Olympics serves as reminder Ukraine still exists, says sports minister

Olympics serves as reminder Ukraine still exists, says sports minister
Ukraine is set to have only 140 athletes competing at this year’s Olympic Games in Paris, the smallest representation ever in Ukraine’s Olympic history. (AFP)
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Updated 28 July 2024
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Olympics serves as reminder Ukraine still exists, says sports minister

Olympics serves as reminder Ukraine still exists, says sports minister
  • “We need to remind the world that Ukraine exists, is fighting, and is capable of winning,” Bidnyi said
  • Ukraine won 19 medals in Tokyo in 2021, but Bidnyi says under the vastly different circumstances this year there was a different bar to be set

PARIS: Ukrainian Sports Minister Matviy Bidnyi says “the Russians wanted his country to cease to exist” but instead over two years on from the invasion, “the opposite has happened” at the Paris Olympics.
“Ukrainians are here, Ukraine is participating in the Olympic Games,” he said on the eve of the opening ceremony.
Bidnyi, who replaced Vadym Gutzeit as sports minister last November, said sport’s greatest show spread over a fortnight in Paris — and televised around the globe — would for Ukraine “primarily be a big screen to the world.”
Despite heavily disrupted preparations, with some athletes leaving Ukraine, others being killed and training facilities destroyed since Russia invaded on February 24, 2022, Ukraine is still sending a 143-strong team to Paris.
“We need to remind the world that Ukraine exists, is fighting, and is capable of winning,” Bidnyi told AFP by email on Thursday.
“Under the coordination of the Office of the President of Ukraine, we plan a large campaign to best explain that the very fact we perform under the Ukrainian flag in Paris is a great display of willpower.”
Ukraine won 19 medals in Tokyo in 2021, but Bidnyi says under the vastly different circumstances this year there was a different bar to be set.
“We believe in every Ukrainian athlete and wish to win all the medals,” said the 44-year-old body builder.
“But the truth is broader — every Ukrainian athlete at the Olympic Games is a hero who is already a winner.
“At the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, few believed we would stand.
“But we did, Ukrainian defenders stopped the Kremlin’s onslaught.”
Bidnyi said he could not be prouder that the athletes had managed to remain focused enough to qualify for Paris in their respective sports.
“Ukrainian athletes have proudly overcome the incredible hardships brought about by the Russian war,” he said.
“The killing of loved ones, the destruction of homes and stadiums, endless relocations — these are challenges that all Ukrainians, particularly athletes, constantly face.”
Ukrainian athletes, coaches and the country’s sporting infrastructure have not been spared from the destruction wreaked by Russia since their forces invaded in February 2022.
Ukraine co-hosted the European football championships as recently as 2012.
“Sports infrastructure has suffered significant losses — that’s true,” he said.
“The Russians damaged and destroyed more than 500 sports facilities, including 15 Olympic training bases across the country.
“But we can rebuild the sports infrastructure. However, we will never be able to bring back the killed athletes.”
Bidnyi said he dreads waking up to receive new figures about dead and wounded athletes and coaches.
“Every morning, I receive an SMS with updates on how many Ukrainian athletes and coaches the Russians have killed,” he said.
“Almost every day, this number increases. As of now, the Russians have killed 488 Ukrainian athletes and coaches.
“Among them are dozens of world and European champions, participants of previous Olympic Games, who should have been in Paris now but were killed by Russia.”
Those who have made it through to Paris have done so in the most trying of circumstances, says Bidnyi.
“Ukrainian rower Anastasia Rybychok lost her home and training base in Kherson,” he said.
“They were first bombed by the Russians and then flooded after the Russians blew up the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Station.
“Because of Russian terror, we experience power outages. Our athletes have to train in gyms without air conditioning or ventilation simply because there is no electricity.
“Many Ukrainian athletes have lost loved ones due to the war.”
Bidnyi says he is delighted that under constant pressure from his office and others the International Olympic Committee have vastly restricted the number of Russians and Belarusians competing in Paris and ordered them to compete under a neutral flag. They are banned from the opening ceremony.
Russia sent a team of 330 to Tokyo “and today there will be a maximum of 15 people without a state, without a flag, without an anthem, without any possibility of hinting where they came from.”


