Category: 6. Sports

World Triathlon and Europe Triathlon have officially signed a new four-year development agreement, spanning from 2025 to 2028 and coinciding with the Los Angeles Olympic Quadrennial. This comprehensive agreement, championed by World Triathlon President Antonio F. Arimany, and Europe Triathlon President, Marc D’hooge, aims to strategically advance triathlon and Para triathlon across the European continent.

Development remains at the heart of Europe Triathlon’s mission to drive inclusive growth, sporting excellence, and sustainability across the continent. Europe Triathlon is committed to ensuring that every European National Federation, regardless of its size or stage of development, has the tools, opportunities, and support to grow and strengthen the triathlon community.

The new strategy sets out a clear mission, four strategic pillars, and a results-driven action plan. It prioritises access, equity, quality education, sustainability, and accountability, drawing on insights from past cycles, Europe Triathlon’s long-term strategic plan, and the World Triathlon Development Framework. 

The four strategic pillars of the contract are:

•  Expand Access to Triathlon. Provide clear and structured participation pathways in triathlon and multisport for underrepresented groups, developing regions, and emerging National Federations, including Para athletes.

• Strengthen National Federation Capacity. Support National Federations with tailored governance, leadership, and education programmes, enabling them to become self-sufficient and sustainably managed.

• Develop the Next Generation. Foster the growth of young athletes, coaches, and technical officials through accessible camps, high-quality education, and meaningful international experiences.

• Grow Para triathlon. Increase participation, technical quality, and visibility of Para triathlon through dedicated development activities and targeted federation support.

The complete Europe Triathlon Development Strategy 2025-2028 can be found in the signed World Triathlon Europe Triathlon Development Agreement 2025-2028.  

“This agreement is a testament to our dedication to fostering the growth of triathlon and Para triathlon in Europe,” said World Triathlon President Antonio F. Arimany. “By working closely with Europe Triathlon, we aim to empower National Federations, enhance athlete performance, and promote sustainable development across the continent.’

Europe Triathlon President Marc D’hooge added: “Since 2010, Europe Triathlon has maintained a long-standing partnership with World Triathlon in delivering development programmes with shared objectives and a co-funded annual budget. Over the years, the Development Committee and Development Coordinator have played a pivotal role in implementing initiatives tailored to the varying levels of maturity among National Federations, with the guidance and development infrastructure provided by World Triathlon to each continent.  To achieve a more profound and meaningful impact on the development of triathlon, Europe Triathlon is implementing a refined financial support model. This new approach prioritises strategic investment by providing more substantial financial support to a more focused number of National Federations.’

 

SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Saim Ayub and Hasan Nawaz hit blistering half centuries to lead Pakistan to a 31-run victory against United Arab Emirates in the Twenty20 Tri-series in Sharjah on Saturday.

Left-handed batter Ayub made 69 off 38 balls and Nawaz smashed six sixes in his 26-ball 56.

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Pakistan scored a total of 207 in 20 overs after captain Salman Ali Agha won his second successive toss and chose to bat.

Middle-order batter Asif Khan celebrated his 50th T20 appearance for UAE with an aggressive innings of 77 off 35 balls but Pakistan kept chipping away with wickets to restrict UAE to 176-8.

Both teams will face off at least once more in the tri-series before competing in the Asia Cup, starting from Sept. 9 where UAE is placed alongside India, Pakistan and Hong Kong.

Pakistan didn’t tinker with its long batting line-up — with all-rounder Faheem Ashraf slotted at No. 8 — but rested two premier fast bowlers Haris Rauf, who bagged a four-wicket haul in Pakistan’s win against Afghanistan on Friday, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

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Hasan Ali, who replaced Rauf, was expensive at 3-47. Left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz (2-21) again bowled economically with fast bowler Salman Mirza and Ayub sharing one wicket apiece.

UAE captain Muhammad Waseem (33 off 18) provided the team with a strong start before the hosts slipped to 54-3 in the powerplay. Waseem was run out while going for a third run and, on the next ball, Ethan D’Souza gloved a leg-side catch off Ali.

Khan didn’t hold back against pacers and left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem (0-44) as he smacked six fours and six sixes before Sahibzada Farhan grabbed a one-handed diving catch at square leg in Ali’s final over.

Earlier, Ayub played the UAE spinners cautiously in the powerplay, but was aggressive against the pace of Junaid Siddique, who conceded 22 runs in his second over.

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Pakistan lost Farhan (8) in the first over when Siddique clipped the top of his off stump and Fakhar Zaman (6) got deceived by spinner Haider Ali’s ball as he was clean bowled while attempting a sweep shot.

But Ayub raised his half century off 25 balls before fast bowler Saghir Khan (3-44) had him caught down the legside in the 12th over. Ayub wasn’t happy with the umpire’s decision, but there was no review available.

Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Nawaz (25) accelerated with a breezy 57-run partnership off just 25 balls before Hasan, who reached his fifty in 24 deliveries, was caught behind while trying to pull left-arm spinner Ali (2-32).

Siddique grabbed two wickets in Pakistan’s final over and No. 11 batter Mirza was run out off the final ball of the innings.

Afghanistan will take on UAE on Monday after Sunday’s rest day.

The final is on Sept. 7.

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

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty had their moments but ultimately fell short in the semi-finals of the men’s doubles event at BWF World Championships 2025 badminton tournament as India’s campaign in Paris wrapped up on Saturday.

Ninth seeds Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty were beaten 21-19, 18-21, 21-12 by the People’s Republic of China’s Chen Boyang and Liu Yi in a match that lasted an hour and seven minutes.

Their run to the semi-finals guaranteed them a bronze medal and ensured that India’s streak of winning at least one medal at every BWF World Championships since 2011 remained unbroken.

Satwik-Chirag had also bagged bronze at the 2022 edition of the BWF World Championships in Tokyo.

The Indian duo made a flying start, racing to a 4-0 lead and carrying an 11-5 cushion into the mid-game break. However, the Chinese pair stormed back after the interval, seizing a 14-13 lead before clinching the opener on their third game point.

In the second game, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty surged to a 5-1 lead but saw it cut to 11-9 at the interval.

They pulled ahead again at 16-11 after the break, only for Chen Boyang and Liu Yi to claw back level before a thrilling 32-shot rally gave Satwik-Chirag the game point to force a third game.

In the decider, Chen Boyang and Liu Yi flipped the script in dramatic fashion by racing to a 9-0 advantage and sweeping past the Indian badminton players to book their place in the final.

This was Satwik-Chirag’s first loss in two matches against the Chinese duo, having previously gotten the better of them in the final of the Thailand Open last year.

It was also Satwik-Chirag’s fifth semi-final exit of the year after the Indian, Singapore, Malaysian and China Opens.

KATOWICE (Poland) – Poland squandered a 14-point lead but some late heroics by Jordan Loyd and an excellent defense on the final possession lifted the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 co-hosts to a 66-64 victory over Israel in a game that kept the 9,000 fans in Spodek Arena at the edge of their seats until the very last millisecond.

Poland now remain, alongside France, the only undefeated teams in Group D after two days of action in Katowice, while Israel drop to 1-1 in the standings.

Turning Point

Israel, who had clawed their way back from a 14-point deficit in the third quarter thanks to Deni Avdija pouring in 16 of his 23 points in that frame, jumped ahead 64-62 on a Khadeen Carrington triple from the corner with 1:12 left to play.

Jordan Loyd however drove to the basket and scored with a layup to tie the scores and, after Israel wasted the possession on the other end, he tipped-in the ball off his own missed jumper, to put Poland ahead 66-64 with 13 seconds on the clock.

TCL Player of the Game

Unlimited stamina, leadership, clutch plays: Jordan Loyd has been exceptional for Poland at FIBA EuroBasket 2025. He finished with 27 points on 5-of-8 3FG in the win over Israel, after putting up 32 points against Slovenia on the opening day. Poland captain Mateusz Ponitka gifted himself a birthday present with a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Meanwhile in front of his Portland head coach, Chauncey Billups, Deni Avdija finished with 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists in a losing effort.

Stats Don’t Lie

Poland found a way to win despite their 17 turnovers, and the key was probably their superiority on the glass, where they outrebounded Israel 51 to 40. Overall, Igor Milicic’s team led for 30:41 minutes, while Israel had the upper hand for only 4:41 minutes. The six lead changes occurred only in the second half.

Bottom Line

Poland saw their offensive flow vastly reduced by Israel’s defensive efforts, but still found a way to win two straight games in Katowice. They joined France at 2-0 in the Group D standings, and will face Iceland next.

Propelled by Deni Avdija’s all-around effort, Israel proved once again why every team should pay attention to them. Currently at 1-1, they will go up against the unbeaten France on August 31 at 17:00 CET.

They Said

“The last play was an ugly possession; they had great defense. But we found a way. The last possession wasn’t what we wanted it to be. The team responded, and great teams do a great job responding to games like that.” – Poland’s Jordan Loyd.

“We both struggled offensively. But still being able to win the game is huge for us, moving forward. Jordan is amazing, isn’t he? He helped us huge, he’s a great guy who fits in to our system and to our family.” – Poland’s Dominik Olejniczak.

“The way we came back shows character. It doesn’t help us right now, but hopefully we will win the next three games. Deni is Deni, we know what he can give us. But it’s a team effort, everybody gave everything they could.” – Israel’s Tomer Ginat.

For more quotes, tune in to the official post-game press conference!

