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The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) celebrated Olympic Day 2026 on Tuesday by organizing a boxing championship for junior, youth, and senior categories (Knockout) at Oasis of Mall of Qatar. The event formed part of the QOC’s ongoing commitment to promoting Olympic values and principles, encouraging physical activity and healthy lifestyles, and raising awareness of sport as a powerful tool for human development and community building.Held in cooperation with the Qatar Boxing and Wrestling Federation, the championship featured competitions across three age categories. Junior boxers competed in the 46kg, 50kg, 57kg, and over-80kg divisions, while youth athletes contested the 55kg, 56kg, 70kg, 80kg, and over-90kg categories. Senior boxers competed in the 55kg, 60kg, 65kg, and 70kg weight classes.The event also included an interactive segment featuring sports and entertainment quizzes for children and young people, adding excitement and engagement to the celebration. The championship was attended by QOC staff members, representatives of the Qatar Boxing and Wrestling Federation, and visitors and shoppers at Mall of Qatar, who enjoyed the vibrant sporting atmosphere.Olympic Day was first introduced in 1948 by the International Olympic Committee to commemorate the founding of the modern Olympic Movement by Baron Pierre de Coubertin on 23 June 1894.Celebrated annually on 23 June, Olympic Day aims to promote sport and physical activity for all while highlighting the Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship, and Respect. It also seeks to strengthen solidarity and mutual understanding among peoples through sport and to emphasize the educational and social role of the Olympic Movement.On this occasion, H.E. Sheikh Fahad bin Khalid Al Thani, President of the Qatar Boxing and Wrestling Federation, said that the boxing event reflects the federation’s strong belief in creating a lasting sporting legacy through meaningful initiatives that leave a positive impact on society and support the continued development of sport in Qatar.He added that the event serves as a platform to inspire young people and strengthen their connection with the noble art of boxing, highlighting its important role in improving physical fitness, developing life skills, and instilling values such as strength, discipline, and mental balance among future generations.Sheikh Fahad concluded by emphasizing that the championship provides an important preparation opportunity for club and national team athletes by enhancing self-confidence, improving focus, and developing physical fitness and combat skills ahead of major upcoming events, including the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games and the Doha 2030 Asian Games.For his part, Abdulla Faraj Al Sultan, Event Director, stressed that the QOC uses Olympic Day celebrations to strengthen a sustainable sporting foundation that helps identify and nurture promising talent, particularly in boxing. He noted that such events play a key role in developing the skills of young athletes and preparing them to compete at the highest levels, thereby enhancing Qatar’s representation in continental and international competitions.At the conclusion of the event, Sheikh Fahad bin Khalid Al Thani and Mr. Abdulaziz Ghanem, Head of Sport Activities section at the QOC crowned the winners and honored sponsors, partners, and volunteers for their valuable contributions. Related Story Source link
Qatar need to produce their best performance of the World Cup against Bosnia to keep their knockout hopes alive. Qatar’s FIFA World Cup hopes will go on the line when they face Bosnia and Herzegovina in their final Group B match in Seattle tonight at 10pm, with victory the only realistic route to the Round of 32.Julen Lopetegui’s side have collected one point from their opening two matches and sit level with Bosnia, leaving both teams locked in a direct battle to keep their campaigns alive. While Canada and Switzerland lead the group on four points each, the expanded tournament format means a win could still be enough for Qatar to progress as one of the competition’s best third-placed teams.The two-time Asian champions began their campaign with an encouraging 1-1 draw against Switzerland, but their momentum was halted by a painful 6-0 defeat to Canada – a result that left Al Annabi with the second-worst goal difference in the group and facing renewed scrutiny over their defensive organisation. Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui wants his…
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo scores against Uzbekistan in Houston. (Reuters) Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in six World Cup campaigns and silenced his critics after “a dark week” as the Portugal captain struck twice in a 5-0 annihilation of Uzbekistan on Tuesday.The big win in Houston put Portugal on the brink of the knockout rounds and was a resounding response to the 41-year-old’s doubters. Ronaldo’s goal after six minutes made history — trumping even Lionel Messi — by scoring at six World Cups stretching back to 2006. The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus ace pulled out his trademark “Siu” celebration and let out a throaty roar in front of 68,777 fans. After Nuno Mendes made it 2-0, Ronaldo neatly got his second with a cool finish six minutes before the break. That took him to 10 World Cup goals, more than any other Portuguese player including the great Eusebio. Ronaldo was seen saying, “I’m back, I’m back”, and told broadcasters: “It’s always nice to break records, but my goal is to help the national team achieve its objectives.”He added: “It was a difficult week, a dark week. It seemed like I was already retired from football. But I held on, as always, because I believe more in hard work than in anything else. It was hard, I have to admit it, but we’re back.” Ronaldo came into the group encounter against