Olympic Flame lighting to be held sans spectators in Greece PaGe 14

Tuesday, March 10, 2020 younousse, Tijan lead the home challenge at Katara beach V’ball Qatar’s ace pair, seeded eighth, target Tokyo Olympics spot at the Four-Star meet

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK doha QATAR’S Cherif Younousse Right now (Younousse and Ahmed Tijan, seeded eighth, will launch their bid and Ahmed Tijan), we to improve their best perfor- are 11th in the rankings mance in the Katara Beach list for the 2020 Tokyo Volleyball Cup 2020 against Ukrainian qualifiers Iaroslav Olympics. We will try to Gordieiev and Sergiy Popov at do our best in each the Katara Cultural Village on Monday at 12 noon. events that we play. In 2018, Younousse and The Katara Cup is the Tijan had won their maiden first ranking tournament Russians Valeriy Samoday and Igor Velichko, who won the silver bronze medal here and their medal with Oleg Stoyanovskiy in 2018, in action during their loss to Pool H opener is expected to for the Olympics this ’s Alejandro Huerta and Cesar Menendez in the qualifying round be a good test for them as the year. Both Tijan and I of the Four-Star Katara Beach Volleyball Cup at the Katara Cultural Ukrainians had beaten them have worked hard to be Village in Doha on Monday. in the 4-Star Yangzhou Open 0-2 in the group stage. in good shape for this Qualifying Results With an eye on the Tokyo event in which we had Olympic Games later this year, CoUnTry QUoTA mATCHeS Mexico (26, Q5) def. Mbye Jarra / Sainey the Qatari pair, holding the won our first bronze match 1: Chase Budinger / Chaim Schalk Jawo Gambia (Q12) 21-10, 21-18 (0:33) 11th place on the ranking list, medal in 2018. United States def. Theo Brunner / Miles Evans match 4: Jasper Bouter / Ruben Penninga is ready for any challenges. United States 21-14, 21-13 (0:30) (30, Q13) def. Mathias Attacker Younousse said his Cherif Younousse match 2: Billy Allen / Stafford Slick United Berntsen / Hendrik Mol Norway (Q4) team is concentrating just on States (22, Q1) def. Chase Budinger / 21-12, 21-12 (0:29) getting a spot in the Tokyo in the home event and kick- Chaim Schalk United States 21-23, 21-16, match 5: Iaroslav Gordieiev / Sergiy Popov Olympics. off our Olympic mission on a 15-13 (1:00) Ukraine (25, Q3) def. Tadej Bozenk / Vid “Right now, we are 11th in strong note,” Younousse said. Jakopin Slovenia (Q14) 21-19, 21-14 (0:35) the rankings list for the 2020 Last year, they had beaten QUAlIFIer BrACKeT match 6: Dries Koekelkoren / Tom van Walle round 1 Tokyo Olympics. We will try to Russians Oleg Stoyanovskiy Belgium (27, Q6) def. Selcuk Sekerci / Sefa match 1: Billy Allen / Stafford Slick United Urlu Turkey (Q11) 21-16, 21-16 (0:36) do our best in each events that and Viacheslav Krasilnikov States (22, Q1) def. Mark Baechli / Mark match 7: Alejandro Huerta / Cesar we play. The Katara Cup is the and went on to finish fifth in Garcia-Kidd England (Q16) 21-12, 21-8 Menendez Spain (29, Q10) def. Valeriy first ranking tournament for this event. But the Russians, (0:28) Samoday / Igor Velichko Russia (Q7) 14-21, the Olympics this year. Both who are top seeds, pulled off match 2: Josue Gaxiola / Jose Rubio Mexico 28-26, 15-11 (0:55) Tijan and I have worked hard two big successes last season (28, Q8) def. Murat Giginoglu / Volkan match 8: Quincy Aye / Arnaud Gauthier-Rat to be in good shape for this – the FIVB World Champions Gogtepe Turkey (Q9) 21-17, 21-15 (0:38) France (24, Q2) def. Ryota Sato / Nobuaki event in which we had won our and the Rome FIVB Finals. match 3: Lombardo Ontiveros / Juan Virgen Taira Japan (Q15) 21-14, 21-12 (0:28). first bronze medal in 2018,” Stoyanovskiy, while speak- said Younousse, who was ing ahead of the first match, Velichko. but the Chilean cousins have ninth in the 2016 Rio Games said, “Yes, there are a lot of Dutch Alexander Brouwer failed to return to a World Tour along with Jefferson Santos good teams but we think our and Robert Meeuwsen, the podium since then with fourth Pereira. chances are high. We will try former world champions and place at the Espinho 4-Star “All teams are strong and to reach our maximum in eve- 2016 Rio Olympics bronze their best finish. we’ll have to bring our best in ry game. medallists, are seeded sec- Qatar have fielded two each match. This year, some “We can’t take the teams ond ahead of Americans Phil more teams in the tournament. events have been cancelled due lightly as all of them are trying Dalhausser and Nick Lucena. Saifeddine Elmajid and Benl- to the coronavirus outbreak. So to get maximum points for the Both pairs have had a sweet ouaer Ziad are placed in Pool each team has limited chances Olympics. taste of success in Doha. Brou- A and will take on top-seeded and will try to gain maximum “ The teams from Qatar wer and Meeuwsen won the Krasilnikov and Stoyanovskiy from each tournament. have an advantage as they are gold in 2018, while Dalhausser in their opening clash. Assam “Under the current scenar- playing at home but the com- and Lucena won silver in 2019. Mahmoud and Mahdi Sam- io, it is very important to use petition is high here so they Esteban and Marco Grimalt moud are the third duo and every match and every tourna- will have to play well,” added beat Dalhausser and Lucena in they will take on Brouwer and ment well. There is no pres- the Russian, who was second the 2019 gold medal match. It Meeuwsen in their first match sure but we’ll try to play well in 2018 in tandem with Igor Ahmed Tijan (left) and Cherif Younousse of Qatar pose at the Katara Cultural Village after a practice session. was their first World Tour gold, in Pool B tomorrow.

