Bayern Munich close in on Sane, sign French talent Kouassi page 12 thursday, July 2, 2020

Atletico draw Messi scores 700th goal hurts Barcelona’s but just not enough title hopes AFP La Liga Standings (Top 8) Madrid This was Barca’s third (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, draw in four matches with points): Lionel Messi scored his suggestions of disharmony P W D L F A Pts 700th career goal but Barce- between the players and 1 Real Madrid 32 21 8 3 60 21 71 lona suffered another blow to 2 Barcelona 33 21 7 5 74 35 70 their La Liga title hopes after a coaching staff. 3 Atletico Madrid 33 15 14 4 43 25 59 2-2 draw with Atletico Madrid 4 Sevilla 33 15 12 6 48 33 57 5 Getafe 32 14 10 8 42 30 52 on Tuesday. with the board, I will not say 6 Villarreal 32 15 6 11 51 40 51 Messi chipped in a penalty what was said in that.” 7 Real Sociedad 32 14 5 13 48 41 47 to reach another astonishing Setien was also asked 8 Valencia 32 12 10 10 41 46 46 milestone at Camp Nou but about his job on Monday and twice Atletico hit back with spot- had to play down the signifi- kicks of their own, Saul Niguez cance of a frank exchange of converting both after Barca took views in the dressing room an early lead through Diego following Saturday’s draw at Costa’s own goal. Celta Vigo. The result gives Real Ma- Messi had also caused a drid the chance to move four stir by appearing to ignore points clear at the top of the Setien’s assistant Eder Sara- table if they can overcome bia during a water break at down the middle. Getafe at home on Wednes- Vigo and on Tuesday it was But every time Barca day, a formidable lead with impossible to ignore the con- pulled away, Atletico pegged five games left. trast with Atletico’s players, them back. Another penalty Atletico stay third, two who huddled around Diego was awarded, again instigated points ahead of Sevilla, who Simeone while 50 metres away by the speedy Carrasco, who won 3-0 at Leganes. Setien stood alone. made the most of the slightest With a superior head-to- At full-time, Setien stared touch from Semedo. head, it would take a dramatic into space with the look of a Saul took responsibility capitulation for Real Madrid coach that is running out of again and while Ter Stegen got not to lift the trophy from time but he had taken bold a hand to it, the ball squirmed here but there is no guarantee decisions, leaving 120-mil- into the corner. Barcelona can finish strongly lion-euro signing Antoine Vidal twice went close, the enough even to create pres- Griezmann on the bench second time heading wide Jor- sure. and handing another start to Barcelona’s Argentine forward Lionel Messi (centre) in action during the Spanish league match against Atletico Madrid’s at the Camp Nou di Alba’s cross, and Thomas This was their third draw 20-year-old Riqui Puig. stadium in Barcelona on Tuesday. (AFP) Lemar might even have won it in four matches and with “It’s true that taking him for Atletico in injury-time. For suggestions of disharmony out of the team like that is COSTA NIGHTMARE Then he missed a pen- Stegen had sprung off his line post. His deflected free-kick Barca, the draw was damaging between the players and hard for a player of his level Yet it started well for them alty, won after the excellent too early and Atletico were forced Jan Oblak to adjust his enough. coaching staff, the future of but the circumstances forced as Costa endured a nightmare Yannick Carrasco left Gerard given a second chance. This feet and palm over. Earlier, Sevilla’s Oliver coach Quique Setien looks me to do it,” said Setien of first quarter of an hour, first Pique for dead and then cut time Saul took the ball and he Finally, it was laid on a plate Torres scored twice and Mu- bleak too. Griezmann. “Tomorrow I will diverting Messi’s corner into back inside Arturo Vidal, who scored the equaliser. for him shortly after half-time. nir El Haddadi added a third “From the dressing room speak to him, not to apologise, his own net after misjudging stuck out a leg. Messi dinked over the slid- Felipe clipped Nelson Semedo to see off Leganes and boost I feel supported, yes,” he said. but it is a decision he has to the flight of the ball at the Costa’s shot was saved but ing Renan Lodi and then whis- and Messi, with the 700th in their hopes of holding onto “And regarding the meeting understand.” near post. VAR showed Marc-Andre ter tled a curling effort past the far sight, chipped the ball delicately fourth place.

