Global Pulse

分类： sports

  • Garmin Fitness Fest UAE – Winter Chapter 2025 concludes with record-breaking participation and community spirit

    Garmin Fitness Fest UAE – Winter Chapter 2025 concludes with record-breaking participation and community spirit

    DUBAI, UAE – The Garmin Fitness Fest UAE Winter Chapter 2025 concluded triumphantly on November 15-16 at Al-Nasr Club, Dubai, setting unprecedented participation records with over 10,000 attendees. This landmark multisport festival, seamlessly integrated with the Dubai Fitness Challenge 30×30 initiative, has solidified its position as the nation’s premier fitness celebration.

    The two-day extravaganza featured seven competitive disciplines including cricket, football, badminton, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, and swimming. Beyond competitive events, the festival offered inclusive running activities, diverse fitness challenges, and a massively attended walkathon that emerged as one of the weekend’s most popular attractions.

    Participants across all fitness levels and age groups converged in a dynamic environment that promoted accessible physical activity. The festival atmosphere was electrified by entertainment offerings and prizes exceeding Dh500,000 in value, creating continuous excitement across all venues.

    Competitive events displayed exceptional athletic prowess and sportsmanship, highlighting the UAE’s growing talent pool across multiple disciplines. The signature walkathon attracted particularly strong participation, with many attendees utilizing Garmin’s specially developed event watch face to track performance metrics and enhance their experience.

    The closing ceremony culminated the weekend with spectacular festivities, bringing together athletes, families, and sponsors. The celebration featured live entertainment, an awards ceremony, and special appearances by Garmin’s international team alongside AMIT Retail representatives.

    Major sponsors including Kinza, Insurance Market, Prime Healthcare, Masafi, JIMMY, AMIT Care, fnp.ae, Fitness First, Beat Diabetes by Landmark Group, Shokz, and Vibe FM demonstrated strong corporate support for wellness initiatives.

    Manvinder Singh Chadha, General Manager of AMIT Retail LLC, expressed profound satisfaction with the event’s impact: ‘This Winter Chapter represents our most successful and engaging edition yet, reflecting our commitment to fostering a health-conscious community in the UAE.’

    Tim Spurling, General Manager for Emerging Markets at Garmin, noted the event’s significance: ‘The extraordinary energy witnessed throughout the festival underscores the UAE’s embrace of innovation and active living, reinforcing Garmin’s mission to empower individuals across the region.’

    With momentum building from this record-breaking event, Garmin anticipates expanding future offerings with enhanced sports programming, innovative challenges, and broader community engagement opportunities under its #BeatYesterday initiative.

  • Chelsea dominate Barca in Champions League, Man City lose

    Chelsea dominate Barca in Champions League, Man City lose

    In a stunning display of dominance, Chelsea FC delivered a masterclass performance to defeat FC Barcelona 3-0 at Stamford Bridge in Tuesday’s Champions League fixture. The comprehensive victory was highlighted by teenage sensation Estevao’s spectacular individual effort, cementing Chelsea’s position among the tournament favorites.

    The match turned decisively in Chelsea’s favor when Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo received his second yellow card just before halftime, reducing the Catalan giants to ten men. Chelsea had already taken the lead through a Jules Kounde own goal in the 27th minute, capitalizing on defensive confusion from a well-worked corner routine.

    Estevao, the 18-year-old Brazilian prodigy, stole the spotlight from his much-hyped counterpart Lamine Yamal with a breathtaking solo goal in the 55th minute. Receiving the ball on the right flank, he danced past two defenders before unleashing an unstoppable strike into the roof of the net. Substitute Liam Delap completed the scoring in the 73rd minute to seal a memorable victory.

    Meanwhile, Manchester City suffered their first Champions League defeat of the campaign after manager Pep Guardiola made sweeping changes to his starting lineup. Resting key players including Erling Haaland, Ruben Dias, and Bernardo Silva, City fell 2-0 to Bayer Leverkusen at the Etihad Stadium. Alex Grimaldo and Patrik Schick found the net for the German visitors, exposing City’s rotated defense.

