Category: 6. Sports

Poland’s speed queen looks to impress on home turf

Few names standout as distinctly as Aleksandra Miroslaw in the pantheon of Polish sport climbing. The 31-year-old from Lublin, Poland has been dominant in recent years, winning two world championships and an Olympic title to cement her legacy as one of Poland’s greatest climbers.

Nonetheless, despite flirting with the six-second barrier last summer at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 – setting a new world record in the process at 6.06 seconds – Miroslaw’s yet to break the once unimaginable barrier in women’s speed climbing.

It’s a task she’ll hope to accomplish once and for all during the IFSC Sport Climbing World Cup Krakow 2025, with the backing of a lively and supportive home crowd – one that has yet to see Miroslaw in action on the world stage.

Of course, she won’t be the only Polish climber targeting victory in Krakow, especially if Paris 2024 bronze medallist Aleksandra Kałucka has any say in the matter.

While the 23-year-old from Tarnów has yet to compete this season, it’d be foolish to write her off prematurely. She’s shown an ability to remain calm in high pressure situations and perform at her best when it matters most, as evidenced by the overall World Cup title she claimed in 2022 and her bronze medal at Paris 2024.

Still, Kałucka will need to leave the likes of Olympic silver medallist Deng Lijuan and Team USA’s Emma Hunt in her dust, along with sister Natalia Kałucka (2023 European Games champion) and teammate Miroslaw, to stand any chance of winning in Krakow and beginning her own reign atop the speed climbing throne.

India’s Kidambi Srikanth came from behind to beat compatriot Priyanshu Rajawat for a place in the second round of the men’s singles event at the Canada Open 2025 badminton tournament in Ontario on Wednesday.

Kidambi Srikanth, currently 49th in the badminton rankings, lost the opening game against compatriot Priyanshi Rajawat but rallied back to win the 53-minute contest 18-21, 21-19, 21-14 at the Markham Pan Am Centre.

Former world No. 1 Srikanth had lost both his matches against Rajawat, the seventh seed and world No. 39, prior to this.

Srikanth’s opponent in the pre-quarterfinals will be Chinese Taipei’s world No. 71 Wang Po-Wei, who upset Malaysia’s Justin Hoh in the opening round.

Meanwhile, world No. 31 and fifth seed Ayush Shetty, fresh off his title win at the US Open last week, failed to replicate a similar run in Ontario as he was ousted in the opening round by fellow Indian badminton player Sankar Subramanian.

Muthusamy, ranked 57th, took 44 minutes to emerge as the winner by a 23-21, 21-12 scoreline and will go up against Chinese Taipei’s Huang Yu Kai in the next round.

Meanwhile, Shriyanshi Valishetty was the only Indian shuttler who managed to cross the opening round hurdle in women’s singles at the BWF Super 300 tournament.

The Australian government has confirmed it will contribute A$3.435 billion (US$2.25 billion) towards the A$7.1 billion cost of building the venues for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, clearing the way for the start of construction.

Queensland taxpayers and private finance will provide the balance of the money for the 17 new and upgraded venues for the Summer Games under the funding deal announced by state and federal governments on Thursday.

“The Sydney 2000 Games left an incredible legacy and many Australians have memories that have lasted for decades,” Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said in a statement.

“We are ready to deliver a Brisbane 2032 Games that will leave the same incredible legacy for Queensland.

“The Australian government’s commitment of A$3.4 billion towards the Games venues is the single largest contribution any Australian government has made towards sporting infrastructure in this country.”

JEONJU: Pakistan marched into the final of the Asian Youth Girls Netball Championship 2025 with a resounding victory over Japan in Thursday’s semifinal at the Jeonju Hwasan Gymnasium in Jeonju-si, South Korea.

The Green Shirts took control from the outset, surging to a 21-7 lead in the first quarter.

They maintained momentum throughout, stretching the score to 34-19 by halftime, 42-28 after the third quarter, and sealing the win with a commanding 64-39 finish.

Key players including Leya Raza Shah, Alisha Naveed, Sumayya Kouser, Haleema, Jasmine Farooq, Amani, Parisa and Farah Rasheed delivered standout performances, contributing both defensively and offensively to secure the win.

Chairman of the Pakistan Netball Federation Mudassar Arian, President Sameen Malik, and Secretary General Muhammad Riaz congratulated the team on their remarkable performance and praised the players for securing a spot in the final.

The final is scheduled to take place on Friday. Pakistan will now face the winner of the second semifinal between Maldives and Chinese Taipei.

The Asian Youth Girls Netball Championship 2025, organised under the auspices of the Asian Netball Federation, is being held from June 27 to July four in South Korea.

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan began their campaign in dominant fashion, outclassing Saudi Arabia with a 71-15 victory. In their second match, the Green Shirts continued their impressive run by securing a 56-32 win over Chinese Taipei.

In the third group-stage match, Pakistan overwhelmed South Korea with a commanding 91-6 scoreline. They followed it up with a dominant 79-39 victory over Japan in the fourth match.

