Category: 6. Sports

  • Hockey: Cash-strapped Pakistan might be forced to skip FIH Pro League despite invitation | Hockey News

    Hockey: Cash-strapped Pakistan might be forced to skip FIH Pro League despite invitation | Hockey News

    Pakistan Hockey (Agency image)

    Pakistan’s return to top-level international hockey hangs in the balance, as financial constraints threaten the team’s participation in the 2025–26 FIH Pro League. The three-time Olympic champions were recently invited to join the upcoming season of the Pro League after New Zealand, who earned direct qualification by winning the 2024–25 FIH Nations Cup, pulled out of the event. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) issued the formal invitation on Wednesday, giving Pakistan a deadline of August 12 to confirm its participation. This opportunity marks a potential comeback for the once-dominant Pakistan side, who have missed out on the last three Olympic Games and the World Cup. The Pro League, scheduled between December 2025 and June 2026, features top-tier teams such as India, Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Argentina, England, and Spain. However, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is facing a major hurdle – a severe financial crunch. The cash-strapped federation has approached the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), requesting the release of 700 million Pakistani rupees (approximately USD 2.5 million) to fund the team’s full campaign. At a recent annual meeting, the state-run PSB clarified that it currently lacks the funds to support Pakistan’s participation in the Pro League. The Board has also asked the PHF to submit detailed financial records for funds received since last year, and it refused to cover the daily and travel allowances for players and officials who attended the Nations Cup.

    Bombay Sport Exchange Episode 1: Interview with Sanjog Gupta, CEO (Sports) at JioStar

    Pakistan lost to New Zealand in the final of the Nations Cup, but their second-place finish gave them a path to the Pro League after New Zealand withdrew. “But whether this will be possible has to be seen as the PSB will send a summary to the Prime Minister for allocation of special funds to allow the PHF to send the team to the Pro League,” a PSB official said, as quoted by PTI. He further stated that the Prime Minister, who is the patron-in-chief of the PHF, may consider changes in the federation’s leadership before approving any special funding. “Because of the failure of the PHF to update the PSB on how they had spent funds released to them since last year,” the official added. Olympic gold medallist Rasheedul Hassan, who is campaigning against the PHF, said, “Unfortunately the officials who had managed the federation affairs for last many years had failed to keep a clean image.”

    Poll

    Should the Pakistan Hockey Federation receive special funding to participate in the Pro League?

    This isn’t the first time financial issues have cost Pakistan on the global stage. During the inaugural Pro League season, the PHF had confirmed participation but later withdrew due to lack of funds. This resulted in a fine of €170,000 imposed by the FIH. Historically, Pakistan remains the most successful hockey team in Asian Games history, with eight gold medals. They also remain the only Asian side to have won the prestigious Champions Trophy thrice, with the triumphs coming in 1978, 1980, and 1994.


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  • Norris praises Open Championship winner Scheffler for honest comments

    Norris praises Open Championship winner Scheffler for honest comments

    SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium — Formula 1 title chaser Lando Norris has praised Scottie Scheffler for his frank comments feeling unfulfilled with and underwhelmed by victory.

    A few days before winning the Open Championship, golf superstar Scheffler admitted he does not find true satisfaction in winning tournaments.

    “This is not a fulfilling life,” he said. “It’s fulfilling from the sense of accomplishment, but it’s not fulfilling from a sense of the deepest places of your heart.”

    He later alluded to the short-lived euphoria of winning moments, saying: “If I win, it’s going to be awesome for two minutes.”

    Norris has been very open about his mental health struggles since joining the Formula 1 grid in 2019.

    The McLaren driver claimed a win on home turf at the British Grand Prix two weeks ago, saying after the race it was “everything I dreamed of.”

    It was the eighth victory of his F1 career and moved him to within eight points of McLaren teammate and title rival Oscar Piastri in the championship.

    When asked about Scheffler’s comments and whether he was still riding a high from his Silverstone win, Norris praised the golfer’s frankness.