Quick read Indian Wells tennis becomes first FIFa, aFc agree to postpone asian qualifiers KUALA LUMPUR: Following consultation with asia’s member as- sociations, FIFa and the asian Football confederation (aFc) agreed to postpone the upcoming asian qualifiers for the FIFa big US sports casualty of virus Qatar 2022 as follows, it stated. Matches originally scheduled to take place during the international window of 23-31 March 2020 and 1-9 june 2020 are postponed to later dates FIFa and the aFC AFP Tommy Haas. Twitter page. will discuss further details of the postponed matches. loS anGeleS Days earlier, organisers had The number of coronavirus cases However, in order to support the member associations concerned, said they planned to go ahead with in the US has exceeded 500 spread and provided that the safety of all individuals involved meets the THE ATP and WTA tennis tourna- extra health measures in place across more than 30 states. required standards and that the member associations due to play ment in Indian Wells, California, has such as hand-sanitizing stations, California officials are also bat- each other mutually agree, the match(es) may still be played during been cancelled over fears surround- beefed-up cleaning protocols and tling to contain an outbreak on a the international windows of March or june 2020, but always sub- ing the new coronavirus outbreak, gloves for ball kids, volunteers and cruise ship off the coast where 21 peo- ject to prior approval from both FIFa and the aFC. making it the first major sports food workers. ple have tested positive for the virus FIFa and the aFC have also agreed to postpone the aFC event in the US to be scrubbed due The ATP and WTA had also is- among the 3,500 people on board. Championship turkmenistan 2020, which serves as the qualifiers to health concerns. sued virus-related guidelines, telling “There is too great a risk, at this for the FIFa Futsal World Cup 2020, until 5-16 august The tournament, one of the big- players not to accept items from fans time, to the public health of the Riv- 2020. the upcoming qualifiers for the olympic Football tourna- gest outside the four tennis Grand to be autographed. erside County area in holding a large ments are foreseen to be played as scheduled, with the exception Slams, was cancelled just days be- Before the cancellation, the tour- gathering of this size,” said doctor of the women’s olympic qualifiers play-off between Korea republic fore it was due to begin. nament had offered to give refunds David Agus, professor of medicine and China Pr, which will now take place during the international Officials said in a news release to anyone who had bought tickets, and biomedical engineering at the window of 1-10 june 2020. FIFa and the aFC will continue to as- Courtmaster Jeffrey on Sunday that they opted to cancel but did not want to attend. University of Southern California. sess the situation in relation to CoVID-19 and will decide whether Brooker cleans the center because California health officials The tournament draws more “It is not in the public interest of further changes to the schedule of asian FIFa World Cup 2022 court at the Indian Wells had declared a public health emer- than 400,000 fans each year to In- fans, players and neighboring areas qualifiers are required, always with the aim of protecting the safety Tennis Garden on Sunday gency for the Coachella Valley – in dian Wells, 27 kilometres (17 miles) for this tournament to proceed. We and health of all individuals involved, aFC said. (AFC) in Indian Wells, California. the desert east of Los Angeles – after southeast of Palm Springs. all have to join together to protect The BnP Paribas Open was a confirmed case of COVID-19. the community from the coronavi- cancelled by the River- “We are very disappointed that ‘Too great a risk’ rus outbreak.” Asian men’s jr handball in Iran postponed side County Public Health the tournament will not take place, Many of the players had already ar- Indian Wells lasts two weeks and KUWAIT: the asian Handball Federation has announced the post- Department, as county but the health and safety of the lo- rived in Indian Wells with qualifying draws some of the largest crowds for ponement of the 17th asian Men’s junior Handball Championship, officials declared a public cal community, fans, players, vol- matches scheduled to start on Mon- a tennis event in North America. The which was scheduled to be held in the Iranian city of Shiraz from health emergency when unteers, sponsors, employees, ven- day and the main women’s draw number of competitors and lucrative july 10 to 21, 2020 as a qualifier for the World youth Championship a case of coronavirus was dors, and everyone involved with beginning on Wednesday. prize money being offered for the 2021 in Hungary. the decision was taken for the safety of all the confirmed in the area. the event is of paramount impor- “I’m shook,” Canadian tennis men and women has helped earn it teams participating in the championship due to the spread of coro- (geTTy IMages/aFP) tance,” said tournament director star Denis Shapovalov wrote on his the nickname of “The Fifth Slam”. navirus. the asian Handball Federation had previously announced the postponement of the second asian junior Men’s Beach Champi- onship ( Qualifiers 2021), which was scheduled to take place in the thai capital Bangkok from april 4-10, 2020. It has now been scheduled for September 11-17, 2020. (QNA sports Tuesday, March 10, 2020 13 India’s women’s cricketers hailed for T20 campaign

AFP neW delhI

INDIA has rallied behind its women’s team, hailing their efforts in the T20 World Cup despite a crushing loss to Australia in the final. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side lost to the defending champi- ons by 85 runs in front of more than 86,000 fans – a record Ajlan eid al enazi, Chief of Strategy & Business Development, Qatar attendance for women’s crick- Rail, and Ali Ghanem al Kuwari, President, Qatar Volleyball et – at the Melbourne Cricket Association, shake hands after signing the sponsorship agreement Ground on Sunday. for the Four-Star Katara Beach Volleyball Cup 2020 in Doha. Despite the defeat it was a successful World Cup for the team, who reached the final for the first time and whose Doha Metro is star batter, 16-year-old Sha- fali Verma, moved to the top of the world rankings during official carrier for the tournament. Indian cricket chief Sourav Ganguly praised the women for making the final, a month Katara Beach after the men’s under-19s were runners-up in the 50-over World Cup. Volleyball Cup “Well done the Women’s team @bcci @JayShah .. Two back to back World Cup fi- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK He added, “Besides deliv- nals .. but we lost,” Ganguly doha ering a world-class event to tweeted. sporting-loving Qatari resi- “We’re super .. we will get India’s