    In other Champions League action, Marseille mounted a comeback victory against Newcastle United with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scoring twice after Ashley Barnes’ early opener. Juventus secured a dramatic 3-2 win against Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt thanks to Jonathan David’s injury-time winner, while Borussia Dortmund cruised to a 4-0 victory over Villarreal despite missing two penalties.

  • New soccer pitch inspires girls at Ningxia primary school

    New soccer pitch inspires girls at Ningxia primary school

    The Zhangcheng Primary School girls’ soccer team in Longde county, Guyuan city, Ningxia Hui autonomous region, recently celebrated the inauguration of their new soccer field, the Rose Dream Stadium. This state-of-the-art facility is a result of a collaborative initiative between the Chinese Football Association and Alipay, stemming from the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games. The project aims to donate stadiums to rural schools, with the Rose Dream Stadium being the ninth and final installation under this agreement. Themed around the national women’s soccer team, the pitch is designed to inspire and empower young female athletes. The new stadium not only provides a modern training ground but also symbolizes a commitment to fostering gender equality in sports. The girls’ soccer team expressed their excitement and gratitude, highlighting how the new pitch will enhance their skills and passion for the game. This initiative is a significant step towards promoting sports development in rural areas and encouraging more girls to pursue their athletic dreams.

  • Canada’s seven-time Olympic winner banned for two years over rule violation

    Canada’s seven-time Olympic winner banned for two years over rule violation

    Canadian swimming sensation Penny Oleksiak, the nation’s most decorated Olympian, has been handed a two-year suspension for violating anti-doping regulations. The International Testing Agency (ITA) revealed on Tuesday that Oleksiak committed three ‘whereabout failures’ within a 12-month period. Athletes are mandated to provide daily location details and a specific one-hour window for out-of-competition drug testing. Oleksiak, a seven-time Olympic medalist, rose to fame during the 2016 Rio Games, becoming Canada’s youngest Olympic champion at just 16 years old. The 25-year-old swimmer, born in Toronto, will be eligible to return to competition in July 2027. Suzanne Paulins, CEO of Swimming Canada, acknowledged Oleksiak’s explanation that the violations were unintentional and emphasized her commitment to clean sport. ‘Anti-doping regulations are crucial for maintaining fairness in competition,’ Paulins stated. ‘We will miss Penny on the national team and look forward to her return.’ Oleksiak was notified of the case in July and voluntarily withdrew from the world aquatics championships, accepting a provisional suspension. She maintains that the violations did not involve any banned substances and reiterated her status as a clean athlete. Despite the suspension, Oleksiak could potentially compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

  • How Prince Albert could help bring NFL to Paris and Monaco

    How Prince Albert could help bring NFL to Paris and Monaco

    The New Orleans Saints are making waves in the NFL’s international expansion efforts, with plans to potentially host an off-season mini-camp in Monaco. This initiative is part of the Saints’ broader strategy to grow American football in France, a market they have been actively cultivating since the NFL launched its global markets programme in 2022. The Saints are the only NFL team with marketing rights in France, and they have been building business and community links from the ground up. Their efforts include a strategic partnership with the Paris Musketeers, a team in the European League of Football, and various community initiatives such as flag football clinics for youth. The Saints’ outreach has even led to a connection with Prince Albert II of Monaco, who has expressed interest in hosting the team for a training camp. This move could further boost the Saints’ profile in France ahead of a potential regular-season game in Paris, which the NFL is considering for 2026 or 2027. The NFL’s international expansion is not limited to Europe; discussions are also underway for games in the Middle East and Asia. The league aims to establish a lasting presence in these markets, ensuring that international games are not one-off events but part of a sustained effort to grow the sport globally.

