FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 3 GOLF | Page 6 Neto grabs South Korea’s late winner as Kim wins US Chelsea fall to Women’s Open Wolves title in Texas

Wednesday, December 16, 2020 CRICKET Jumada I 1, 1442 AH Australia plot GULF TIMES India’s downfall under lights SPORT Page 7 Sheikha Hind visits Doha 2030 Majlis OCA Executive Board meeting

HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, visits the Doha 2030 Majlis in Muscat yesterday. Also Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Vice President Dr Thani Abdulrahman al-Kuwari (left) of Qatar attends present is Qatar Olympic Committee Secretary-General HE Jassim al-Buenain. the OCA Executive Board meeting in Muscat, Oman, yesterday.

2030 ASIAN GAMES BID MOTORSPORT / HAIL BAJA Sainz goes fastest ahead of OCA chief looks al-Attiyah on opening stage Agencies Hail

he duel between Mini’s Carlos Sainz and Toy- for host solution ota’s Nasser Saleh al- Attiyah was rekindled in explosiveT fashion on the opening Baqqa selective section of Hail Baja 2 yesterday. The triple Dakar winners con- tinued the fi ght for supremacy that they had begun at the fourth ahead of vote round of the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas last week- ‘I have visited both cities and they are ready... I will talk to them end. The Spaniard and co-driver Lucas Cruz moved in front of both and try to find a win-win situation’ their rivals after around one- third of the day’s 311.57km stage — after the Toyota Hilux driver Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah claimed one bonus point for his runner- stopped to change a puncture — up finish in the opening stage of Hail Baja 2 yesterday. and went on to win the special by 2min 20sec. passed us. It was quite impres- vehicles in the National Rally. Sainz’s stage win deprived al- sive that he passed us already Fifteen motorcycles and 12 Attiyah and his French co-driver after 45km. We followed Nasser quads were permitted to start the Matthieu Baumel of half a point, until the neutralisation. He did opening leg of Hail Baja 2. Ku- as they try and hunt down Rus- a good job to be fi rst car and we wait’s Mohamed al-Jaff ar joined sian Vladimir Vasilyev (Mini) and followed him. We are both fi ght- forces with Konrad Dabrowski Dutchman Bernhard Ten Brinke ing for our own titles. It is a free in the Duust Rally Team and was (Toyota) to snatch the FIA Baja ti- fi ght. The second part, we were running second quickest behind tle. But second place was suffi cient together, Nasser. Vasilyev and me Frenchman Adrien Van Beveren for al-Attiyah to claim one bonus and we were pushing. 50km from through 106 kilometres. point for his runner-up spot. the fi nish, I got a puncture again Riyadh Saud al-Shammeri and “Today was a good run but on a fast right-hander. The tyre Abdulmajeed al-Khulaifi renewed resident of the Olym- avoid this scenario and hopes we had two fl at tyres (one wheel was off the rim and we needed to their rivalry in the quad category pic Council of Asia, that he can persuade one of the off rim) and we stopped and we change it.” and the former followed up his HE Sheikh Ahmad al- cities to host the Asian Games in changed,” said al-Attiyah. “We Saudi driver Saleh al-Saif com- Hail Baja 1 win by edging into a Fahad al-Sabah, is at- 2030 and the other in 2034. lose more than four minutes. Af- pleted the stage in 15th overall and 2min 01sec lead on his Yamaha. Ptempting to avoid a vote at the “I believe in the OCA that we ter that, we came to the fi nish and claimed the bonus points for the Faisal al-Shammeri was third. OCA General Assembly today always show solidarity and uni- we are only 2min 20sec to Carlos. fastest time in the FIA T3 section between two “great” candidate ty, and for this reason I will try It is okay. Today we tested the new in his Can-Am Maverick X3. SS1 RESULTS CARS (TOP 5) cities bidding to host the 21st to fi nd a solution,” he told the tyres for Dakar. We need to have Dutchman Kees Koolen re- 1. Carlos Sainz (ESP)/Lucas Cruz Asian Games in 2030, according meeting. more experience of these tyres.” duced Aron Domzala’s advantage (ESP) MINI JCW Buggy 3hr 19min to the OCA website. “I have visited both cities and OCA President HE Sheikh Ahmad al-Fahad al-Sabah. Stage winner Sainz said: “It was in the FIA T4 category to just 41sec At the 74th OCA Execu- they are ready to host the Asian okay, no problems. Some sandy two points by setting the second 2. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QAT)/ tive Board meeting – held at Games in 2030. They have great have received the report of the Earlier in the meeting, the tracks and some small dunes and quickest time on a stage where Matthieu Baumel (FRA) Toyota the Kempinski Hotel in Oman, fi nancial support, great sports OCA Evaluation Committee and Chairman of the OCA Evalu- fast sections. We keep trying dif- the victory fell to fellow South Hilux 3hr 22min 01sec Muscat, and online around the infrastructure and great support it is clear we have two wonderful ation Committee, Andrey ferent things, but all is okay.” Racing Can-Am Maverick X3 3. Stéphane Peterhansel (FRA)/ continent yesterday afternoon – from all levels of government. bids from two excellent cities. I Kryukov, Secretary-General of Sainz’s teammate Stéphane driver Khalifa al-Attiyah. Dom- Edouard Boulanger (FRA) MINI the EB members authorised the “I will talk to them both and fully support you on this.” the Kazakhstan Olympic Com- Peterhansel pipped early stage zala dropped 25 minutes to his JCW Buggy 3hr 24min 11sec OCA president to talk with offi - try to fi nd a win-win situation.” Ng, who is a Vice President of mittee, presented the evalu- leader Yazeed al-Rajhi (Toyota) title rival with electrical issues 4. Yazeed Al-Rajhi (SAU)/Ditk cials of Doha, Qatar, and Riyadh, Sheikh Ahmad asked for the the International Olympic Com- ation report from their visit to the third fastest time and a and fi nished the stage in fourth von Zitzewitz (DEU) Toyota Hilux Saudi Arabia. authority of the Executive Board mittee, likened the situation to in November and said both late surge pushed Vasilyev into behind Portugal’s Lorenço Rosa. Overdrive 3hr 24min 54sec The 39th OCA General As- members to attempt to fi nd a the IOC decision to award the Ol- cities had “every opportunity fi fth spot, with Ten Brinke slip- Twenty-seven FIA cars tackled 5. Vladimir Vasilyev (RUS)/Dmitro sembly will take place today and solution with the two bid cities ympic Games to Paris in 2024 and and high potential” to host the ping behind his Overdrive Toyota the selective section that started Tsyro (UKR) MINI JCW Rally 3hr the 45 National Olympic Com- and received unanimous back- to Los Angeles in 2028 without 21st Asian Games in 2030 and teammate Jakub Przygonski into and fi nished near the town of 28min 07sec mittees are due to vote for the ing. the need for a vote. described their legacy plans as seventh after a late puncture. Baqqa to the north-east of Hail. Selected host city in 2030. The Chairman of the OCA “In this case, all were win- “excellent”. Ten Brinke said: “We had a Motorcycles ran a slightly short- 17. Khalifa al-Attiyah (QAT)/Paulo But Sheikh Ahmad will use all Advisory Committee, Ng Ser ners and there were no losers,” If a solution is not found, the puncture after 40km and lost one er course of around 275km and Ceci (ITA) Can-Am Maverick X3 his diplomatic skills to try and Miang of Singapore, said: “We he added. vote will go ahead as planned. and a half minutes. Then Nasser 145km were on the agenda for 41 4hr 03min 13sec Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, December 16, 2020 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Dortmund star Haaland Qatar 2022 board meeting completes his rehabilitation programme at Aspetar held ahead of Al Rayyan orussia Dortmund star and Norwegian nation- al team player Erling Haaland completed his Brehabilitation programme at As- petar, Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital after he sus- Venue inauguration tained and injury with his club. The 20-year-old, who has scored 33 goals in 32 games for ‘Despite the enormous challenges presented by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, major strides Dortmund, is out until January with a torn hip. During his treat- have continued to be made during 2020 in preparation for the Qatar FIFA World Cup’ ment at Aspetar, Haaland said: “The facilities and the clinicians he board of the FIFA World Cup I met at Aspetar were excellent. Qatar 2022 (Q22) met yesterday, I have recovered from my injury just three days before the inau- and I am looking forward to be guration of another FIFA World playing matches soon.” TCup stadium, the Al Rayyan Venue, The Norwegian forward came which will host the Amir Cup fi nal on to Aspetar last week for check- December 18, which is the Qatar Na- ups and intensive treatment at tional Day. one of the best sports medicine The meeting, which was held via hospitals in the world. video call due to the ongoing Covid-19 Borussia Dortmund revealed pandemic, reviewed key achievements that they have given star striker while looking forward to upcoming Erling Braut Haaland permission milestones, including stadium inaugu- to receive treatment in Qatar. rations, the FIFA Club World Cup 2020, Aspetar has become an ide- which will take place in February 2021, al treatment and rehabilita- and the FIFA Arab Cup, which will be tion destination for elite ath- held in December next year. letes from Europe, including Hassan al-Thawadi, Q22 Chairman French world champions, Kylian and Secretary-General of the Supreme Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), Samuel Umtiti. Aspetar’s ex- said: “Despite the enormous challeng- perts have also provided treat- es presented by the ongoing Covid-19 ment for the Brazilian injured pandemic, major strides have contin- player Neymar Jr last year. ued to be made during 2020 in prepara- tion for the fi rst FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and Arab world. “At the start of the year, we marked 1,000 days to go until kick-off , followed swiftly by the digital launch of Educa- tion City Stadium. The two-year count- down was celebrated in November and now we are gearing up for the inaugu- ration of the fourth tournament-ready stadium, Al Rayyan Venue.” Al-Thawadi added: “Qatar has also The meeting, which was held via video call due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, reviewed key achievements made with two years to go for the World Cup. played a major role in hosting top-level football in Asia during the pandemic. Colin Smith, Managing Director of sounding success. ture and operational aspects of hosting and will be inaugurated in the near fu- Our country stepped in to successfully Q22, said: “Qatar’s strong and contin- “2021 will be a key year on the jour- major football competition.” ture. Al Thumama, Ras Abu Aboud and host matches for the AFC Champions ued commitment has been key to mak- ney to Qatar 2022 as we look forward The inauguration of Al Rayyan Venue Lusail are in the fi nal stages of con- League and is looking forward to stag- ing steady progress and ensuring that to two exciting tournaments, the FIFA follows the successful launch of Khalifa struction and will be delivered well in ing the fi nal of that competition on 19 with two years to go the FIFA World Cup Club World Cup and the FIFA Arab Cup, International, Al Janoub and Education advance of the tournament, which kicks December.” project is well on track to being a re- which will enable us to test infrastruc- City. Al Bayt has also been completed off on 21 November 2022.