    “I was pretty low on Monday, for different reasons,” Norris said. “I mean, to be honest, I quite liked what Scottie said. I respect that he’s quite honest about his whole feelings about everything. It’s just honest about what he wants.

    “Not everyone has to say what everyone believes in and what everyone thinks should be correct or not correct.

    “I’m happy that someone that high up, achieving what he’s done, he’s performing to the same level that Tiger did in many circumstances. And that’s pretty amazing to see him come out and say something like that. So I respect that a lot. And I related to a lot of it in many ways, which is cool.”

    Norris felt Scheffler’s attitude to success is refreshing in the cut-throat world of professional sports, where any kind of weakness can be seized upon.

    “I think the main takeaway is, just let the person be whatever they want to be, let them do whatever they want to do. They don’t have to live the exact life that you think that they should or say that you think that they should or believe in, or have the attitude.

    “He lives very much his own way, and I think it’s quite cool to see someone like that achieving what he’s doing, against Rory [McIlroy], against [Jon] Rahm, [Jordan] Spieth, all these other incredible people. And Scheffler is just another level ahead.

    “I think that’s pretty amazing to see that with the attitude that he had, which is not a bad attitude, it’s just his own way of achieving what he achieved. And I think you have to respect something like that. I found it, I admired that kind of thing.

    “I mean, you know I love golf. I’m a big fan of those kinds of things. I still support Rory more than anyone, the Brits, and Justin, and things like that. I thought it was fascinating and cool to see someone performing at such an incredibly high level come out and just say what he did.”

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  • Arsenal transfer news: Cristhian Mosquera signs from Valencia

    Arsenal transfer news: Cristhian Mosquera signs from Valencia

    Arsenal say they have secured “one of the strongest young defenders in European football” after completing the signing of Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia for an initial fee in the region of 15m euros (£13m).

    The 21-year-old has joined the Gunners on a five-year contract, which has an option for a further 12 months.

    Mosquera can play at both centre-back and right-back and will fill the gap in the squad left by the departure of Takehiro Tomiyasu, who mutually agreed to terminate his contract earlier this month.

    “I couldn’t let it pass me by. I’m joining a historic, massive club. When you arrive here with your family, you really feel the greatness of the place,” Mosquera told the club’s website.

    “My career has moved faster than I expected and I’ve had to mature fast. Coming here is a chance to keep learning and improving.”

    The Spain Under-21 international joined Valencia in 2016 as a 12-year-old before making his first-team debut in 2022 when he became the youngest centre-back to play for the club.

    Mosquera made 90 appearances for Valencia and was a regular for them last season, playing the full match in 37 of the club’s 38 La Liga games as they finished 12th.

    Manager Mikel Arteta described Mosquera as a player with “exciting talent and enormous potential” while sporting director Andrea Berta hailed the defender’s long-term prospects.

    “We identified Cristhian as one of the strongest young defenders in European football, and he is an important signing for our future. Cristhian is a versatile defender who will strengthen our squad,” Berta said.

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  • The hidden truth about Alexander Isak and why he wants to leave Newcastle: CRAIG HOPE reveals why star was ‘furious’ with Paul Mitchell, what he really wants… and twist that could see him sign new deal

    The hidden truth about Alexander Isak and why he wants to leave Newcastle: CRAIG HOPE reveals why star was ‘furious’ with Paul Mitchell, what he really wants… and twist that could see him sign new deal

    When Newcastle reneged on what Alexander Isak thought was the promise of a new contract last summer, it was always likely to be a case of when and not if he would tell the club he wanted to leave.

    As revealed exclusively by Mail Sport on Thursday, the 25-year-old has now informed the hierarchy of his desire to explore a move away, with Liverpool poised to make a British record offer.

    Former co-owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi were the allies who had reassured Isak and his camp in March of last year that improved terms were on the way.

    The husband-and-wife team left the club in July, against their wishes, and a new management structure was established, with chief executive Darren Eales appointing Paul Mitchell as sporting director.

    Mitchell, not without reason given the club’s Profit and Sustainability peril, took the view that Isak had four years to run on his contract and was already among the top earners.

