in the medal standings, trailing leaders China and Uzbekistan. With its athletes continuing to shine, the UAE is solidifying its reputation as a dominant force in regional and international sports.

  • Wolves fans change their tune as Pereira calls for unity

    Wolves fans change their tune as Pereira calls for unity

    Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Vitor Pereira faced a stark contrast in fan sentiment following Sunday’s 3-2 home defeat to Burnley. Just months after being celebrated for securing the team’s Premier League status, Pereira was met with chants of “You’re getting sacked in the morning” from disillusioned supporters. The loss leaves Wolves rooted to the bottom of the table with only two points from nine games, making them the only winless team across England’s top four divisions. Pereira had to be restrained by his own players after confronting angry fans at the final whistle. Despite the backlash, the Portuguese coach called for unity, emphasizing that success is unattainable without fan support. “We understand the frustration, but if we fight united, we can win games and achieve our targets,” he told reporters. Wolves initially trailed 2-0 but fought back with goals from Jorgen Strand Larsen and Marshall Munetsi, only for Burnley to clinch victory in stoppage time. Pereira praised his team’s spirit and urged fans to remain proud of their efforts. Wolves now face Chelsea in the League Cup midweek before a crucial league clash with Fulham on Saturday.