SC pledges support for Qatar’s AFC Asian Cup 2027 bid WORKSHOP Doha: The Supreme Committee for worldwide. It is a legacy of sustainable AFC Asian Cup 2027 of global scale and sible and aff ordable experience, and one QFA launches elite Delivery & Legacy (SC), the organisa- development far beyond sport and in impact.” which will reduce the carbon footprint tion responsible with delivering the 2027, it will be the AFC Asian Cup’s to Qatar, which previously hosted the of the event. Players, meanwhile, will infrastructure, operations and legacy for own and take to new heights.” tournament in 1988 and 2011, are the benefit from no internal flights and the referees course the FIFA World Cup 2022, has pledged Commenting on the bid, Nasser reigning AFC Asian Cup champions opportunity to stay and train at a single its full support for Qatar’s AFC Asian al-Khater, Chief Executive Off icer, FIFA after claiming the title for the first time venue helping them remain in peak con- he Qatar Football Asso- been planned. Football law will Cup 2027 bid, which was launched by World Cup Qatar 2022, said: “Since 2010, in 2019. Qatar is set to host the most dition throughout the tournament. ciation (QFA) yesterday also be detailed and discussed the Qatar Football Association earlier our football and national legacy have compact edition of the FIFA World Cup Should Qatar’s AFC Asian Cup 2027 kicked off an Elite Ref- during the fi ve-day workshop, this year. grown ever more intertwined. World- in modern history and would off er a bid be successful, fans and players in erees Workshop that will QFA said. Hassan al-Thawadi, Secretary class infrastructure, expertise and talent similar experience in 2027. Fans will would benefit from Qatar’s FIFA World lastT until December 20. The fi ve- The opening session was at- General of the SC, said: “Qatar 2022 are coming together to deliver the have the chance to attend more than Cup infrastructure, including state-of- day workshop will feature more tended by Massimo Busacca legacy programmes are anchored in our world’s largest sports tournament and one match a day during the early stages the-art training sites and stadiums. The than 80 referees. – Director of the FIFA Referees football for development philosophy. We at that, an enduring legacy far beyond of the tournament. training sites are outfitted with an array The workshop comes within Committee, Mike Van der Rost believe in football’s power to connect football. We have the stadiums, the tech- They will also benefit from flying of high class facilities, including FIFA- the framework of QFA’s Referees – Head of FIFA Video Technol- cultures, level the playing field, and nology, the people, the experience, and into one airport and requiring only one compliant floodlit natural grass pitches, Department to help new referees ogy, and an international referee advance communities and businesses most importantly, the passion to host an accommodation meaning a more acces- gyms and media facilities. gain in experience and prepare specializing in video technology for bigger assignments – at home from the Netherlands Football and abroad – in the future. Association. In the past also, Physical fi tness and use of VAR QFA and FIFA have joined hands BOTTOMLINE will be key at the discussions to conduct such sessions for the during the workshop. Video tests overall development of referee- Hosting AFC Champions League matches helping and training sessions have also ing and the game as a whole. us prepare for 2022 World Cup, says al-Mahmoud AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE li Musa al-Mahmoud, Deputy We can win the title, Director of the Planning Opera- tions team in the AFC Cham- pions League for Eastern Zone says Ulsan’s Yoon Achampionship, has said the planning process at every top sports event links up AFC all departments working under the Local Doha Organising Committee (LOC). Al-Mahmoud explained the matters related to planning processes and the lsan Hyundai playmak- tournament in general. “The role of the er Yoon Bit-garam planning process begins before the start believes momentum is of the activities at any tournament, es- with his side going into pecially before the start of an event. Our theU 2020 AFC Champions League work is based on the data developed be- fi nal against Iran’s Persepolis on we were focused on chasing it fore the tournament, data that falls under Saturday. The 2012 champions and getting the goals as soon as the AFC requirements, the LOC and of the from South Korea came from be- possible, so when it was back to security committee,” al-Mahmoud said. hind to beat Japan’s Vissel Kobe 1-0, it felt easier to get one goal “There were also requirements for 2-1 after extra time at Jassim bin and equalise.” health conditions because of the Cov- Hamad Stadium last Sunday, ex- With a fi nal showdown against id-19 situation around the world. After tending their winning run in the Persepolis at Al Janoub Stadium that comes the planning and the prepara- competition to eight victories awaiting Ulsan, there will be a tion stage. This is where we start collect- on the trot, a run that saw them sense of déjà vu for veteran Yoon. ing information related to expenditures score two goals or more in every As a 21-year-old, the midfi elder for all committees, and after confi rming game since their 1-1 draw against came on as a substitute for Korea all the incoming information, we urge all all participants In the tournament, in ad- to improve our performance by setting ships – played at the FIFA World Cup Qa- FC Tokyo in the opener. Republic against IR Iran in the other departments and committees to dition to maintaining the protocols and up diff erent protocols and policies in the tar 2022 stadiums – have greatly helped “We conceded fi rst so it was 2011 AFC Asian Cup quarter-fi - start their work,” he explained. plans developed for each facility is the East Zone Championship, which helped us prep upon matters relating to opera- a diffi cult game, but we showed nal in Doha, and showed his class “Then the role comes to do follow-ups most important feature. We have over- us tackle diffi culties and challenges. The tions at match venues. These details show our desire and that is why we with a curled left-footed strike in and to supervise what has been agreed come diffi culties and challenges, but we East Zone Championship is an excep- that we are not only talking about organ- could win,” said Yoon, whose as- extra time that proved to be the upon earlier. Among all the member have achieved what we had aspired to,” tional tournament by all standards and izing football matches. Rather, the matter sist for Johnsen’s strike and over- match winner. “Of course, I have teams, and after the end of the tourna- al-Mahmoud said. is being staged in unusual conditions. goes beyond the complete preparation all contribution on the afternoon a great memory facing an Iranian ment, we have comprehensive reports He also talked about the 2020 AFC Thank God, success has been our ally all of tournaments at the World Cup level, earned him the MVP award. team here in Qatar, but for me it and references by monitoring and follow- Champions League matches in the West through these events,” al-Mahmoud said. especially the logistical matters etc. The “When VAR decided it was not is more about the atmosphere ing up all events. and East Zones, and the lessons learned Al-Mahmoud also mentioned the ben- hosting of such tournaments certainly a goal, that gave us a morale boost and the attitude of the team than “In this tournament, we have diff er- by the LOC. “We always look for lessons efi t Qatar has gained from hosting the helps us achieve our goals on the ground and momentum was on our side individual moments. We have ent protocols and the most prominent of to learn and develop. Indeed, we benefi t- tournament, explaining: “There is no by continuously improving performance from that moment on. Of course, one game to go and if we can keep which is the health protocol issued by the ed a lot from the West Zone Champion- doubt that the two tournaments – the and diversifying work mechanisms to it is very diffi cult to chase a game a positive attitude like we did to- Ministry of Public Health. The activation ship, and we utilized what we had learned AFC Champions League matches in the reach the highest degree of readiness be- when you are 2-0 down, but even day and give everything on the of the health bubble and how to deal with from that month-long event. We tried West Zone and the East Zone champion- fore hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar.” before the goal was overturned, pitch, we can win.” Gulf Times Wednesday, December 16, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Mourinho takes Neto grabs winner swipe at wounded Liverpool ahead of summit meeting as Wolves bite back AFP London

ose Mourinho took a swipe at title rivals Liver- pool yesterday as the Tot- to beat Chelsea tenham manager claimed theJ Premier League champions do not have an injury crisis. Chelsea remain in fifth, three points adrift of Tottenham and Liverpool at the top Jurgen Klopp’s side will be without a host of injured stars AFP including Virgil Van Dijk, Joe Wolverhampton, United Kingdom Gomez, Diego Jota and Thiago Alcantara when leaders Totten- ham face second placed Liver- know. Every club has injuries edro Neto’s struck fi ve minutes pool at Anfi eld tonight. now and again. Liverpool has a into stoppage time as Chelsea Xherdan Shaqiri, Kostas big injury which is Van Dijk.” missed the chance to go top of Tsimikas and James Milner are Tottenham are unbeaten in the Premier League for the sec- also sidelined for Liverpool, 11 Premier Leagues games since Pond time in four days when Wolves fought while Naby Keita and Joel Matip losing to Everton on the opening back to win 2-1 at Molineux. could miss out due to injury is- weekend of the season. Chas- Olivier Giroud’s eighth goal of the sea- sues. But Mourinho insisted ing a fi rst top-fl ight title since son put the visitors in front early in the Liverpool’s strongest team has 1961, Tottenham sit above Liver- second-half, but Daniel Podence equal- not been aff ected because Neth- pool on goal diff erence and must ised before Neto’s purposeful run and erlands centre-back Van Dijk is avoid defeat today to retain pole precise fi nish condemned Chelsea’s to a their only signifi cant absentee. position. second successive defeat. “I think Alisson is not injured. Klopp praised Mourinho yes- Frank Lampard’s men remain in fi fth, Alexander-Arnold is not injured. terday for the work he has done three points adrift of Tottenham and Liv- Matip, I believe that he’s going to at Tottenham since replacing erpool at the top, ahead of a clash between play. Fabinho is not injured. Rob- Mauricio Pochettino last season. the top two at Anfi eld today. Victory was ertson is not injured. Hender- The Liverpool boss said Mour- no more than Nuno Espirito Santo’s men son is not injured. Wijnaldum is inho had turned Tottenham into deserved as they bounced back from two not injured. Salah is not injured, a “results machine”. consecutive defeats since losing top scor- Firmino is not injured, Mane is But Mourinho is adamant his er Raul Jimenez to a fractured skull. not injured,” Mourinho told re- side are still behind Liverpool in Lampard himself called into question porters yesterday. their development. “Jurgen says the Blues title credentials after a 1-0 loss “Van Dijk is injured and Van that because if you look to our to Everton on Saturday. There was more Dijk is a very good player of results this season, we lost one evidence that Chelsea are still a team course. But give me a Liverpool in the Premier League and we in transition after a £220mn ($294mn) list of injuries and compare that lost one in the Europa League so transfer spending spree as two of their list with what is the best Liver- our results are very positive,” the big money signings, Timo Werner and pool team. I can give you a list Mourinho said. Kai Havertz, again failed to sparkle. of 10 injuries at Tottenham. We “But I think it’s too early, Other than bursts from Christian have two kids of the Under-16s and the period of good results Pulisic past the struggling Nelson Se- Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Pedro Neto (right) scores the winning goal against Chelsea during the Premier League match at the with injuries, we have two others is about a few months and a re- medo, Lampard’s men created precious Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton, Britain, yesterday. (Reuters) in the Under-21s and two in the sults machine of course is much little from open play. Set-pieces caused Under-23s, we have Lamela and more than that. A result machine Wolves more problems as Giroud headed the ball slipped through Rui Patricio’s defl ected off Reece James and inside Ed- by trying to cross when one-on-one with Tanganga. And here is a list of 10 is what Liverpool has been for over when he should have hit the target grasp and just over the line. Going behind ouard Mendy’s near post. Mendy. Neto then thought he had won players. the past couple of years, a result from Ben Chilwell’s corner. awakened Wolves and Fabio Silva was de- Chelsea’s record signing Havertz had a penalty when driving past James, but “But is Lloris injured? No. machine was what my Chelsea Just before the break, Kurt Zouma rose nied his fi rst Premier League goal since a another night to forget. after a VAR review referee Stuart Attwell Alderweireld injured? No. Dier was in the period we won the two highest to crash Mason Mount’s corner 40mn euro ($47mn £36mn) move from The German international was re- overturned his original decision as there injured? No. Reguilon injured consecutive titles.” off the crossbar and Giroud was too slow Porto by an off side fl ag. placed by Mateo Kovacic, while Tammy was no contact on the Portuguese winger. no? Harry Kane injured? No. Son Tottenham are likely to be to the react to the rebound as the ball ric- Wolves had not scored in two games Abraham replaced the injured Giroud as However, Neto was not to be denied injured? No. Lucas injured? No. without Gareth Bale at Anfi eld ocheted off the French striker and behind since losing Jimenez to a sickening head Lampard went in search of a winner. Yet, on the counter-attack deep into stop- So where are the injuries? Inju- as the Wales forward is suff ering for a goal-kick. knock suff ered in a 2-1 win at Arsenal. But it was Wolves who looked the more likely page time as he accelerated past Zouma ries are normal. James Milner is from an non-coronavirus related The 34-year-old was razor sharp four Podence produced a moment of magic as winners in the closing stages. and drove low into the far corner to move injured, Lamela is injured. You illness. minutes into the second-half as he vol- he twisted and turned inside the Chelsea Semedo wasted a glorious chance to Wolves into the top half of the table and leyed Chilwell’s cross towards goal and box to fi nd space for a shot and his eff ort kickstart his time in the Premier League within three points of the top four. Liverpool’s Klopp impressed BUNDESLIGA by Mourinho’s revival at Spurs