Russian Athletics misses UEFA to play Europa Qatar formally bid to host deadline to pay doping fine League Final Eight 2027 AFC Asian Cup Tribune News Network On this occasion, Mansoor AFP source the money and pay in Germany Doha Al Ansari, Secretary-General of Moscow the sum. the QFA, said: “We present Qa- Russia was given the July QNA no need for a Plan B for this The Qatar Football Association tar’s bid to win the rights to host Russia’s Athletics Federa- 1 deadline to pay $5 million Nyon (Switzerland) tournament in Germany.” (QFA) has officially announced the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. Our tion missed the deadline on -- part of a fine imposed for The quarter-finals, semi- its bid to host the 2027 AFC bid confirms the great desire to Wednesday to pay part of a breaching anti-doping rules The 2019/20 Europa League finalsand final will be played Asian Cup after the Asian Foot- follow major sporting events, million-dollar fine handed -- in order for the country’s quarter-final, semi-final and as a straight knockout tourna- ball Confederation closed the which Qatar is conducting with down by the world athlet- clean athletes to be able to final will take place in August ment in Cologne, Duisburg, bid process for the said event. great successes for over two ics body, jeopardising some qualify to compete under a in Germany despite the lock- Duesseldorf, and Gelsenkirch- Qatar is one of the five decades now. Qatar’s next big Russian athletes’ hopes of neutral flag. down measures due to the en, from August 10-21, with bids presented with the AFC. assignment is the 2022 FIFA competing internationally. The approval process COVID-19 pandemic. the final in Cologne. The other four Member World Cup and we are preparing “RUSAF does not have for neutral athletes was put “Both parties stressed The remaining round Associations who have bid to well for the event.” the money to pay the fines on hold last November after their strong belief that all of 16, second-leg ties will stage Asia’s premier football Al Ansari said that Qatar will imposed by World Athlet- World Athletics said RUSAF measures will be taken to en- take place on August 5 and 6 tournament are (in alphabeti- be ready to host the 2027 AFC ics,” the federation’s presi- had obstructed ongoing an- sure that the matches will be in Germany. cal order by country): All India Asian Cup, taking advantage of dent Yevgeny Yurchenko ti-doping investigations. hosted in a safe and secure UEFA explained that the Football Federation, Football the modern sports facilities that told TASS news agency. Russia has been fighting manner,” UEFA president two ties in which the first leg Federation Islamic Republic of it has in the country. He added He dismissed the fed- for readmission to World Aleksander Ceferin said. was also called off - Inter Mi- Iran, Saudi Arabian Football Fed- that the world-class sporting in- eration’s “numerous crit- Athletics since it was banned He added, “As with the lan v Getafe and Sevilla v AS eration and Uzbekistan Football frastructure in Qatar is a sound ics,” saying his organisation in 2015 over repeated dop- UEFA Champions League Fi- Roma - will be played in a one- Association. legacy for future football genera- “did everything possible” to ing scandals. nal Eight in Portugal, there is leg match on August 5 or 6. After the continental tions in the Asian continent. football body announces the The QFA Secretary Gen- start of receiving the bid files, eral stressed that Qatar has a QFA will send an integrated file proven track record in hosting to complete the process from world and continental sports ‘Five-foot six-inch bundle of muscle’: Windies great Weekes dies, age 95 its side. championships. He said Qatar The AFC will now work with is confident it will be able to AFP Once on the job, he was pur- land) team led by Gubby Allen sixth consecutive hundred but each Bidding Member Associa- host a spectacular edition of poseful. His business was to Everton Weekes was also but with a top score of 36 he was run out for 90 in Madras, tion on the delivery of the nec- the 2027 Asian Cup, an event score runs,” said Stollmeyer. the last of a legendary was omitted for the fourth Test. a decision that Walcott de- essary bidding documentation it has hosted twice – in 1988 With the death of Everton “Playing strokes was the trio of cricketing knights, But when the 39-year-old scribed as “rather doubtful”. in accordance with the bidding and 2011. Weekes on Wednesday at the game he knew and loved best, known as the Three Ws. Headley withdrew through in- In 1950 he played a key process and will announce the He added Qatar is cur- age of 95, cricket has lost one and unless circumstances jury, Weekes was summoned to supporting role to spinners host for the 19th edition of the rently preparing to stage of its greatest batsmen. warranted discretion, Weekes Kingston, not a popular choice Sonny Ramadhin and Alf Val- AFC Asian Cup in 2021. biggest the footballing He was also the last of a would produce his smash- among the Jamaicans who fa- entine in West Indies’ 3-1 se- It is expected that the event – the FIFA World Cup – legendary trio of cricketing ing square cut, slashing cover voured their own JK Holt. ries win in England. QFA