Harmanpreet Kaur walks past the trophy during the ceremony of the Twenty20 Women’s final between Aus- QATAR Railways Company dents, the 4-Star Katara Beach there someday .. love the team tralia and India at the on Saturday. (aFP) (Qatar Rail) announced an Volleyball Cup also gives the and players.” agreement with the Qatar Qatar Volleyball Association Men’s captain Virat Kohli the toss and then watched as India men’s team captain Virat Kohli said he was “proud” bright future. Volleyball Federation that it an opportunity to highlight said he was “proud” of the Verma dropped “In the last T20 World will sponsor the Katara Beach the major developments and women, who went into the in the first over. of the women, who went into the final unbeaten and Cup we reached the semis Volleyball Cup 2020, which facilities of the country to vis- final unbeaten and had out- Healy went on to smash 75 had outplayed Australia in the opening game of the and this year in the finals. If is all set to start at the Katara iting international commu- played Australia in the open- off 39 balls to get the player of tournament. “Proud of all the efforts put in by the Indian we keep working and improv- Cultural Village with the main nity. We hope that the Qatar ing game of the tournament. the match award. Women’s Cricket Team throughout their #T20WorldCup ing then in the future we will round matches on Monday. Rail will continue to back this “Proud of all the efforts Australia marched to a re- campaign. I’m confident that you girls will bounce back win,” said Kaur. Under the sponsorship tournament for many more put in by the Indian Women’s cord fifth women’s T20 World “You see our team is deal, Doha Metro will be the years to come.” Cricket Team throughout their Cup title after posting 184 for stronger than ever,” he tweeted. quite young. Young girls official carrier of the tourna- Qatar Rail’s Chief of Strat- #T20WorldCup campaign. four. India were sent packing are coming and giving a 100 ment, as transportation ser- egy & Business Development I’m confident that you girls for just 99 in reply. many across the globe,” re- hope. It will happen one day.” percent for the team. And vices will be provided to par- Ajlan Eid al Enazi commented will bounce back stronger than “It was a tough day for tired batting superstar Sachin A teary-eyed Verma was I think this (making the fi- ticipating teams, along with after the signing ceremony: ever,” Kohli tweeted. #TeamIndia. Our team is Tendulkar wrote on Twitter. consoled by her team-mates nals) will motivate many technical and administrative “The Qatar Railways Com- Nothing went right on young and will grow into a “We are proud of you. Keep as she left the field. Kaur girls back home and they officials. pany seeks to provide the nec- Sunday for India, who lost solid unit. You have inspired working hard and never lose said the young team had a will come and play cricket.” At the QVA Conference essary support to all sport- Hall, QVA President Ali bin ing events held in Qatar. We Ghanem al Kuwari and Ajlan are channelising our efforts Eid al Enazi, Chief of Chief of to strengthen the role of the Strategy & Business Develop- Doha Metro as an official car- ment, Qatar Rail, signed the rier for local and internation- agreement documents. al championships. What we learned from the women’s T20 World Cup QVA President Kuwari “In the championship expressed his deep grati- also, the Doha Metro will AFP against Pakistan, their highest tude to the Qatar Rail and its play an important role and MelBourne score in T20s, before rain ru- Managing Director and CEO make it a big success. We ined hopes of a maiden World His Excellency Eng. Abdulla look forward to a close coop- THE Twenty20 World Cup Cup win. Abdulaziz Turki al Subaie eration from the Qatar Vol- culminated on Sunday with Skipper Sornnarin Tippoch for supporting the important leyball Federation towards hosts Australia beating India said it had been a learning Four-Star tournament on the delivering a memorable by 85 runs in front of a record curve and their final game was FIVB calendar. event,” he added. crowd for a women’s cricket a statement of what to expect in match in Melbourne. the future. “I think that game Here are five things we really put things into perspec- sunrise Group, QVa sign learned from 17 days of pulsat- tive of how well we can deal sponsorship agreement ing action: with situations and how well we prepared for the tourna- Home Heroes deliver ment,” she said. “We couldn’t Australia’s star-studded team control the rain but I’m really went into the tournament happy how we controlled the carrying the weight of expec- innings and built that innings, tations on home soil as four- making a statement of how we time winners and defending Australia women’s T20 player Alyssa Healy (centre) waves while teammates Jess Jonassen (L) and can play cricket.” champions. (R) look on as the team met fans in Melbourne’s Federation Square on Sunday. (aFP) After a shock defeat to teenage star sHines India in their opening game, skipper read the riot act and they didn’t slip up again, reinforcing their domi- nance of the sport. Sunrise Group (Jollibee) and the Qatar Volleyball Association signed a In their sixth final out of sponsorship agreement for the Four-Star Katara Beach Volleyball Cup seven in the global showpiece, in Doha. Sunrise Group General Manager Ali Saleh al Shami and Australia won for a fifth time QVA Board Member Mohammed Salem al Kuwari signed the with a near flawless perfor- agreement documents. mance. “There was definitely some tough times through there but we stuck together as a group, we really just had each other’s India’s Shafali Verma came Ooredoo Ride of Champions back the whole time and it’s into the tournament promis- just a great group to be a part ing so much, and she left with postponed to November 13 of,” said Lanning. her reputation cemented as a future superstar. (aFP) TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK interest rises doha The popularity of women’s Fearless 16-year-old Shafali cricket has been steadily on Verma came into the tourna- ORGANISERS Qatar Cyclists the rise, with the tournament ment promising so much, and Centre has rescheduled the widely seen as taking it to a she left with her reputation Ooredoo Ride of Champions “With the global COVID-19 new level. American singer Katy Perry performs prior to the Twenty20 women’s World Cricket Cup final on Satur- cemented as a future super- 2020 in the Education City to situation continually evolving, More than 86,000 fans day. More than 86,000 fans swarmed through the turnstiles of the Melbourne Cricket Ground to watch star of the game. She anchored November 13. this is the responsible decision swarmed through the turn- Australia play India in the final – a record for a women’s cricket game.