London: Liverpool coach Jur- never wrote off the former Chel- Gladbach snatch late draw as Stindl claims hat-trick gen Klopp admitted yesterday sea, Real Madrid, Inter Milan he is impressed with the way and Porto boss. “I am not sur- AFP fered a heavy blow to the head early on Jose Mourinho has recovered prised because that is the world Frankfurt after colliding with his own defender. from his Manchester United we are living in,” Klopp said. Moments later, Gladbach went ahead misery to turn Tottenham “You are very successful when Stindl’s superb free-kick went into genuine title contenders. until yesterday probably and if orussia Moenchengladbach cap- over the wall and outside Trapp’s out- Klopp will pit his wits against you don’t prove it today then tain Lars Stindl claimed a hat- stretched glove. Frankfurt responded by Mourinho today when Premier people go for you. That’s how it trick with an equaliser in the fi fth pressuring Gladbach, whose defender League leaders Spurs visit is. I don’t think he was surprised minute of added time to snatch a Stefan Lainer conceded a penalty when second placed Liverpool in a but he showed comeback — if BundesligaB point in yesterday’s 3-3 draw he blocked a shot with his hand. blockbuster showdown. it was a comeback I don’t know at Eintracht Frankfurt. Stindl’s late hero- Silva converted on 22 minutes. He add- Two years after Liverpool — skills. Very impressive. Very ics saved a point at Frankfurt, but Glad- ed a second two minutes later when mid- beat United to trigger the end impressive what he did now at bach, who have drawn Manchester City in fi elder Aymen Barkok fl oated the ball over of Mourinho’s disappoint- Tottenham. The way they play the last 16 of the Champions League, are the defence which Silva brought down ing spell at Old Traff ord, the is really good. He turned them winless in their last fi ve games in all com- with a great fi rst touch and fi red past Portuguese boss appears to into a result machine.” petitions. After Stindl opened the scor- goalkeeper Yann Sommer. have rediscovered his mojo. Klopp’s main issue is an ing by curling in a14th minute free-kick, Silva then turned provider when he laid And Mourinho’s ability to drag ever-growing injury list includ- Frankfurt roared back with three unan- the ball off for Barkok who beat two de- Tottenham into contention for ing Virgil Van Dijk, Joe Gomez, swered goals including two by Portugal fenders and coolly rolled the ball home on the title just over a year after Thiago Alcantara, Diogo Jota striker Andre Silva. 32 minutes to make it 3-1 at the break. replacing the sacked Mauricio and Kostas Tsimikas. Reds Leading 3-1, Frankfurt played the last Frankfurt had a penalty awarded, then Pochettino has caught Klopp’s centre-back Joel Matip is also a 10 minutes with ten men after captain changed to a free kick by the VAR, when eye. doubt for the game, with club David Abraham was sent off for a sec- Moenchengladbach’s Lars Stindl (left) celebrates after scoring against Eintracht Denis Zakaria tripped Eintracht’s Do- Many pundits claimed the physios working on a back ond booking. With 90 minutes almost Frankfurt in the Bundesliga yesterday. (AFP) minik Kohr on the edge of the area. Af- two-time Champions League spasm which forced him off up, Gladbach won a penalty and Stindl ter Abraham was sent off , Gladbach kept winner was a fading force after during the draw at Fulham last stepped up to convert. Then he netted a point leaves Gladbach seventh in the ta- Leverkusen, who are at Cologne today. pushing and were rewarded as Stindl his United sacking, but Klopp weekend. last-gasp header to seal the draw. The ble, seven points behind leaders Bayer Eintracht goalkeeper Kevin Trapp suf- brought his side level with two late goals.

FOCUS Under-fi re Arteta vows to stop Arsenal ‘blip’ at in-form Southampton AFP yesterday: “My feeling is yes but this is around the neck played a key role in Ar- last December after winning two Pre- London a question for them obviously. When I senal’s latest fl op. Angry Arsenal fans mier League titles, an FA Cup and two see the reaction and the way they try, have called for the volatile Swiss mid- League Cups under Guardiola at City. there’s not one bit that worries me that fi elder to be sold, but he retains Arteta’s “Arsenal don’t have a better manager ikel Arteta insists he is they’re not trying their best, that’s for support for now. that can lead this club in this year and strong enough to cope with sure. Asked if Xhaka had apologised to the next,” Guardiola said. “I don’t have the pressure of Arsenal’s “And in terms of Edu and (Manches- Arteta and his teammates, the Arsenal to give publicly my support because dismal run as the Gunners ter City manager) Pep (Guardiola), they boss said the matter had been resolved he has it. He’s one of the best manag- Mboss dismissed their recent struggles obviously showed their appreciation, “internally”. “He has had tough times ers I’ve ever worked with and seen. I’m as merely a “blip”. Arteta has faced calls because in good moments it’s very easy. here and he’s not the only one, there’s pretty sure he will turn things around for his sacking after Sunday’s 1-0 home In diffi cult moments when you have a lot of players that have had rocky mo- and perform like everyone expects. defeat against Burnley condemned Ar- people like them giving you support ments. But what I can say about Granit When a club comes from not a good senal to their worst start to a season and two people that know very, very is that his professionalism and his period, it needs time. If I was part of since 1974. well what we’ve been through here, ob- commitment with the club and with the board, I would not have any doubts Arsenal have lost their last four home viously it’s much appreciated.” his team-mates is maximal. He knows about his capacity to put Arsenal in the league games — their worst sequence Languishing in 15th place after seven and we all know that he had a moment place they deserve to be.” since 1959 — and another defeat at defeats in their fi rst 12 league games, where he’s lost it and I know the reason Arsenal technical director Edu said the Emirates Stadium against in-form Arsenal are closer to the relegation why. But what I cannot do is just throw Arteta was on the right track and pre- Southampton today would pile further zone than the top four. Arteta is not everything that he has done away be- dicted a bright future for the club, who pressure on Arteta. concerned that Arsenal now face an cause he’s made a mistake.” have not won a league title since 2004. The Spaniard was given a vote of unthinkable relegation battle and is reality right now and we have to face “maximum responsibility” for the bad “Mikel is doing a great job,” Edu said. confi dence by Arsenal technical direc- confi dent that results will turn soon. it and we have to face it being brave, results. “At the end of the day you have ARSENAL MUST SHOW TRUST IN “It’s normal and easy to be driven tor Edu on Monday, but Arteta admit- “I want to think that we are in a blip, fi ghting and no one giving up or any- to win football matches and this club is ARTETA, SAYS GUARDIOLA by results. But I can see the future, see ted he had to shoulder the responsibil- losing football matches makes me be- thing. It’s not time to hide, it’s time to too big to accept this many losses in the Manchester City manager Pep Guardi- where we go and the way we are build- ity for the team’s fi ve-match winless lieve that but we need to start to win,” put your face and your body on the line last weeks. So my chest is here and hit ola has backed former assistant Arteta ing things on a daily basis. I can see a big run in the league. he said. “Because just dropping and and at the moment, I’m sorry, but we me, guys.” to turn Arsenal’s fortunes around de- and beautiful future. It’s very strange to Adamant he still retains the back- dropping down the table is not the sit- have to take the bullets.” Granit Xhaka’s needless red card for spite the club’s dismal start to the sea- say that in this moment, but I have to be ing of his players, Arteta told reporters uation we want to be in. But this is our Arteta said he accepted that he bore grabbing Burnley’s Ashley Westwood son. Arteta was given the manager’s job fair — that’s the way I see it.” Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, December 16, 2020 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Gerrard pays emotional tribute to former Reds boss Houllier Former captain Gerrard won the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup during Houllier’s six years at Liverpool