bid file will detail the love in 2022. knights, known as the Three drive, resounding hook and Weekes arrived midway He made three half-cen- of football in the country and The QFA high ranking of- Ws, who oversaw the rise of forceful on-drive for all to see through the first day after the turies and then 129 at Trent the lasting legacy it possess ficial said Qatar is ahead of West Indies cricket after the and enjoy.” journey from Barbados to be Bridge where he was watched when it comes hosting the top schedule with its large-scale Second World War. Everton de Courcy Weekes greeted with jeers and heck- admiringly by the former Not- football events. preparations to stage the FIFA The numbers alone make was born in Pickwick Gap, Bar- les but they turned to cheers tinghamshire and England Qatar is ahead of schedule World Cup, saying the event will impressive reading: in 48 bados on February 26, 1925. a day later as he crashed an opener George Gunn. with its preparations for the bring the football fans together Tests, played between 1948 He was one of three West England attack that included “I have seen them all since 2022 FIFA World Cup. for ‘unforgettable experience’. and 1958, Weekes scored 4,455 indies greats to be born within Allen, Maurice Tremlett and Victor Trumper and including runs at an average of 58.61. a mile and a half of each other Jim Laker for 141, leading (Don) Bradman,” said Gunn He made 15 centuries in- over an 18-month period. to a 10-wicket win for the who was 71 at the time having cluding five in an extraordi- The others were Frank West Indies. played first-class cricket be- nary sequence that remains Worrell and Clyde Wal- tween 1902 and 1932. a record today. But it was the cott. Together they were the ton, one of the great England ‘Brilliant array of strokes’ “I have never seen a way he made those runs that Three Ws. batsmen of the era. Weekes was on his way more brilliant array of caught the imagination. “Of the Ws, he (Weekes) It was thanks, in part, to and when the West Indies strokes nor heard the ball so Former West Indies cap- was probably the most ruthless Headley that Weekes found his went on to tour India later in sweetly struck.” tain Jeffrey Stollmeyer de- run-compiler, and his compact feet in Test cricket. the year, he produced succes- Weekes returned to Eng- scribed Weekes as “a five foot build and high-scoring per- The 23-year-old had been sive innings of 128 in Delhi, land in 1957 which, although six inch bundle of muscle”. formances inevitably invited picked to play in the first three 194 in Bombay and 162 and disappointing by his stand- “There was no nonsense comparisons with George Tests of the 1948 home series 101 in Calcutta. ards, produced one truly mem- Qatar are the current Asian Cup champions which they won in 2019. about Weekes, no tomfoolery. Headley,” wrote Denis Comp- against a weakened MCC (Eng- He ought to have had a orable innings. 12 Thursday, July 2, 2020 Sports ‘Game-changer’ Fernandes fires Man Utd masterclass AFP Brighton (UK)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said Bruno Fernandes has brought a winning mentality to Man- chester United after his brace inspired an impressive 3-0 win at Brighton on Tuesday. Cajoled by the dazzling Fernandes, United produced one of their best performances of the season at the Amex Sta- dium. Mason Greenwood opened Manchester United’s Portuguese the scoring early in the first midfielder Bruno Fernandes cel- half and Fernandes doubled ebrates scoring their second goal the lead before the interval. during the English Fernandes netted again match against Hove Albion in after half-time with a fine Brighton, England, on Tuesday. (AFP) volley as United climbed above Wolves on goal differ- United are also looking ence to take fifth place in the more solid at the back with Premier League. eight clean sheets in their last “Bruno has come and been 13 league matches. fantastic. He has brought that With a run-in that includes winning mentality with him, games against Bournemouth, that 99 percent is not good Aston Villa and West Ham, enough. It has to be 100 per- Solskjaer’s men could enjoy a cent,” Solskjaer said. memorable conclusion to the “I’ve got more than one campaign as they also chase game-changer. The third goal success in the FA Cup and Eu- was a great team goal. To see ropa League. so many players sprinting for- Brighton had taken four Juventus’ Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo shoots to score during the Italian Serie A match against Genoa at the Luigi-Ferraris Stadium in Genoa on Tuesday. (AFP) ward to get on the end of it points from two games since was fantastic. A great finish by the restart, easing their rel- Bruno.” egation fears, but this defeat Solskjaer’s side are two means they aren’t completely points behind fourth-placed safe yet. Chelsea, who play their game Harry Maguire led Unit- Juventus keep Lazio at in hand at West Ham on ed’s charge with a long pass Wednesday. to Paul Pogba, who rolled it With fifth place securing into the path of Fernandes for qualification for the Champi- a fierce drive that cannoned ons League if second-placed back off the post. Manchester City’s European Solskjaer this week warned bay with Genoa stroll ban is upheld, United are