(aFP) India at the top of the order, The RoC was originally to take in the interests of public stiles of the Melbourne Cricket playing some breathtaking scheduled on March 13. health and wellbeing. Ground to watch Australia play launched a new campaign to “You’d hope now there is “I’d rather lose than get a strokes in racking up scores of The decision to shift the “We and our partners look India in the final – a record for attract one million new wom- going to be a rule change... free pass into the World Cup 29, 39, 46 and 47 in the group popular one-day event has forward to a great Ooredoo Ride a women’s cricket game. en and girls to the game in the and moving forward, no other final,” said skipper Dane van stages, hitting more sixes than been taken in view of the of Champions in November,” he The event also marked next 12 months. team will have to experience Niekerk. anyone else as she injected ur- worldwide coronavirus out- added in a press release. another move toward gender going out of a World Cup pure- gency into the team. break, raising serious concerns Competitors who have equality with prize money sig- rain retHink ly because of rain,” said “gut- smiles and promise While she misfired in the for the safety of volunteers, paid their entry fee will be nificantly boosted, although it The International Cricket ted” England skipper Heather came into their final, her exploits propelled athletes and the general public. automatically entered for still fell short of the amount the Council came in for stinging Knight. inaugural tournament as her to the top of the ICC T20 “While we are naturally dis- the event on its rescheduled men receive. criticism for not factoring in Australia’s semi against an unknown quantity, but batting rankings, only the sec- appointed to have to postpone date. Participants, unable to To counter this, Cricket a reserve day for the rain-af- South Africa went ahead, but won over fans with not only ond Indian after Mithali Raj to this event, the safety of par- participate on the new date Australia pledged a further fected semi-finals. the Proteas’ run chase was gutsy performances, but their achieve the feat. “She brings so ticipants, stakeholders and the and seeking a refund are US$600,000 to ensure parity England’s clash with India also affected by the weather. smiles and graciousness. much happiness and positivity general public is of paramount asked to email at info@roc- if Australia were to win. was washed out, sending In- If it too had been abandoned, After struggling in their to the team, always wants to importance,” said Dr. Ab- doha.qa by April 1. Ahead of the final, the In- dia through to the final as the South Africa would have made opening three games, they put enjoy it,” captain Harmanpreet dulazziz al Kuwari, President Further updates will be ternational Cricket Council highest finisher in their group. the final. together an imposing 150 for 3 Kaur said of Verma. of the Qatar Cyclist Centre. posted on www.rocdoha.qa . 14 Tuesday, March 10, 2020 sports

Olympic Flame PsG-borussia dortmund ucL clash lighting event kept closed to take place behind closed doors for public AFP aThens on March 31. The decision comes “If they can be postponed, THE Olympic Flame light- after the French they possibly will be post- ing ceremony for this sum- poned, otherwise they will mer’s Tokyo Games will be govt announced have to respect the limit of held without spectators due to measures to cope 1,000,” Maracineanu said at a the coronavirus outbreak, the press conference. Greek Olympic Committee an- with the spread Meanwhile, Lyon an- nounced on Monday. nounced on Monday that they The committee said that of coronavirus will play their Ligue 1 match at only 100 accredited guests home to Reims on Friday be- from the International Olympic AFP hind closed doors due to the Committee and the Tokyo 2020 ParIs government ruling. Organising Committee will be PSG had already had their allowed to attend Thursday’s PARIS Saint-Germain’s Cham- Ligue 1 match at Strasbourg on event in Olympia, where the an- pions League last 16 second leg Saturday postponed due to the cient Games were held. at home to German club Borus- extent of the outbreak in the Al- A dress rehearsal sched- sia Dortmund on Wednesday sace region of eastern France. uled for Wednesday will also be will be played behind closed The state of North Rhine closed to the public. doors because of the coronavi- Westphalia, where Dortmund is “We urge the mayors of the rus outbreak, Paris police said situated, has been the worst hit cities through which the Olym- on Monday. in Germany, with close to 500 pic Flame will pass or stay over- The decision comes after the confirmed infections, according night to follow instructions of French government on Sunday to official data. the Ministry of Health and the announced measures to cope “We were prepared for this National Public Health Organi- with the spread of the virus, in- eventuality and have made sation,” the committee said. cluding banning all gatherings the appropriate preparations,” The flame for Tokyo 2020 is of more than 1,000 people. Dortmund said in a statement. scheduled to be lit with a tradi- France has so far seen al- Dortmund won the first tional ceremony and following most 1,200 confirmed cases of leg of their tie 2-1 at home last a torch relay in Greece will be COVID-19 and 21 deaths. A view of a gate at the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris, ahead of the UeFA Champions League Group A football match between Paris Saint- month, leaving PSG requiring a handed to the Tokyo organisers “In accordance with the Germain (PSG) and Dortmund. The match will be played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 outbreak. (aFP) second-leg comeback to avoid a at another ceremony on March measures announced...last fourth straight exit in the first 19 at the Panathenaic Stadium night, the police chief has de- club remains fully mobilised to navirus outbreak. Football Federation, 12,000 ation,” Maracineanu said at a knockout round of the Champi- in Athens. cided that the match...will be organise the match in the best France’s sports minister, tickets have been sold for the press conference. “What I ad- ons League. In a statement, Tokyo 2020 played behind closed doors,” possible conditions.” Roxana Maracineanu, said that game between France and the vise is that sports events con- Tuesday’s Champions said that it would “reduce the said Paris police in a statement The announcement was the final matches of an ongo- Netherlands in the northern tinue to take place.” League clash between Valen- size of its travelling delegation late on Monday morning. closely followed by the post- ing four-team women’s inter- town of Valenciennes. Maracineanu said that the cia and Italian side Atalanta in as much as possible”. PSG, who would have ex- ponement of the Six Nations national football tournament Elsewhere, this