分类: sports

  • UAE President, Sheikh Mohammed congratulate Morocco King on U-20 World Cup

    UAE President, Sheikh Mohammed congratulate Morocco King on U-20 World Cup

    In a historic moment for Arab sports, Morocco has become the first Arab nation to clinch the FIFA Under-20 World Cup, sparking widespread celebration and pride across the region. The Moroccan team, affectionately known as the Atlas Cubs, triumphed over Argentina with a decisive 2-0 victory in the final held in Santiago on Sunday. This win marks a significant milestone, as Argentina, the most successful team in the tournament’s history with six titles, suffered their second-ever final defeat, the first being in 1983 against Brazil.

    UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum extended their heartfelt congratulations to Morocco’s King Mohammed VI and the nation. In a tweet, Sheikh Mohamed hailed the victory as “a remarkable sporting achievement that brings pride to Morocco and the entire Arab world.” Similarly, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid expressed optimism, stating, “It is a well-deserved win, an Arab joy, and a renewed hope that the FIFA World Cup title itself will one day be claimed by an Arab nation, God willing.”

    The Moroccan U-20 team’s success has not only elevated the country’s standing in global football but also inspired hope for the future of Arab sports. The senior Moroccan national team has already secured a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This dual achievement underscores Morocco’s growing influence in international football and sets a precedent for other Arab nations to aspire to similar heights.

  • Atletico aim to convince Alvarez they belong among elite

    Atletico aim to convince Alvarez they belong among elite

    Atletico Madrid, under the guidance of Diego Simeone, are on a mission to demonstrate their elite credentials to Julian Alvarez, their star striker and key player. Since a last-minute defeat to Liverpool at Anfield in September, Atletico have remained unbeaten in six consecutive matches across all competitions. This resurgence comes after a challenging start to the season, compounded by a trophyless 2024/25 campaign and a controversial Champions League exit to Real Madrid last season. Alvarez, who joined Atletico from Manchester City in 2024 for €85 million, has been instrumental in their recent success, scoring 29 goals in his debut season and elevating his game further this term. His hat-trick against Rayo Vallecano and a brace in a 5-2 rout of Real Madrid highlight his growing influence. Despite early frustrations with Simeone’s substitutions, Alvarez has reaffirmed his commitment to the club. Simeone has emphasized the importance of keeping Alvarez content, praising his extraordinary talent and dedication. The upcoming Champions League clash against Arsenal presents a crucial test for Atletico to prove they can compete with Europe’s best and fulfill Alvarez’s ambitions. Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has also lauded Alvarez’s performances, expressing admiration for his development. With playmaker Alex Baena’s return from injury, Atletico’s attack looks poised for further success. However, retaining Alvarez’s loyalty will ultimately depend on the club’s ability to secure silverware and triumph over elite opponents like Arsenal.

  • Dubai Basketball continue dream run with hard-fought win

    Dubai Basketball continue dream run with hard-fought win

    Dubai Basketball has continued their remarkable start to the season, securing a hard-fought 81:77 victory against Romanian newcomers U-BT Cluj-Napoca in the ABA League. This win extends their unbeaten run across competitions, further solidifying their status as a formidable force in European basketball. The match, held on October 20, 2025, showcased Dubai’s resilience and depth, particularly in the face of a late-game surge from their opponents. Despite Cluj-Napoca’s spirited comeback attempt led by Dušan Miletić, Dubai maintained their composure in the final minutes to clinch the win. Head Coach Jurica Golemac emphasized the team’s defensive prowess and the crucial role of the home crowd in energizing the players. Mfiondu Kabengele delivered a standout performance with a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds, while McKinley Wright and debutant Sertaç Şanlı contributed significantly to the team’s balanced offense. Şanlı, in particular, played a pivotal role in turning the tide during the final quarter. Looking ahead, Dubai Basketball will face LDLC ASVEL in Lyon before returning to their home court at Coca-Cola Arena on November 3 to take on reigning ABA League champions Partizan. Fans can expect an electrifying display of basketball as the team continues their quest for dominance in the league.