in United’s strikers they must a strong position to return improve if they want to stay in AFP ceded since losing at in navirus shutdown, showed earlier on Tuesday when they Lazio meanwhile are still to the continent’s elite club the team. Rome late February, but it wasn’t that he was back to his best came from behind again to in the hunt for their first competition. It was a message that enough to stop the champions seven minutes later when he win 2-1 against struggling league title in 20 years and are If they make it, United will Greenwood had clearly taken Juventus maintained their from cruising to their sixth charged towards goal before Torino. also practically guaranteed owe a huge debt of gratitude to heart as the 18-year-old four-point lead at the top straight league win. letting off a rocket of a shot Ciro Immobile’s 29th Champions League football to Fernandes, who has scored produced a fine strike to open of Serie A on Tuesday after “It was a good team effort that Perin could only grasp at league goal of another re- next season for the first time six goals since arriving from the scoring in the 16th minute. strolling to a 3-1 win at Genoa and we scored three brilliant as it fired into the net. markable season for the Italy since 2007-08, as they are 20 Sporting Lisbon in January. Cutting in from the right, that keeps chasers Lazio at goals,” said Sarri. That settled the result, but forward and Marco Parolo’s points ahead of fifth-placed The Portugal midfielder’s Greenwood froze Lewis Dunk bay despite their comeback “The team have recovered substitute Costa then made deflected strike in the 73rd local rivals Roma. role in revitalising United can- with a nimble step-over and triumph at Torino. well after the disappointment his own case for goal of the minute completed a deserved Immobile’s goal, a fine not be understated. drilled a low shot past Bright- Three stunning individual of losing the Italian Cup final, match when he collected the second-half comeback for left-footed finish three min- They were mired in a ma- on keeper Mat Ryan at his goals from Paulo Dybala, Cris- it was only a matter of time.” ball towards the right side of Lazio, who had clawed their utes after the break, was an- jor slump before Fernandes’ near post. tiano Ronaldo and Douglas The victory at the Stadio the area and unleashed a curl- way to a 2-1 win over Fioren- other example of Luis Alber- signing, but are now on a 15- “He’s a special talent. He’s Costa downed relegation- Luigi Ferraris showcased the ing, dipping shot that again tina in similar fashion just two to’s importance to Lazio, as game unbeaten run in all com- getting better. You can see threatened Genoa and kept firepower Sarri has at his dis- left Perin bewildered. days earlier. it was a league-leading 13th petitions, including three suc- clearly that he’s maturing and Maurizio Sarri on course to posal, with Genoa goalkeeper “They (Dybala and Ron- Andrea Belotti gave the assist of the season for the for- cessive wins. improving,” Solskjaer said of deliver Juve’s ninth straight Mattia Perin making five aldo) have learned to look for hosts an early lead from the mer Liverpool man. “It’s a joy to watch them Greenwood. league title in his first season saves in the goalless first half each other more often,” Sarri penalty spot after Immobile His strike also meant the when you see them express “He’s still only 18 so we as coach. as Juve pushed early to win said of a blossoming partner- handled but spent the rest of Italy forward equalled his own themselves like that,” Solsk- will see more from him.” Andrea Pinamonti pulled the match. ship. the match on the back foot record for the highest num- jaer said. Greenwood’s 13th goal of one back with 14 minutes left Dybala put his side in the They have realised that by and are 14th on 31 points. ber of goals scored by a Lazio “The confidence comes the season in all competitions for the struggling hosts, who lead in the 50th minute with benefitting from each other, Moreno Longo’s side player in a Serie A season. from performances. They was the signal for United to stay just one point above the a beautiful finish following a both reap the rewards. It’s have lost seven of their last However Lazio will have worked hard during the lock- take complete control. drop zone and third-from- snaking dribble, a strike that something I have noticed in nine league matches and al- to do without the 30-year-old down and we know we have Maguire almost made bottom Lecce, who host set the tone for the rest of the training too.” though they are six points against AC Milan on Saturday, loads to play for. it two with a header that Genoa’s local rivals Sampdo- match. above the drop zone could as he will be suspended after “I don’t care about making looped narrowly wide and ria on Wednesday. Ronaldo, who had looked Immobile launches Lazio find themselves dragged into being booked for the handball a statement, I know we are a in the 29th minute Brighton Pinamonti’s strike was off the pace following the comeback a dogfight by the end of this that gave his team another up- good team.” cracked again. the first goal Juve have con- league’s restart from the coro- Lazio had done their part round of fixtures. hill struggle to overcome.