Ayub century helps Pakistan crush Zimbabwe, level series

Ayub century helps Pakistan crush Zimbabwe, level series
Updated 26 November 2024
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Ayub century helps Pakistan crush Zimbabwe, level series

Ayub century helps Pakistan crush Zimbabwe, level series
  • Ayub struck unbeaten 113 as Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by 10 wickets to level one-day international series with one match to come
  • Zimbabwe were all out for 145 at Queens Sports Club as they sought a second victory over the tourists

ZIMBABWE: Saim Ayub struck an unbeaten 113 as Pakistan crushed Zimbabwe by 10 wickets in Bulawayo on Tuesday to level a one-day international series with one match to come.

Zimbabwe were all out for 145 at Queens Sports Club as they sought a second victory over the tourists in three days having won by 80 runs in a rain-shortened tour opener.

Pakistan then atoned for a poor batting show on Sunday with Ayub and fellow opener Abdullah Shafique (32 not out) unstoppable as they reached their target in 18.2 overs.

Ayub struck 17 runs and three sixes off 62 balls in a 75-minute stand while Shafique claimed four fours in the southern city.

Ayub reached his century off 53 balls — the second fastest in an ODI international by a Pakistani after Shahid Afridi.

Zimbabwe, seeking a first ODI series win over Pakistan, utilized five bowlers, but none made an impression with Brandon Mavuta, who conceded 47 runs in four overs, particularly expensive.

After winning the toss, Zimbabwe were quickly in trouble with openers Joylord Gumbie (five) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (four) back in the pavilion with less than four overs bowled.

Only Dion Myers, who struck six fours in his 33, and veteran Sean Williams, who posted 31 before being trapped leg before by Ayub, impressed for the home team.

Pakistan-born all-rounder Sikandar Raza, often the batting savior for Zimbabwe, made just 17 before becoming one of three victims of Salman Ali Agha.

Abrar Ahmed took four wickets and Ali Agha three for Pakistan, who arrived in southern Africa after a 3-0 ODI series loss in Australia.

The Zimbabwe ODI series decider is set for Thursday, followed by three Twenty20 internationals from Sunday, also in Bulawayo. Pakistan then visit South Africa for an all-format tour.


Zimbabwe win toss and elect to bat in 2nd ODI against Pakistan

Zimbabwe win toss and elect to bat in 2nd ODI against Pakistan
Updated 26 November 2024
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Zimbabwe win toss and elect to bat in 2nd ODI against Pakistan

Zimbabwe win toss and elect to bat in 2nd ODI against Pakistan
  • Pakistan suffered 80-run humiliating loss to Zimbabwe in first ODI on Sunday 
  • Tayyab Tahir and leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed debut for Pakistan in second ODI 

BULAWAYO: Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat in the second one-day international against Pakistan on Tuesday.
Pakistan made two changes after Zimbabwe recorded a stunning 80-run win on DLS method in the rain-affected first match to lead the three-game series 1-0 on Monday.
Middle-order batter Tayyab Tahir and leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed were awarded ODI debuts in place of Haseebullah Khan and fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain.
Haseebullah got dropped after making 0 in his debut ODI while Hasnain made way for Abrar with the wicket expecting to slow bowlers.
Zimbabwe didn’t tinker with its winning combination after Pakistan struggled against both pace and spin in the first game.
Pakistan have rested its frontline white-ball players Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Babar Azam as they tested bench strength ahead of next year’s Champions Trophy.
Bulawayo will host the third and final ODI on Thursday and will also host both teams in the three-match T20 series.


