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President of World Athletics Sebastian Coe. (AFP) It is fair to say that Sebastian Coe’s ground-breaking move to award prize money to track and field gold medallists at the 2024 Paris Olympics ruffled some feathers.Two years ago, World Athletics announced that winners in the French capital would each receive $50,000, the governing body becoming the first international federation to introduce such prize money.The unilateral decision sparked a backlash.Although the move was widely welcomed by athletes, the hierarchy of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and other federation chiefs argued that it broke with the tradition of the Olympic spirit.”Prize money for the Olympics is probably why I’m sitting here talking to you and not in (IOC headquarters in) Lausanne,” Coe joked Friday.The 69-year-old Briton who won two Olympic 1,500m golds stood in last year’s IOC presidential election won by Kirsty Coventry, who happens to be an opponent of prize money at the Olympics.The IOC, though, in June announced a $10,000 grant (‘Fit for the Future Olympian Grant’) for which “every athlete at the Olympic Games will be eligible”.Coe announced in 2024 the creation of the World Athletics Ultimate Championships, a new three-day biannual global event with the first edition to be held in Budapest next month.It boasts a $10mn (£7.5m) prize pot.”I’ve always believed in prize money,” Coe told journalists on the sidelines of the European Athletics Championships.”The importance of prize money is critical.”My view has always been that we talk about athlete welfare, and quite rightly, we talk about physical welfare, we talk about mental welfare.”We should, but those two are often inextricably underpinned by financial welfare because that financial welfare often gives you the peace of mind to continue to train and want to be involved in a sport that’s not putting undue stresses and strains on families and friends’ networks.” No big ‘philosophical divide’Prize money, Coe argued, “allows you to maybe pause, to contemplate properly the next move when your career actually does come to an end”.”We talk about prize money as though it’s some sort of big philosophical divide. It’s not.”It practically supports the welfare of the athletes and the ecosystem, which is the support, the sport.”I’ve never benchmarked my views about that on other sports because I’ve held those views for 50 years and I’m too old to change.”Coe said that World Athletics had consistently increased prize money at world championships and leapt on the chance to shake things up for the Ultimate Championships.”I said if we’re going to do something different, let’s make it feel different for the athletes,” he said.”And prize money, the $10 million prize pool, was important.”One change from the Olympic prize money is that each athlete competing in Budapest between September 11-13 “will leave with some financial reward”.”It won’t be the winners’ total, but there are 16 competitors in the track events, and every one of them will leave with something from that championship,” said Coe. Related Story Source link
Servicemen of the Latvian National Guard gather before a search operation for the debris from an intercepted drone, in Rugaji, yesterday. (Reuters) Nato said yesterday its fighter jets shot down a drone that entered Latvian airspace, the latest incursion along the military alliance’s eastern flank bordering Russia.The military alliance has launched an investigation, a Nato spokesperson said, as concerns grow in Europe over unauthorised drone activity while Russia’s war in Ukraine grinds on.This was the second time that such a drone had been shot down in Latvian airspace, the defence ministry confirmed to AFP.The first such incursion took place in June, when a foreign drone was also shot down by Nato fighter jets.Both Russia and Ukraine are relying on heavy use of drones to launch attacks in the four-year conflict.It was not immediately clear where the drone shot down over Latvia had come from.”We can confirm that two Italian Eurofighter jets were scrambled earlier today in response to a drone over Latvian airspace. One of the Eurofighters shot down the drone,” a Nato spokesperson told AFP, adding that “two Turkish F-16 fighter jets were also scrambled”.”All aircraft were operating under Nato command,” the spokesperson added, adding that “an investigation is ongoing” into the matter.Earlier yesterday, Latvia’s defence ministry wrote on X that Nato “fighter jets have successfully shot down a foreign unmanned aerial vehicle that had entered Latvia as a result of Russian electromagnetic warfare”.Latvian foreign minister Baiba Braze wrote on X thanked Italy for “maintaining (the) integrity of Nato airspace”.”This is… a tangible result of Nato Summit decisions in Ankara to upscale the Baltic Air Policing mission to air defence,” Lithuanian foreign minister Kestutis Budrys wrote on X, underlining that the Italian fighter jets were deployed in Siauliai, in northern Lithuania.The EU and Nato member state of about 1.9mn inhabitants shares a border with Russia to the east.It and other countries along Nato’s eastern flank including Romania and Poland have suffered repeated incursions into their airspace.At a meeting on Wednesday, Nato allies reiterated that Russia bears full responsibility for the airspace violations, which it said are dangerous and unacceptable, and demonstrate Russia’s increasing tolerance for risk.Finland also imposed temporary aviation and maritime restrictions in the eastern Gulf of Finland yesterday, its defence forces said on X.It described the move as a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring the safety of bystanders and the operational capabilities of authorities to counter potential drones.In June, French fighter jets deployed to Nato’s Baltic Air Policing mission also shot down a drone in Latvia, marking the first time the alliance’s rapid-reaction force has downed a stray drone over the country.German authorities last week found an explosives-laden drone at Leipzig airport, while operations at Hanover airport were disrupted after a drone entered restricted airspace, officials told AFP on Tuesday. Source link
