China's Pork Obsession Hurts Global Badminton First Sports With Rupha Ramani
China is a badminton superpower, but its obsession with pork might just be crippling the sport it once dominated. Rupha Ramani breaks down how China's massive pork consumption, which accounts for over 60% of its meat intake, is indirectly causing a global shortage of duck and goose farming, crucial birds whose feathers are used to make shuttlecocks. As pork prices drop, fewer farmers are raising ducks and geese, driving up the cost of shuttlecocks dramatically. And countries like France, where badminton is booming post-Paris Olympics, are starting to feel the heat. With 90% of duck and goose feather production based in Asia (mostly China), and climate change compounding the issue, could China's dietary preferences be the unexpected villain in badminton's growth story?
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News18
8 hours ago
- News18
Watch: Noah Lyles Shoved By Kenny Bednarek After Winning 200 Meters At US Nationals
Noah Lyles won the 200m at the U.S. track championships, overtaking Kenny Bednarek and sparking a post-race confrontation. Noah Lyles delivered the day's most significant performance on the track, overtaking Kenny Bednarek for the win and then taunting him. Bednarek responded with a two-handed shove after the finish line, accompanied by heated words and a challenge for a rematch that can't come soon enough. Sunday's U.S. track championships turned physical when Lyles and Bednarek engaged in a shoving and shouting match as they finished the hotly contested 200-meter final at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. 'Like I've said before, Noah's going be Noah," Bednarek remarked. 'If he wants to stare me down, that's fine." Lyles surpassed Bednarek and finished in 19.63 seconds for a .04-second victory, setting up a rematch at the world championships on September 19 in Tokyo. The real drama unfolded after the finish line. There was jawing, shoving, and Lyles turning around, backpedaling, extending his arms, and bouncing like a boxer before throwing more choice words at Bednarek. Their confrontation spilled into what is usually a celebratory NBC winner's interview. 'If you've got a problem, I expect a call," Bednarek said, as the network's Lewis Johnson moved the mic between them. Although they shook hands during the tense post-race moment, Bednarek remained fired up well after leaving the track. 'The summary is, don't do that to me," Bednarek said. 'I don't do any of that stuff. It's not good character right there. That's pretty much it. At the end of the day, he won the race. I've got to give him props. He was the better man today." Lyles' victory was expected, being the three-time defending world champion who must overcome Bednarek to make it four in Tokyo. Bednarek was asked what Lyles said as he gloated after securing his fifth national title at his favourite distance. 'What he said didn't matter, it's just what he did," Bednarek stated. 'Unsportsmanlike (expletive) and I don't deal with that. It's a respect factor. He's fresh. Last time we lined it up, I beat him, that's all I can say. Next time we line up, I'm going to win. That's all that matters." When asked about his role in the conflict, Lyles was reserved: 'On coach's orders, no comment." Track desperately needs some energy in the post-Olympic year and post-Usain Bolt era. Who better to provide it than Lyles, the sport's most engaging character this side of Sha'Carri Richardson, who was again in off-the-track headlines this weekend. Up to now, track media and the athletes themselves have tried to generate rivalries between Lyles and Erriyon Knighton (fizzled), or Lyles and Letsile Tebogo (beat him in the Olympics last year) or, of course, between Lyles and NFL receiver Tyreek Hill (supposed grudge match never took place). It turns out, they probably should have looked at the lane next to him. Bednarek has won silver and beaten Lyles the last two times they've lined up in the 200 at the Olympics, even though Lyles faced issues at both—mental health in Tokyo, and COVID in Paris. Bednarek referenced some long-simmering issues between them. 'Just some personal stuff we've got to handle," he said. But when asked for more details about the burgeoning rivalry, Lyles remained focused on his challenging year after an April injury kept him out of spikes until June. 'If they ain't gonna beat me now, they ain't gonna beat me ever," Lyles said. Bednarek isn't so sure. The 200 final was Bednarek's fifth race of the week, including three heats of the 100 meters, where he won the final Friday. Lyles, who has an automatic spot at worlds in that event as the defending champion, only ran one heat of the 100. 'We'll go fresh and we'll see what happens," Bednarek said. 