‘As easy as the semifinal’ — Alhyasat predicts another win over Al-Qahtani

‘As easy as the semifinal’ — Alhyasat predicts another win over Al-Qahtani
Updated 26 November 2024
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‘As easy as the semifinal’ — Alhyasat predicts another win over Al-Qahtani

‘As easy as the semifinal’ — Alhyasat predicts another win over Al-Qahtani
  • Saudi fighter Al-Qahtani gets second chance against his Jordanian opponent after Islam Reda’s withdrawal from the PFL Mena Championship final

RIYADH: The author of arguably the biggest upset in the inaugural season of PFL MENA, Jordanian welterweight Abdelrahman “Cobra” Alhyasat, has predicted history will repeat itself during the first championship final on Nov. 29.

A relative unknown, Alhyasat shocked the world when he beat Saudi Arabian mixed martial arts star and title favorite Abdullah Al-Qahtani in the semifinals, winning by unanimous decision. 

While the undefeated Alhyasat was initially scheduled to face Islam Reda in the final, an injury meant the latter had to withdraw — opening the door for a rematch with Al-Qahtani.

However, Alhyasat does not seem too excited about facing the “The Reaper” for a second time.

“I would have preferred to face a different fighter in the final, but Islam Reda’s injury led to Al-Qahtani being in the final,” he said.

However, “Cobra” is confident that he can make it 2-0 against the Kingdom’s biggest MMA star. 

“I will repeat my victory over Al-Qahtani,” he said boldly, even stating the hometown disadvantage would not be much of an issue. “I’m comfortable with this matchup; it will be as easy as the semifinal. Fighting on his home turf won’t be a source of stress for me.”

While Alhyasat believes he can shut down Al-Qahtani again, he also knows the Saudi Arabian star will not have the same game plan as he did in their semifinal showdown — so he has made his own strategy adjustments to compensate.

“I expect Al-Qahtani to change his fighting style for the final. That’s why, during my specialized training camp in Thailand, we coordinated with the technical team to study all possibilities and adapt to the flow of the fight,” Alhyasat explained.

“The plan we’ve prepared for the final is flawless and ensures another victory over Al-Qahtani,” he added.

In fact, Alhyasat is so confident in his capabilities that he already has a celebration planned.

“I will celebrate the belt with my friends in Amman, enjoying Jordanian mansaf, even if my opponent changes his fighting style,” he said.

 

The complete PFL MENA Championships card:

PFL MENA Featherweight Championship: Abdelrahman Alhyasat (5-0) vs. Abdullah Al-Qahtani (9-2)

PFL MENA Welterweight Championship: Mohammad Alaqraa (7-0) vs. Omar El Dafrawy (12-6)

Amateur Women’s Atomweight Bout: Hattan Alsaif vs. Lilia Osmani

PFL MENA Bantamweight Championship: Ali Taleb (11-1) vs. Rachid El Hazoume (15-3)

 

PFL MENA Lightweight Championship: Mohsen Mohammadseifi (6-1) vs. Georges Eid (10-4)

 

Showcase Fights:

Lightweight MENA Showcase: Mansour Barnaoui (21-6) vs. Alfie Davis (17-4-1)

Heavyweight MENA Showcase: Slim Trabelsi (7-0) vs. Abraham Bably (5-0)

Featherweight Global Showcase: Jesus Pinedo (23-6-1) vs. Jeremy Kennedy (19-4)

Featherweight Global Showcase: Asael Adjoudj (8-1) vs. Jose Perez (9-1)

Middleweight Global Showcase: Costello van Steenis (15-3) vs. Joao Dantas (7-1)


FIFAe Finals 2024 to take place in Riyadh

FIFAe Finals 2024 to take place in Riyadh
Updated 26 November 2024
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FIFAe Finals 2024 to take place in Riyadh

FIFAe Finals 2024 to take place in Riyadh
  • The tournament returns to the Saudi capital from Dec. 5-12 with a partnership between FIFAe and the Saudi Esports Federation

RIYADH: The FIFAe Finals 2024 come to Riyadh next month, the first time the event will include multiple esports titles.