week’s ban on gatherings of more than Spain will also be played behind The torch relay in Greece pected a full house of more rugby match between France involving France, the Nether- Paris-Nice cycling race is going 1,000 people would also be ap- closed doors, with the visitors will pass through 37 cities and than 45,000 fans at the Parc and Ireland scheduled for Sat- lands, and Canada will ahead, but no spectators will be plied to the France men’s foot- travelling from Bergamo in 15 archaeological sites covering des Princes for the game, is- urday in Paris. They are the also be played behind closed allowed at the start and finish ball team’s scheduled games the Lombardy region which is 3,500 kilometres and 842 nau- sued a statement of their own, highest profile sporting events doors on Tuesday. lines for the remaining stages. against Ukraine in Paris on amongst the worst hit parts of tical miles and will be carried by saying: “In this context, the in France to be hit by the coro- According to the French “This is an exceptional situ- March 27 and Finland in Lyon Italy by the virus. 600 runners. Nizzolo wins tough Paris-Nice stage as big guns misfire AFP rode home with Quintana. châleTTe-sur-loIng, France The pair are could work to- gether to claw back time in the ITALIAN sprinter Giacomo coming stages. Nizzolo pounced late to win a “I was in the lead group rainy stage two of the Paris- and in the time it took to get a Nice on Monday, as pre-race new bike we were in the fourth favourite Nairo Quintana suf- group,” said Alaphilippe, de- fered a damaging day. scribing the splits in the wind- Sunday’s stage 1 win- lashed peloton as Bora set a fast ner Germany’s Maximilian pace across the final exposed Schachmann of the Bora team plains. remains in the overall leader’s French climber Thibaut Pi- yellow jersey, while double Giro not also lost precious seconds Inter Milan and Juventus players compete in an empty stadium due to the novel coronavirus outbreak d’Italia points winner Nizzolo is when he was by Bora’s during the Italian Serie A match at the Juventus Stadium in Turin on Sunday. (aFP) second, 15 seconds adrift. sudden late surge led by power- Stage two culminated in house Sagan. a small bunch sprint after a “Peter (Sagan) made such a blustery 166.5km struggle from huge effort to split up the front ‘Sad to play’ in empty stadium, Chevreus to Chalette-Sur-Lo- group. We had a great chance ing with Slovak star Peter Sa- today,” said yellow jersey gan and 2014 Tour de France Schachmann. says Juventus chief Paratici winner Vincenzo Nibali notably Schachmann identified one keeping pace with a lead group nTT Pro Cycling Italy’s rider Giacomo nizzolo celebrates as he crosses of the climbers who emerged AFP of 12. the finish line at the end of the second stage of the 78th Paris-nice unscathed Monday as a poten- MIlan Italy halts all sports Sagan and Nibali, who fin- cycling race on Monday. (aFP) tial threat to his lead. ITaly took drastic action on Monday as sports authorities ished three seconds behind “EF Pro Cycling did a good AARON Ramsey starred as across the world reacted to the new coronavirus outbreak by Monday’s winner, had both the final kilometre, but was viously seen as a favourite, job too as Sergio Higuita was Juventus beat title rivals In- calling off events or holding competitions without spectators. been slated to race in Italy, and well beaten by a powerful surge was caught in a fall 25km from there. In the mountain he will ter Milan 2-0 on Sunday to The Italian olympic committee (conI) said in a statement that only came to Paris-Nice when from the 31-year-old Italian home with the peloton rolling be one of the best competitors.” reclaim top spot in Serie A in “all sporting activities at all levels” in the country should be the Strade Bianchi and Tireno- Nizzolo. at full pace, he dropped 1min Higuita is 23 seconds be- a game played behind closed suspended until april 3. Adriatico races were postponed “I waited until as long as I 25sec on the day. hind Schachmann. doors due to the coronavirus conI asked the government to issue a decree to enforce due to the coronavirus. could and then took his (Acker- Another man tipped as a “There were jitters and outbreak. the decision, and sports Minister Vincenzo spadafora said the In the final sprint on Mon- mann’s) wheel as he came past. potential winner, the French wind and damaging attacks - Juventus’ game against document could be signed as early as Tuesday. Italy is facing the day, Sagan’s teammate Pascal Then at the line, I managed to star Julian Alaphilippe, also welcome to Paris-Nice,” said Inter in Turin did go ahead, worst coronavirus crisis outside of asia. on Monday it reported a Ackermann made a determined get past him.” suffered a costly puncture Bardet, who also signed up for although in an empty Allianz new spike in cases to 9,172, including 433 deaths. hours before bid for the line from just inside Colombian Quintana, pre- 30km from the finish line and the race at the last minute. Stadium, with the defending conI’s announcement, the Italian ski federation halted training, champions taking a one-point competition and travel, but said athletes already at competition lead over Lazio at the top of venues or with a chance of titles could continue. (DPA) the table “It’s all a little strange and NFL players given more time over key contract vote sad to play football in these thing to do” when it comes to with it then falling kindly for conditions, sad for the fans the thorny question of cancel- Ramsey to sweep a low shot AFP The NFL proposal would and the players,” Juventus di- ling matches. into the net from close range. los angeles Seattle Seahawks rector Fabio Paratici told Sky “What have to I ask is It was the Wales midfield- quarterback Russell add two playoff teams, and Sport Italia. whether it’s right to take away er’s fourth goal of the season NFL players have been given Wilson is among two extra post-season “We trained in the empty two hours of enjoyment from after joining Juve from Arse- an additional 48 hours to com- several star players to games, starting with the stadium yesterday to get accus- those who are stuck indoors nal last year. plete voting on a new 10-year have spoken against 2020 playoffs if ratified. tomed to the situation, but to or if there really is a serious The 29-year-old created contract offer that includes ex- the proposed CBA. The deal would give the NFL be honest, I don’t think we can risk for the players and staff, his side’s second goal 12 min- panded playoffs and an addi- the option to add a 17th ever really get used to it.” I just don’t know the answer utes later, playing a neat one- tional regular season game, the Reports in Italy late on to those questions,” said the two with Paulo Dybala, who players’ union said Monday. regular-season game. Sunday suggested that the 61-year-old. wriggled