Category: 6. Sports

Sift Kaur Samra helped India continue its stellar run at the Asian Shooting Championship 2025 in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, by winning the gold medal in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions event on Tuesday.

The reigning Asian Games champion also bagged the team gold with Ashi Chouksey and Anjum Moudgil.

In the individual final, Sift Kaur Samra tallied 459.2 to top the standings ahead of the People’s Republic of China’s Yujie Yang, who shot 458.8.

Heading into the final two shots in standing position, Samra was trailing Yang by 0.3 points. The Indian held her nerve to score 9.6 and 10.0 with her last two triggers.

Meanwhile, Yang faltered with an 8.7 with her penultimate shot and even a 10.2 with her final attempt fell short of the gold. Japan’s Misaki Nobata took the bronze with 448.2.

Ashi Chouksey, the second Indian in the eight-woman shooting final, finished seventh with 402.8.

Earlier, Samra (589-24x) and Ashi (586-29x) had finished the qualification round in second and fifth place, respectively, to make the final.

Shriyanka Sadandi – another Indian – topped the qualifiers but was competing for Ranking Points Only (RPO). Anjum Moudgil had a disappointing outing as she placed 22nd with 578-19x.

However, Sift, Ashi and Anjum’s total tally of 1753 points proved enough to hand India the gold medal in the team category ahead of Japan, who managed three less. The Republic of Korea scored 1745 to take the bronze.

The two medals on Tuesday took India’s tally up to 19 medals – nine gold, three silver and seven bronze – in senior events at the 2025 Asian Shooting Championships.

Two-time Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker won three bronze medals, with one of them coming in an individual event – the women’s 10m air pistol.

The Indian senior shooting squad for the Asian competition comprise 35 members competing for medals in 15 events. A total of 129 Indian shooters are also competing in the junior events at the Shymkent meet.

The Asian Shooting Championship 2025 will conclude on Friday.

Jessica Gardiner, 6DAYS® FIM Enduro of Nations Bergamo, Italy © Future7media

For Australia’s Jessica Gardiner, this year’s 6DAYS® FIM Enduro of Nations marks her thirteenth time competing in the event. Now thirty-two years old, Gardiner is one of Enduro’s most decorated riders in the history of the event, with six Women’s World Trophy titles to her name.

From securing Australia’s very first 6DAYS® victory in Sardinia, Italy, in 2013, she has helped pave the way for countless young female riders to follow in her wheel tracks.

Rolling off the start ramp in Bergamo for the 6DAYS® Italia, Gardiner still feels the same honour and pride representing her country on the biggest stage of Enduro as she did back in 2013.

“My thirteenth start in the 6DAYS® is beginning to sound like a big number, and it makes me feel old,” Gardiner laughs humbly. “But it’s always a pleasure to be here.”

“I love the 6DAYS®, it’s the biggest offroad event of the year. To wear the green and gold for Australia is always special, and it is something I feel every young rider should aspire to do in their lifetime.”

 

Jessica Gardiner, 6DAYS® FIM Enduro of Nations Bergamo, Italy © Future7media

 

Still as competitive as ever, Gardiner is also mindful of her younger teammates and is eager to guide them in their young 6DAYS® careers.

“To come into these events uninjured for the last thirteen years has taken a lot,” tells Gardiner. “I’m thirty-two years of age now, and happy to pass my knowledge and experience on to the younger generation and be a mentor to them. Danielle McDonald is only eighteen years old. Madison Healey is twenty-one years old and this is her first 6DAYS®.”

Gardiner also feels that through good home support, it has enabled Australia to remain at the forefront of the MOTOREX Women’s World Trophy competition.

“At home, we’ve got good programmes to support the girls and develop the talent coming through, so we’re fast from get-go. We also have the Australian Four-Day Enduro, which essentially mimics the 6DAYS®, but over a shorter period.

“We are here to fight for the win with the United States, we want that top step of the podium and will give it everything this week!”

Ken Shuttleworth, the former Lancashire and England fast bowler, has died at the age of 80.

Shuttleworth, who played five Tests in 1970 and 1971, made his debut in the first Test of that winter’s Ashes-winning tour of Australia, claiming five second-innings wickets at Brisbane.

