Tag: Paris 2024

Olympics Drama: Italian boxer, Carini stops fight against Algerian opponent, cites unequal Contest

Italy’s Angela Carini abandoned her Olympic bout against Algerian boxer Imane Khelif within 46 seconds, stating, “I had to preserve my life.”

Khelif is one of two athletes cleared to compete in women’s boxing in Paris after being disqualified from last year’s Women’s World Championships for failing to meet eligibility criteria. The International Olympic Committee (IOC), which did not organize the World Championships but is running the boxing event at Paris 2024, said welterweight Khelif was disqualified in India due to elevated testosterone levels.

After receiving a bye in the first round at the Olympics, the 25-year-old Khelif, who also competed at the Tokyo Games, entered Arena Paris Nord on Thursday to much applause from the Algerian crowd. Carini took a punch to the face within 30 seconds and went to her corner for her coach to fix her headgear. After briefly resuming, she returned to her corner and stopped the fight.

Just before Khelif’s arm was raised by the referee, Carini could be heard saying, “It’s not right.” She was in tears as she faced the media after the bout.

“I wasn’t able to finish the match. I felt a strong pain in my nose and, with the experience and maturity I have as a woman, I decided to stop. I hope my nation and my dad won’t take it badly, but I had to preserve my life,” Carini told BBC Sport.

“It could have been the match of a lifetime, but I had to preserve my life in that moment. I don’t fear the ring or taking blows, but I couldn’t continue this time.”

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told Italian media: “It matters to compete on equal grounds, and, from my point of view, it was not an even contest.”

Speaking about Khelif, Carini said, “I wish her to carry on until the end and that she can be happy. I am someone who doesn’t judge anyone. I am not here to give judgments.”

Khelif, who has lost nine times in her 50-fight career, told BBC Sport, “I’m here for the gold – I fight everybody.”

In a statement on Thursday, the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit and IOC criticized the International Boxing Association (IBA), stating Khelif and Lin “were the victims of a sudden and arbitrary decision by the IBA.”

“Towards the end of the IBA World Championships in 2023, they were suddenly disqualified without any due process,” the IOC said. “The current aggression against these two athletes is based entirely on this arbitrary decision, which was taken without any proper procedure – especially considering that these athletes had been competing in top-level competition for many years. Such an approach is contrary to good governance.”

August 2, 2024
Paris 2024: Table Tennis ‘Granny’ makes Olympic debut at 58

Zhiying Zeng, known as Tania in Chile, was a member of China’s professional youth table tennis team in the 70s but retired in 1986 at the age of 20.

Overwhelmed by the introduction of the ‘two-colour rule,’ which required bi-colour paddles, she decided to bow out, according to The Guardian.

Born in 1966 in Guangzhou, China, Zeng was raised in a family passionate about table tennis.

Her mother, a table tennis coach, trained her until she was 9. Zeng swiftly climbed the ranks, winning numerous regional tournaments and becoming a junior national champion.

By age 16, she was part of the Chinese national team. However, the rule change significantly impacted her game, leading her to retire early.

In 1989, a school in Chile invited Zeng to become a table tennis coach, a move that changed her life.

She resumed playing a few years later, winning national-level tournaments in 2004 and 2005, but paused her career again when her son started playing the sport.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Zeng bought a table tennis table to stay active during Chile’s lockdown. She entered local tournaments when restrictions lifted and by 2023 was the highest-ranked women’s player in the country. She joined Chile’s national team and qualified to represent them at the 2024 Olympic Games.

At 57, Zeng became a sensation at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, earning her spot at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Though she lost to Lebanon’s Mariana Sahakian in the preliminary rounds, her journey to the Olympics remains inspirational.

“My dad was able to see his daughter qualify for the Olympics,” Zeng said. “He used to take me to training and matches when I was a girl and now at 57, I made it. I made it.”

Reflecting on her Olympic debut, Zeng said, “I don’t feel very sad because this is sport. My husband, my sons, everyone I love and care about were there shouting my name. I feel so content.”

August 1, 2024
Olympics: Canada progress to quarter-finals despite 6 point deduction

Defending champions Canada reached the quarter-finals of the women’s Olympics football tournament on Wednesday in Nice hours after they had an appeal against their six-point deduction dismissed.

The Canadians qualified after a 1-0 win over Colombia who also booked their spot in the knockouts on Wednesday, along with France, Germany, Japan and Brazil.

Wednesday’s results have thus set up some tantalising last-eight ties.