Real Madrid make history by ending wait for women’s team

AFP By taking over Tacon, forward to this new challenge sights on the game’s finest tal- departures of Ana Valles, Madrid the women’s club based in with a commitment to pro- ents and some of the first sign- Esther, Marina Martin Mas- Madrid and created in 2014, moting women’s football and ings could arrive this week. sanet, Patri Carballo, Ainoa Real Madrid launched a ‘Real Madrid Femenino’ will contributing to its develop- Tacon have already been Campo and Osinachi Ohale, professional women’s team become a reality. ment and growth in our soci- expanding in preparation. in May. on Wednesday by absorbing “Our women’s football ety,” they added. They signed Swedish in- The goal will be to turn CD Tacon and launching a section will be made up of Approved at a meeting ternationals Madrid into contenders both fresh Galactico project at the the senior and under-16s to of shareholders in Septem- and Sofia Jakobsson, who in Spain and Europe, where club. under-19s teams. A youth ber last year, the buyout of was nominated for the 2019 they will hope to challenge Madrid, the best team of structure that will allow us Tacon for 300,000 euros Women’s Ballon d’Or and the supremacy of Barcelo- the 20th century according to remain faithful to our phi- ($337,000) has been made who joined last year after fin- na’s women’s team, finalists to FIFA, have so far been one losophy of identifying, train- official, with another recruit- ishing third in the Women’s in the 2018-2019 Women’s of the only elite clubs to resist ing and developing young tal- ment drive set to begin. World Cup. Champions League and who CD Tacon, a previously independent women’s club, is now officially the creation of a female outfit ent,” a club statement said. According to the Spanish But there will be more thrashed Tacon twice this under Real Madrid. in their 118 year history. “Real Madrid are looking press, Madrid have set their changes, after the announced season, 6-0 and 9-1. Bayern Munich close in on Sane, sign French talent Kouassi DPA/AFP 12 months ago but then ruptured his cru- rich in tradition. I really hope I’ll be able ager Mourinho says chairman Daniel Levy Munich ciate ligament which sidelined him for to establish myself here and play a lot told him Dier is keen to reach an agreement. many months. Leroy Sane. of matches. For that I’ll work hard.” He Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich There was speculation that Sane would is the third French defender at Bayern, MARSEILLE SIGN PAPE GUEYE are close to signing Germany winger Leroy cost Bayern around 100 million joining Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Her- Marseille announced the signing of Sane from Manchester City and have already euros last year but after the in- nandez, and the sixth Frenchman overall defensive midfielder Pape Gueye on a free landed French teenage defender Tanguy Ni- jury and with only one year left in the squad, alongside Coman and mid- transfer from Le Havre after he backed out anzou Kouassi. on his contract it will likely be fielders Corentin Tolisso and Michael of a move to Premier League side Watford. “We are in very good discussions with less than half that amount. Cuisance. The former France Under-19 international Leroy Sane’s management and with Manches- Sane can add to Bayern’s Football had been set to join the Hornets on a five- ter City. But now we must be patient,” Bayern speed on the wings along with Transfers MOURINHO EXPECTS DIER TO GET NEW year deal, but Gueye said last month he board member for sport Hasan Salihamidzic Kingsley Coman and Serge SPURS DEAL would not move to England due to alleged said on Wednesday. Gnabry. The 18-year-old Jose Mourinho is confident England in- irregularities in the agreement. City manager Pep Guardiola said: Kouassi received a four-year contract in a ternational Eric Dier is ready to sign a new Watford announced in April Gueye “There are some little issues but it looks free transfer from French champions Paris contract with Tottenham. had signed a pre-contract agreement like he is going to go to Munich. We wish Saint-Germain, where he started playing in Dier’s future was thrown into doubt after with the club. Gueye, 21, instead penned him all the best and big thanks for our years their academy four years ago. he climbed into the stands to argue with a fan a four-year contract with Marseille before together.” City have reportedly agreed to Kouassi made his first-team debut at able to sign him and are convinced that he who had exchanged words with his brother joining his new team-mates at a training let the 24-year-old go for 49 million euros PSG last December and is also a junior in- will be looking to help strengthen our team,” during an FA Cup defeat against Norwich ear- camp in Portugal. (55 million dollars), rising to a possible 60 ternational. Salihamidzic said. lier this season. The club has also tied down defender Al- million euros with bonuses. “He is one of Europe’s best players in his Kouassi said: “I’m very happy to be The 26-year-old’s current deal expires at varo Gonzalez to a three-year deal following Sane was already linked with Munich age group. We are very pleased to have been able to play for FC Bayern. It’s a big club, the end of next season, but Tottenham man- a successful spell on loan from Villarreal. Sports Thursday, July 2, 2020 13

Cricket Takes