AFP Heart problems dogged his career. He Liverpool, told the club’s website. Glasgow was taken seriously ill during a game “He was really infl uential in the against Leeds at Anfi eld in October game. A great coach, but a human be- 2001 and required 11 hours of surgery. ing who gave you a really warm feeling angers manager Steven Ger- Houllier was told to stay away from when you were around him. For all of us rard has paid an emotional football, but his passion for the game it is a big loss and a really sad day.” tribute to Gerard Houllier af- brought him back to the Liverpool Last season’s Premier League tri- ter his former Liverpool boss bench. Gerrard recognised that burning umph under Klopp ended a 30-year diedR aged 73, calling him a “special ambition in Houllier, but the ex-England wait for a top-fl ight league title, while man”. Houllier passed away on Monday midfi elder also credits his former man- Liverpool’s only other major honours in and former Liverpool captain Gerrard ager with making him a better person. the 90s were the 1992 FA Cup and 1995 joined the football world in sending his “Throughout your career, diff erent League Cup. Houllier lifted both those condolences. people look after you and shape you,” trophies, as well as the UEFA Cup, dur- Gerrard won the FA Cup, League Cup Gerrard said. “Gerard was at the fore- ing his third season in charge, before his and UEFA Cup during Houllier’s six front of that in terms of shaping me into side also beat Manchester United to win years at Liverpool, where his current a better player, a better person, a better the 2003 League Cup. Rangers assistant Gary McAllister also leader. So I’ve got an awful lot to thank “I met him before I came to Liver- thrived under the French coach. the man for and I’m fi nding it really pool and I knew him a little bit then,” Houllier helped get Liverpool back hard to come to terms with it right now. said Klopp, who took over at Anfi eld in on track after a diffi cult period, lay- “I always try and take all the best 2015. When I arrived here, one of the ing the foundations for the club’s 2005 bits from all the coaches and manag- fi rst messages I received — and I didn’t Champions League triumph under his ers I worked. It’s impossible for me add even know he had my number — was successor Rafael Benitez. the charisma, the care and the love that from Gerard Houllier... He was really “I would like to pay tribute to him. Gerard carried. I think every player that supportive from the fi rst day. Between Yesterday was a really tough day for has worked with him will certainly echo now and then, always messages came myself and Gary McAllister,” Ger- that. He was just a special human be- in after big games, big defeats, big wins rard told a press conference yesterday. ing. This is not a guy who would focus and all these kind of things. “Gerard obviously played a huge part in solely on football and what you gave to “In between, Gerard really texted both our careers — and also our lives. So him in terms of the relationship player- and told me, ‘That was right... that was the news yesterday was very diffi cult to to-manager. This was someone who, at wrong... I know the situation...’ and all take. It’s a huge blow. my age, wanted to change me as a hu- this kind of stuff . He was a really, really, “I came in yesterday morning really man being into an elite professional, really nice and gentle person. I miss him happy after our result at the weekend who wanted me to be a better person.” now already.” and then to receive that news was a bit- Current Liverpool manager Jurgen Houllier was instrumental in the de- ter blow. He was a special man, a caring Klopp too paid tribute to Houllier, call- velopment of Liverpool’s former Mel- man, a loving man. He was more than ing the Frenchman a “true coaching wood training centre. “Melwood at the just a manager.” legend”. “He is a true Liverpool leg- time was a really modern place and that Houllier also managed Paris Saint end and he is a true coaching legend,” was because of him — he was a really Germain, France, Lens, Lyon and Aston Liverpool Manager Gerard Houllier (right) and Steven Gerrard celebrate with the UEFA Cup trophy during an open bus Klopp, who has won the Champions modern coach, he played a specifi c way Villa before retiring in 2011. victory parade in Liverpool, Britain, on May 20, 2001. (Reuters) League and Premier League titles with of football,” added Klopp.

SERIE A LA LIGA Under pressure Gattuso, Conte face off today Barca diff erent club Reuters JUVE AWAITING DYBALA RESPONSE Milan ON CONTRACT OFFER: AGNELLI now, says Koeman Juventus president Andrea Agnelli said the Italian champions were awaiting an Reuters apoli travel to troubled Inter answer from Argentina forward Paulo Barcelona Milan today, with two fi ery, Dybala on a contract off er which would under pressure, coaches out to make him “among the 20 highest paid prove they have what it takes to footballers in Europe”. arcelona fans and ob- Nsustain a Serie A title challenge this sea- Dybala scored his fi rst Serie A goal in servers must accept son. Napoli’s season appeared to be head- fi ve months on Sunday during a 3-1 win that the team are no ing for trouble just as it was getting start- over Genoa, telling journalists afterwards longer favourites to win ed. After their 3-1 home defeat by leaders he had received no news on an extension everyB game, head coach Ronald AC Milan on Nov. 22, there were reports to his current deal which expires in June Koeman said yesterday, adding of a heated confrontation between coach 2022. “So many things that aren’t true that he is still struggling to accept Gennaro Gattuso and his players. have been said in relation to my contract,” certain attitudes to how the team The club denied any such meeting had he said. should play. taken place. Three days later, they were Agnelli insisted on Monday the Barca face La Liga leaders Real rocked by the news of former player Di- 27-year-old, who suff ered with corona- Sociedad today hoping to build ego Maradona’s death, with the whole virus for six weeks earlier this year, “has on their slender 1-0 victory over city in mourning. “Sometimes they (the already received an off er that places him Levante after suff ering painful players) love me, but I bet that sometimes among the 20 highest paid in Europe”. defeats by Cadiz and Juventus they take out my picture in the morning “We are calmly awaiting an answer,” and making their worst start to a and spit in my face,” Gattuso said after his Agnelli said during an awards ceremony league season in 33 years. side’s 2-1 win over Sampdoria on Sunday. in Turin. “The positive news is the return “The pressure here is huge, “But it’s part of my job.” to scoring. Paulo had a tough time after everyone demands that you must The Neapolitans are unbeaten in their the coronavirus, with a slow recovery. I win every game,” Koeman told a last six games in the weeks following Ma- was delighted to hear his declaration of news conference. “But the club’s radona’s death, having won all three of love for Juve, it’s reciprocated. We see situation is diff erent right now Rousaud, who resigned this year their league matches ahead of Wednes- Paulo as a future captain of the team. Al- and you have to accept that we out of protest at how the club day’s trip to Inter. Victory would lift Na- ready now he often wears the armband. can’t win all the time.” was being run by then chief Josep poli into second in Serie A above Inter, He knows he has the off er, we are waiting Koeman had a spiky exchange Maria Bartomeu, said Messi providing Juventus, on the same number serenely for an answer.” with a reporter after the Levante would accept a lower salary if he of points, do not better their goal dif- Dybala joined Juventus from Palermo game over bringing on defender could be convinced the club will ference should they beat Atalanta on in 2015 and has scored 97 goals for the Samuel Umtiti to protect Barca’s return to winning ways. Wednesday. After their 3-1 home loss to leaders AC Milan last month, there were reports of a club, winning eight major trophies, in- lead late in the game, a move “In the club’s current situation But it is not just Gattuso who has had a heated confrontation between Napoli coach Gennaro Gattuso (right) and his players. cluding fi ve Serie A titles. He has often some observers felt was at odds Messi’s salary is not sustainable, tough time. Inter may have won their last been linked with a move away in recent with the club’s usual attacking so we’ll have to reach an agree- four successive league games, but a 0-0 approached that match in a diff erent way. However, the manner of the perform- months and was reportedly close to sign- philosophy. He brought up the ment with him. We will present draw with Shakhtar Donetsk last week Think before you ask the questions,” he ance, having to come from behind with ing for Premier League sides Manchester confrontation again to illustrate an attractive project to him,” meant Antonio Conte’s side fi nished bot- said. Conte then went on to clash with victory secured by three goals in the last United and Tottenham last year. the demands placed on him. “I Rousaud told AS yesterday. tom of their Champions League group. former Juventus, Real Madrid and Eng- 15 minutes, did little to silence the doubt- “We are also waiting for one (response) can understand criticism when “What matters most here is Conte reacted angrily to questions over land coach Fabio Capello after the match ers. Taking all three points against Napoli on the pitch, his ambition is to be among you lose four or fi ve games but the sporting project. When Mes- Inter’s inability to beat a side they had on Italian television. A win at Cagliari at can keep the pressure on Milan at the top the top fi ve (players) in the world, and we the other day I was criticised si said he was leaving he didn’t thrashed 5-0 in the Europa League semi- the weekend eased the pressure slightly of the standings, but also take the heat off want to support him. He is still not there for bringing on a defender in the mention money. He has the high- fi nal last season. “In fact, they (Shakhtar) on Conte. Conte himself. and he knows this,” added Agnelli. last few minutes, and I could not est salary in the world, no-one understand that because we just earns more than him, he doesn’t wanted to win,” he added. want to leave because he earns ROUND-UP “But we cannot be happy with too little. He wants to leave be- our results so far, we’ve lost cause he wants to win trophies. games we shouldn’t have lost. He referred to that recently when We are trying to improve things he said: “The Champions League Diffi cult to see Pogba leave United in January: Agent and the result we got the other is not within our reach.” He day was very important. The wants a team full of talent.” rance midfi elder Paul Pogba is KIMMICH COULD MAKE BAYERN team worked hard and showed Barca were ranked as the club likely to remain at Manchester RETURN AT LEVERKUSEN a good attitude, and I hope the with the biggest revenues in United until next summer as it Bayern Munich midfi elder Joshua Kim- three points give us the peace European football by the 2020 would be diffi cult to organise such mich could return for Saturday’s Bun- of mind we need for tomorrow’s Deloitte Money League but the aF high-profi le transfer in January, his desliga showdown at Bayer Leverkusen game.” pandemic has obliterated their agent said. Mino Raiola had said last week after recovering from a knee injury fi nances. Last week the club an- the 27-year-old was unhappy at United quicker than expected, his club coach MESSI SALARY AT BARCA nounced they were delaying sal- and needed to change teams “in the next Hansi Flick said. ‘UNSUSTAINABLE’: ary payments to players. transfer market” to reignite his career. Kimmich was expected to be out until PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE Messi was named the top- However, Pogba has since pledged his January after minor surgery on his right Lionel Messi’s salary is too big for earning footballer in the world commitment to United. “I was talking knee following injury in the 3-2 league Barcelona due to their fi nancial by French newspaper L’Equipe about next summer,” Raiola was quoted win at Borussia Dortmund on November predicament, presidential can- earlier this year, claiming an es- as saying by Tuttosport on Monday. 7. However, he has recovered quicker didate Emili Rousaud has said, timated 8.2mn euros ($9.97mn) “When it comes to Pogba in England than expected and things are “looking adding that he wishes to keep the per month from Barca. Rousaud, they are sensitive, perhaps too sensitive. very good”, Flick added, after Kimmich club’s all-time top scorer on a re- one of many candidates running It’s very diffi cult to see big clubs making FORMER BRAZIL COACH said he was “doing well.” took part in team training on Monday. duced contract. in the club’s presidential election these kinds of transfers in January. We LUXEMBURGO IN HOSPITAL Luxemburgo, who coached Palmei- He could feature in Saturday’s key Messi, who sought an exit from on Jan. 24, also said he wishes to will see what happens next summer,” he WITH COVID-19 ras until October, is one of Brazil’s best clash at leaders Bayer Leverkusen with Barca in the close season, has less name Barca’s renovated Camp said. Former Brazil and Real Madrid coach known coaches. Bayern currently a point behind second than seven months remaining on Nou stadium after Messi, a move Pogba, who joined from Juventus for Vanderlei Luxemburgo has been admit- In addition to spells in charge of clubs in the table. “We have to see how he his deal with the club where he he believes will help attract 89mn pounds ($118.59mn) in 2016, has ted to hospital with Covid-19 in Sao Pau- such as Flamengo, Santos, and Corinthi- copes with training in the coming days,” has spent his entire career. He is sponsors. The election is being featured in nine Premier League matches lo, his spokesperson said on Monday. The ans, he coached Brazil at the turn of the Flick said ahead of Bayern’s home league free to negotiate with rival clubs held two months earlier than this season, starting only six. His con- 68-year-old was admitted to the Sirio e century and was manager of Real Madrid game against Wolfsburg today, which from January. planned after Bartomeu resigned tract runs out in June 2022. Libanes hospital, where his spokesperson in 2005. Kimmich will miss. Former Barca vice-president in October. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 16, 2020 5 SPORT