Canada will take on Germany, the U.S. will meet Japan, Spain will face Colombia and France are to take on Brazil, with the quarter-finals being held on Saturday.

Canada were docked six points following a drone spying scandal that led to the suspension of coach Bev Priestman and other staff members.

Their appeal against the FIFA sanction was dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport earlier in the day.

With the top two teams in each of the three groups advancing, along with two best third-placed sides, Canada were now led by assistant coach Andy Spence.

But they needed maximum points against Colombia to progress from Group A.

After wins against New Zealand and hosts France, Vanessa Gilles scored in the 61st minute against Colombia following a set-piece.

It was enough to send them into the knockouts after finishing second in the standings with three points.

In spite of the defeat, Colombia reached their first-ever Olympics quarter-finals after finishing as one of the best third-placed sides.

France advanced with a 2-1 win over New Zealand in Lyon, courtesy of Marie-Antoinette Katoto’s double to finish as Group A winners.

Katoto opened the scoring with a header in the 22nd minute before New Zealand levelled with a fine Kate Taylor volley three minutes before the break.

Katoto, however, netted her second five minutes after the restart to become the tournament’s leading scorer with five goals.

Germany thrashed Zambia 4-1 in St Etienne with a brace from Lea Schueller and goals from Klara Buehl and Elisa Senss to clinch a spot in the next round.

They finished in second place in Group B.

Schueller opened the scoring for the 2016 gold medallists 10 minutes in, before Bruhl doubled the advantage from long-range two minutes after the break.

Zambia’s Barbra Banda profited from a blunder by the German goalkeeper to net her fourth goal of the tournament.

But Schueller made it 3-1 in the 61st minute, before Senss sealed the rout in stoppage-time.

Australia were eliminated after a 2-1 defeat to the U.S. left them third in Group B with three points, but with an inferior goal difference to the other two third-placed sides, Brazil and Colombia.

The already-qualified U.S. produced another dominant performance to finish the group stage with a perfect nine points.

Trinity Rodman put the four-times gold medallists ahead in the 43rd minute and Korbin Albert made it 2-0 with a terrific shot in the 77th minute.

Alanna Kennedy then pulled one back for Australia in stoppage-time.

In Group C, Brazil lost 2-0 to Spain, who had already booked their knockout spot and claimed their third straight win thanks to second-half goals from Athenea del Castillo and Alexia Putellas.

Brazil’s all-time leading scorer Marta, who is retiring from international football this year, was left in tears after a dangerous challenge on Spain’s Olga Carmona.

That was after the act earned her a red card in the final seconds of the first half.

Del Castillo dealt Brazil another blow scoring in the 68th minute before a superb strike from Putellas sealed the triumph for the World Cup winners, who finished top of Group C.

Group C runners-up Japan beat Nigeria’s Super Falcons 3-1 in Nantes to finish with six points.

Chelsea’s Maika Hamano opened the scoring in the 22nd minute and Mina Tanaka added another 10 minutes later.

Jennifer Echegini made it 2-1 three minutes from halftime but Hikaru Kitagawa secured Japan the win with a free kick.

August 1, 2024
Olympics: Opeyori loses again to end Nigeria’s medal hopes from badminton

Anuoluwapo Opeyori, Nigeria’s lone entry in the badminton competition of the ongoing Olympic Games in Paris, on Wednesday made his exit from the event.

Opeyori, whose chances had looked slim from the beginning, lost his second and final Group N game 0-2 to China’s Li Shi Feng.

Playing at La Chapelle Arena Court 2 in Paris in a men’s singles group play stage fixture, Opeyori failed to hold his own to lose 17-21 17-21.

The loss was Opeyori’s second in his three-player group, where only the group winner advances to the quarter-finals.

He had earlier, on Tuesday, lost his first match 0-2 (20-22 14-21) to Switzerland’s Tobias Kuenzi, thereby finishing bottom of the group.

Opeyori’s exit from the competition meant Nigeria will now only be looking forward to honours from sports other than badminton, table tennis, football and boxing at the Games.

August 1, 2024
Olympics: Brazil football great Marta sees red in 2-0 defeat to Spain

Brazilian women football legend Marta on Wednesday left the pitch in tears as her career with the national team most likely ended on a sad note.

A red card in a 2-0 defeat to Spain in their group final at the Olympic Games may be the end of the 38-year-old’s illustrious international career.

Although Brazil finished third in their group and qualified for the quarter-finals of the Olympic tournament, Marta is likely to be suspended for at least two matches.