A tall, strongly built, right-arm quick, Shuttleworth came in off a long run, bowling with a side-on action and genuine pace. Born in St Helens, he joined Lancashire in 1964, and provided a cutting edge to support the metronomic methods of Lancashire’s attack leader, Brian Statham.

“I was bowling as quick as what you see the fast bowlers bowl now,” Shuttleworth told The St Helens Star in 2021. “Brian and Ken Higgs were still the two main bowlers with Peter Lever and myself taking turns as the third seamer.”

Having dismissed Geoff Boycott for his maiden first-class wicket at Old Trafford, Shuttleworth went on to claim 484 wickets at 22.92 for Lancashire, followed by a further 99 for Leicestershire in the latter seasons of his career.

His best figures came in 1968, when he claimed 7 for 41 against Essex at Leyton, en route to a season’s haul of 73 first-class wickets (65 of which came for his county). Two years later, he bettered that with 74 wickets at just over 21.

But for a glut of injuries, Shuttleworth would likely have added significantly to his international appearances. He toured Pakistan with the Commonwealth Team in 1967-68 under the captaincy of Richie Benaud, then played for England versus Rest of the World at Lord’s in June 1970.

On that winter’s Ashes tour, under the captaincy of Ray Illingworth, he featured in the first two drawn Tests, then – in his solitary ODI appearance – he claimed England’s first wicket in the format, in the maiden fixture at the MCG in January 1971.

Ken would take 50 wickets in 1967 before his best season in 1970, when he took 74 wickets at 21.60 runs each, earning him his first cap for England when he went to Australia with Ray Illingworth’s Ashes-winning team and started his Test career with five for 47 at Brisbane.

“I just took it as another game,” Shuttleworth said. “We got stick, which you expect when you’re out there, but we were the first team since Douglas Jardine’s in 1932 to win the Ashes in Australia.”

As the one-day game took off in the 1970s, Shuttleworth’s short, sharp spells were a key source of Lancashire’s success, which included a hat-trick of Gillette Cup wins in 1970, ’71 and ’72 and two Sunday League titles in 1969 and 1970. His best figures of 5 for 13, including the wicket of Garry Sobers, came at Trent Bridge in 1972.

After his move to Leicestershire in 1975, Shuttleworth concluded his career in league cricket in Staffordshire, and after a few years in business, returned to the game as a first-class umpire. In 2021, he was inducted into Lancashire’s Hall of Fame. He is survived by his wife Barbara and daughters Sara and Hannah.

The summer transfer window is set to close for Premier League, EFL, LaLiga, Bundesliga, Serie A and Ligue 1 clubs.

When does the 2025 summer transfer window close?

This summer’s transfer window for Premier League and EFL clubs will close four hours earlier than usual at 7pm on Monday September 1, rather than the normal 11pm deadline.

The change, which the Premier League, EFL and FA were all in agreement over, has been introduced to allow a more normal working pattern for staff across football.

Clubs usually have a two-hour grace period after the window shuts to complete deals, only if paperwork is submitted to the FA by 7pm.

For signings from abroad, a similar process is in place, but clubs usually have until midnight to comply with FIFA requirements.

How to watch and follow Deadline Day

Sky Sports News will bring you all the latest transfer news throughout Deadline Day from 7am on Monday September 1, until the window closes at 7pm.

The Transfer Show will then analyse all the big moves on Sky Sports News from 8pm until 10pm.

Remember, you can follow all the latest deals, news and rumours on the ‘Transfers’ section of the Sky Sports app, while the latest gossip and news will be in our dedicated Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports’ digital platforms.

Looking for news about YOUR club? Find dedicated transfer pages for EVERY Premier League team.

When does the transfer window close in Europe?

The transfer windows for LaLiga, Bundesliga, Serie A and Ligue 1 all close at 7pm on Monday September 1.

When does the Women’s Super League transfer window close?

The Women’s Super League transfer window closes at 11pm on Thursday September 4.

When does the Saudi Pro League transfer window close?

The Saudi Pro League transfer window closes on Wednesday September 10.

Why was there a mini summer transfer window in 2025?

The transfer window opened early between Sunday June 1 and Tuesday June 10 due to an exceptional registration period for the expanded 2025 Club World Cup.