NFL MLB Cleveland to Jackson, Ravens drop ‘Indians’ stun Browns with name aft er wild comeback 2021 season Jackson rushes for 124 yards and two touchdowns on nine carries

In this September 29, 2020, picture, relief pitcher Adam Cimber of the Cleveland Indians pitches against the New York Yankees during Game One of the American League Wild Card Series at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio. (AFP)

Reuters names are harmful and Cleve- New York, United States land got out in front of it.” ‘WE ARE REAL PEOPLE’ ajor League Base- The team, which has won only ball’s (MLB) Cleve- two World Series championships land team will drop since its founding, removed its its ‘Indians’ name, ‘Chief Wahoo’ logo from uni- Mfollowing persistent criticism forms starting with the 2019 that it was off ensive to Native season. It retained other tradi- Americans, the franchise said on tions such as referring to itself as Monday, but will continue to use “the Tribe.” it during the 2021 season. Stephanie Fryberg, a member The Cleveland team said in of the Tulalip Tribes of Wash- a statement it would begin the ington State and a professor of process of “determining a new, psychology at the University of non-Native American based Michigan, said that team names name for the franchise” 105 years and traditions that “romanti- after adopting the name, citing a cise” Native American lives are desire to unify its community. harmful. “Hearing fi rsthand the sto- “When you romanticise us, ries and experiences of Native you don’t take us seriously... American people, we gained a it’s like seeing us through some deep understanding of how tribal Disney ‘Pocahontas’-type rep- communities feel about the team resentation. We are real people,” name and the detrimental eff ects said Fryberg, whose research it has on them,” team owner Paul shows that native mascots in Dolan said in a statement. particular are especially harm- The announcement comes ful to native children, leading to amid a nationwide reckon- lower self-esteem. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (right) scores a touchdown during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio, United ing over racial inequality in the She called the removal of the States, on Monday. (USA TODAY Sports) United States that prompted the ‘Chief Wahoo’ mascot a “good National Football League’s (NFL) fi rst step” and said she ap- Reuters completed a season sweep of rolled to his right as if he was go- cepted Mayfi eld with less than McSorley on the fi eld and punt- Washington franchise to drop its plauded the team for moving on New York, United States the Browns to move within one ing to run before tossing the ball to fi ve minutes left in the third ed the ball back to Cleveland. ‘Redskins’ team name in July af- from the name “before they were game of second-place Cleveland wide-open Marquise Brown, who quarter and returned the ball 17 The Browns took advantage and ter 87 years. forced to do it”. (9-4) in the division. fi nished the 44-yard play to put yards to the Cleveland 1-yard drove 70 yards in 12 plays with “Today’s announcement The use of mascots and names amar Jackson returned Nick Chubb rushed for 82 Baltimore ahead with 1:51 left. line. Dobbins scored on the en- Mayfi eld scoring on a 5-yard run represents a monumental step referencing Native Americans is from cramping issues yards and two touchdowns and JK Dobbins converted a two- suing play to make it 34-20 with to give Cleveland a 35-34 lead forward in Indian Country’s deeply embedded in all levels of to revive Baltimore and Baker Mayfi eld completed 28 point run to make it 42-35 but 4:21 left in the stanza. with 6:33 left. decades-long eff ort to educate competitive sport, from youth Justin Tucker booted of 47 passes for 343 yards, two the Browns answered with a The Browns responded with a Jackson rushed for two fi rst- America about what respect leagues through collegiate pro- La 55-yard fi eld goal with two touchdowns and one intercep- four-play, 75-yard drive as May- 12-play, 75-yard drive in which half touchdowns as Baltimore for tribal nations, cultures, and grams and professional franchis- seconds left to help the Ravens tion for Cleveland, which had fi eld threw with a 22-yard scor- Mayfi eld tossed a 21-yard scor- held a 21-14 lead at intermission. communities entails,” National es, drawing frequent criticism post a wild 47-42 victory over a four-game winning streak ing pass to Kareem Hunt to knot ing pass to Rashard Higgins The Ravens added on another Congress of American Indians from communities that deem the the host Cleveland Browns in halted. the score at 42 with 1:04 left. and followed with a two-point score on the opening drive of the (NCAI) President Fawn Sharp practice off ensive. an AFC North clash on Monday Jackson missed most of the Jackson then moved the Ravens conversion to Donovan Peoples- third quarter when Gus Edwards said in a statement. In the United States, teams night. fourth quarter due to the cramps into fi eld-goal range to set up Jones with 13:36 remaining in scampered 19 yards for his sec- Unlike the Washington NFL including the National Hockey Jackson rushed for 124 yards before returning for a fourth- Tucker’s decisive fi eld goal. Bal- the contest. ond score of the game. The team, which immediately dis- League’s (NHL) Chicago Black- and two touchdowns on nine and-5 play when backup Trace timore added a safety on Cleve- With Jackson in the locker Browns answered with Hunt’s continued the use of its previous hawks and MLB’s Atlanta Braves carries and completed 11 of 17 McSorley injured his left knee land’s game-ending lateral fest. room getting treatment, Balti- 5-yard run but Cody Parkey name and adopted the temporary have previously stated no inten- passes for 163 yards and a big with two minutes remaining and The Ravens appeared in con- more went three-and-out and missed the extra point with 9:06 moniker “Washington Football tion to alter their names. touchdown as Baltimore (8-5) Baltimore down 35-34. Jackson trol when Tyus Bowser inter- was unable to move the ball with left in the third quarter. Team” while it develops a new “For six decades our com- brand, Cleveland said it will con- munity has fought tirelessly to tinue using the “Indians” name be recognized as diverse and vi- until a new one is identifi ed. brant, instead of portrayed in in- The Oneida Indian Nation in accurate and harmful ways,” said Pelicans New York, which led the Change the Cleveland Indigenous Coali- the Mascot campaign against tion, which is collaborating with the Washington Football Team’s the team during its transition to a brush aside former nickname, called the new name. Cleveland change a “commend- “By agreeing to change the Heat 114-92 able decision”. team name away from Indig- “This is the culmination of enous themes, the Cleveland in preseason decades of work,” Oneida Nation baseball team is helping to create Representative Ray Halbritter a place where Native American Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro said in a written statement. “So- children and their families feel attempts a three-point shot in front cial science has made clear these valued and fully seen.” of New Orleans Pelicans guard Sindarius Thornwell (left) during the first half of the NBA pre-season game at American Airlines Arena Pistons waive LiAngelo Ball in Miami, Florida, United States, on Monday. Herro scored 17 points for The Detroit Pistons waived LiAngelo Ball and two others as they the hosts but were outmuscled by prepare to set their regular-season roster. The Pistons signed Ball the Pelicans 114-92 in the preseason to a training-camp contract earlier this month. The brother of two opener. (USA TODAY Sports) NBA guards – Lonzo Ball of the New Orleans Pelicans and rookie LaMelo Ball of the Charlotte Hornets – he didn’t play in either of RESULTS the Pistons’ two preseason games thus far. LiAngelo Ball was one Cleveland 116-106 Indiana of three UCLA players who were suspended before the 2017-18 season after they were accused of shoplifting while on a team Toronto 112-109 Charlotte exhibition trip to China. The Pistons also waived Anthony Lamb, New Orleans 114-92 Miami an undrafted rookie from Vermont, and Louis King, who played 10 games with the team last season on a two-way contract. Dallas 128-112 Milwaukee Memphis 123-104 Minnesota Horton-Tucker opening eyes during Utah 111-92 Phoenix Lakers’ preseason

During the short NBA off season, LA Lakers traded for Dennis Schro- der, re-signed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and signed Wesley Mat- thews to make sure they remained well-stocked at guard for their title defense. If Talen Horton-Tucker, 20, keeps opening people’s eyes with his play, the Lakers might be deeper than they expected. The 6-foot-4 Horton-Tucker took advantage of several Lakers stars being out of the lineup to pound the LA Clippers with 33 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and four steals in a 131-106 preseason win Sunday. A Lakers second-round pick in 2019 (No. 46 overall), Horton- Tucker played just 81 minutes across six games last season. But now he could be playing his way into a spot in the Lakers’ rotation. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, December 16, 2020 SPORT

GOLF SPOTLIGHT European Tour unveils 2021 South Korea’s Kim calendar, boosts prize money

Rueters $9mn. London European Tour chief executive wins US Women’s Keith Pelley said the remodelled Rolex Series events will begin the he European Tour yes- formation of a global circuit as terday announced its part of their partnership with the global schedule for the US PGA Tour. 2021 season featuring The four events are now better 42T tournaments in 24 countries, positioned to attract dual-Tour with each of the four Rolex Se- members who will be able to earn Open title in Texas ries events off ering an increase in Race to Dubai points, as well as prize money. Ryder Cup qualifi cation points. The 2021 schedule will also “One of the key learnings ‘I decided to come out today, be aggressive, attack the pin. It worked out today’ see the return of 18 tournaments (from 2020) was to group events which were either cancelled or together in terms of their geo- postponed in 2020 due to the graphical location to create a Covid-19 pandemic. more travel friendly season for Three of the Rolex Series our members,” he said. “That is events — the season-opening refl ected in numerous concen- Abu Dhabi HSBC Champion- trations of event locations. ship (Jan. 21-24), the Aberdeen “Another was to continue to Standard Investments Scottish enhance our Rolex Series events Open (July 8-11) and the BMW at strategic points in the global PGA Championship (Sept 9-12) golfi ng calendar when the Euro- — will have a prize fund of $8mn, pean Tour will be the focal point an increase of $1mn from previ- of golf on the world stage. ous editions. “This is one of the many as- The fourth and fi nal Rolex se- pects we will continue to develop ries event, the season-ending in our strategic alliance discus- DP World Tour Championship in sions with the PGA Tour, follow- Dubai (Nov 18-21), will have its ing our historic partnership an- prize money boosted by $1mn to nouncement last month.”

RUGBY Japan’s Joseph looking forward to Jones challenge

Kim A-Lim of Korea poses for a photo with the trophy after winning the 75th US Women’s Open Championship at the Champions Golf Club Cypress Creek Course in Houston.