  • Two-time champ Daiki Hashimoto of Japan tops all-around qualifying at world gymnastics championships

    Two-time champ Daiki Hashimoto of Japan tops all-around qualifying at world gymnastics championships

    JAKARTA, Indonesia — Japanese gymnast Daiki Hashimoto emerged as the top qualifier in the men’s all-around event at the World Gymnastics Championships, showcasing his resilience and skill. The 24-year-old, who clinched gold in the all-around at the 2020 Olympics and the 2022 and 2023 World Championships, posted a total score of 83.065, narrowly edging out Switzerland’s Noe Seifert, who scored 82.499. Despite a shaky performance on the floor exercise, Hashimoto secured the third-highest scores on both vault and high bar, solidifying his position as a frontrunner heading into Wednesday’s finals. Zhang Boheng of China, the 2021 world champion and 2024 Olympic silver medalist, qualified in third place. Meanwhile, Hashimoto’s Japanese teammate Shinnosuke Oka, the reigning Olympic champion, advanced to the finals in 12th place despite errors in his floor routine. Notable absences included U.S. national champion Asher Hong, who withdrew due to an ankle injury sustained during training. The competition also saw top qualifiers in individual apparatus events, with Great Britain’s Jake Jarman leading on floor exercise, Kazakhstan’s Nariman Kurbanov excelling on pommel horse, and China’s Lan Xingyu dominating on still rings. Two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo of the Philippines advanced to finals on both vault and floor, while China’s Zou Jingyuan and Japan’s Tomoharu Tsunogai topped parallel bars and high bar, respectively. The event finals promise intense competition as athletes vie for world championship glory.

  • England romp home after Brook-Salt assault sinks New Zealand

    England romp home after Brook-Salt assault sinks New Zealand

    England delivered a commanding performance in the second T20 International against New Zealand, securing a 65-run victory in Christchurch on Monday. Captain Harry Brook and opener Phil Salt were the architects of the win, combining for a devastating partnership of 129 runs off just 69 balls. Brook’s explosive 78, featuring five towering sixes, and Salt’s aggressive 85 laid the foundation for England’s imposing total of 236-4, the highest T20 International score at Hagley Oval. New Zealand, in response, crumbled to 171 all out in 18 overs, with all dismissals coming via catches. Brydon Carse set the tone early by removing two key batsmen, while Adil Rashid (4-32) and Liam Dawson (2-38) dismantled the middle order. Despite a valiant 36 from captain Mitchell Santner, New Zealand never gained momentum. England now leads the series 1-0 heading into the final match in Auckland on Thursday.

  • Concacaf members join USA’s 2031 World Cup bid

    Concacaf members join USA’s 2031 World Cup bid

    In a significant development for women’s football, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Jamaica have joined the United States in a collaborative bid to host the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup. This expanded 48-team tournament promises to be the largest and most impactful edition in the event’s history. FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed in April that the United States, alongside potential Concacaf members, had submitted the sole bid for the 2031 competition. The joint effort aims to inspire a new generation of fans and elevate the women’s game globally. US Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone emphasized the bid’s potential to create a lasting legacy, stating, ‘We’re excited to drive lasting progress for women’s soccer by creating a legacy that reaches far beyond 2031 and sets a new global standard for the sport.’ Concacaf, the governing body for football in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, has fully endorsed the bid. Victor Montagliani, Concacaf President and FIFA Vice-President, highlighted the confederation’s commitment to women’s football, noting that hosting the 2031 World Cup would build on this momentum and inspire future generations across the region. Meanwhile, FIFA has already announced Brazil as the host for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, with the 2031 and 2035 hosts set to be confirmed at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Canada, next April. The United Kingdom has emerged as the sole valid bidder for the 2035 tournament. This news follows the recent success of Spain, who triumphed in the 2023 Women’s World Cup by defeating England in the final. The United States, Canada, and Mexico are also co-hosting the 2026 Men’s World Cup, further solidifying North America’s role as a global football hub.