    The Swede was told that the salary he wanted, and expected, would not be forthcoming. An accountancy decision, yes, but one that failed to account for the human reaction at the other end of it.

    Mail Sport broke the story on Thursday that Alexander Isak is exploring a move away from Newcastle

    Isak has been one of the Premier League's best strikers in recent seasons, scoring 54 goals in 86 appearances

    Isak has been one of the Premier League’s best strikers in recent seasons, scoring 54 goals in 86 appearances

    Newcastle boss Eddie Howe publicly called out his star players last year after a slow start to the season

    Newcastle boss Eddie Howe publicly called out his star players last year after a slow start to the season

    Isak was said to be furious and, when Eddie Howe spoke last season of ‘an unsettled dressing room’ coming out of the summer, this was no doubt one of the grievances within it.

    The striker did not start the season well. He scored one goal in seven matches and his body language was, at times, a concern for staff. In a rare departure from his usual media strategy, Howe sent a message back to those star players who were underperforming. He would not have done this without speaking to them first, it should be noted.

    ‘We need to make sure we’re delivering our part as a football club for them,’ he said in October. ‘But also the player has to perform to that level. If he’s saying he has huge ambitions, he has to be actually doing the business on the pitch – it’s a two-way thing, the challenge is always thrown back. As a player you can sit down and say I want to play European football, but you then have to play to that level as well.’

    Isak’s misgivings were not confined to his bank account and the belief that, with some justification, he was being paid way below his market value. He, like others, wanted to see the club and its Saudi owners show more ambition, not just talk about it in Amazon documentaries.

    The players wanted – and want – new signings, a new training ground, tangible signals of intent and progression.

    But because of Howe’s management, his brilliant staff and a strong dressing room rich in talent and leadership, they were able to shelve those concerns and concentrate on football. The upshot? A first domestic trophy in 70 years. There is, with hindsight, a degree of irony about Isak being on the scoresheet in the 2-1 win over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.

    After that, however, his form tailed off, even if he continued to score and finished the campaign on 27 goals. But when he pulled out of a key game at Arsenal on the penultimate weekend of the season citing muscle fatigue, there was a feeling among some that he was starting to check out.

    And so we arrive here, with Newcastle in Singapore without Isak. The reason given is that he has a slight thigh injury and medical staff cannot say otherwise, even if scans appear to show no serious damage.

    Isak played a major role in Newcastle ending their 70-year wait for domestic silverware, scoring in their Carabao Cup win over Liverpool last season

    Isak played a major role in Newcastle ending their 70-year wait for domestic silverware, scoring in their Carabao Cup win over Liverpool last season

    Premier League champions Liverpool are interested in signing the Swedish striker

    Premier League champions Liverpool are interested in signing the Swedish striker

    Isak was left furious by former sporting director Paul Mitchell's decision not to offer him an improved deal

    Isak was left furious by former sporting director Paul Mitchell’s decision not to offer him an improved deal

    We can reveal that he trained on Monday but left the pitch after a few minutes and returned to the main building. He has not trained since. The thigh complaint was first flagged before last Saturday’s 4-0 defeat at Celtic and Howe allowed him to return home rather than sit in the stands, especially amid speculation over his future.

    Afterwards, the head coach said he hoped and believed Isak would be a Newcastle player come the new season. But for those with knowledge of the situation, it was the following quote that felt most telling. ‘All I can say is that Alex is happy at Newcastle – he loves the players, the staff, the team,’ said Howe.

    Now all of that can still be true. He has nothing but respect and admiration for those with whom he works on daily basis, as well as supporters. But the club beyond the training ground? You wouldn’t be so sure. When Eales said in March that a new contract would be revisited this summer, my first reaction was, he probably doesn’t want one. That has proven to be the case.

    There remains a chance that Liverpool do not make the sales to raise the funds to finance a deal of around £150million, and Isak could well sign enhanced terms to stay for one more season.

    But a player’s career is fleeting. It is understandable that he wants to accelerate his journey with a 26th birthday in September. Him telling the club of his wishes is not a bargaining chip for more money. He does not want to play in the Champions League, he wants to win it. You have to say that is not an unwarranted ambition.