All Premier League and EFL clubs were free to do business during the earlier window, not just Chelsea and Manchester City, who were participating in the Club World Cup.

The 2025 summer transfer window then opened again on Monday June 16 until Deadline Day on Monday September 1.

2025/26 football season key dates

• September 1: Deadline Day for Premier League, EFL, LaLiga, Bundesliga, Serie A, Ligue 1
• January 1 to February 2 2026: Winter transfer window
• May 24: Premier League final day
• June 11 to July 19: 2026 World Cup

(Detroit, Michigan, 25 August 2025) – In a masterful display of match race talent, sailing prowess in Bayview Yacht Club’s Ultimate 20’s and some clever gamesmanship, Ryan Seago (USA) and his team of Pete Peterson and Blake Stackpoole won the 2025 edition of the International Match Race for the Detroit Cup hosted by Bayview Yacht Club. This is Seago’s second victory in the 17-year history of this Grade 2 event on the World Match Racing Tour.

With outstanding conditions of sunny skies and 10-16 knots of wind and in front of a capacity shoreside crowd at Bayview YC, the remainder of the Semi-Finals was completed in just two more matches to allow Seago to advance to the Finals. Runner-up Christian Prendergast (USA) had a longer road to the Finals, overcoming Semi-Final rival Tom Picot (AUS) who won their first match to win the next three.

In the Petit-Finals Picot recovered to defeat James Pinder (GBR) 2-0 in the first-to-two point series, a strong result especially given a late crew replacement for the afternoon’s racing.

With the Finals sparks flew right away in the first match. A mis-judged collision with Prendergast in the pre-start resulted in a 0.75 points deduction due to the damage, compounded by Prendergast winning the match. Seago stayed collision-free in Match 2 to win a point back, and in a windy Match 3 it was Prendergast’s turn for points deduction due to damage: a full point for damage related to a broken bowsprit, with Seago winning a full point for winning the match.

The next match went to Prendergast, so the scoreline read Seago 1.25, Prendergast 1.0. What happened next was fascinating: perhaps in knowing the organizers were bound by their rule of not starting any match past 3:00 PM local time, yet still needing to win the next two matches to win the event, after Seago’s entry at the start he slowly sailed upwind and down current halfway to the windward mark. Prendergast was first to turn and go back to the start with their spinnaker and against the current, with Seago following. The two were a full 2 minutes late in getting back to the start line.

Then Seago did what he did best throughout this event: masterful sailing on this course, passing Prendergast after an early deficit at the start and winning the match to bring the score to 2.25 points. While this was not enough to get to the 3-point minimum, the time of day was past the deadline, so Seago was awarded the win.

The result is not what Prendergast wanted, but by finishing this event in 3^rd place or better he does win the Grade 2 USA Grand Slam Series and an invitation to compete in next year’s Congressional Cup held at Long Beach YC, the only Grade 1 event in the USA on the World Match Racing Tour.

“I would have preferred to have this shoot-out between two great teams decided on the water, but we have had some fantastic racing all week and I think our podium finishers are among the best we’ve had in the history of this event,” said Dr. Gary Shoemaker, Chairman of this year’s Detroit Cup. “With the strong support of our club, the race committee and umpires, our sponsors, our club staff and all who have made this event great, we are proud to continue the tradition of offering world-class match race sailing here at Bayview YC.”

Final results for the Detroit Cup:

1.		Ryan Seago, Pete Peterson, Blake Stackpoole
2.		Christian Prendergast, Chris Poole, Connor Mashland
3.		Tom Picot, Robin Chantrelle, Franck Lavenant
4.		James Pinder, David Larson, Trevor Long, Lauren Holderman
5.		Megan Thomson, Josi Andres, Tiana Wittey, Hattie Rogers
6.		Will Donovan, Tyler Nash, Connor Rosow
7.		Michael Kirkman, Ryan Hexter
8.		Savannah Taylor, Steve Flam, Jasper Waldman

For full results see https://wmrt.com/live-results/

Photos from Trish Kirkman are available at www.flickr.com/photos

DUBAI: Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi has shared his views on the omission of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the national squad for the Tri-Series and Asia Cup 2025.