tournament debutants Uzbekistan with 143 goals, the most in international men’s football. But once widely regarded as a competitor to Messi for the unofficial title of best player, his powers have been on the wane at the highest level. He had limited service in the disappointing 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo to start Portugal’s World Cup title bid. But when he did have two chances he missed the target, igniting calls for coach Roberto Martinez to drop him. His travails in front of goal were in glaring contrast to the likes of Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane, who all made lightning starts to the World Cup. But Martinez has stuck defiantly by his skipper, who was given a rapturous reception when he came out to warm up at Houston Stadium, and again each time he appeared on the big screens.Ronaldo nearly pounced after just three minutes, narrowly failing to make contact at the far post after a cross by Mendes. Ronaldo slapped the turf in frustration. He did not have to wait long for his goal, swivelling on the six-yard box to meet a cross first time from Joao Cancelo and smash the ball beyond goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov. The outclassed Uzbeks, coached by the Italian 2006 World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro, were perfect opponents for Ronaldo to rediscover his scoring boots. It was 2-0 on 17 minutes when Mendes curled in a free-kick. The Uzbeks thought they had pulled one back, after a screamer by Azizjon Ganiev, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR intervention for a foul on Cancelo. It was Ronaldo’s day, and he rolled in a third for Portugal with only the goalkeeper to beat with a smart, controlled finish. He might have had a hat-trick following an intricate free-kick routine, but Nematov denied him, clattering into the veteran attacker in the process. From the resulting corner it was 4-0, with Ronaldo in the thick of it again before the ball went in off Nematov for an own goal. Substitute Rafael Leao scored an emphatic fifth in the 87th minute. Before this, the evidence against Ronaldo was beginning to stack up. In the previous 10 games at major competitions (World Cup and Euros) before the Uzbekistan match, he had zero goals and one assist. He did though have a successful season with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, scoring 28 goals in 30 league games. Portugal’s final group match is on Saturday against Colombia, who beat the Uzbeks 3-1. Colombia meet DR Congo later Tuesday in Group K knowing a win will propel them into the last 32. Related Story Source link
England head coach Brendon McCullum during practice ahead of the third Test at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham, Britain, on June 23, 2026. (Reuters) England coach Brendon McCullum has denied his relationship with Ben Stokes was damaged by the nightclub controversy that forced the captain into exile for the second Test defeat against New Zealand.Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson were dropped after breaking a midnight curfew in an incident at a London nightclub following England’s first Test win at Lord’s.McCullum said he was concerned and worried about Stokes in the aftermath of the all-rounder’s late-night antics, which sparked suggestions he might be stripped of the captaincy or retire from international duty.The pair were largely cleared in two subsequent investigations, receiving only a written warning from the England and Wales Cricket Board for breaking “specific contractual obligations”.Two unprovoked attacks on Atkinson in the nightclub occurred when Stokes was elsewhere, while the Cricket Regulator ruled there was insufficient evidence against them to justify further punishment.McCullum had declined the opportunity to publicly back Stokes while the probe took place, leading to renewed speculation over the pair’s bond after a dismal Ashes defeat in Australia that was marred by drinking controversy surrounding England’s players. SLUMPED TO HEAVY DEFEATEngland slumped to a heavy second Test defeat in the absence of their skipper and one of their key fast bowlers.But Stokes and Atkinson are back in the squad for the third Test, which starts in Nottingham on Thursday, and trained with their team-mates at Trent Bridge on Tuesday.And McCullum claimed he is still on good terms with Stokes after a lengthy chat prior to England’s net session.”I’ve had a good catch-up with him this morning, an hour and a bit talking, and he was outstanding,” he told reporters on Tuesday.”He looks ready to go, he’s enthusiastic about the week and, obviously from our point of view, it’s nice to have the band back together.”Asked if recent events had made their relationship more tense, McCullum said: “Not at all. We talked about that this morning. I said ‘do you know where this has come from, the conversations around our relationship over the last six months?’ ‘I CONSIDER YOU A GOOD FRIEND'”He said ‘no, I have no idea’. I said to him ‘as far I’m concerned, I consider you a good friend’.”Obviously we’ve been through a lot together as a working pair in leadership positions here in English cricket.”In the end, we both want what’s right and what is the best for English cricket and we’re crystal clear on the direction we want this team to take.”Stokes and Atkinson are back in the England line-up for the third Test as the selectors made four changes.Jamie Smith is back following the birth of his second child and replaces James Rew at wicket-keeper.Spinner Shoaib Bashir, who did not bowl a single over in his previous appearance at Lord’s, is picked with extreme heat this week expected to favour slow bowlers.Atkinson, Josh Tongue and Jofra Archer are the fast bowlers, leaving Ollie Robinson on the sidelines.The 32-year-old took career-best figures of 7-77 on a bowler-friendly pitch at Lord’s in his first Test in more than two years.But he withdrew from the second Test due to a knee injury and has been unable to reclaim his place. Related…