    So what happens now? Isak is not a bad character. I learnt as much when, spending a few days in Stockholm before the Carabao Cup final, I was invited into the old Cold War nuclear bunker that doubles as AIK’s academy, where Isak was made.

    His former coaches and team-mates I spent time with were good people, and so, by extension, is Isak. He is laid back, transmits an effortless cool but, with it, has a mischievous sense of humour.

    When Bruno Guimaraes sang a song about Sandro Tonali in front of 100,000 Geordies during the Cup parade that included the line, ‘He hates f****** Sunderland’, it was Isak who put him up to it. What does all of this mean? He will not be enjoying the current situation.

    Toon boss Eddie Howe jetted off on the club's pre-season tour of the Far East on Wednesday, but Isak will not be joining him on the plane

    Toon boss Eddie Howe jetted off on the club’s pre-season tour of the Far East on Wednesday, but Isak will not be joining him on the plane

    Isak did travel to Newcastle's pre-season camp in Austria last week however

    Isak did travel to Newcastle’s pre-season camp in Austria last week however

    At the same time, however, he will know that the strength of Newcastle’s hand, given the three years to run on his contract, will mean he has to agitate, to an extent, for a move. He is being advised by Vlado Lemic, his Serbian agent, who is less afraid to make apple carts weep.

    Liverpool are readying a formal approach and, once that happens, Newcastle will have a decision to make. Reject and risk having an unhappy player for the summer and beyond.

    Or accept Isak’s wishes and move on, banking a PSR-busting British record transfer fee with it. Both are not without great danger. It is interesting, though, that sources say Newcastle are making discreet enquiries over a big-ticket frontman. 

    One player they have watched for a long time is RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and we understand exploratory contact has been made, while a £35m deal for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa is expected to progress over the weekend.

    As for Isak, he is at home on Tyneside nursing an injury, officially. If he is still missing by the time Newcastle kick off the season at Aston Villa in three weeks, it will have nothing to do with his thigh.

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  • Sarina Wiegman ‘not for sale at any price’ after Euro 2025

    Sarina Wiegman ‘not for sale at any price’ after Euro 2025

    England fans have developed a new chant for Wiegman during Euro 2025, replacing the word ‘tequila’ with ‘Sarina’ in the song from a 1950s American rock and roll band called The Champs.

    There have also been shirts made and banners produced with the words: ‘In Sarina We Trust’.

    But there has also been criticism of Wiegman’s starting XI in the defeat by France, her tactics in the tense, quarter-final win over Sweden and the general lateness of her substitutions.

    Are England fans taking her for granted?

    “That’s hard for me to comment on. What I would say is we have a really special coach and we should all recognise that,” said Bullingham.

    “I do think her tournament record is incredible but I also see the work she has done with players – the relationships and connections she builds in camps.

    “She is just a cool head and the way she transmits that onto the pitch… She looks like the coolest person in the stadium.

    “I have no doubts that helps in critical moments. I can only give my opinion, but she is a really special coach and we are lucky to have her.”

    Bullingham says there are countries that have got world-class players in their squad who have not enjoyed as much success as Wiegman’s teams because she is “special”.

    Asked why she has been so successful, Bullingham added: “Often she’s performed so well at the highest level, keeping that calm composure, keeping the connection with the players and managing the games really well.

    “Every single member of staff coming into this camp felt valued by her, knew exactly what their role was and how they could be part of an overall team.

    “[She] really stressed that everyone was in it together. It is critical and I think she’s really helped build a very, very strong culture.”

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  • New Zealand beats Zimbabwe by 60 runs to keep perfect record at T20 tri-series

    New Zealand beats Zimbabwe by 60 runs to keep perfect record at T20 tri-series

    HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — New Zealand stayed perfect at the T20 tri-series with a crushing 60-run win over host Zimbabwe on Thursday.

    Tim Seifert (75) smashed his second successive half century and Rachin Ravindra made an entertaining 63 runs off 39 balls as New Zealand posted the tournament’s highest total of 190-6 with its fourth straight win of the league stage.