FIBA

Jelena Ostapenko has apologised for accusing opponent Taylor Townsend of having “no education” earlier this week.

American Townsend said the former French Open champion told her she had “no class” and “no education” after her 7-5 6-1 win in the second round of the US Open.

Tension escalated after a net cord went in Townsend’s favour and 25th seed Ostapenko accused her of failing to apologise.

Though Townsend said she did not believe there were racial overtones to Ostapenko’s comments, former world number one Naomi Osaka said the suggestion that Townsend was uneducated was “one of the worst things you could say to a black tennis player”.

Without naming Townsend, Latvian Ostapenko wrote on Instagram: “Hi all – I wanted to apologise for some of the things I said during my second-round singles match.

“English is not my native language, so when I said education I was speaking only about what I believe as tennis etiquette. But I understand how the words used could have offended many people beyond the tennis court.

“I appreciate the support as I continue to learn and grow as a person and a tennis player. Goodbye New York and I look forward to being back next year.”

The incident occurred at the end of the match when the two players met to shake hands.

Townsend revealed after a doubles win on Saturday that she had not heard personally from Ostapenko, but welcomed the public apology.

“That’s nice that she did that, that she apologised,” said Townsend. “That’s fine. That’s cool. At the end of the day, I think that it’s a learning lesson for her.

“Like I said when everything first happened, you cannot push your expectations on other people. That’s ultimately what happened. She expected for me to react a certain type of way, and I didn’t, and it infuriated her.

“Which led her to say things that are hurtful, that are belligerent, that are offensive, not only to me, but to the sport and to a whole culture of people that I try to do my best to represent the best that I can.

“I really hope from this she can take that… you can’t control people and it’s better just to focus on yourself.”

LIMASSOL (Cyprus) – Reigning champions Spain shrugged off any question marks about an opening night loss and showed they are alive and well at FIBA EuroBasket 2025 by rolling past Bosnia and Herzegovina 88-67 for their first win.

The four-time continental champs bounced back in fine fashion after losing to Georgia and evened their record at 1-1 in Group C. Bosnia and Herzegovina have the same mark.

Turning Point

Spain gained control of the game in the second quarter with an 11-2 run giving them a 35-20 cushion. And the advantage grew to 18 points in the period before four three-pointers in the first 4 minutes of the second half made it 56-34. And Spain never looked back.

TCL Player of the Game

Santi Aldama was unstoppable for Spain as the NBA forward made 7 of 11 shots including 4 three-pointers for 19 points. He also snatched 5 rebounds and committed zero turnovers in 19 minutes of action.

Willy Hernangomez scored 16 points and Dario Brizuela chipped in 15 points and 5 assists for the winners.

Kenan Kamenjas was the leading scorer for Bosnia and Herzegovina with 14 points while Jusuf Nurkic was limited to 10 points.

Stats Don’t Lie

Spain buried 15 three-pointers at a solid 39 percent clip while excelling at guarding the opposing three-point line. The Dragons made just 3 of 21 triples for a paltry 14 percent.

Bottom Line

Spain will go into their next game on Sunday against Cyprus with a good feeling, having bounced back after losing to Georgia. They also registered a large winning margin, which could help counter their 14-point defeat to the Georgians should there be a three-way tie.

Bosnia and Herzegovina for their part face another tough test as they take on an Italian side that knocked off Georgia.

They Said

This game report will be updated in the coming moments. Stay tuned.

For more quotes, tune in to the official post-game press conference!

FIBA

The stalemate leaves the fate of both teams hanging in the balance. Australia hold the points advantage in Pool A, eight to the USA’s three, but with the later facing Samoa next Saturday, just before the Wallaroos take on all-conquering England, it is all to play for in the search for a quarter-final spot. 

Story of the match

Again and again Australia seemed to seize control of this critical fixture but they just could not put an impassioned USA away. Dangerous almost every time they got the ball out to their backs, the Wallaroos took an early lead thanks to their electric winger Desiree Miller.  But in a sign of what was to come, USA fought back through their pack, with Freda Tafuna grabbing the first of what would be a hat-trick. 

That set the tone for the rest of a pulsating match. A first try for teenage flier Caitlyn Halse gave Australia a nine-point lead at half-time. Not that the USA were disheartened, with the Women’s Eagles turning that deficit into a three-point lead by the 52nd minute. 

Then it was Australia’s turn to roar back, another try a piece for Miller and Halse restoring their nine-point cushion. That, however, succeeded in poking the USA back into action. Tafuna’s third try and one for Erica Jarrell-Searcy suddenly tipping the scales in the USA’s favour. 

Five behind with eight minutes left, Australia somehow dragged themselves off the ropes, flew down the far end of the field and sent Eva Karpani over. In a final roll of the dice, scrum-half Samantha Wood had a conversion to win it. But she pulled it wide and everyone took a breath. 

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