clear of two defend- “Every vote matters, and Serie A season could even be On the game itself, he add- ers and fired home. we encourage all players to byes, not the top two. suspended on Tuesday once ed: “This is an important victo- Inter substitute Christian review the materials sent via The deal would give the government officials have met ry, but there are still 12 games Eriksen went close to pulling email in order to make an NFL the option to add a 17th with league and player repre- to go, so it’s a long road ahead.” one back when he drilled a shot informed decision,” the NFL regular-season game to the sentatives. Antonio Conte’s third- narrowly over the crossbar. Players Association (NFLPA) the new collective bargaining posal, including Seattle quar- schedule as soon as the 2021 “Our position is that Ju- placed Inter are now nine Things went from bad to said in a statement. agreement offer last month, terback Russell Wilson, Green campaign, something they are ventus will respect what the points adrift, but with a game worse for the away side when Voting, which got under a deal that if approved would Bay quarterback Aaron Rodg- all-but certain to do in order to authorities indicate,” added in hand on Juve and Lazio. Daniele Padelli, sitting on the way last week, was due to start some changes in time for ers and Houston defensive end boost broadcast rights fees. Paratici. Douglas Costa went clos- substitutes’ bench, was shown close just before midnight on the 2020 campaign, the last J.J. Watt. Players would stand to “We all understand that est in a tight first half, but was a red card for dissent. Thursday. year under the current agree- The NFL proposal would make a larger percentage of to- this is the situation and we denied by an excellent save Elsewhere on the pitch, But the NFLPA said Mon- ment, while others would begin add two playoff teams, and two tal NFL revenues by adding the must behave responsibly from Inter goalkeeper Samir Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s fourth day the ballot boxes would now in 2021, when the extension extra post-season games, start- extra game, above 48 percent to help ensure it passes as Handanovic. goal since returning to AC Mi- remain open until 11.59pm on would begin, and run through ing with the 2020 playoffs if during the deal, but many play- quickly as possible.” The hosts broke the dead- lan could not prevent the sev- Saturday following a vote of the 2030 season. ratified. Only the teams with the ers have said they do not want Juve coach Maurizio Sarri lock 10 minutes after the break, en-time European champions player representatives. Several star players have best record in each conference the extra toll upon their bodies told Italia that he as Cristiano Ronaldo got to a from slipping to a 2-1 loss at NFL team owners approved spoken out against the pro- would be awarded first-round at any price. “doesn’t know what is the right low ball first inside the box, home to struggling Genoa. Tuesday, March 10, 2020 15 Reports by Catherine W Gichuki For events and press releases email Catherine W Gichuki african Panorama [email protected] or Catherine W Gichuki call (974) 4000 2222 Catherine W Gichuki

african Women’s diplomatic Group stresses women’s key role in society

To mark the International Women’s Day on March 8, the women were invited to the launch of The Teal Society in Qatar, a non-profit body that works to raise awareness of gynaecological cancers

NUMBER of women rep- resenting the African Women’s Diplomatic Group have been taking part in a slew of activities Ain the recent past. The group consists of women ambassadors, spouses of ambassadors and other women in the diplomatic field. To celebrate the International Wom- en’s Day on March 8, the women were invited in the launch of The Teal Society in Qatar, a non-profit organisation that focuses on raising awareness of different types of gynaecological cancers. Before the Sunday’s event, the women had visited the Katara Winter Members of the African Women’s Diplomatic Group and officials at Katara recently. and Festival Bazaar, which is expected to run until March 14. Speaking about the launch of The Teal Society in Qatar, President of the African Women’s Diplomatic Group and spouse of the South African Ambas- sador to Qatar, Anika Moosa, said the event featured a panel of women nar- rating their experiences. “I would like to start with a quote, “Cancer can touch you, but not your soul; neither your thoughts, nor your heart”, and with this positive message in mind I would like to thank The Teal Society for inviting us to such an important event.” She said they were humbled to be a part of the event as cancer has affected their lives in one way or the other. She said that on the International Women’s Day, women celebrate the essence of women, their achievements and rights. “One of the most important rights for women all over the world is President of the African Women’s Diplomatic Group and the right to good health. Women are spouse of the South African Ambassador to Qatar, Anika prone to certain diseases and there- Moosa and other members at the launch of the Teal fore the need to take steps in the right Members of African Women’s Diplomatic Group at Katara. Society in Qatar, recently. direction, early on. As we know, early detection of cancer or any illness great- on maintaining a healthy lifestyle to Mr Mansouri, the CEO of Al-Maraya for enjoy the day at the Katara Winter Fes- ly increases the chances of successful prevent or reduce the chances of devel- Exhibitions and Conferences and Di- tival and Bazaar which features more treatment and survival.” oping cancer, as well as teach the im- rector of the Festival and Bazaar and than 200 stalls selling a wide variety Moosa praised organisations like portance of early detection.” organisers, for such a well organised of goods ranging from food items such The Teal Society across the world For the Katara Winter and Festival event. We are happy to be present and as date products, pickled food, honey, for their efforts in promoting cancer Bazaar, ambassadors from Ethiopia and we had a wonderful time whereby we spices, natural herbs, pastries, sweets awareness and supporting those suf- Tanzania as well as spouses of diplomats tasted different kinds of tea, honey, and dried fruits to kitchen appliances, fering with cancer, either directly or from Mali, Senegal, South Africa, Rwan- cheese and chocolate.” cutlery, home display items, bed covers, Members of the African Women’s Diplomatic Group at the launch of indirectly. “Organisations such as the da, Nigeria and Guinea were present. Moosa further said, “I will like to en- pillowcases, blankets, perfumes, carpets The Teal Society. Teal Society, helps provide knowledge Moosa said, “We would like to thank courage our communities to come and and many more atreasonable prices.”