    New Zealand and South Africa had already secured their places in Saturday’s final.

    Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, one of four changes for New Zealand, grabbed a career-best 4-12 in four overs as Zimbabwe was dismissed for 130 in 18.5 overs.

    Zimbabwe lost all four games.

    Supreme Seifert

    Mitchell Santner became the first captain in the tournament to choose to bat first on a tricky wicket after winning the toss.

    Tim Robinson (10) couldn’t capitalize on Ryan Burl’s dropped catch in the slips before he had scored and was out to Zimbabwe’s best bowler, Richard Ngarava (4-34).

    Zimbabwe was scrappy in the field when Seifert got a lucky escape on 13 as Tony Munyonga missed a catching opportunity at deep backward square leg.

    Together with Ravindra, Seifert raised 108 runs for the second wicket before Zimbabwe hit back.

    Fast bowler Tinotenda Maposa had both Ravindra and Mark Chapman caught in the outfield in the space of three balls and Ngarava chipped in with three wickets in his return spell.

    Seifert feathered a catch to wicketkeeper Clive Madande after Ngarava outfoxed him with a slower ball while Bevon Jacobs was spectacularly caught by Munyonga at backward point.

    Michael Bracewell made a 16-ball 26 and Trevor Gwandu (0-51) went for 21 runs off his final over.

    “Different guys stepping up at different times is a good thing, although it can be a selection headache at times,” Santner said. We know we have a massive game in a couple of days’ time.”

    Sodhi strikes

    Zimbabwe opener Dion Myers (22) smashed four boundaries in a brisk start before Sodhi struck three times inside the batting powerplay and the hosts were reduced to 37-4.

    Sodhi clean bowled Myers and Madande after Brian Bennett was caught when he failed to clear Jacobs at extra cover as he tried to show early aggression against the leg-spinner.

    Off-spinner Bracewell made it 44-5 when he took a well judged caught-and-bowled off Burl’s miscued hit before Munyonga (40 in 30) and Tashinga Musekiwa (21) resisted with a 51-run partnership.

    Sodhi returned in the 14th over and picked up his 150th T20 wicket when Munyonga holed out at long-off.

    New Zealand’s pace then finished off the tail in quick succession with Matt Henry taking 2-34.

    “We keep digging ourselves a hole and when we try to climb out of it, we don’t,” Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza said.

    “The catches we dropped hurt us. As much as we wanted to be upbeat, it took us a bit of time to get into the game. One of the things I will speak (to players) is that it is never a dead rubber for Zimbabwe.”

    ___

    AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket


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  • Aitana Bonmatí is hitting her stride at the right time as Spain eye historic trophy haul

    Aitana Bonmatí is hitting her stride at the right time as Spain eye historic trophy haul

    Aitana Bonmatí knows all about succeeding under pressure.

    A two-time Ballon d’Or winner, World Cup champion, UEFA Nations League and three-time UEFA Champions League winner: she thrives in these environments.

    It is the kind of mentality that makes her one of the leaders in this Spanish football squad.

    “I think I have that character, that contagious and competitive responsibility, that experience too,” she said in the build-up to UEFA Women’s EURO 2025.

    “I’m 27 years old, even if it doesn’t look like it. I think in the captain’s game, it is good to have different profiles, each one bringing different things.

    “I represent that competitiveness, that demand, that know-how and that experience.”

    During this tournament her role had been altered, starting it from the bench initially after contracting a case of viral meningitis.

    For four to five days before flying to Switzerland, the usually active midfielder had to cease exercise, spending that time unable to move from her hospital bed.

    An understandably difficult week or so for a player used to covering a lot of ground on the pitch.

    Head coach Montse Tomé managed Bonmatí’s minutes in those early group games, but ahead of a final against England, the midfielder is hitting her stride at exactly the right time.

    Scoring the goal to beat Germany and book a spot in the final for the first time in Spain’s history is yet another reason why she is made for these moments.