India’s Manohar steps down as ICC chairman Select Aspire student-athletes NEW DELHI: India’s Shashank Manohar stepped down as chairman of the International Cricket Council on Wednesday after four years in office. The 62-year-old successfully spear- headed efforts to restructure the ICC while and graduates resume training in office, curbing the dominance of Australia, India and England -- cricket’s three wealthiest nations. Tribune News Network efit. Aspire has created a safe Shashank Manohar He became the ICC’s first independent Doha environment and we have set chairman in 2016 and was elected unop- up the training sessions to help posed for a second term two years later but said recently he was A select group of student-ath- each player with specific as- ready to step down. letes and graduates from Aspire pects of their game, “said coach “On behalf of the ICC Board and staff and the whole cricket Academy, other sports than Krivic. family, I would like to thank Shashank for his leadership and every- football, are back in training Meanwhile student-athlete thing he has done for the sport,” the council’s chief executive Manu in the academy premises since Yousef Magdy was just happy to Sawhney said. “We wish him and his family all the very best for the mid- June following the state return to Aspire. “I am happy to future.” Deputy chairman Imran Khwaja will take over until a succes- gradual lifting of lockdown dic- be back training at Aspire and sor is elected, the ICC said in a statement. tated in mid-March 2020 by the meeting with my friends and The ICC board is expected to approve the election framework spread of novel coronavirus, playing table-tennis. I used to in the next week, with reports that former India captain Sourav Gan- under strict adherence to health practice at home but exercis- guly is considering the job. South African director of cricket Graeme and safety procedures and pre- ing at Aspire is definitely better Smith has backed fellow former test captain Ganguly, who heads cautions approved the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). and developed by Manohar also helmed the BCCI and once resigned as ICC chair- the Aspire Crisis man in 2017, only to be persuaded by the sport’s world body to Management Team retake the helm. He successfully revised the ICC’s governance and following measures pushed for the appointment of its first independent female director. in alignment with “Everyone on the ICC Board extends their wholehearted thanks to national direc- Shashank for the commitment he has shown to our sport,” Kh- tives and reference waja said of his former boss. “There is no doubt that cricket owes to the Ministry Shashank a debt of gratitude for all he has done for the sport. He of Public Health has left cricket and the ICC in a better place than he found it.” (AFP) (MoPH) and World Health Organisa- tion (WHO) safety Return of South African cricket guidelines. “Upon returning to training, rescheduled for July 18 Coaches and coaches and players, we have all athletes are only cherished even more what we Johannesburg: Organised cricket in South Africa will return on getting access to have here at Aspire and will not July 18 with a three-team event featuring 24 leading players, Cricket the premises and take anything for granted going South Africa announced on Wednesday. The match was originally facilities after showing green forward. We missed this place scheduled for June 27 but was postponed because government ap- code on their “Ehteraz app” on and what we are able to do here proval of health precautions was not obtained in time. The new date their mobile phones as well as and being away made us real- marks the birthday of the late president Nelson Mandela. It will be passing the temperature test. ise just how fortunate we are to the first televised live sporting event in South Africa since the start Aspire Academy is taking have Aspire and be able to train of the COVID-19 pandemic. many precautions in order to on these courts using these facil- The match, promoted as 3T Cricket, will be played without ensure safety of students and ities,” said coach Kemp. Aspire spectators at SuperSport Park in Centurion. Although three teams coaches. Sport codes currently Academy senior coach for En- of eight players will be involved, it will be a single match, with each practiced in this phase of re- durance, Steven Macklin, said, team facing 12 overs, six each from the other two sides. The teams turn to training include, ath- “While we are currently limited will be captained by Quinton de Kock, AB de Villiers and Kagiso letics (sprints, endurance and in what we can do during this Rabada. The players will assemble three days earlier in what thows), squash, table -tennis phase of resuming training due CSA’s medical officer, Dr Shuaib Manjra, described as a “sani- and fencing. Hygiene proto- to the health and safety proce- tised eco-system”, with all players being tested for COVID-19 cols and specific considerations dures, it’s progress compared before and after the event. (AFP) have been made for training to the last three months. As sessions involving small groups coaches we have had to be inno- of not more than five athletes vative in our coaching methods Sri Lanka questions per session. and find new means and ways World Cup opener Kumar In squash only one student to add to our knowledge, thanks in fixing probe Sangakkara per court and with own racquet to the challenges presented by is currently allowed. Every stu- the lockdown. One of the new COLOMBO: Sri Lanka opener Upul dent has own equipment, im- approaches we will put it action Tharanga on Wednesday became plements or gear and there is no than exercising at home. Hope- training, Aspire spared