dIsPLay OF aFrIcaN cuLTure aT 2020 cOMMercIaL baNK chI aL shaQab

A group from the Green Maasai Troupe participated at the 2020 Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB presented by Longines, at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, member of Qatar Foundation. Besides cultural performances, the group also had a stand where they displayed items depicting the rich African culture. 16 Tuesday, March 10, 2020 The Last Word A-Baki urges more women representation in all fields ‘Qatari women have role Ecuador’s envoy set to launch first models in the country’ book as she ends mission in Doha AILYN AGONIA doha AILYN AGONIA happy memories, and sometimes her term. She also cited significant doha the tragic ones, yet I extremely en- increase in the supply of roses from IT is no longer a choice but a must for joyed writing it,” the envoy said. Ecuador to Qatar through daily car- women to get involved and be repre- ECUADOR’S Ambassador to Qatar She added, “The book pre- go flights. Similarly, she mentioned sented in all domains, be it in diplo- HE Ivonne A-Baki will launch her sents how my life had transformed the growing popularity of Ecuador’s macy, politics, civic service or educa- first book which tells stories of the between the horrors of war and chocolates in the country and the tion, said outgoing Ambassador of different stages of her life, includ- the aspirations of peace, as I have plans to supply bananas to Doha. Ecuador to Qatar HE Ivonne A-Baki. ing her mission in Qatar and her lived the Civil War in Lebanon and “Everything started to move On the occasion of the Interna- experiences during the blockade of passed through many painful situa- between Qatar and Ecuador in cul- tional Women’s Day, A-Baki, who Qatar at Marza Malas Kempinski on tions and challenges that confront- ture, tourism, renewable energy is an accomplished diplomat, peace Wednesday. ed my children. It unveils the se- and even political aspect, among negotiator, humanist and politician, She announced the book launch crets of wars without bullets against others. Qatar is supporting Ecuador said women must take positions and at a press conference on Monday. corruption and drugs and how I in providing housing for some fami- roles where they can make a differ- On the occasion, she also an- faced a fierce battle during my elec- lies in my country. With Education ence and bring in their femininity nounced the completion of her over tion campaign for the presidency of Above All, we are aiming to educate which she described as “the ultimate two years of diplomatic mission in Ecuador and another one during about 10,000 students belonging strength of a woman”. Qatar. She will be leaving in a few the UNESCO presidency elections. to poor families. We have to match “It’s a must and not a choice any- days to be the ambassador of Ecua- It also includes interesting stories Education Above All foundation more for women to be involved if we dor to the US where she had served about the rescue of a hostage -- a with an NGO in Ecuador to support want to have a better world. We need Ambassador of ecuador to Qatar He Ivonne A-Baki in the same capacity 20 years ago. journalist named Vivian -- environ- the project. We are moving forward women to be in diplomacy, politics, Titled ‘My Destiny…Horrors of mental catastrophes, funny situa- on that,” the envoy said. education and NGOs. If you don’t country to the US, also urged women ferings of the people and I had visited War and Aspirations of Peace’, the tions with the US President Donald On the end of her tenure in have women in those positions where to leave their comfort zones and face places where nobody goes. Even if book narrates the crucial moments Trump while I was working as the Doha, Ambassador A-Baki said, they can make a difference, we are go- challenges head on to create more im- you are rejected, don’t accept rejec- that shaped Ambassador A-Baki’s Ambassador of Ecuador in Wash- “I always say that I am the person ing backwards. A woman’s power is to pact in their lives and the society. tions, move forward!” said A-Baki. life journey. It is printed in Arabic ington and an exciting meeting with who never plans. I have always be feminine; to be herself and authen- “You have to be challenging On the progress of the status and will soon be translated into the world’s most ‘dangerous’ jour- followed my destiny since I was tic. To show that you love and care is things where you can make a differ- of Qatari women in the society, the three languages -- English, Spanish nalist, Founder of WikiLeaks Julian born until now; I never planned not a weakness; this is the strength of ence. Make mistakes! You can never envoy lauded the accomplishments and French. Assange. This book starts from Qa- my career, even my marriage was a woman. Men would have been more improve if you don’t make mistakes. of Qatari women and their drive “I was keen to issue this book tar and ends in Qatar. It narrates a a coincidence too. However, the powerful, had they shown more emo- I made millions of mistakes in my life to be on top of their game. She also in Arabic first to reach a large au- different experience that I lived dur- only thing that relieves me is that I tions. Their power is more physical but I never say I failed. It was an ex- stressed the importance of having a dience of Qataris and the Arab ing the treacherous blockade, and am going to a familiar place where than mental and we have the mental perience that made me better. When role model through Her Highness residents in Qatar, as the book has how Qatar managed to overcome I served 20 years ago as ambassa- power. We have the sixth sense that I ran for president of Ecuador and I Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and her a large part where I talk about my this crisis and gained benefits more dor of Ecuador and coincidentally they don’t have; that’s why they have failed, for me it was the best thing I daughters. She said, “They have done stay in Qatar and my experiences than losses through the country’s now, my destiny brings me there to work together,” said HE A-Baki. did in my life because I learned more a lot for Qatari women, that’s why during the blockade. I was lucky to wise leadership.” again. I am so enthusiastic about The envoy, who has completed about my country and I came to know the women feel they want to be like have the support of Ibrahim Badawi Speaking on her tenure in Doha, what is awaiting me there as I have her mission in Qatar and is taking up about the needs of the people. It was them. You have to have role models. I in writing this book. It was a unique Ambassador A-Baki mentioned that many things to do. I will never for- the next big challenge in her career in what made me move forward to be think Qatar is in the right direction in experience for me which made me trade between Qatar and Ecuador get Qatar and will keep supporting a few days as the ambassador of her helpful because I understood the suf- empowering women.” remember all the past years with its has increased by 35 percent during it from Washington.” Canadian Embassy, UCQ QAF hosts women authors on IWD mark IWD and International QNA of Gulf Disability Society and doha a former member of UNESCO, said that Qatari women have ON the occasion of the