AFP “I decided to come out today, be aggres- in-law had died suddenly on Saturday. to get back in contention. Reuters what we do. We are adapting all Houston sive, attack the pin,” Kim said afterwards. Olson, one of 18 players who never teed Instead, her composure deserted her. Tokyo the time.” “It worked out today.” off their fi nal round on Sunday after heavy She bogeyed the par-three 16th after hit- England, who reached the Kim, playing in the US Women’s Open rain deluged the course, started slug- ting through the green with her tee shot, 2019 fi nal before losing to South outh Korea’s Kim A-Lim produced for the fi rst time, had started the day as a gishly, with a trio of bogeys on the 2nd, 3rd leaving her two off the pace with two to apan head coach Jamie Africa, and Argentina are two of a stunning fi nish to snatch her long-shot for the title, fi ve shots adrift of and 4th holes threatening to torpedo her play. Olson however could only manage a Joseph could not help the more physical teams in the maiden major victory with a one- third round leader Shibuno. hopes. However she bounced back with par on the 17th, leaving her needing an ea- but chuckle when asked game but Joseph is confi dent shot win in the delayed fi nale to the However she climbed up the leader- consecutive birdies on the 5th and 6th gle on the 18th to force a tie. about his England coun- Japan’s brand of high-tempo SUS Women’s Open on Monday. board with a superb performance over the holes to move back to two under for the That proved to be beyond her though, Jterpart Eddie Jones after the two rugby can cause them problems. The 25-year-old, who had never won a front nine, making birdies on the 5th, 6th tournament. although a long birdie putt gave the Amer- nations were drawn in the same “We are playing two very tournament outside of South Korea before, and 8th holes to reach the turn at two un- By the time she reached the 11th hole, ican a share of second place alongside Ko. pool for the 2023 Rugby World powerful teams with predomi- rattled in three consecutive birdies on the der for the tournament. Olson was sitting on a two-shot lead and “It’s been a long two days, that’s for Cup in France. nately strong set-pieces; maul, 16th, 17th and 18th holes to fi nish with a Her progress looked to have stalled looking increasingly comfortable. sure,” said Olson, who wiped away tears as Jones was coach of Japan for line-out, big men, very physi- four-under-par 67 at Champions Golf when she posted back-to-back bogeys on However Kim’s late charge changed the she left the 18th green. three years before Joseph took cal,” he said. Club in Houston. the 10th and 11th holes to drop to even par. complexion of the round, with her birdie “The Lord carried me through today. I over in 2016 and went on to take “One part of me says it is go- That fi nish left Kim on three under for Olson, meanwhile, who had started the on the 16th leaving her one behind Olson. defi nitely didn’t have a lot of strength on the ‘Brave Blossoms’ to the 2019 ing to be a huge challenge... (but) the tournament, one shot clear of compa- day just one shot adrift of Shibuno, took Another birdie on the 17th gave her a my own. It’s been really tough. World Cup quarter-fi nals for the we play the game very diff erently triot and world number one Ko Jin-Young sole possession of the lead after recovering share of the lead with the American, and “It just makes you realise how much fi rst time on home soil. and I think that they will fi nd and Amy Olson of the United States, who from a nightmare start. on the 18th a superb wedge from 119 yards bigger life is than golf.” At Monday’s draw in Paris, parts of our rugby equally dif- had led for much of the fi nal round. Japan’s The 28-year-old from North Dakota left her with an eight foot birdie to take the The tournament — the fi nal major of the Japan were also drawn alongside fi cult.” Hinako Shibuno was fourth on one under — chasing her fi rst ever win on the LPGA lead which she duly rolled in. season — had been shifted from its slot in Argentina as well as two yet-to- One very real concern for after draining a monstrous 30-foot birdie Tour — had been rocked by a family trag- That piled the pressure on Olson, who early June because of disruption caused by qualify nations but Joseph said it Joseph is the lack of game time putt on the 18th. edy after it emerged on Sunday her father- was suddenly left needing to pick up shots the coronavirus pandemic. was the match-up against Eng- his players have had. land that held the most intrigue. Japan have not played a match “There is special interest with for over a year because of Cov- YACHTING England in that there is a long id-19 restrictions. They are association between Eddie Jones scheduled to play the British and and Japanese rugby, which I am Irish Lions in June but that is the sure the players are really look- only have fi xture confi rmed for ing forward to,” Joseph told re- 2021 so far. porters remotely from New Zea- “Whilst we are behind, we land yesterday. have been able to give the play- Ruyant leads Vendee Globe “I hope he thinks that we are ers a much-needed rest, I guess,” far too behind the likes of Eng- said Joseph. land to be worried about it at this “We don’t have anything con- stage,” he added with a laugh. fi rmed at this stage, we are very “I know he has a few things confi dent that we are going to aft er Dalin damages port foil on his own plate. He has an inti- have Test matches. This is cru- AFP The fl eet is sailing east in the southern mate knowledge of pretty much cial for us as a team as we prepare Paris reaches of the Indian Ocean, approach- everything in rugby, apart from for 2023.” ing Tasmania, and hugging the Antarctic Exclusion Zone, nearly halfway through homas Ruyant is the new leader the gruelling race. World Athletics partially upholds corruption of the solo round-the-world In spite of his problems, Dalin remains charges against UAE Federation chief Vendee Globe race yesterday af- hopeful of getting back into the race ter Charlie Dalin, who has been quickly. “The conditions expected in the Paris: President of the UAE delegates at the Confederation Tin front since November 23, set about re- area on Tuesday seem favourable to at- Athletics Federation Ahmad al- of African Athletics Congress in pairing damage to the port foil of his boat tempt a repair over the next few hours,” Kamali has been suspended for 2015 while he was a member of Apivia. said Dalin’s team. six months and fined 5,000 eu- the IAAF Council. “Since 1800hrs UTC yesterday, Char- “Charlie has also gybed this morning ros ($6,080) for gifting watches Al-Kamali admitted giving watch- lie Dalin’s race has been on hold,” his to start the procedure and is currently to delegates in an attempt to win es to the delegates but said the team said in a statement. doing his best to resume his Vendee votes, the World Athletics ethics retail value of the gifts did not “After hearing a loud noise, the boat Globe as quickly as possible.” board said yesterday. exceed $40 to $50. that was leading the fl eet slowed right The two foils, port and starboard, are The Athletics Integrity Unit had “Mr al-Kamali has been found to down. large lateral appendages that allow the provisionally suspended al- have violated the Code of Ethics “He carried out an appraisal during hull to rise above the water so that the Kamali from any athletics-related by his conduct... in giving gifts the night and saw that the port foil was A handout photo taken and made available by French sailor Armel Tripon shows boat can travel at high speed. activities last October, prevent- of more than nominal value and damaged, but that there was no ingress him skippering his Imoca 60 Occitane across the southern seas during the Vendee They are characteristics of the latest ing him from standing in election failing to act with dignity and of water.” Globe around the world monohull solo sailing race which started in France. The generation of Vendee Globe monohulls. for the vice president’s role at respect for his opponents as a Dalin, who held a 300 nautical mile 45-year-old sailor from Nantes, who is taking part in his first solo round-the-world The team said the damage did not World Athletics, formerly known candidate for IAAF off ice,” World lead a week ago, is now back in third after trip, is one of the 33 skippers to have started on November 8, 2020. At the helm seem to be linked to an impact with an as the International Association Athletics said in a statement. being overhauled by Ruyant in Linked- of a very latest generation boat capable of “flying”, he occupied 14th place as of unidentifi ed fl oating object. of Athletics Federations (IAAF). “The purpose of the prohibition Out who was just 9nm ahead of Yannick yesterday. Ruyant, who spent two days in the lead World Athletics said in a state- on giving valuable gifts is to Bestaven’s Maitre Coq IV at 1700GMT after Alex Thomson was forced out of the ment that al-Kamali was alleged maintain the integrity and impar- yesterday. earlier in the day and trailed Ruyant by chasing group of fi ve, including Jean Le race before Dalin overtook him on No- to have gifted Rolex and/or UAE tiality of IAAF off icials and of the Dalin, 36, was back up to 15knots by 127nm. Cam’s Yes We Cam!, who are separated vember 23, admitted he was not looking branded Continental watches to IAAF as an institution...” 1700GMT after slowing to under 6 knots There is a gap of 306nm back to the by just 12nm. behind him. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 16, 2020 7 CRICKET

FEAT SPOTLIGHT Australia plot Rafi q sues Yorkshire India’s downfall over racism under lights The Aussies are the world’s most successful team in day-night Tests

AFP Leeds Employment Tribunal, London sets out the “expressly racist dressing room banter” Rafi q and other non-white players experi- ormer Yorkshire captain enced. Azeem Rafi q has fi led a This included the use of terms legal complaint against such as “P**i”, “elephant wash- the English team after er”, and telling such players to Fclaiming direct discrimination “go back where you came from”, and harassment on the grounds the fi rm said. of race. It is claimed Yorkshire failed Rafi q, who played for York- to respect the beliefs of Pakista- shire in two spells between 2008 ni players or players of Pakistani and 2018, is also claiming vic- ethnicity, including the non- timisation and detriment as a provision of Halal food facilities. result of his eff orts to address Rafi q’s legal claim states that racism at the club. there were attempts to enforce a The 29-year-old, once the drinking culture on those play- youngest captain in the county’s ers. The claim references an history, initially spoke out in occasion where players and of- August about the racist abuse fi cials laughed at alcohol being and has now taken legal action. thrown over a Muslim child and “Those who have, like me, on-fi eld racist abuse directed been on the receiving end of rac- towards a black South African ism and discrimination will un- player. derstand how hard it is to open Rafi q was also allegedly re- up about the pain and suff ering ferred to as ‘Raff a the Kaffi r’, it causes,” Rafi q said. while it is said he was denied “I feel a sense of relief to fi - opportunities aff orded to white nally speak about it and that my players, including the chance healing process can now begin. to play Twenty20 cricket in the “I hope this claim will give winter. me the closure I need and that Rafi q said Yorkshire ignored the recommendations from the his complaints of racism and tribunal will help bring about victimisation throughout 2018 change for our future genera- and the severe mental health is- tions in cricket.” sues he suff ered as a result of his The law fi rm representing treatment by the club included Rafi q, Chadwick Lawrence, said depression and contemplating the claim, which has gone to the suicide.