Fifteen-year-old cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi receives the Man of the Match award after the List A Tri-Nation Series final in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, last week. Fifteen-year-old cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi donned his first official India jersey on Tuesday and said he had long dreamed of the moment.Sooryavanshi was named in India’s T20 squad for the tours to Ireland and England, as well as the Asian Games, after sweeping the batting honours in this year’s Indian Premier League.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released a video of the moment on Tuesday when the blue jersey was delivered to him, calling it “the moment the nation has been waiting for”.”Ever since I first held a bat and walked onto a cricket field to practise, I dreamed of this moment… I cannot explain this feeling in words,” Sooryavanshi said in the BCCI video.He was shown unpacking the shirt, with his name on the back above the number 03.Sooryavanshi is line to become India’s youngest international player, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar, the batting great who made his Test debut aged 16 years and 205 days in 1989.The spotlight has been on Sooryavanshi since his batting exploits in the IPL, where he amassed 776 runs for Rajasthan Royals to finish as the tournament’s leading run scorer.He struck one century and five half-centuries during the season to pick up the Orange Cap for the leading run-getter. …
Serena Williams of the U.S. celebrates winning her first round match against Montenegro’s Danka Kovinic at the U.S. Open in Flushing Meadows, New York, United States,…
Tiger Woods of the US and Jay Monahan, Commissioner of the PGA TOUR, shake hands during a press conference with PGA TOUR CEO Brian Rolapp prior…
U.S. President Donald Trump will be on hand to present the World Cup final trophy on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Tuesday.The global soccer boss has fostered an increasingly chummy relationship with the U.S. president and in December awarded him the inaugural edition of his invented FIFA Peace Prize, as Trump sought out sport's mega-watt spotlight.’We will be together with the president enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course, together,’ Infantino said on the ‘Fox and Friends’ television programme.FIFA said it had no comment beyond Infantino's televised remarks.Trump was met with boos and cheers when he handed the trophy to Club World Cup winners Chelsea last year and stood in the middle of the team during their trophy lift, to the confusion of some players, in the same East Rutherford, New Jersey, stadium.He has since attended the U.S. Open men's tennis final, the Ryder Cup golf and the NBA Finals in the greater New York metropolitan region that he once called home.The World Cup is underway across the United States, Canada and Mexico, with New York New Jersey set to host the final among its eight matches. Source link
Lionel Messi rewrote the World Cup record books on Monday, becoming the tournament’s all-time leading scorer with both goals in Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria that…
Qatar players train ahead of their decisive FIFA World Cup Group B clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Seattle on Wednesday. Qatar and Bosnia and Herzegovina go into their final World Cup Group B game on Wednesday in Seattle knowing they realistically must win to progress, with a possible last-32 clash against co-hosts the United States the prize on offer. The two sides began their tournaments well enough as Qatar, whose only previous finals appearance was on home soil in 2022, snatched a late equaliser against Switzerland while Bosnia held Canada to a creditable draw. Their disastrous second matches, however, leave them targeting third in Group B, which could set up a knockout game against the US in San Francisco on July 1 – but only if one of them can grab all three points in Seattle. Qatar were simply blown away, already 2-0 down when Homam al-Amin was sent off to open the floodgates in a 6-0 drubbing. Bosnia held out for more than 70 minutes until the wheels fell off in a 4-1 defeat by the Swiss. The hefty margins of defeat severely damaged their goal difference, which could hamper their chances of progress if they are level on points with rival third-placed teams. With two points surely not enough to qualify, a draw is no use to either side and could make for an open game. Neither nation have made it out of the group before, though, and are more comfortable setting up to defend and counter. Qatar will miss both al-Amin and Assim Madibo after they were sent off against Canada, with Madibo’s rash challenge leaving Ismael Kone with a broken leg. Their coach Julen Lopetegui sought to emphasise the positives after last week’s hammering, saying Qatar still had everything to play for. “There are other countries, big countries, they are looking at the World Cup on TV – and we are here,” he said after the Canada game. “Now we have one final in front of us.” Bosnia – who defeated Italy on penalties to qualify – will be strong favourites, but are without highly-rated 23-year-old defender Tarik Muharemovic after his straight red against Switzerland. Coach Sergej Barbarez said Muharemovic would be missed for the must-win game, but added: “I don’t like whining. I think we have a sufficient number of good players to replace him.” With Canada and Switzerland occupying the top two places, victory is essential for either side to boost their chances of progressing as one of the tournament’s eight best third-placed teams. Goal difference could prove crucial, with Canada leading the group at +6, ahead of Switzerland (+3), while Bosnia (-3) and Qatar (-6) face a difficult challenge. A positive result would keep Qatar firmly in contention heading into the final phase of qualification calculations. Related Story…