Top-order batsman Babar Azam and former T20I captain Mohammad Rizwan’s last T20I appearance came in December 2024 against South Africa.

Since then, the pair has not been included in the team’s plans for the shorter format, amid criticism of their strike rates.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines during Pakistan’s preparatory camp ahead of the upcoming fixtures, Shaheen discussed the exclusion of the ace duo.

“Tomorrow I might not be playing either. It’s not necessary that I ask why I’m not playing. Everyone should get opportunities,” he said.

“Rizwan and Babar are world-class players and have played excellent cricket for Pakistan, and they will play in the future as well,” Shaheen remarked.

The left-arm pacer highlighted the opportunity for younger players, noting that they should not be criticized.

“Everyone gets an opportunity, and they should seize those chances. I think the more we support our youngsters, the better. We shouldn’t criticize them, saying, “They are new, they haven’t done anything yet.”

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Pakistan will play its arch-rivals, India, on September 14 in the Asia Cup 2025, and Shaheen Afridi has expressed confidence in the team’s preparation ahead of the marquee event.

“Yesterday we had our first practice session at night, and today we are practicing at the stadium. I think this preparation is going really well for the big matches before the Asia Cup, and this tri-nation series will help us,” Shaheen Afridi stated.

“Look, obviously plans and strategies are made in advance, but I think this preparation is earlier than Pakistan has ever done before,” he explained while replying to a question regarding the highly anticipated encounter.

Shaheen Afridi also shed light on the conditions and the upcoming tri-series against the UAE and Afghanistan.

“We have a good opportunity to use the stadium, get used to the conditions, and prepare well for the big matches. But our first target is the tri-nation series, and then comes the Asia Cup,” the 25-year-old said.

He also commented on the team’s unity and expressed pride in playing for Pakistan.

“I think unity is something people talk about from the outside. Inside the team, it’s not an issue. Just like in a family, small things happen, but they should stay within the family.

Our job is to play cricket and bring happiness to Pakistan. That’s what we are focused on. Outside matters are not in our control, and everyone has their own opinions which should be respected,” he concluded.

READ: Mehidy Hasan Miraz left out as Bangladesh name squad for Asia Cup 2025

Published:
Tuesday, 26 August 2025

Sudan’s fairytale run at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) Pamoja 2024 continues after they defeated Algeria on penalties to secure a place in the semi-finals. 

The Falcons of Jediane have combined grit, tactical discipline, and moments of brilliance to emerge as one of the surprise packages of the tournament.

From Tough Group to Top Spot

Drawn in a challenging Group D alongside Nigeria, Senegal and Congo, Sudan were expected to struggle. Instead, they made a powerful statement.

 An opening 1-1 draw with Congo was followed by a stunning 4-0 dismantling of Nigeria — a result that reverberated across the continent.

A final group-stage draw against Senegal secured top spot, underlining their credentials and boosting confidence ahead of the knockout stages.

Quarter-Final Thriller Against Algeria

In Zanzibar, Sudan faced Algeria, the 2022 finalists, in one of the most dramatic ties of the last eight. 

An own goal from Algerian defender Ayoub Ghazala gave Sudan the lead before Soufiane Bayazid equalised for the North Africans.

With the game locked at 1-1 after extra time, the tie was settled by penalties.

 Goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja emerged the hero, saving two spot-kicks to seal a 4-2 shootout victory. 

Jubilant scenes followed as Sudan celebrated reaching the last four for the first time since 2018.

Key Men Driving the Charge

Midfielder Abdelrazig “Abdulraouf” Taha Yagoub has been instrumental, winning two Man of the Match awards for his commanding displays. 

His goals and creativity have set the tone for Sudan’s attacking play.

At the back, Abooja has been immense, particularly in the quarter-final, where his penalty saves lifted the Falcons to victory. 

Together, the duo embodies Sudan’s mix of flair and resilience.

Next Challenge: Madagascar

Sudan will now face Madagascar in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday, August 26, with a place in the final at stake. 

The Barea, semi-finalists in 2022, represent another stern test, but Sudan’s self-belief is growing with each match.

Coach Kwesi Appiah has made it clear that his team are aiming high: “We are not here just for an honourable performance. We are aiming to win the title.”