  • Former NFL player Doug Martin dies in police custody in California

    Former NFL player Doug Martin dies in police custody in California

    Former National Football League (NFL) running back Doug Martin, known for his remarkable career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has tragically passed away at the age of 36 while in police custody in California. The Oakland Police Department reported that Martin died following an alleged home break-in and a subsequent struggle with officers on Saturday. According to the department, Martin became unresponsive during the altercation and was rushed to a hospital, where he later succumbed to his condition. His family confirmed his death but stated that the cause remains unconfirmed, requesting privacy during this difficult time. Martin’s former team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, expressed profound sorrow over his sudden passing, highlighting his significant contributions to the franchise. Born in Oakland, California, Martin was a first-round pick in the 2012 NFL draft and quickly made a name for himself, rushing for 1,454 yards and scoring 11 touchdowns in his rookie season. Despite his success, Martin faced challenges, including injuries and a four-game suspension in 2016 for violating the NFL’s drug policy. He later played for the Oakland Raiders before retiring in 2018. Martin’s legacy as a talented and resilient player continues to be remembered by fans and the NFL community.

  • Dubai Games 7th edition dates announced; competition to feature tougher challenges

    Dubai Games 7th edition dates announced; competition to feature tougher challenges

    The seventh edition of the Dubai Games, a premier sporting event, is set to take place from February 12 to 15, 2026. Under the esteemed patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE, the event promises to elevate its standards with more rigorous challenges. The Organising Committee has announced that this edition will feature five distinct categories: Battle of the Government – Men, Battle of the Government – Women, Battle of the Community, Battle of the Cities, and Battle of the Juniors. These competitions are designed to test both the physical and mental endurance of participants, emphasizing values of participation and collaboration. The event, supported by DP World as the Official Partner, Dubai Sports Council as the Strategic Partner, and Emarat and DAMAC as Diamond Sponsors, aims to reinforce Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for major sporting events. The Dubai Games continues to attract athletes and enthusiasts from around the world, fostering a spirit of unity and excellence in sports.

  • Verstappen’s flawless US Grand Prix win tightens F1 title race

    Verstappen’s flawless US Grand Prix win tightens F1 title race

    Max Verstappen of Red Bull delivered a masterclass performance at the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, securing a flawless victory from pole position. The Dutchman led every lap, further closing the gap to championship leader Oscar Piastri. Verstappen’s win, coupled with his triumph in Saturday’s sprint race, marked a perfect weekend for the four-time world champion, who has now reduced Piastri’s lead to 40 points after trailing by 104 in August. McLaren’s Piastri finished fifth, while his teammate Lando Norris claimed second place after overtaking Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc late in the race. Norris now trails Piastri by 14 points in the drivers’ standings, with five races and two sprints remaining. Verstappen expressed optimism about his title chances, stating, ‘We just need to try and deliver these weekends until the end.’ Piastri, meanwhile, remains confident in his ability to become Australia’s first F1 champion since Alan Jones in 1980. The race featured intense battles, including Norris’s struggle to pass Leclerc, who showcased exceptional defensive driving. Lewis Hamilton finished fourth, just ahead of Piastri, while George Russell secured sixth for Mercedes. The event also saw incidents involving rookies Kimi Antonelli and Carlos Sainz, with the latter receiving a grid penalty for the next race. Despite heat concerns, the race proceeded smoothly, with Verstappen’s dominance leaving little room for rivals to challenge.

  • Morocco looks to build on first U20 World Cup title

    Morocco looks to build on first U20 World Cup title

    Morocco has etched its name in football history by becoming the first Arab nation to clinch the Under-20 World Cup title. The Atlas Cubs triumphed over six-time champions Argentina with a commanding 2-0 victory in the final held in Santiago, Chile. Striker Yassir Zabiri was the hero of the match, scoring both goals, including a stunning free-kick and a precise volley. This victory marks Morocco as only the second African nation to win the tournament, following Ghana’s success in 2009. The win has sparked nationwide celebrations, with fans flooding the streets in jubilation. King Mohammed VI, a key figure in Morocco’s football development, praised the team for their exceptional performance and unity. The triumph is seen as a testament to Morocco’s decade-long investment in football infrastructure, including the establishment of the Mohammed VI Football Academy and state-of-the-art training facilities. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has ambitious plans to continue this momentum, with eyes set on hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Despite recent protests questioning the allocation of resources to football, the royal palace has pledged increased funding for health and education. Morocco’s football success extends beyond the U20 team, with the senior men’s team reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup and the U23 team securing bronze at the 2024 Olympics. The FRMF is also focusing on developing women’s football, futsal, and beach soccer, aiming to establish Morocco as a global football powerhouse.