  • India suffer heaviest defeat as SA complete series sweep

    India suffer heaviest defeat as SA complete series sweep

    South Africa delivered a historic performance in Guwahati, securing a commanding 408-run victory over India in the second Test. This triumph marked their first series win in India since 2000 and completed a 2-0 series sweep. The Proteas, led by captain Temba Bavuma, have now won 11 of their last 12 Tests, solidifying their status as a dominant force in Test cricket. The victory also propelled them to second place in the World Test Championship standings, while India dropped to fifth. South Africa’s spinners, particularly Simon Harmer, who claimed six wickets, played a pivotal role in dismantling India’s batting lineup. Ravindra Jadeja’s resilient 54 was the only notable resistance from the hosts. The defeat marks India’s second home series loss in two years, raising concerns about their Test cricket strategy under head coach Gautam Gambhir. Critics, including former players and commentators, have questioned India’s tactics and player readiness, with Venkatesh Prasad labeling their approach as ‘rank poor tactics.’ India’s next Test series is scheduled for August 2025 in Sri Lanka, followed by the T20 World Cup in February 2026, co-hosted with Sri Lanka.

  • Why PSG are turning to local talent to defend European crown

    Why PSG are turning to local talent to defend European crown

    Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is undergoing a transformative shift, prioritizing homegrown talent over high-profile signings. This strategic pivot marks the end of the club’s ‘bling-bling’ era, characterized by extravagant acquisitions, and ushers in a new chapter focused on nurturing local players. The change has been accelerated by an early-season injury crisis, which has thrust several academy graduates into the spotlight. This season, as many as five Parisian-born players have featured in the first team, showcasing the club’s commitment to its youth development program. The move to the state-of-the-art PSG Campus, a sprawling 59-hectare facility, has been instrumental in this transition. The complex, inaugurated a year ago, houses the men’s and women’s teams, their youth sides, and includes 16 pitches, accommodation for 140 young players, and educational facilities. Sporting advisor Luis Campos emphasized the club’s long-term vision of integrating more Parisian players into the first team. ‘The idea is to have players in every age group who can climb the steps,’ Campos stated, referencing the literal staircase of the PSG Campus, where the senior team trains at the top. This approach aims to reduce reliance on the transfer market, with Campos likening frequent signings to ‘going to the supermarket often doesn’t make you a better cook.’ The strategy has already yielded success, with players like Senny Mayulu and Warren Zaire-Emery making significant contributions. Mayulu, a versatile 19-year-old, has become a key figure, scoring crucial goals, including in the Champions League final. Zaire-Emery, who made his debut at 16, has rediscovered his form and is captaining the injury-hit squad. Yohan Cabaye, the academy director, praised the resilience and character of these young players, particularly Mayulu, who overcame multiple injuries in his formative years. However, Cabaye cautioned against using Zaire-Emery as a benchmark, noting that not every 16-year-old can replicate his rapid rise. PSG’s focus on youth extends to fending off competition from other clubs, with a dedicated team of scouts monitoring local talent. The under-19 side’s recent league title retention and continental success have further validated the academy’s effectiveness. Despite challenges, including a recent labor inspection highlighting workload issues, PSG remains committed to its youth-centric strategy. As the club prepares for upcoming fixtures, the new generation of homegrown talent is poised to play a pivotal role in PSG’s continued success on the European stage.