    Bonmatí, along with the rest of her team-mates, are ready to show why this has grown into a very different team over the years.

    “I think we are a much more experienced team,” she said. “It’s a very ambitious mentality and we know the objective at hand.

    “We have improved a lot but that knowledge, that experience, that is what makes you [get better].”

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  • Vote Now: NBA ID Fan Favorites

    Vote Now: NBA ID Fan Favorites


    Your favorite plays. Your vote. Your winners. 

    The 2025 NBA ID Fan Favorites campaign has officially tipped off — and fans can now vote across the NBA App, NBA.com and @NBA on social media to decide the best moments from the 2024-25 season.

    The voting begins with AT&T Dunk of the Year. And the nominees are:

    AT&T Dunk of the Year

    • Shaedon Sharpe
    • Jalen Green
    • Pascal Siakam
    • Jalen Johnson
    • LeBron James
    • Ja Morant

    Watch and vote here!


    Full Fan Favorites Schedule

    Week 1 (7/21): AT&T Dunk of the Year

    Week 2 (7/28): Handle of the Year + Michelob ULTRA Style of the Year

    Week 3 (8/4): Defense of the Year + Photo of the Year

    Week 4 (8/18): Assist of the Year

    Week 5 (8/25): Play of the Year


    How To Vote

    Tap into the NBA App, head to NBA.com or follow @NBA on social media to see each week’s nominees and make your picks. Voting opens every Monday with a new category (or two) dropping each week. Not an NBA ID member? Don’t sweat – you can join free at nba.com/id where you can also access each vote.

    You call the shots. We crown the winners.

    Stay tuned — the 2025 NBA ID Fan Favorites are yours to decide

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  • After Hole-Out Eagle to Start, Leona Maguire Manages 67 on Day One in Scotland – LPGA

    After Hole-Out Eagle to Start, Leona Maguire Manages 67 on Day One in Scotland – LPGA

    1. After Hole-Out Eagle to Start, Leona Maguire Manages 67 on Day One in Scotland  LPGA
    2. Charlotte Laffar rides ‘amazing’ first round to Women’s Scottish lead  malaysiasun.com
    3. New caddie, but Maguire’s revival continues apace  Irish Golfer Magazine
    4. Leona Maguire shares early clubhouse lead at Scottish Open  The 42
    5. Leona Maguire off to a flyer in Scottish Open with legendary caddie in tow  The Irish Independent

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  • Vaishnavi Adkar wins bronze, ends India’s 46-year wait for a tennis medal

    Vaishnavi Adkar wins bronze, ends India’s 46-year wait for a tennis medal

    Vaishnavi Adkar settled for a bronze in the women’s singles tennis event at the FISU World University Games 2025 in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany, becoming only the second Indian to win a medal in the sport in the competition’s history.

    The 20-year-old Indian tennis player went down to Eszter Meri of Slovakia 6-2, 4-6, 4-6 in the semi-finals on Thursday but still secured a spot on the podium as both losing semi-finalists are awarded bronze medals in tennis at the Universiade.

    Adkar had earlier put on a clinical display to defeat home favourite Sina Herrmann 6-1, 6-4 in the quarter-finals, sealing her place in the last four and guaranteeing India a rare medal in the sport.

    Her bronze is India’s first tennis medal at the World University Games in 46 years. The only other Indian player to win a medal in the sport was Nandan Bal, who bagged silver in the men’s singles at the 1979 edition in Mexico City.

    Adkar is the first Indian women’s tennis player ever to win a medal at the World University Games to date.

    The tennis bronze was India’s second medal registered so far at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 Games medal tally following a bronze in the badminton mixed team event.

    However, India are also confirmed of at least two medals in archery with only the colours left to be finalised.

    The 32nd edition of the biennial FISU World University Games is being held from July 16 to 27 across six cities in Germany. Over 300 Indian athletes are competing at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 Games.

    India’s best-ever showing at the World University Games came at Chengdu 2023, where they finished seventh overall with 26 medals (11 gold, 5 silver, 10 bronze), with shooting contributing 14 podium finishes, including eight golds.

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