no ef- back. It is an amazing feeling of during this time, will see the ath- the first player to be grilled by sharing at all. In table-tennis, fully we’re going to continue fort and started organising ex- course. The first day of train- letes race against the clock and detectives in a probe investigating each player has a designated training at Aspire,” he said. ercises through Zoom platform ing again has been like a dream then we rank them according claims that the 2011 Cricket World basket of balls and collects their Massimo Omeri, Aspire and other means, so we did not come true. I used to train every to their times, we are doing this Cup final was fixed. The 35-year- own from the floor and the Academy Fencing head coach stop practicing while at the day at home, but it is a different because at this stage we cannot old batsman and wicketkeeper same applies to throws. was appreciative of the oppor- same time, we missed the at- feeling to come to your second have athletes run side by side as was questioned for two hours by The tables for table-tennis tunity to resume training and mosphere of training, competi- home Aspire and practice on yet but for sure it feels good to the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) examining the conduct of the are placed three meters apart said, “It has been a difficult pe- tion, and being with teammates. the squash courts. be back training at Aspire after final, which Sri Lanka lost to India. “They asked a few questions in as are treadmills in endurance riod for everyone and to be able Now at last we are back and able “Thank God we have come period of inactivity, and we are connection with the ongoing investigation. I gave my statement,” training. For sprints the athletes to come back together and work to do some practice, thank God back. The conditions have be- targeting a cautious progressive Tharanga told reporters without giving further details. Tharanga, are keeping minimum one lane with the fencers is definitely for that, we will recover the old come more positive and hope- return to fitness,” he said. who scored two runs off 20 deliveries in the match at Mumbai’s between each runner. Each positive for everyone. We are routine and get back to life as fully in the coming days will For Hamza Hamiti, an en- Wankhede Stadium, was called in after investigators quizzed chief student-athlete has a resting not engaging in any ‘assaults’, we knew it before,” he said. continue to do even more in durance student graduate he selector Aravinda de Silva for nearly six hours on Tuesday. chair separated from the next form of contest between fencers “At the beginning of the training. Of course, Aspire would take training alongside Police said they will next interview Kumar Sangakkara, the one by stipulated social distanc- with blades as yet, but are get- lockdown it was difficult for trainers have prepared a pro- fellow athletes over training captain of the losing side and the current president of the Maryle- ing regulations and everyone ting fencers to practice their hits me. Looking back, I think eve- gram on Zoom and I have been alone at home anytime the bone Cricket Club in , who was asked to report to the SIU on brings their own water bottle. on the coach as he instructs and rything that happened, was a on it daily and I have been prac- choice is given. “First of all, Thursday. There was no immediate comment from the 42-year-old, All venues and floors as well as helps. It is different but offers good thing. I had time to no- ticing sometimes twice a day thank God we’re back to prac- who last month said the allegations should be referred to the Inter- equipment are cleaned, disin- good opportunity to work on tice my mistakes as well as my and sometimes once a day to tice together. In fact, the last national Cricket Council (ICC). The Sri Lankan probe was launched fected and sanitized after each drills and things we otherwise strengths, so I focused on the maintain my fitness since the three months have been very after the then-sports minister claimed that Sri Lanka threw the April training and so far, all parties would not have had more time things I was doing correctly and professional tour stopped and hard. The training was indi- 2011 match. “I feel I can talk about it now,” Mahindananda Aluth- involved have been well pleased for in a normal period.” tried to avoid the mistakes and I do not know for how long. vidual, and we were wearing gamage told a local TV network last month. “I am not connecting with the arrangements. Meanwhile two of the top I started to improve. I also dis- There are no championships face masks and we couldn’t see players, but some sections were involved.” Aspire Academy table ten- graduates in their respective covered new interests and my in the immediate future so for each other. Now, we’re back to Sri Lanka bat first and scored 274-6 off 50 overs. They ap- nis coach, Jakov Krivic and sports, Ali Turki of fencing and hidden talents other than fenc- now and the most important practice with each other at the peared in a commanding position when Indian superstar Sachin three young student-athletes, Abdullah Al Tamimi of squash ing, as I became interested in thing is to maintain fitness and academy in small groups, and Tendulkar was out for 18. But India turned the game around dramat- Ali Hamza, Yousef Magdy and were equally thrilled to resume reading, drawing among other be ready to play as soon as a we are keeping safe distances ically, thanks in part to poor fielding and bowling by Sri Lanka, who Khalid Al Yafei were going training at