This was after getting a straight red card against Spain.

She would therefore not be available to her team again, until the final match at the earliest.

The striker was therefore completely distraught after her red card and left the pitch in tears in the dying minutes of the first half.

That was after she was shown the red card for a high kick on Spain’s Olga Cardona more appropriate to a tatami than a football pitch.

The six-time FIFA best player of the year, who had announced her retirement from the national team before the tournament, is playing in her sixth Olympic Games.

She won Olympic silver medals at Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008, losing to the U.S on both occasions, and came closest to World Cup glory in 2007 when Brazil lost to Germany.

Marta is Brazil’s record goalscorer and for many years was regarded as one of the biggest stars in women’s football as well as being considered one of the sport’s trailblazers.

August 1, 2024
Paris 2024: Nigeria’s Super Falcons crash out of Olympic Games

The Super Falcons’ campaign at the Paris Olympics has come to an end following a 3-1 defeat to Japan in their final Group C match. This loss sealed their disappointing exit from the competition.

Having lost their first two games against Brazil and Spain, Nigeria entered Wednesday’s match with a slim chance of advancing to the quarter-finals.

However, Japan dashed those hopes by scoring twice within ten minutes, starting from the 22nd minute, leaving Coach Randy Waldrum’s team without a path forward.

The results meant that Spain who defeated Brazil 1-0 in the other group C encounter finish top of the group while Japan come in second.

Meanwhile, Brazil who defeated Nigeria in the first game of group C finish in third position and will now proceed to the quarter -finals as one of the best third places teams in the competition.

July 31, 2024
Djokovic reaches quarter-finals for record fourth time

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic reached the Olympics men’s singles quarter-finals for a record fourth time by beating Germany’s Dominic Koepfer 7-5 6-3 on Wednesday.

For all his 24 Grand Slam titles and countless other accolades, the Olympics has never been especially kind to the 37-year-old for whom a bronze medal remains his only souvenir.

Paris is most likely his last opportunity to fill the only unoccupied space in his bulging trophy cabinet.

So far, everything is going entirely to plan at Roland Garros as he is yet to drop a set in three rounds.

If he beats Stefanos Tsitsipas in the next round he will be in his fourth Olympics singles semi-final, although the only time that led to a medal was at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

Eighth seed Tsitsipas, who beat Argentina’s Sebastian Baez on Wednesday, will present a formidable obstacle.

He led Djokovic by two sets to love in the 2021 French Open final only to eventually succumb in five.

“I don’t expect anything less than a big fight and a tight match,” Djokovic said of Thursday’s clash.

“The goal is to get to the finals and have a battle for that gold.”

All four women’s singles quarter-finals were scheduled for day five and the first of them produced another shock in the women’s draw.

Slovakia’s Anna Karolina Schmiedlova beat Czech Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova 6-4 6-2.

Later, top seed Iga Swiatek of Poland was in action against American Danielle Collins.

After the emotions and hyperbole of Djokovic’s previous round against his claycourt nemesis Rafa Nadal, the atmosphere on a muggy Court Philippe Chatrier was sedate.

He comfortably dispatched 30-year-old Koepfer after some initial trouble.

Djokovic earned an early service break with an exquisite drop shot but handed back the advantage immediately.

Koepfer looked confident after four wins across singles and doubles so far in the Olympic tennis at Roland Garros.

But he undid all his good work at 5-6 down when a bungled drop shot attempt and an errant backhand handed Djokovic the set.

The German needed medical treatment early in the second set and his resistance quickly faded as Djokovic recorded his 16th career singles win at the Olympics.

It was the most by any player since tennis returned to the Games in 1988.

Second seed Carlos Alcaraz will also aim to reach the singles quarter-finals later when he plays Roman Safiullin before returning with Nadal for a doubles quarter-finals game.

There were mixed fortunes for American men on day five of the tournament as Tommy Paul ended French hopes of a medal by beating Corentin Moutet 7-6(5) 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals.

But Taylor Fritz could not join him, going down 7-5 6-4 to Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti.

July 31, 2024
Paris 2024: Olympian Luke Plapp shares gruesome injury after devastating Cycling crash

Australian Olympian Luke Plapp has displayed a gruesome gash following a horrific cycling crash. Plapp, 23, came off his bike during a time trial after the 13.1km checkpoint on Sunday and was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent abdominal surgery.

