In a historic display of solidarity, the Basque Country football team faced off against the Palestinian national team in a friendly match at Bilbao’s San Mames Stadium. The game, which ended with a 3-0 victory for the Basque side, was more than just a sporting event—it was a powerful statement of unity and support for Palestine amidst ongoing conflict in Gaza. Thousands of spectators filled the stadium, witnessing both teams celebrate side by side, arms interlocked, in a poignant moment of camaraderie. The match also served as a fundraiser for Doctors Without Borders (MSF), an organization providing critical aid in Gaza, where over 71,000 people have been killed and millions displaced. Prior to the game, thousands of demonstrators marched through Bilbao in support of Palestine, underscoring the deep-rooted political sympathies between Basque and Palestinian nationalist movements. Palestinian coach Ehab Abu Jazar, who hails from Gaza, shared his personal struggles, stating, ‘It’s difficult to coach when your mother lives in a makeshift tent. We lost nearly 200 people in my family. My house was destroyed—but representing Palestine is the greatest honor there is.’ The Palestinian team also held a banner reading ‘Stop Genocide’ before the match, highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This event marked the first of two matches for the Palestinian team in Spain, with a game against Catalonia’s team scheduled for next week. Spain, along with Ireland and Norway, recognized Palestine as a state in May 2024, and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has publicly condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide. The match not only showcased the resilience of the Palestinian team but also amplified the global call for peace and justice.
分类： sports
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South Africa beats India in Test match; Harmer powers thrilling 30-run victory
In a gripping display of skill and determination, South Africa triumphed over India by 30 runs in the opening Test match at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The victory, achieved within three days, was powered by off-spinner Simon Harmer’s exceptional bowling performance, claiming 4-21 as India crumbled to 93 while chasing a modest target of 124. The match, played in front of a nearly 40,000-strong crowd, saw India’s batting lineup collapse dramatically. Earlier, Temba Bavuma’s gritty unbeaten 55 had given South Africa a fighting chance after they resumed Day Three at a precarious 93-7. Bavuma’s resilience on a challenging pitch, marked by inconsistent bounce and spin, provided the Proteas with a defendable total. India’s chase was further hampered by the absence of skipper Shubman Gill, who retired hurt in the first innings. Marco Jansen’s early breakthroughs, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, set the tone for India’s downfall. Harmer’s crucial wickets, including Dhruv Jurel, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja, dismantled India’s middle order. Aiden Markram’s dismissal of Washington Sundar (31) and Axar Patel’s brief but spirited 26, including two sixes, were not enough to salvage the match for India. South Africa’s lion-hearted bowling effort sealed a memorable victory, setting the stage for an intense series.
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Bin Ghadayer’s quiet confidence rewarded with impressive Jebel Ali Racecourse double
Salem bin Ghadayer, the Emirati horse trainer renowned for his composed demeanor and methodical approach, celebrated a remarkable double victory at the Jebel Ali Racecourse on Saturday. Despite the significant achievement, Bin Ghadayer’s reaction was characteristically understated, reflecting his philosophy of quiet confidence and meticulous preparation. His horses, Deciduous and On The Way, both considered underdogs, delivered commanding performances that underscored the trainer’s expertise in nurturing equine talent.
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Rory McIlroy emerges DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai champ for a seventh year
Rory McIlroy has once again solidified his dominance in the world of golf by securing the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai championship for the seventh time, marking his fourth consecutive win. However, the world No.2 narrowly missed out on the $10 million Tour Championship title, losing to England’s Matt Fitzpatrick in a dramatic playoff at the Earth course of Jumeirah Golf Estates. Fitzpatrick sealed the victory with a birdie on the 72nd hole, finishing at 18-under par. McIlroy, despite a sensational eagle on the same hole, found the water with his tee shot in the playoff, handing Fitzpatrick the win. This triumph marks Fitzpatrick’s third DP World Tour Championship title and his 10th DP World Tour victory overall, propelling him to No.24 in the Official World Golf Ranking. Meanwhile, McIlroy’s achievement moves him past the legendary Seve Ballesteros and brings him within one title of Colin Montgomerie’s all-time record of eight Order of Merit titles. Other notable performances included England’s Tommy Fleetwood and Laurie Canter, Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg, and Denmark’s Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen, who tied for third place at 17-under par.
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New York Jets player in critical condition after Manhattan shooting
Kris Boyd, a cornerback for the New York Jets, was critically injured after being shot in the abdomen early Sunday morning in midtown Manhattan, according to US media reports. The incident occurred around 02:00 local time (07:00 GMT) outside Sei Less, a high-end restaurant. The New York Police Department (NYPD) confirmed the shooting but did not publicly identify the victim. However, a spokesperson for the Jets verified to the BBC that Boyd was the individual involved. Boyd, 29, is currently in critical condition at a local hospital. The NYPD has yet to apprehend any suspects, and an investigation remains ongoing. Boyd, who joined the Jets earlier this year, previously played for the Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals, and Minnesota Vikings. He had been on injured reserve since August due to a shoulder injury sustained during team practice. Jets linebacker Jermaine Johnson took to X (formerly Twitter) to request prayers for Boyd’s recovery, writing, ‘Lord please hold your healing hand over Kris and guide him back to health and safety.’ Fans have also flooded social media with messages of support for Boyd. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in the United States, particularly in New York City.