Toxic gas leaked from a vessel at a shipbreaking yard in Bangladesh yesterday, killing at least eight workers, with five others missing, police said.Witnesses said they heard screams from inside the yard in the southeastern port city of Chittagong before workers rushed some of the victims to hospital.Senior police official Abdul Kuddus Chowdhury said eight people had died and authorities were searching for the missing workers.”A committee has been formed to investigate the incident, and the authorities have ordered an audit of the shipbreaking yard,” Chowdhury told AFP.The Ferdous Steel Shipbreaking Yard and Recycling Factory, which acquired the vessel previously used to transport liquefied natural gas, was listed as a “green” and compliant facility, he said.But fire service official Towfiqul Islam Bhuiyan said safety procedures appeared to have been flouted, as the vessel should have been free of any gas before cutting began.”The yard authorities did not follow the instructions. Workers who were exposed to the gas died, while those who were farther away survived,” he told AFP.Ferdous has not made any public comment about the incident.Bhuiyan said firefighters recovered three bodies from the site and found several other workers unconscious, who were then taken to hospital.Bangladesh’s shipbreaking industry is spread along a 25-kilometre (15-mile) stretch of the Chittagong coast on the Bay of Bengal.It is one of the world’s largest shipbreaking hubs and employs tens of thousands of people.The sector has long drawn scrutiny from labour and environmental groups over safety standards and working conditions.Among the workers killed yesterday was Palash Jaladas.His wife, Bhoumika Jaladas, who relatives said was eight months pregnant, was inconsolable.”What shall I do now?” she told reporters. Source link
That information comes from the World Health Organization (WHO) which on Friday reiterated that the critical sector must not be targeted. The UN agency maintains a surveillance…
The embassy of Pakistan in Doha commemorated the landmark 80th Independence Day of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan with a grand flag-hoisting ceremony filled with patriotic fervour.The event, held at the embassy premises, was attended by hundreds of Pakistani community members.Ambassador Muhammad Aamer hoisted the national flag, which was followed by a collective recitation of the National Anthem.The Pakistan Armed Forces contingent stationed in Qatar also participated in the ceremony. The Torch adorned in Pakistan colours in Aspire Zone. During the ceremony, official Independence Day messages from Pakistan’s president, prime minister, and deputy prime minister were read out to the audience.In his address, Aamer felicitated fellow Pakistanis on this milestone.He stated that Independence Day refreshes the national spirit and strengthens the collective resolve to work tirelessly for the progress and prosperity of the motherland.The envoy reminded attendees that Pakistan’s freedom is the result of immense sacrifices by its forefathers, urging the community to honour this sacred trust by upholding the core principles of unity, faith, and discipline.Paying tribute to the Armed Forces of Pakistan and the resilience of its people, Aamer specifically highlighted the recent operational successes of Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos and the historic stand of Marq-e-Haq against unprovoked aggression. He honoured the Shuhada (martyrs) who laid down their lives for the defence of the homeland.The ambassador also highlighted recent operational successes of the Armed Forces. On global and regional issues, Aamer reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering political, moral, and diplomatic support for the people of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir in their legitimate struggle for self-determination.He also reiterated Pakistan’s firm solidarity with the oppressed Palestinian people.In the context of bilateral relations, Aamer highlighted the special, enduring bonds between Pakistan and Qatar.He expressed deep gratitude to Qatar and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani for their consistent support and constructive role during recent regional challenges. He also thanked Qatar for graciously hosting more than 350,000 Pakistani expatriates, praising the community as an indispensable “living bridge” whose hard work, professionalism, and respect for local traditions significantly contribute to Qatar’s development.The envoy expressed complete confidence that the diaspora will continue to project the true image of Pakistan in line with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal. He assured the community that the embassy remains fully committed to their welfare and will continue to work with dedication and zeal for their betterment.The ceremony concluded with prayers for the peace, progress, prosperity, and solidarity of Pakistan. Source link