Pakistan on Tuesday booked their place in the semifinals with a hard-fought 49-39 win over the Maldives in their fifth group-stage match, topping Group B.

The margins could not have been finer when Tilda Månsson (SWE) emerged victorious in a photo finish against Noelia Juan (ESP) at the 2023 Tiszaujvaros World Cup. Entering this year’s race, though, the former World Junior champion may have to summon something even more dramatic if she is to prevail once again as she faces up against the current WTCS Series leader, Lisa Tertsch (GER).

With a smaller women’s field present this year, there will only be two semi-finals on Saturday and energy conservation ahead of Sunday’s finale will be key. Such has been Tertsch’s form of late, she enters as the clear favourite. Nevertheless, every ounce of energy saved ahead of Sunday’s final – which will be live on TriathlonLive from 15:45 (CEST) – could prove the difference for Månsson or someone else upsetting the odds.

Tertsch meets Månsson in semi-final 1

With a win at WTCS Abu Dhabi and a medal at WTCS Yokohama, Tertsch has reiterated her status as one of the best triathletes in the world. It is therefore little surprise that she will wear number 1. In years gone by, the World Cup circuit has proven a happy hunting ground for the German athlete, with her win at the 2023 Tangier World Cup standing out. Equally, with WTCS Hamburg coming a week after Tiszy, there may be a chance that Tertsch will not be fully rested or dialled in for this weekend’s double header, potentially opening the door for others.

Already this year, Månsson has logged her best ever WTCS finishes yet. As a result, the triple World Cup winner will be confident of starring in Tiszy again. She wears number 3 in the first semi-final, handing her the option to shadow Tertsch. Separating the pair on the start list is Ilaria Zane (ITA); the experienced Italian medalled at the Saidia World Cup this past weekend. Zane’s teammate Costanza Arpinelli, another recent World Cup medallist (from Samarkand), then wears number 4.

World Cup medallists Lea Coninx (FRA) and Jessica Fullagar (GBR), who coincidentally both medalled in Samarkand (in 2024 and 2023, respectively), add to the firepower of the first heat. Likewise, talents like Maria López Faraudo (MEX), the 2^nd place finisher at the Americas Championships, and Manami Hayashi (JPN), who has been dominant on the Asian circuit and tackles a first World Cup of year after placing 25^th on her WTCS debut in Yokohama, could be names to watch when the final comes around. Finally, keep an eye on Carina Reicht (AUT). She is in great form following back-to-back Europe Cup wins and broke the Austrian 5km record earlier this year.  

Vermeylen the proven quantity in semi-final 2

Jolien Vermeylen (BEL), a World Cup winner and the 3^rd place finisher in Tiszaujvaros in 2023, enters as the number 1 seed in the second semi-final. Over the past few years, Vermeylen has developed to the point that her making the final (mishap aside) should be a formality. Her task will be to avoid burning any unnecessary energy in the semi-final before taking on the likes of Tertsch and Månsson.

Coming out on top in the second heat is not a given, though. One dark horse to watch will be Tilly Anema (GBR). The Brit looked set to win this year’s Samarkand World Cup before unfortunately crashing on the bike. She rallied to take 5^th place in a demonstration of her mental fortitude, and her 2025 form definitely marks her out as dangerous. Another Brit, Sophie Alden, will start too in semi-final 2 as she looks to build back to her World Cup medal-winning form following injury.

Momentum is also on the side of both Sara Guerrero Manso (ESP), the bronze medallist at May’s Chengdu World Cup, and Italy’s Beatrice Mallozzi, the recent 4^th place finisher at the Huatulco World Cup. With 2023 World U23 champion Selina Klamt (GER) and World U23 Winter Triathlon champion Zuzana Michalickova (SVK) starting the second semi-final, the race to qualify for Sunday could get spicy.

India’s rising batting stars Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal lit up Edgbaston on Day 1 of the second Test against England – and their efforts drew a flood of praise from some of cricket’s biggest names, led by Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh and Irfan Pathan.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The duo’s commanding display helped India recover from early jolts to finish 310/5 at stumps, with Gill remaining unbeaten on 114 and Jaiswal striking a fluent 87 off 107 balls.

Tendulkar took to X to laud the young guns, highlighting their contrasting yet complementary styles.“@ybj_19 set the tone from ball one. He was positive, fearless and smartly aggressive. @ShubmanGill was cool as ever, calm under pressure, solid in defence and in total control. Classy knocks from both. Well played, boys!” the batting legend wrote.