Inter- been able to prove their com- Year of Nurse and Midwife national Women’s Day, Qatari petence in all fields in the la- Authors Forum held a session bour market. She said she was TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK to celebrate the day under the active and influential in the doha title ‘Women Leaders Make society, especially in the block- History’, with the participation ade period. THE Canadian Embassy in of a group of female writers. Young Qatari writer In- Qatar and the University of During the session, the par- tissar al Seif talked about Calgary in Qatar (UC-Q) re- ticipants talked about their suc- stage. She talked about the dif- ence to her ambition, she man- her experience and ambi- cently hosted a reception to cess path, the difficulties they ficulties and challenges that she aged to change the prevailing tion. The society, she noted, observe the International faced and how they managed to faced, as women were not en- ideas, until she finally reached still imposes some restric- Women’s Day (IWD) 2020 overcome them through perse- couraged to choose some areas her goal of writing a number of tions on women, but with and the International Year of verance and persistence. like journalism. stories for children. the support of her family, she the Nurse and the Midwife. One of the authors, Dr It was restricted to men A writer and director of has achieved her ambitions, Honoured guests from Hessa al Awadi, talked about and was prohibited for women, Doha International Centre whether in studies or writing. across Qatar’s diplomatic, her beginnings in writing, at especially Qatari women. But for Special Needs, Dr Hala al “Women should not give up business and healthcare sec- an early age in the preparatory with her insistence and adher- Saeed, who is also a member to obstacles,” she said. tors were hosted by Ambas- sador of Canada to Qatar HE Stefanie McCollum and UC-Q Dean Dr Deborah White. and Midwife. Canada chose These are nursing leaders The evening’s guest #BecauseOfYou as this year’s who are making important speaker was the Joe Clark, International Women’s Day contributions to the health Holiday Villa Hotel & Residence Doha former prime minister of theme, which pays tribute to and wellbeing of Qatar.” Canada, who spoke on wom- the diverse and inspirational International Women’s en’s accomplishments in Qa- gender equality change-mak- Day is an annual, global event celebrates contributions of women staff tar and Canada. ers we know in our own lives, in recognition and celebra- He said that empowering both in Canada and globally.” tion of the social economic, TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK women and girls to equally Dr White said, “Our prior- cultural and political achieve- doha participate in economic, so- ity is educating nursing lead- ments of women and girls. cial and political life benefits ers in Qatar and for Qatar. Empowering women and HOLIDAY Villa Hotel & Resi- all societies. Along with many other parts girls to equally participate in dence Doha celebrated Inter- Ambassador McCollum of the world, we are experi- economic, social and politi- national Women’s Day 2020, and Dr White also welcomed encing a shortage of nurses in cal life benefits people of all expressing solidarity with and Lieutenant Aljazi Nasser Mo- Qatar. I believe that recognis- genders. appreciation to its female em- hamed al-Nasr, the first Qa- ing the value of nursing as a According to the World ployees and guests. tari female combat pilot, to profession contributes greatly Health Organization (WHO), The IWD celebrates the the event. to the success and develop- the Year of the Nurse and social, economic, cultural Ambassador McCollum ment of Qatar’s healthcare Midwife is a major global and political achievements to our growth and success. mentary glass of Cinderella ments to be noticed. We took said, “I am delighted to be system. effort to highlight an acute of women. It also urges ac- Therefore, it is important to Drink during lunch and din- photos of our female employ- part of this event – a collabo- “As a Canadian univer- shortage of these crucial tion for accelerating women’s celebrate and show our ap- ner,” said the Deputy General ees representing various de- ration between the Embassy sity, we are proud to offer health workers. WHO chose equality. preciation to their hard work Manager Roy Buma. partments and photos them of Canada and the University nursing education in Qatar. 2020 to celebrate the work “We would like to show and contributions. Moreover, “The celebration of the on the hotel’s Facebook page of Calgary in Qatar, jointly We have over 650 alumni of nurses because it is the bi- the world how much we ap- our female guests who dine at IWD this year with the theme @holidayvillahoteldoha and celebrating International working throughout Qatar’s centenary of the birth of the preciate our ladies in Holiday our Lagenda and D’Chopstix ‘#EachforEqual’, provides a Instagram @holidayvillado- Women’s Day and the Inter- hospitals, health centres, founder of modern nursing, Villa Hotel & Residence Doha. Chinese & Japanese Restau- platform for voices of women ha.” said Liz Yahaya, market- national Year of the Nurse military and companies. Florence Nightingale. They have been contributing rant will be served a compli- to he heard and their achieve- ing communications manager. QNL lecture reveals fascinating world of Earth’s living giants

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK they call home. lanes and fishing lines, and we doha Dr Pyenson is a research are perfectly capable of doing geologist and curator of fossil this, so whales and humans WHALES are some of the big- marine mammals at the Smith- can live alongside each other in gest creatures ever to have ex- sonian National Museum of peace.” isted on Earth, dwarfing even Natural History in the US and Geologist Jacques Leblanc, the largest of the dinosaurs, author of the book ‘Spying On who attended the event, said: and their fascinating world was Whales: The Past, Present and “I found the lecture fascinating, revealed in an entertaining and Future Of Earth’s Most Awe- as it gave a lot of information informative lecture at Qatar Na- some Creatures’. about whales and how they have tional Library (QNL) recently. “Whales face a lot of chal- evolved over the past centuries. In his lecture ‘Spying on lenges, including living along- We need to exchange knowledge Whales’, Dr Nick Pyenson en- side humans. Any whales that with researchers in other coun- gaged attendees with stories live near urban areas face tries to find best practices to from his research into the lives threats, including noisy oceans, protect whales. Most important- of whales, revealing how intel- plastic pollution and dangers ly, we should keep them free and ligent these creatures from the from fishing lines and shipping study them in their natural en- deep really are and the chal- lanes,” said Dr Pyenson. “It is vironment to understand them, lenges they currently face due to easy to protect this great species so we can find ways to protect human pollution of the oceans by changing our laws, shipping them and their habitats.” In his lecture ‘Spying on Whales’, Dr nick Pyenson engaged attendees with stories from his research into the lives of whales.