Plapp shared a video on social media with his 31.5k followers, showing the fresh wound as he received treatment. Despite the severe injury, Plapp remained in good spirits, adding an optimistic caption.

“Paris 2024, I had dreamt of this day for the last three years – not how I had imagined it, but I will definitely remember you. Still in hospital for the time being, but lucky to have my best mates by my side and support from everyone. See you in 1,445 days LA [The Olympic Games in 2028],” he wrote.

Many fans filled the comment section with wishes for a speedy recovery.

July 31, 2024
Paris 2024: Hope rises for Favour Ofili as Sports Minister intervenes on her behalf

Nigeria’s minister of Sports, Senator John Owan Eno has intervened in the omission of Nigeria medal prospect, Favour Ofili in the100 metres event at the ongoing Paris Olympics.

TheNewsGuru.com reports that Ofili raised an alarm about her omission in the 100 metres dash after preparing for it for four years.

Few hours after the story broke, the Sports Minister intervened on her case, vowing to get to the root of the matter.

Consequently, Minister Eno reached out to the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) to address her exclusion from the race.

The minister made this known via his official X handle on Wednesday.

He wrote: “On July 28, 2024, as Minister of Sports Development, I visited and addressed Team Nigeria athletes at the Games Village in Paris. It was a no-holds-barred session, followed by my customary personal interaction with the athletes, allowing them to express their concerns directly to me, a tradition I have maintained as Minister. I have always encouraged athletes to reach out to me directly with any issues.

“Reflecting on past events, when Favour Ofili faced issues at the African Championships in Douala, I personally reached out to understand her side of the story. This time is no different. Favour Ofili contacted me directly, expressing her concerns regarding her races. I immediately called Professor Ken Anugweje, the head of the Ministerial Podium Performance Committee, to ensure that Ofili’s issues were addressed promptly. He informed me shortly afterward that he had contacted Chief Solomon Ogba, the 1st Vice President of the NOC, and that the matter was being handled.

“Upon learning of Ofili’s distress this morning, I reached out to the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN). The Technical Director, Samuel Onikeku, confirmed that Favour Ofili was registered for the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay. The Secretary General of AFN also affirmed that the final list sent to the NOC, the only body recognized by the International Olympic Committee for such submissions, included Ofili for the 100m. I am in contact with the President of the NOC and await his explanation.

“Favour Ofili has consistently proven her excellence, being among the top eight at the World Championships, a Commonwealth Games silver medalist, an African Games champion, a former World U20 champion, and an African Senior Athletics Championships champion in the 200m.

“As Minister of Sports, I will not tolerate such recklessness. This situation is highly inexcusable, and there will be thorough investigations and sanctions to address this gross negligence. All parties must take their responsibilities seriously. The current operations of the Federal Ministry of Sports Development do not permit incompetence at any level.

“As an immediate measure, the Athletic Federation of Nigeria and the Nigeria Olympic Committee must ensure that Favour Ofili is not deprived of the opportunity to compete in the races for which she is qualified and registered to represent Nigeria at the Paris Olympics. She is committed to showcasing her talent and dedication”

Athletics event at the Paris Olympics will begin tomorrow Thursday, August 1st.

July 31, 2024
Paris 2024: Nigerian Sprinter, Favour Ofili denied 100M spot, blames Nigerian sport authorities

Favour Ofili, a promising Nigerian athlete at the ongoing Paris Olympics, will not participate in the women’s 100m event, a competition she had eagerly anticipated. She attributes this setback to the country’s sports authorities.

Ofili, who competes in both the 100m and 200m events, was set to represent Nigeria alongside Tima Godbless and Rosemary Chukwuma in the 100m. However, she revealed that the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), and the National Anti-Doping Committee (NADC) failed to register her for the event, thus denying her the chance to compete.

In a social media post on Tuesday night, Ofili expressed her disappointment: “It is with great regret that I have just been told I will not be competing in the 100 meters at this Olympic Games. I qualified, but those with the AFN and NOC failed to enter my name. I have worked for 4 years to earn this opportunity. For what…to not be entered and compete at the Olympic Games because the responsible organization failed to enter me?

“Please remember, in the last Olympic Games I was not able to compete because AFN, NADC, and NOC failed to release funds for athletes in the USA to be tested, which made 14 Nigerian athletes that qualified unable to compete. Now THIS… If those responsible are NOT held accountable for taking this opportunity from me, neither organization can EVER be trusted in the future! Next one is the 200 meters, I HOPE I’M ENTERED.

July 31, 2024