Hosted at the SEF Arena at BLVD Riyadh City, it will unfold in two stages. Proceedings begin with the FIFAe World Cup featuring Rocket League from Dec. 5-8, followed by two FIFAe World Cups featuring eFootball (on console and mobile) that will run from Dec. 9-12.

Ahead of the tournaments, Turki Al-Fawzan, CEO of the Saudi Esports Federation, said: “As we continue to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in esports, hosting the FIFAe Finals 2024 is a proud moment for us. This event not only highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to the esports ecosystem but also provides an unparalleled opportunity for players from across the world to showcase their talent and passion on a global stage. We’re excited to witness the next chapter of esports history unfold right here in Riyadh.”

Players have the opportunity to represent their nations and lift the official FIFAe World Cup Trophy on a global stage. Sixteen nations are competing in Rocket League and up to 18 will go head-to-head in eFootball.

In line with Rocket League’s third-party regulations, the prize pool stands at $250,000. The prize pool for both eFootball competitions (console and mobile) is $100,000 each, bringing the total prize distribution for the FIFAe Finals 2024 to $450,000.

“This year’s addition of multiple new titles marks a major expansion for football esports tournaments, offering players from diverse ecosystems the chance to compete on the biggest stage under the FIFAe banner. We’re excited to continue this momentum together with the SEF and look forward to bringing this event to life in December together with our partners and publishers,” said FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom.

The FIFAe Finals 2024 follow the inaugural FIFAe Next Gen event in Liverpool, England, which included the first-ever FIFAe World Cup featuring Football Manager, alongside the FIFAe Fame Your Game Cup.


West Ham stun Newcastle to ease pressure on Lopetegui

West Ham stun Newcastle to ease pressure on Lopetegui
Updated 26 November 2024
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West Ham stun Newcastle to ease pressure on Lopetegui

West Ham stun Newcastle to ease pressure on Lopetegui
  • The result, only West Ham’s second win on the road this season, lifts them to 15 points, just three behind 10th-placed Newcastle

NEWCASTLE, United Kingdom: West Ham produced a clinical away performance to beat resurgent Newcastle 2-0 on Monday, easing the pressure on beleaguered manager Julen Lopetegui.
Tomas Soucek headed the visitors in front against the run of play at St. James’ Park and Aaron Wan-Bissaka grabbed a rare goal in the second half to double the Hammers’ lead.
Newcastle were unable to capitalize on the chances they created, failing to build on the momentum created by recent wins against Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.
The result, only West Ham’s second win on the road this season, lifts them to 15 points, just three behind 10th-placed Newcastle.
The home side made the early running and in-form forward Alexander Isak had the ball in the net in the fifth minute after a delicate dink over Lukasz Fabianski, only for it to be ruled out for offside.
West Ham, expected to face a tough test on Newcastle’s home turf, showed little adventure in the opening stages.
But their first real foray up the pitch resulted in a corner and the unmarked Soucek powered home a header from close range in the 10th minute.
Newcastle enjoyed the bulk of the possession as a lively first half unfolded but West Ham were robust in defense and threatened when they went forward.
Anthony Gordon had a glorious chance to level after a poor clearance from Jean-Clair Todibo but fired straight at Fabianski.
Minutes later Isak chested down a superb cross from Bruno Guimaraes but steered narrowly wide on the stretch.
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle were again on the front foot at the start of the second half but it was West Ham who doubled their lead through Wan-Bissaka.
The former Manchester United man scored his first goal for West Ham and just his third career goal after picking up Jarrod Bowen’s pass and firing home.
Howe brought on Jacob Murphy and Callum Wilson in a bid to turn the tide but Newcastle failed to build up a head of steam against their determined opponents, who saw out the game with relative ease.
The result will be a huge relief for Lopetegui, whose future has been a matter of mounting speculation just months after he replaced David Moyes.