India’s captain Virat Kohli (C) attends a training session with teammates in Adelaide yesterday, ahead of the first Test against Australia. Women’s World Cup to start on March 4 AFP — are expected. Mayank Agarwal (61), Rishabh ribly out of form with Matthew want to make his mark in his Adelaide “We have a very senior team Pant (103 not out) and Hanuma Wade fi rming as the best option only Test of the series, before Dubai: The rescheduled Wom- a qualifying event in Sri Lanka now and can’t wait to get the Vihari (104 not out) all capital- to replace him. heading home for the birth of his en’s 50-over World Cup in New from June 26-July 10 next year. show on the road.” ised. India’s two best batsmen, That would open the door fi rst child. Zealand will start on March 4, Hosts New Zealand will take on op-ranked Australia are Despite losing the last series, Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara, for red-hot young all-rounder Ajinkya Rahane, who will as- 2022 with the final to be held a qualifying side in the opener plotting revenge in their Australia head into the four-Test sat out the match but Vihari Cameron Green, who Langer sume the captaincy when Kohli on April 3, the International in Tauranga while defending fi rst day-night Test showdown, where the Border- insisted their lack of pink-ball said would defi nitely play if he leaves, is a lock in the middle or- Cricket Council said yesterday. champions England, who won against fellow power- Gavaskar trophy and ICC World cricket would not hinder them. recovers from a mild concus- der alongside Vihari. The tournament was originally the previous event at home Thouse India tomorrow, as both Test Championship points are at “We’ve played a pink-ball sion. But their opening combina- scheduled for February-March in 2017 by defeating India at teams grapple with injuries and stake, with an apparent advan- Test before, so they’re used to “We’ve got tough decisions to tion remains in fl ux. Prithvi next year but was postponed Lord’s, are scheduled to meet selection dilemmas. tage before a ball is bowled. it... I’m sure being the profes- make, but tough decisions are Shaw and Agarwal are the cur- due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Australia the following day Virat Kohli’s men clinched They are the world’s most sionals they are, they’ll be very good decisions because it means rent openers but Gill’s com- The same six cities and venues in Hamilton. The postponed their maiden series in Australia successful team in day-night well equipped,” he said, while there is competition for spots,” posed 65 under lights gave se- will host the 31 matches during tournament will continue to in 2018-19, triumphing 2-1, but Tests, having played seven and admitting getting used to day- Langer added. lectors plenty to ponder. the tournament, with Hagley off er NZ$5.5mn ($3.89mn) in the hosts were without leading won the lot, including four in night cricket was “a challenge”. Their all-star bowling attack Like Australia, India have Oval in Christchurch to host prize money, up almost 60% batsmen Steve Smith and David Adelaide. “The twilight time when the is set in stone with quicks Josh what Sachin Tendulkar last week the final under the lights. from the last edition. Warner who were serving year- In contrast India, who were lights are on, it (the ball) does Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and called “a complete” bowling at- New Zealand, Australia, Eng- All eight teams will play each long bans for ball-tampering. long reluctant to embrace the a little bit in the air and off the Pat Cummins complemented tack, despite missing the injured land, South Africa and India other in a round-robin format Smith, the world’s number concept, remain novices, play- wicket.” But Vihari added: “I feel by spinner Nathan Lyon, Aus- Ishant Sharma. have qualified for the tourna- with the top four advancing to one batsman, is back and in ing just one day-night Test in as a team we are very well pre- tralia’s top wicket-taker in the Headlined by Mohamed Sha- ment, with three remaining the semi-finals. form, although in a massive Kolkata last year. pared.” last series. mi and Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh teams to be confirmed through blow Warner has been ruled out They thrashed Bangladesh in Warner’s injury is one of a se- India won the opening Test at Yadav is tipped for the third of the opening Test with a groin just over two days, limiting their ries of setbacks Langer has faced Adelaide in 2018 largely on the seamer’s spot with Ravi Ashwin injury. exposure to twilight conditions in recent weeks with concussed back of Pujara, who ground out and Kuldeep Yadav competing “It’s a great rivalry... bring where visibility can be an issue Will Pucovski, who was set to 123 then 71 to set up a 31-run to be the frontline spinner, with Bangladesh confirms Windies tour it on,” Australia coach Justin and the ball tends to swing as the take his place, also ruled out. win. Ravindra Jadeja injured. Langer said ahead of day one at sun sinks. Marcus Harris has been re- He again shapes as key, par- After Adelaide, the series Dhaka: Bangladesh yesterday tournament. Adelaide Oval, where more than India did enjoy a day-night called as cover, but who opens ticularly with Rohit Sharma out moves to Melbourne for the tra- said international cricket will return The 33-year-old wicketkeeper 20,000 fans — 50% capacity, warm-up in Sydney at the week- remains to be seen. injured. ditional Boxing Day Test, before to the country in January with a turned on Nasum Ahmed after the due to coronavirus restrictions end, where Shubman Gill (65), Incumbent Joe Burns is hor- Superstar skipper Kohli will games in Sydney and Brisbane. tour by the West Indies after the two nearly collided while going for Covid-19 disruption. a catch. The Caribbeans will play three Mushfiqur made the catch, but BOTTOMLINE one-day internationals and two then shied as if to throw the ball at Tests against the home side in Jan- Nasum, or land a blow. uary and February in what would He faced a storm of social media be the first series in the country criticism for his behaviour during Green to make debut against India if fi t, says Langer since March, said the Bangladesh the Bangabandhu Twenty20 Cup Cricket Board. game between his Beximco Dhaka Reuters “He can counterattack like David elaide. “We have planned to keep them side and Fortune Barishal. Adelaide Warner does and a lot of the great openers India’s regular captain Virat Kohli will strictly in a bio-secure environ- Bangladesh’s most capped player do. He can defi nitely do it. return home after Adelaide for the birth ment during the tour,” BCB chief was fined by the match referee “We just have to work out what the best of his fi rst child, leaving Rahane in charge executive off icer Nizamuddin after the game. ll-rounder Cameron Green make up of our team is going to be.” for the remaining three tests in the series. Chowdhury told AFP. “First of all... I would like to apolo- will make his Test debut against Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane said India The middle-order batsman said he was “We are now working with West gise to all my fans and spectators India in the fi rst game of the will miss experienced paceman Ishant not looking that far ahead. Indies Cricket Board about how regarding the incident that hap- series in Adelaide if he comes Sharma but their bowling attack is more “I believe in staying in the moment, the tour could proceed in the pened yesterday,” Mushfiqur wrote Athrough concussion protocols, Australia than capable of taking 20 wickets against staying in present,” he said. “Right now best way,” he said. According to on his Facebook page. coach Justin Langer said yesterday. the hosts. Virat is our captain.” an itinerary released by the BCB, “I have already apologised after The 21-year-old was struck on the head The 32-year-old Ishant, who has The pitches in Australia off er more the tourists will arrive on January the game to my fellow teammate when bowling to Jasprit Bumrah last week played 97 Test matches, was a vital cog pace and bounce for bowlers and present 10 and quarantine for seven days Nasum. in an Australia ‘A’ game and replaced un- in India’s 2-1 victory against Australia in a diff erent challenge for Indian batsmen, before a warm-up match against a “I am a human being above all and der the sport’s concussion rules. opening batsmen was proving to be one of their previous trip Down Under in 2018 who grow up playing on surfaces off ering local selection on January 18. the gesture that I have shown was Green is expected to train with the the harder decisions he faced ahead of the but has been ruled out of this series due low bounce and more spin. The first two ODIs of the series will not acceptable. I promise it won’t Australia squad over the next two days test, with David Warner and Will Pucov- to a side strain. Rahane had no concerns about play- be held in Dhaka on January 20 be repeated.” and undergo testing for any lingering ski out injured and Joe Burns out of form. “We do really have a very strong at- ing short-pitched bowling but said the and 22. Chittagong will host the The post was accompanied by a concussion symptoms ahead of the day- Langer was still keen on Burns taking tack,” Rahane told reporters ahead of batsmen would need to adapt to changing final ODI on January 25 before a photo of Mushfiq and Nasum. night match, which begins tomorrow. the role and he would be watched closely the opening day-night test in Adelaide, conditions during the twilight period in four-day warm-up match and the The Bangladesh Cricket Board “If he’s passed fi t he’ll defi nitely play,” at training over the next two days. which starts tomorrow. the day-night test. first Test from February 3-7. fined Mushfiqur a quarter of his Langer told reporters yesterday. “We’re There was no suggestion that Marnus “Yes we will defi nitely miss Ishant, (he) “Last time when we came here in 2018 Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla National match fee. just going through the concussion pro- Labuschange would be elevated from being a senior fast bowler. But guys who the wickets were really challenging... but Stadium will host the final Test “We considered his track record, tocols. his usual number three position, though are here...they all are really good, expe- we adjusted to those wickets really well,” from February 11-15. which is good,” said match ref- “If Cameron gets through the protocols Matthew Wade could be used as a make- rienced and know how to bowl in these he said. eree Roqibul Hasan, “but he was and he gets through training and he feels shift opener, Langer added. conditions. It is all about getting that “As a batting unit we can adapt to any Rahim apologises warned that if the act is repeated good...he’ll make his Test debut, which is “He’s got good footwork. He’s got the momentum. situation, any condition. Former Bangladesh captain Mush- he would be in trouble,”. very, very exciting for Australian cricket, game for it,” Langer said of the former “I do believe that we have the attack to I am not too concerned about short fiqur Rahim apologised to a team- Beximco Dhaka won the game by for him and his family.” wicketkeeper who has been batting in the get 20 wickets,” he said, adding that they balls, it’s all about having a positive mate yesterday after an angry nine runs to qualify for the Decem- Langer added that the selection of the middle order in the Test side. had yet to fi nalise their starting 11 for Ad- mindset as a batsman.” confrontation during a Twenty20 ber 18 final of the tournament.