  • Ukrainian sumo wrestler Aonishiki nears the pinnacle of Japan’s national sport

    Ukrainian sumo wrestler Aonishiki nears the pinnacle of Japan’s national sport

    In a remarkable ascent within Japan’s revered sumo wrestling tradition, 21-year-old Ukrainian-born wrestler Aonishiki Arata has been promoted to the prestigious ozeki rank, just one step below the ultimate title of yokozuna. The Japan Sumo Association announced his elevation during an elaborate ceremony on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. Born Danilo Yavhushyshyn in Vinnytsia, Ukraine, Aonishiki moved to Japan following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine over three years ago, a decision influenced by his earlier friendship with a Japanese wrestler. His rapid rise to ozeki, achieved in just 14 tournaments, is the fastest since the current tournament system was established in 1958. Aonishiki’s promotion was cemented after his victory in a high-profile tournament in western Japan, where he triumphed over Mongolian-born yokozuna Hoshoryu in the decisive match. Despite his relatively smaller stature for a sumo wrestler—weighing between 125 to 135 kilograms—Aonishiki’s success is attributed to his low body position and impressive strength, including a bench press of 210 kilograms. Fluent in Japanese, which he learned after arriving in the country, Aonishiki has endeared himself to the Japanese public. He credits his parents, now living safely in Germany, for supporting his passion, even when he struggled academically. With his eyes set on the yokozuna rank, Aonishiki continues to inspire as a symbol of resilience and determination in the world of sumo.

  • South Africa edges closer to first test series win in India since 2000-01

    South Africa edges closer to first test series win in India since 2000-01

    In a gripping display of cricketing prowess, South Africa is on the verge of securing its first Test series win in India since the 2000-01 season. The fifth day of the second Test match in Guwahati saw the Proteas tighten their grip on the game, claiming three crucial Indian wickets in the morning session. This has left the hosts in a precarious position, with a daunting target of 549 runs still looming large. By the first tea interval, India was struggling at 90-5, still trailing by 459 runs. Sai Sudharsan remained unbeaten on 14 runs off 138 balls, while Ravindra Jadeja was not out on 23 off 40 deliveries. India’s captain and wicketkeeper, Rishabh Pant, was among the casualties, dismissed for 13 by Simon Harmer, who has been instrumental in dismantling the Indian batting lineup. Harmer’s relentless off-spin bowling wreaked havoc, starting with the dismissal of night watchman Kuldeep Yadav for 5 runs. The pressure continued to mount as Dhruv Jurel fell for just 2 runs, and Pant followed soon after. India’s hopes of a comeback were further dashed as they ended Day 4 at 27-2, having lost openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Lokesh Rahul early. South Africa’s dominance was evident earlier in the match when Marco Jansen’s impressive 6-48 helped the team secure a massive 314-run first innings lead. With India bowled out for 201 in response to South Africa’s 489, the visitors are now poised to clinch the series, having already won the first Test in Kolkata by 30 runs.

  • Fans from 105 countries expected to attend Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

    Fans from 105 countries expected to attend Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

    Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit is finalizing preparations for what promises to be the most internationally diverse Formula One event in its history. With just days remaining until the season finale from December 4-7, organizers anticipate surpassing last year’s attendance record of 192,000 spectators as fans converge from 105 different countries.

    The championship approaches its climax with an unprecedented three-way battle between Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and Max Verstappen. With merely 24 points separating the current leader Norris from his rivals and 58 championship points remaining across the final two rounds, the title decision will likely occur on Yas Marina’s challenging 5.28km track.

    Event organizer Ethara has transformed the Grand Prix into the region’s premier sporting spectacle, combining world-class racing with an entertainment program featuring eight headline musical acts. The 2025 lineup represents the most ambitious in the event’s history, featuring performances by Post Malone, Metallica, Katy Perry, Calvin Harris, and other international stars across multiple venues.

    CEO Saif Al Noaimi emphasized the event’s significance: “Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the most anticipated weekend on the region’s sporting calendar. The 2025 event promises to be remarkable with more fans, more racing, and exciting new experiences on and off the track.”

    The operational scale involves over 40,000 professionals from UAE-based companies, including temporary structure construction teams, hospitality providers, and volunteer staff. Sustainability initiatives mark significant advancements this year, with the elimination of single-use plastic bottles and cups across all venues, replaced by sustainable alternatives and complimentary water stations. These measures support Ethara’s commitment to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% before 2030 and transition to fully renewable energy by 2035.