Ben Shelton of the United States holds the championship trophy after beating Brandon Nakashima of the United States in the Montreal Masters final. (AFP) Ben Shelton backed up an ATP title for the first time in his career on Thursday, defeating Brandon Nakashima 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) to win a second consecutive Masters 1000 trophy in Canada.Last year’s title in Toronto was matched by a 2026 winning performance in Montreal, with the American taking the honours without dropping a set on the way to his seventh career title.Shelton joins Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in winning back-to-back in Canada during this century.It was the first Masters final between Americans since Andy Roddick and Mardy Fish at Cincinnati 23 years ago.”To play the way that I have here, going through without dropping a set… it speaks to the work that I’ve put in and my mental toughness,” said Shelton, who will rise from 10th to sixth in the rankings.”I was able to focus this week, and it has not been such a straightforward season for me,” added the player who had won just a single Masters 1000 match out of five played this season before the start of Montreal.”I’m playing at the top of my limit – I’ve got no words.”The first all-American Canada final since 1995, when Andre Agassi faced Pete Sampras, began as Nakashima, beaten by Shelton in all five of their previous matches, unleashed four aces in the opening game.Shelton needed just one break in the seventh game to win the opener and ran off five consecutive games – losing only five points – to reach a set and 1-0.He took a 6-5 lead on a pair of aces and wrapped up the win in the tie-breaker as he fired a forehand winner into the corner past Nakashima.The 87-minute victory gave Shelton his fourth title of the season, all played on different surfaces. He also won on indoor hardcourt in Dallas, clay in Munich and grass in Stutgart.Shelton now heads to the ongoing Cincinnati Masters in the American Midwest riding a 12-match Canada win streak and will use the final big event before the August 30 start of the US Open to try and maintain form for the last Grand Slam of the season. Related…
US soldiers set up a floating bridge as they participate in a combined manoeuvre training with wet gap crossing during the 2026 Korea-US Freedom Shield military…
Gold medallist Britain’s Amy Hunt celebrates after winning in the women’s 200m final during the European Athletics Championships at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham. (AFP) Britain’s Amy Hunt won the women’s 200m in Birmingham on Thursday to seal a European sprint double, quickly vowing to continue her audacious bid for four championship golds.Hunt, who won the 100m on Monday, ran a strong second half of the race for victory in 22.19 seconds.Ireland’s Rhasidat Adeleke claimed silver in a national record 22.28sec, a hundredth of a second faster than Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith, who won bronze.The result means Hunt can continue in her bid to snare four championship golds as she also plans to compete in both the women’s and mixed 4x100m relays.”Two out of four, baby!” said Hunt. “I am only 50% through as I have set out for the full set of four golds.”Now I am incredibly excited for the relays because I get to do them and have so much fun with my friends.”Hunt said that while the 100m had been harder mentally, the 200m was the hardest physically.”I have had a lot of health things going on this year. It meant the 200 has been scary, nearly fainting after a lot of my 200m races this year,” she said.”The 100m and 200m double has only ever been done twice before. It was an amazing race. I am so incredibly proud of myself especially to do it here at home in front of this incredible crowd.”The time was very pleasing at this time of night and in these conditions and at a championships. It is really special to live out my dreams with the women I have looked up to over the years.” Asher-Smith landmarkHunt added: “I had to be brave and take it out hard to 150m and then hang on for dear life as Dina is such an incredible starter and Rhasidat such an amzing finisher so I knew I had to be on my A game tonight.”I am thinking of my coach. I am just thinking of him and not making the mistake of getting caught up in other people’s battles. This is becoming a magical week and one I will remember for the rest of my life.”No celebrations and no champagne until Sunday night. I have got a debt to the ladies. We have got to come out here and make sure we show them who the best sprinting nation is in Europe.”The bronze for Asher-Smith, who won the European sprint double in Berlin in 2018, was a record-equalling seventh individual continental medal.It drew her level with Croatian discus thrower Sandra Elkasevic and Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen.”Obviously, I’m disappointed to have a bronze, but a medal is a medal,” said Asher-Smith.”It is 10 years since winning my first gold in the 200m in 2016 and it is an achievement to be here again.”It says a lot to keep coming back year after year and performing, irrespective of what’s going on in your life.”She added: “It’s great to be part of a successful British team.”I think it has been a good championships for us so far and we have got until Sunday!”Asher-Smith had set the early pace in a race held in front of a raucous 20,000-strong crowd at Alexander Stadium.She was quickly out of the blocks to steal a march on Hunt on her inside.But Hunt, a Cambridge University graduate in English, kept her nerve and tracked her veteran teammate down the home straight.She made the pass with 20 metres to go and erupted in joy as she streaked through the line, quickly brandishing a Union Jack flag and donning a tiara. Related…