A Nation’s Pride

For Sudanese fans, who have endured political and social hardship at home, the team’s exploits have been a rare source of joy. 

The Falcons’ run has sparked celebrations and renewed optimism in the country’s footballing future.

Sudan have already equalled their best CHAN performance, but the chance to go even further is within reach. 

With confidence, resilience, and unity, the Falcons of Jediane stand just one step away from a historic final.

On 25 August, table tennis once again proved its power to bring people together as the national teams of Denmark and China faced each other in a Friendship Cup held in Copenhagen. The event marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Denmark and China, and was made possible through the close cooperation of the Danish Table Tennis Association, the Chinese Embassy in Denmark, and the Denmark–China Friendship Association.

The celebration brought together sporting and diplomatic leaders, including Hans Natorp, President of the Danish Sport Association; Wang Xuefeng, Chinese Ambassador to Denmark; He Xiao, Secretary-General of the Chinese Table Tennis Association; Henrik Vendelbo, President of the Danish Table Tennis Association; and Petra Sörling, ITTF President.

The players who took part reflected the breadth and inclusivity of table tennis: from global stars such as Sun Yingsha, Lin Shidong, Denmark’s Jonathan Groth, and Anders Lind, as well as Paralympic champion Peter Rosenmeier, and also players with Parkinson’s using table tennis as a tool for health. This diversity highlighted table tennis as a sport for all, and for life.

The Friendship Cup was a symbol of how sport can strengthen ties between nations. Echoing the spirit of Ping Pong Diplomacy, which helped shape international relations more than 50 years ago, this event underlined how table tennis continues to serve as a bridge between cultures and communities. With passionate rallies, laughter, and warm exchanges both on and off the table.

NAIROBI:

Sudan entered the African Nations Championships (CHAN) as rank outsiders — its home league is almost nonexistent in a country ripped apart by civil war, and the squad had only a few days training together.

Yet the Falcons of Jediane have defied the odds to reach the semi-finals of CHAN in which teams can only select from players in their national league competitions.

Sudan has a domestic league, but only just.

Sudan had not held a meaningful domestic league competition since the outbreak of conflict in 2023 between the country’s army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has killed tens of thousands.

The country’s two most successful clubs, Al Hilal and Al Merrikh, have been playing some 5,000 kilometres to the west in the Mauritanian league.

Following a lull in the fighting earlier this year, they returned and joined six other clubs for a month-long Sudan Elite league.

The mini-league was organised by African football’s governing body, CAF, to enable Sudan select clubs for the continental championships next season. It also created a CHAN squad.

That squad had only four days to train before their arrival at CHAN, with Ghanaian coach James Kwesi Appiah openly fearing his players could not be competitive with so little practice.

But the side found a way through, drawing twice and whipping Nigeria 4-0 to top their group.

Their quarter-final against Algeria also ended level but Sudan won 4-2 on penalties.

Sudan have matched their previous best in 2011 when they hosted the tournament and reached the last four.

Midfielder Abdel Raouf attributes the team’s success to the technical staff led by Appiah, the former Ghana national team coach.

“The secret is simple: teamwork,” Raouf, who has scored two goals, told CAFOnline.

“Everyone in this squad is working towards one goal — to lift Sudan high on the African stage.”

Goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja, who saved two spot-kicks against Algeria, praised Appiah.

“The way he gives instructions, the way he motivates us,” said Abooja. “He is always so calm, and that helps us a lot”

Under Appiah’s guidance, Sudan have also made the cut for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, and are lying third in their 2026 World Cup qualifying group, one point off leaders DR Congo.

Their quarter-final win has not only been celebrated in Sudan but across the region, coming after the trio of hosts Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya all failed to progress to the next round.

“It was a sad night for the east African teams who were not lucky to survive in the quarter-finals,” said Kenyan sports journalist Elias Makori.

“But Sudan have saved the face (of) east Africans by becoming the last team standing.”

Sudan face Madagascar, the quarter-final conquerors of Kenya, in the first semi-final in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on Tuesday.

Morocco meet Senegal in the second semi-final at Kampala’s Mandela Stadium. The final will be played at Kasarani stadium in Nairobi on August 30.