Wednesday, December 16, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOCUS National Day an occasion to renew virtues of loyalty and solidarity: al-Thawadi ‘The National Day is an opportunity to express gratitude to the first generations who laid the foundations for our renaissance’

them to ensure readiness and QNA overcome the crisis together, as in the championship’s history. opening match at Al Bayt Sta- preparedness in the event of a Doha we did in other crises that pre- The associated policy applies to dium, as well as the launch of a ceded it during the past years.” all functional areas and projects strategic partnership between prolonged epidemic, pointing out He stressed that the prepara- involved in the preparations for the Qatar Football Association that Qatar’s hosting of a number E Secretary-General tions for the FIFA World Cup Qa- and staging of the tournament, in and the SC with the Confedera- of international tournaments of the Supreme Com- tar 2022 are progressing accord- addition to post-event activities. tion of North, Central America recently contributed to refi ning mittee for Delivery & ing to the specifi ed timetables Five sustainability commit- and Caribbean Association Foot- their knowledge and practical Legacy (SC) Hassan despite the Covid-19 pandemic, ments have been defi ned: to de- ball (CONCACAF), which in- experience of how to organise a Hal-Thawadi said that the an- as the country has implemented velop human capital and safe- cludes providing long-term pro- huge sporting event in a success- niversary of Sheikh Jassim bin strict health and safety protocols guard workers’ rights; to provide grams within football activities ful and safe manner during the Mohamed bin Thani assuming to protect workers from the vi- an inclusive tournament experi- for development across the re- outbreak of epidemics. the country’s reins is a dear occa- rus, adding that more than 90% ence; to catalyse economic devel- gion, and the participation of the During these tournaments, sion to all Qataris because it car- of infrastructure projects were opment; to deliver innovative en- Qatari team in the 2021 and 2023 Qatar applied the concept of the ries with it great connotations, completed more than two years vironmental solutions; and to set editions of the CONCACAF Gold health isolation department, the most prominent of which are before the start of the tourna- an example of good governance Cup, the most important tourna- which included rigorous tests laying the foundations for the ment. and ethical business practices. ment in that region. for all staff to monitor any posi- progress of the modern State of Al-Thawadi explained that Regarding vocational safety, he He noted that in terms of the tive case promptly, provide fi eld Qatar, leading its people towards this year’s National Day coin- said the SC received special rec- tournament’s organisational medical care for them and con- unity and laying down the prin- cides with the announcement ognition for its Workers Welfare readiness, FIFA and the State of stantly cleanse all tournament ciples that have become a beacon that the fourth World Cup stadi- programme from the Ministry of Qatar announced the hosting of facilities. Thanks to these tour- on which we have been pursuing um is ready, two years before the Municipality & Environment, and the FIFA Arab Cup 2021, which naments, the State of Qatar was until today, a matter which made start of the FIFA World Cup Qatar Al Thumama Stadium achieved a will be held at the end of 2021, able to test the readiness of the the State of Qatar win the praise 2022, to celebrate on this glorious signifi cant milestone by becom- as well as the Club World Cup in world cup facilities and the lo- of the world. national occasion the progress SC secretary-general HE Hassan al-Thawadi. ing the latest FIFA World Cup February of the same year, in ad- gistical tasks related to the teams In exclusive remarks to Qatar made in the level of the State’s Qatar 2022 project site to reach 20 dition to the successful hosting in stadiums, hotels and training News Agency (QNA) on the oc- preparations and the continuous third FIFA World Cup venue af- GSAS Design & Build (fi ve stars), million working hours without a of the AFC Champions League sites, and we are optimistic that casion of the National Day of achievements in the tasks related ter Al Janoub and Khalifa Inter- GSAS Construction Manage- lost time injury. The major mile- for East and West zones, leading this epidemic will not aff ect Qa- the State of Qatar, al-Thawadi to hosting the event, which will national Stadiums. All stadiums ment Class A* and GSAS Sea- stone was reached thanks to rig- to the fi nal match. All of which, tar’s hosting of the World Cup, said every year “we renew in this be held for the fi rst time in the will be completed a year before sonal Energy Effi ciency Ratio. orous health and safety standards he said, are in the interest of test- which will be held within two glorious anniversary, the Day of Arab world and the Middle East. the start of the tournament, he Al Bayt Stadium received GSAS implemented by the SC. ing our operational readiness of years, he added. Glory, Loyalty and Pride, loy- Last June, Qatar offi cially an- said. certifi cate in relation to the sta- He added that Qatar also wit- stadiums before the start of the He stressed that during the alty and belonging to our beloved nounced the readiness of the In this regard, he pointed out diums sustainability. nessed a number of important World Cup in a way that contrib- past years, and especially dur- country under the leadership of Education City Stadium, during that the Gulf Organisation for Regarding sustainability, he announcements on the road to utes to the continuous improve- ing the last year, the wise Qatari His Highness the Amir Sheikh a special digital event as a tribute Research & Development (Gord) said the SC in partnership with the start of the fi rst match of the ment of our plans, and confi rms leadership under His Highness Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.” to frontline healthcare workers has granted Al Rayyan Venue the FIFA began to develop and im- World Cup, including the disclo- the confi dence of FIFA and the the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Ha- Al-Thawadi said that Qatar during the Covid-19 pandemic, Global Sustainability Assess- plement the event’s Sustainabil- sure of the schedule of the World continental federations in our mad al-Thani, demonstrated invokes the spirit of hard work marking the readiness of the ment System (GSAS) awards: ity Strategy — the fi rst of its kind Cup matches and the date of the organisational capabilities, espe- fl exibility in dealing with various and diligence and true patriot- cially as the State of Qatar shifts political, economic and health ism represented in deeds and its interest from building infra- challenges that emerged with not words. “The National Day is structure to strengthening plan- the spread of the epidemic at the an opportunity for all who live in ning for operational operations beginning of the year. Last year the State of Qatar, citizens and and the experience of fans in or- proved the success of the Qatari residents to express their appre- der to reach the highest possible leadership’s insight to invest in ciation and gratitude to the fi rst degree of quality. health infrastructure and solid generations who laid the founda- Al-Thawadi touched on the ef- plans to deal with crises, and the tions for our renaissance, and to forts made by the SC to confront Qatari leadership with the solid- motivate the current generations the Covid-19 pandemic, say- ity of its position and its fi rm ad- to continue the path towards ing the committee has taken all herence to its principles dispelled prosperity and advancing the necessary measures to protect attempts to question the capabil- future generations, so that Qatar workers from the risk of infection ities of the State of Qatar to con- becomes a beacon that guides all with the Covid-19 in accordance tinue the development process, those with determination and with the preventive measures at times when crises plague the opinion,” he continued. approved by the Ministry of Pub- economies of countries around He highlighted the values of lic Health (MoPH). He said that the world. loyalty and solidarity among all, they have benefi ted from their The State of Qatar surpassed adding that the late founder con- widespread medical clinics in all these challenges with great wis- solidated the values that turned construction sites and workers’ dom, he said, adding that it over- Qataris into one society that accommodation in implement- came them in record time thanks supports each other, especially ing many measures to prevent to the wise vision of Qatari lead- during diffi cult times. “In 2020, the virus, adding work rates have ership, which transformed chal- the crisis of the novel coronavi- slowed slightly since the begin- lenges into achievements by rus (Covid-19) aff ected the whole ning of the Covid-19 pandemic fi nding alternative opportunities world. The young leadership of in our concern for the health and and ideal solutions, enhancing the State of Qatar demonstrated safety of each of our workers, but national development opportu- its ability and preparations in ad- this did not aff ect in any way the nities, relying on local capabili- dressing the crisis and adapting schedule and preparations for the ties to enhance opportunities for to it by planning and coordinat- World Cup in general. sustainable development, diver- ing response between all parties, He said that they have recon- sifying the Qatari economy, and and co-operation between all sidered their emergency plans, achieving prosperity for citizens spectrums of society, until we Al Rayyan Venue will host the Amir Cup final between Al Sadd and Al Arabi on December 18, the Qatar National Day. and they were keen to amend and residents of this good country.

BOTTOMLINE SPOTLIGHT Skills test for horseback archery competition today Vodafone covers

By Sports Reporter Sokcho in South Korea and had 69 Doha competitors from 22 countries. Al- Al Rayyan Venue Mudhahka said that the team was proud of the results and the ap- he Qatar Equestrian Fed- preciation they received from the with 5G network eration (QEF) will be con- international federation for devel- ducting a skill test today oping the game in the Arab region. n yet another 5G mile- ate, so will fans’ expectation at the QEF’s outdoor Qatar has been working on de- stone, Vodafone Qatar for super-fast connectivity. Tarena for riders who are seeking veloping the sport in the region announced that it has The ability to share videos, to qualify for the fi rst horseback for the past fi ve years and a spe- expanded its 5G network pictures and messages with archery competition to be held on cialised training centre has also Ito cover Al Rayyan Venue, people online will be an im- December 28. been established, he informed. paving the way for a truly portant aspect of the fan ex- Called the Al Nashaab Cham- “The sport is popular not only in incredible experience for perience and with more than pionship, the competition will be Qatar but in the Gulf in general. fans during the FIFA World a million people expected to held in co-operation with Qatar’s It started with me personally, and Cup Qatar 2022 and for all travel to the Middle East’s Horseback Archery Society, it was now we have Kuwait, Bahrain, other local and international fi rst World Cup, the level of announced by members of the Saudi Arabia and Qatar with seven sporting events to take place connectivity and sharing will Oragnising Committee Ali Yousef horseback archery schools. This in the stadium. be exceptional. al-Rumaihi, Assistant General- has been a 10-year long eff ort. The country will get its The incredibly fast speeds Secretary, QEF, and Fouad al- The fi rst Arab country to excel in fi rst glimpse of the visu- and ultra-low latency that 5G Mudhahka of Horseback Archery this was Jordan. ally stunning and culturally technology delivers enabling Society, it was announced a fort- “I focused on spreading this important 40,000 capacity fans to stay seamlessly con- night ago. sport as a culture in 2011. I bought venue on December 18 when nected during the tourna- For the qualifi cation skill test, a farm in 2013 and in 2014 for the stadium plays host to Al ment will form a large part of participants will have to aim at training and participated in the Sadd and Al Arabi, and spec- delivering an unforgettable targets from a horseback in a 90m fi rst tournament in Malaysia tators can capture the event’s experience for those inside arena. Participants need to have where I benefi ted from the expe- highlights via 5G smart- the 2022 venues. Vodafone a passport for their horses who rience and got to know the world phones powered by Vodafone Qatar is fully prepared to must be vaccinated and will be champions. I then began train- Qatar’s incredibly fast 5G deliver this experience not required to clear a test before the should be 18 or above. Entrants sidered as one of the important petar) and Abdulaziz al-Qahtani ing and participating in tourna- network. only in the stadiums but event. Participants must also ob- must wear the helmet and horse upcoming sports activity in Qa- (Engineer at Qatar Petroleum), ments professionally,” explained Al Rayyan Stadium is the across the country. Since the tain a rider’s ID from the technical riding shoes over traditional wear tar. The organisers aim to attract participated in the 15th edition al-Mudhahka. “We are now look- third Qatar 2022 stadium to Company switched on its 5G offi ce of the QEF, organisers said. and the horse must be over fi ve- youth with such skills to take up of World Horse Shooting Cham- ing to have more young amateur be covered with Vodafone network 2 years ago, Voda- The QEF said that junior rid- years-old. A maximum of two the sport. A team from the Horse- pionship in South Korea in 2019, horseback archers who can excel GigaNet 5G, following Al fone’s 5G network has rapidly ers must be in the 12-18 age cat- players may participate on one back Archery Society, represented where they achieved good results. with more training. The sport has Janoub and Education City. expanded to now cover 75% egory, while male riders intending horse. by Fouad al-Mudhahka (Director The team was participating for a historic and Islamic connection As Qatar’s 2022 World of Doha and other key areas to take part in the senior event Horseback archery is con- of Foreign Medical Projects, As- a third time in this event held at and is linked to our heritage.” Cup preparations acceler- outside the capital.