Aspire. things, thanks be to God,” add- decision is made to kick off the between us. I hope we will soon were led by Kumar Sangakkara. India won the final by six wickets. through their paces in a morn- Turki said he initially strug- ed Ali Turki. tournaments. All squash play- be back to full-fledged training Sangakkara and his deputy Mahela Jayawardena quit their positions ing session making the most of gled with staying at home but As for Al Tamimi, World ers around the world are wait- but for now it’s just good to be in the team after the stunning defeat. being back training at Aspire. as time wore on, he was able to No 32 ranked player, it’s a wor- ing for the time when we can back,” he said. The toss of the final was also controversial as it was done twice. “We are pleased to be able to find some positives from this thy home-coming, resuming compete and be ready and we The news of a return to Match referee Jeff Crowe apparently did not hear “heads” called by train again here at Aspire and period. “First of all, thanks be training. “It’s an amazing feel- are trying to be as ready as pos- training was welcomed by pret- Sangakkara and asked Indian skipper MS Dhoni to toss again. Sang- while we have been fortunate to God. Everyone is tired, but ing to return after I have been sible once the tournaments are ty much all involved, showing akkara won the toss and elected to bat, a decision that was criti- enough in our sport to have we are getting used to the rou- three months away from home. announced,” said Al Tamimi. how the normal sporting life cised in local media because the Sri Lankans were considered to be provided a table each to the stu- tine of staying at home. I am When I am in Doha, I spend six Jonathan Kemp, Aspire as we used to know is solely better at chasing at the time. Sri Lankan cricket has been plagued by dents at the residential places thankful to Aspire for all their to seven hours at Aspire on dai- Academy senior coach squash missed. Aspire Academy is several corruption scandals, including claims of match-fixing ahead during the lockdown, to meet efforts, because when the coro- ly basis. Being away for three reflected on some lessons picked playing its part in taking a sig- of a 2018 Test against England. (AFP) and practice like we are doing navirus pandemic started and months is like being far away up from the last three months nificant step towards a safe re- now is great and of more ben- the decision was made to stop from my family and I just came away from Aspire squash courts, sumption of sport.

Generation Amazing, Josoor Institute and UCFB host first in a new series of webinars

SC.qa public are invited to join the have been able to join us in “When it comes to engines in the field helped to provide Doha sessions, which are broadcast discussing the importance of of learning and community a sense of clarity of both the on Microsoft Teams. working to find ways in which building in support of youth, challenges and opportuni- Two FIFA World Cup Qatar The first webinar featured we can continue to support amidst the challenging cir- ties we are faced with. As an 2022™ legacy programmes Generation Amazing Pro- communities in a time of cumstances of the COVID-19 educational provider we feel – Generation Amazing and grammes Director, Nasser Al hardship through sport for pandemic, Josoor is actively a responsibility to support Josoor Institute – along with Khori, Josoor Institute’s Busi- development and educational reaching out to its audience by youth at this unprecedented the University Campus of ness Development Director, programming. making its research content time but also to better un- Football Business (UCFB) Michele Petochi, UCFB lec- “The session has resulted available online and hosting derstand their needs. This recently teamed up to deliver turer, Dr Leo Watkins, Educa- in much valuable dialogue on regular online sessions which webinar discussion and our a webinar about the role of tion Above All’s Michael Cac- how we can centre our efforts are open to the public. We are partnership with Generation sport and learning in sup- ich, and Amani Al Qadi, the together in ensuring that we also developing a future e- Amazing and Josoor Insti- porting youth during the founder of Aurora for Train- can be impactful for multiple diploma programme in sports tute provide a great spring- COVID-19 pandemic. ing and Development. The demographics going forward.” and events management.” board for doing this.” It was the first in a series webinar was moderated by Dr “Partnering with Genera- Watkins said: “This was The next webinar in the of monthly discussions in- Simon Chadwick, Director, tion Amazing and the UCFB a valuable opportunity to series will focus on the Gen- volving the Supreme Com- Centre for Eurasian Sport In- is a strategic opportunity for discuss some of the many eration Amazing core value mittee for Delivery & Legacy dustry, at the EM Lyon Busi- Josoor in its leadership in ed- issues affecting youth both of inclusion and is planned The seminar was the first in a series of monthly discussions involving programmes, plus represent- ness School. ucation and training as a Qa- during and likely beyond to take place on 23 July. The the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy programmes, plus atives from their strategic Al Khori said: “We are tar 2022 legacy programme,” the current pandemic. The speakers will be announced in representatives from their strategic partners. partners. Members of the delighted that our partners said Petochi. shared dialogue with experts due course.