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Argentina stuns Scotland from 21-0 down at Murrayfield
In a breathtaking display of resilience, Argentina orchestrated one of the most remarkable comebacks in rugby history, overcoming a 21-0 deficit to defeat Scotland 33-24 at Murrayfield on Sunday. This victory marks the Pumas’ first win at Murrayfield in 16 years and stands as their greatest comeback triumph to date. The match, which seemed firmly in Scotland’s favor, took a dramatic turn in the final quarter as Argentina scored five tries in just 22 minutes. Scotland had dominated the early stages, with Ewan Ashman scoring two tries and Finn Russell adding extras to build a commanding lead. However, Argentina’s fortunes changed after coach Felipe Contepomi made strategic substitutions, bringing on key players like Santiago Carreras and Pablo Matera. Carreras’ attacking prowess and Matera’s physicality revitalized the Pumas, leading to a flurry of tries. Julian Montoya, Pedro Rubiolo, and Matera all crossed the line, while Santiago Carreras’ conversion and Justo Piccardo’s late try sealed the historic win. This loss is a bitter blow for Scotland, who also suffered a narrow defeat to New Zealand the previous week. The match highlighted Argentina’s grit and determination, as they turned a seemingly insurmountable deficit into a stunning victory.
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India captain Shubman Gill will not take part in series against South Africa after neck spasm: BCCI
India’s Test cricket captain, Shubman Gill, has been sidelined from the ongoing series against South Africa following a neck spasm. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the news on Sunday, stating that Gill will not participate further in the match and will remain under the supervision of the medical team. The incident occurred during the second day of the series opener at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens on Saturday, when Gill was visibly in pain after playing just three deliveries. He was subsequently taken to a private hospital for scans. Gill, who had previously experienced neck stiffness during last year’s home Test series against New Zealand, was seen performing neck exercises with a medical staff member before the match. India’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel, described the injury as ‘unfortunate’ but emphasized that Gill is generally in excellent physical condition. In Gill’s absence, vice-captain Rishabh Pant took charge, leading India to a strong position as the spin trio of Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel dominated South Africa’s batting lineup, leaving them at 93/7.
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NFL Hall of Famer Kenny Easley passes away aged 66
Kenny Easley, a revered figure in both college and NFL football history, passed away on Friday at the age of 66. The Seattle Seahawks, with whom Easley spent his entire seven-year NFL career (1981-87), announced his death on Saturday. Easley’s career was cut short at 28 due to a kidney ailment, but his impact on the game remains indelible. Known for his leadership, toughness, and athletic prowess, Easley was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and a member of the 1980s All-Decade Team. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1991. Easley’s 1984 season was particularly remarkable, as he led the NFL with 10 interceptions, earning him the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. His career stats include 32 interceptions in 89 games, with three returned for touchdowns. After his forced retirement, Easley sued the Seahawks, alleging that large doses of ibuprofen prescribed by the team damaged his kidneys. The case was settled out of court, and Easley underwent a kidney transplant in 1990. Despite the legal battle, Easley later reconciled with the franchise and was honored with a place in the Seahawks’ Ring of Honor in 2002. His No. 45 jersey was retired in 2017. Easley’s legacy at UCLA is equally impressive; he remains the school’s record holder with 19 interceptions and ranks fifth with 374 tackles. UCLA expressed its condolences, stating, ‘We mourn the passing of Bruin legend Kenny Easley. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who were inspired by him.’
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Chasing Brazil’s first Alpine skiing World Cup win, Pinheiro Braathen leads slalom after 1st run
In a stunning display of skill and determination, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen surged to the forefront during the opening run of the men’s World Cup slalom in Levi, Finland, on Sunday. The Brazilian skier, who switched national allegiances from Norway to Brazil last season, finished 0.41 seconds ahead of 2022 Olympic champion Clement Noel of France and 0.49 seconds ahead of his former Norwegian teammate Timon Haugan. With the final leg of the race set for later that day, Pinheiro Braathen positioned himself for what could be Brazil’s first-ever victory in a top-level ski race, just months before the Milan Cortina Olympics. Pinheiro Braathen, a technical specialist who debuted on the World Cup circuit in 2018, has already secured five race wins and the season-long slalom title in 2022-23. His journey has been marked by challenges, including a year-long hiatus following a dispute with the Norwegian ski federation over personal marketing rights. Since his return, he has represented Brazil, his mother’s homeland, and achieved five podium finishes. In a September interview with The Associated Press, Pinheiro Braathen expressed confidence, stating, ‘It will come, and it’s coming soon,’ referring to his first win for Brazil. Meanwhile, skiing legend Marcel Hirscher, who also switched federations before his comeback last year, opted to sit out Sunday’s race, delaying his return from injury until January. Hirscher, an eight-time overall World Cup champion for Austria, now competes for the Netherlands, his mother’s native country. His comeback season was cut short in December due to a knee injury sustained during slalom training. As the competition heats up, all eyes are on Pinheiro Braathen, who could make history for Brazil in the world of Alpine skiing.
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Pakistan elects to field against Sri Lanka in final ODI
In the decisive third One-Day International (ODI) clash between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Pakistan secured the toss and opted to field, setting the stage for a potential series sweep. The match, held at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, saw Pakistan entering with confidence after securing victories in the previous two encounters—by six runs and eight wickets, respectively. Shaheen Shah Afridi returned to captain the side after recovering from fever, leading a reshuffled lineup with four strategic changes. Afridi replaced Naseem Shah, while all-rounders Faheem Ashraf and left-arm spinner Faisal Akram stepped in for Mohammad Nawaz and Abrar Ahmed. Opening batter Haseebullah made his series debut, replacing the rested Saim Ayub. On the opposing side, Sri Lanka also introduced four changes, including stand-in captain Kusal Mendis, who took over from the ill Charith Asalanka. Pavan Rathnayake made his ODI debut, replacing Asalanka, while spinner Jeffrey Vandersay and fast bowler Eshan Malinga were brought in for Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera. Sri Lanka reinforced its spin attack by recalling Maheesh Theekshana, leaving out fast bowler Asitha Fernando. Both teams showcased their depth and adaptability, promising an intense contest as Pakistan sought to cap off the series with a flawless performance.