India's Shubman Gill said it was a ‘huge honour’ to lead his side for the country's 600th Test when they face Sri Lanka Saturday in the opening match of a two-Test series.Only England (1,097) and Australia (883) have played more Tests than India and the landmark match also coincides with the anniversary of India's independence from British rule on August 15, 1947.’It's a big honour and privilege for me to captain India in any Test match,’ Gill told reporters in Galle.’Captaining India in our 600th Test is a huge honour and doing it on India's Independence Day makes it even more special.’India began their Test journey in 1932 against England at Lord's and have since won 186 matches and lost 188. They have drawn 224 games, with one match ending in a tie.The tourists arrive in Sri Lanka looking to revive their red-ball fortunes after a difficult period under coach Gautam Gambhir.India, who have won eight and lost 10 of their 20 Tests under Gambhir, have slipped to fifth in the World Test Championship standings, one place above Sri Lanka. But Gill remains upbeat. Galle milestone’I'm very comfortable with the way we have progressed over the last year. I feel we are moving in the right direction,’ said Gill.’Our main goal is to play in the World Test Championship final next year and if we win six or seven games out of the next nine, we have a good chance.’He added: ‘To get there, winning this series is very important and that's what everyone is focusing on.’The tourists have been forced to make changes in their line-up due to injuries.Top-order batter Sai Sudharsan is unavailable, and Devdutt Padikkal, who struck an unbeaten century in the warm-up game in Colombo, is set to take his place.The first match will also mark a milestone for Galle, which will become the first venue in Asia to host 50 Test matches.Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva, who has played at the venue since his school days, said it would be a ‘big occasion’ for the picturesque venue overlooking the Indian Ocean.The venue traditionally offers turn for spinners, with many five-day matches ending in about three days.But de Silva said the pitch ‘will help the batters a lot’.Sri Lanka too have injury concerns and will be without opening batter Pathum Nissanka and wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis.Wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella is set to return to the Test side after an absence of more than three years. Source link
Iga Swiatek of Poland poses with the trophy after defeating Elena Rybaina of Kazakhstan in the WTA 1000 final in Toronto. (AFP) Former world number one Iga Swiatek captured her first title of the year on Thursday, roaring past a weary Elena Rybakina 6-2, 6-3 to win the WTA 1000 in Toronto.Swiatek, a six-time Grand Slam champion, hadn’t even reached a final in 2026 and saw her Wimbledon title defense end in the third round.But she was in control throughout against second-ranked Australian Open winner Rybakina on the way to a first Canadian crown.The victory will see her rise from eighth in the world back into the top five heading into her title defense in Cincinnati, with the US Open beckoning later in the month.And as she accepted her 12th 1000-level trophy the 25-year-old had some words for the doubters who have contributed to what she has called her toughest year on court.”It means so, so much to me,” Swiatek said. “All these past months were not easy.”I’m really happy that I kept focusing on growing, changing my game a little bit, improving despite all the opinions that many people have about me every day on the internet.”It’s not easy to deal with all of that. So I’m really happy that the reality is different. I have people that know me so well and people that support me every week, every day … so thank you to the team.”Finally, she said: “I want to dedicate this title to everyone who is dealing with judgment and hate. Just keep growing … and always remember what’s ahead and what might be possible.”Swiatek’s efficient serve performance, polished defense and timely attacks were far too much for Rybakina, who was taken to three sets in four of her five prior matches and didn’t polish off her three-set semi-final win over Coco Gauff until 1 am.She got off to a sluggish start, gifting Swiatek a break in the opening game with a pair of double faults.”Today was a pity,” Rybakina said. “I didn’t have much energy. I tried my best, but it wasn’t enough.”I was just very tired,” she added. “You could see that I wasn’t pushing with the legs enough. There was a lot of unforced errors, especially on top of the net. It was just pure lack of concentration. Even on those kind of easy balls, too.”Rybakina steadied to hold at love in her next two service games, but after she failed to convert a pair of break chances in the sixth game, Swiatek broke her again for a 5-2 lead to find herself serving for the opening set after barely more than 20 minutes. Tough opponentSwiatek pocketed the set with a love game, delivering a swerving second-serve winner on set point.She was largely untroubled in the second, taking control with a break for 3-2 and breaking Rybakina again in the final game with a backhand winner on her second match point.”Iga, she’s a tough opponent,” Rybakina said. “She’s playing really well in defense, she can take the opportunity during the rally and turn it around.”While it didn’t yield a title, Rybakina’s run in Canada has her inching closer to world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the rankings.Rybakina said it’s not something she cares to focus on, even though it would “mean a lot” to be number one.”I know for me, even if you say by the ranking it’s close, for me it still feels very far,” she said. “So I’m not thinking about it so much.” Related Story Source…