Gill, who now has back-to-back hundreds as India’s new Test captain, also earned plaudits from Mohammad Kaif, who hailed his emergence at the coveted No. 4 spot.“Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli and now Shubman Gill… India is always blessed to have a solid world-class batsman at No. 4. May this continue forever,” Kaif posted.Yuvraj Singh, who has long mentored Gill, was equally effusive.“When responsibility calls, some rise and some soar! @ShubmanGill just became one of the rare few to score consecutive hundreds as Test captain! A calm head, a bold bat and a hunger to lead by example,” he wrote.Former opener Wasim Jaffer praised Gill’s poise under pressure. “Being India’s number 4 and Test captain comes with a different pressure altogether. Really good to see it has not affected his batting one bit, in fact it’s elevated it,” Jaffer wrote.All-rounder Irfan Pathan, meanwhile, underlined the duo’s role in shaping India’s Test future.“I have no doubt in my mind two batters from this young Indian team will take test team forward. YASHASVI JAISWAL & SHUBMAN GILL,” he posted.Despite minor setbacks – KL Rahul and debutant Nitish Reddy falling cheaply – India’s commanding partnership between Gill and Ravindra Jadeja (41*) ensured the team closed the day on top, with the skipper once again leading from the front.

Following the release of Behind the Fern: Black Ferns in May, Behind the Fern – All Blacks is a brand-new documentary series offering unprecedented access to one of the most iconic teams in world sport.

Streaming from Thursday, July 3 at 6pm on NZR+ and YouTube

Across the series, you’ll go beyond the game to get to know your favourite players, not just as athletes, but as people. From first caps to personal challenges, team culture to pre-game rituals, this is a revealing look at what it truly means to be part of the All Blacks.

In Episode 1, fans are introduced to two of the newest faces in camp, Hurricanes loose forward Du’Plessis Kirifi and Dutch-born Highlanders lock Fabian Holland. From very different backgrounds, both players have taken unique paths to earn their place in the black jersey. You’ll hear their stories in their own words, the setbacks, the sacrifices, and the moments that made it all worth it. 

Also featured in the premiere is the return of Jordie Barrett, who joins the squad following his sabbatical with Irish club Leinster. In conversation, he shares his excitement for the 2025 season and his eagerness to get back in the black jersey.  

From inside the team hotel to on-field preparation, Episode 1 captures the energy and intensity of a group coming together ahead of a high-stakes opening series against France. You’ll see how leadership is lived daily, how new players are brought into the fold, and how the legacy of the black jersey is passed on. 

Whether you’ve followed the All Blacks for decades or you’re just getting started, Behind the Fern offers something fresh: real stories, raw moments, and a deep sense of what it means to walk together, as teammates, as brothers, and as All Blacks. 

Episode 1 premieres Thursday, July 3 at 6pm on NZR+ and YouTube. 
Tune in, and take your place Behind the Fern. 

Rugby Australia are proud to have Defender driving the Wallabies as an official partner for the Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Tour —uniting two icons of strength, resilience, and heritage.

A long-term partnership that continues to celebrate rugby’s rich legacy while inspiring the next generation of players and fans across the globe.

Rugby and Defender share a deep connection—cast from the same mould, built for endurance, and driven by a spirit of adventure. Just as rugby demands strength and unwavering determination, Defender embodies these qualities in every journey it takes.

This announcement builds on Defender’s longstanding commitment to the sport, from being a Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2023 in France to serving as Principal Partner of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 and a long-term supporter of the Wallabies and Australian Rugby.

Together, Defender and rugby embrace the impossible—and drive forward with purpose.

Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh said: “Like the Wallabies, Defender are a brand who pride themselves on being the very best in their field, so we’re thrilled to have them on board as an official partner of the Lions Series.

“They’re a long-term supporter of Rugby across the globe and here in Australia and we’re looking forward to continuing our relationship with them moving forward.”

Managing Director of JLR Australia, Penny Ferguson said: “Defender is proud to play an integral role in the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia.”

“Our brand shares a deep connection with the spirit of rugby – built on inner strength, team unity, and relentless determination. In 2025, with the Lions tour and the Women’s Rugby World Cup, we’re proud to support the game across multiple dimensions, both in Australia and globally. With the Home Men’s Rugby World Cup on the horizon in 2027, our commitment to the sport continues to grow.”

This enthusiasm was echoed by Defender’s Global Managing Director, Mark Cameron.

The Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Tour of Australia 2025

Western Force v British & Irish Lions at 5:45pm AWST on Saturday 28 June at Optus Stadium, Perth

Queensland Reds v British & Irish Lions at 7:45pm AEST on Wednesday 2 July at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

New South Wales Waratahs v British & Irish Lions at 7:45pm AEST on Saturday 5 July at Allianz Stadium, Sydney

ACT Brumbies v British & Irish Lions at 7:45pm AEST on Wednesday 9 July at GIO Stadium, Canberra

AUNZ Invitational XV v British & Irish Lions at 7:15pm ACST on Saturday 12 July at Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

Wallabies v British & Irish Lions at 7:45pm AEST on Saturday July 19 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

First Nations & Pasifika XV v British & Irish Lions at 7:45pm AEST on Tuesday 22 July at Marvel Stadium, Melbourne

Wallabies v British & Irish Lions at 7:45pm AEST on Saturday July 26 at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne

Wallabies v British & Irish Lions at 7:45pm AEST on Saturday August 2 at Accor Stadium, Sydney