'Because I'm very confident I can beat him. That's all I can say." Other Major Highlights Melissa Jefferson-Wooden won the 200 in a personal-best time of 21.84 seconds, while Olympic champion Gabby Thomas had to wait a few anxious moments to see if she earned a spot on the world team. She did, as her name popped up in third place. It was a winning weekend for Jefferson-Wooden, who also captured the 100 on Friday. She will be joined in the 100 at worlds by Richardson, who has an automatic spot as the defending champion. Richardson didn't advance to the final in the 200. The women's 400 hurdles was wide open with Olympic champion and world-record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone electing to focus on the open 400 (she won the event Saturday). Dalilah Muhammad, 35, took control and cruised to the win. One of the afternoon's most exciting finishes was in the men's 800 meters, where 2019 world champion Donavan Brazier used a strong kick to hold off 16-year-old Cooper Lutkenhaus and Bryce Hoppel. In the 5,000 meters, Shelby Houlihan held off Elise Cranny by less than a second to win the title. Houlihan returned to the track this year after serving a four-year doping ban. The former U.S. record holder in the 5,000 tested positive after eating a burrito she claimed was tainted with a performance-enhancing drug. With AP Inputs About the Author Feroz Khan Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in More News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Kenny Bednarek Noah Lyles view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: August 04, 2025, 08:57 IST News sports Watch: Noah Lyles Shoved By Kenny Bednarek After Winning 200 Meters At US Nationals Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Time of India
NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors Reportedly Want This 1 Thing From the Sacramento Kings in a Jonathan Kuminga Deal
Stephen Curry and Jonathan Kuminga (Image via Imagn) Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga continues to be at the center of trade speculation this offseason, with the Sacramento Kings emerging as a potential trade partner. While the market for Kuminga has cooled off recently, there's still traction - provided the right conditions are met. According to NBA insider Sam Amick, the Warriors are particularly focused on one key asset from the Sacramento Kings: an unprotected 2030 first-round draft pick. Golden State Warriors' Main Target: The 2030 Unprotected Pick The Golden State Warriors ' current stance isn't about acquiring young talent from Sacramento, such as Keegan Murray or Keon Ellis. Instead, their attention is firmly set on a long-term asset. 'I was actually told that Keegan Murray and Keon Ellis have not even been discussed for what it's worth,' Sam Amick said on 95.7 The Game, via Hoopshype. 'The Warriors' focus seems to be on the pick… go completely unprotected on the 2030 first rounder.' Amick further suggested that if the Sacramento Kings were to meet that demand, a trade could materialize quickly. This indicates that Golden State values the long-term potential of a draft asset more than the immediate contributions of developing players. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 Most Beautiful Women Ever Today's NYC Undo Why the 2030 Pick Matters Jonathan Kuminga in action (Image via Instagram / @jonathan_kuminga) Sacramento's 2030 draft pick holds potential value, especially considering how unpredictable the NBA landscape can be over the next five years. If the Sacramento Kings regress or rebuild by then, an unprotected first-rounder could turn into a high lottery pick - something the Golden State Warriors are evidently banking on. Potential Trade Structure Team Gives Up Receives Warriors Jonathan Kuminga 2030 unprotected 1st-round pick Sacramento Kings 2030 unprotected 1st-round pick Jonathan Kuminga Jonathan Kuminga's Complicated Fit in Golden State Jonathan Kuminga has always been a polarizing figure for the Warriors. Despite being the 7th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, his fit within Steve Kerr's motion-heavy offense remains under scrutiny. Kuminga showed flashes of brilliance, particularly when Stephen Curry was sidelined during the 2025 playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, questions linger about whether Kuminga complements Curry's style or holds the ball too long to thrive in the Warriors' system. Golden State Warriors Stuck Between Two Timelines Golden State's reported preference for a future pick over a young prospect suggests a long-term vision - an ironic twist for a team still attempting to squeeze the most out of Stephen Curry's remaining years. The Golden State Warriors' front office, led by Mike Dunleavy Jr., may soon have to make a decisive call: push for one final title run with Curry or begin preparing for the post-Curry era. Trading Jonathan Kuminga for a far-off draft pick would be a clear signal of the latter. One thing is certain - the clock is ticking, and Kuminga's future in the Bay Area may be decided sooner rather than later. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Hindustan Times
19 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Luka Doncic's $165M Lakers deal comes with Backstreet Boys surprise
Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic signed a three-year, $165 million contract extension, keeping him in the purple and gold at least until 2028. Luka celebrated the extension with a night out in Las Vegas with his team and all-time favorite boy band: the Backstreet Boys. The Lakers secure Luka Doncic with a whopping $165 million extension.(AFP) The celebration was a surprise bash planned by Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka and Head Coach JJ Redick, who accompanied the 25-year-old player to the Sphere in Vegas to see the iconic pop group's concert, according to stated ProFootballNetwork report. A personalised celebration for Doncic Doncic previously told ESPN's Malika Andrews that he was a lifelong fan of the Backstreet Boys. The Lakers staff clearly took note. Following his signing on Saturday morning, Doncic was treated to a VIP experience at the concert, complete with backstage access and a viral moment with band member Brian Littrell, the report added. In the video, shared by the pop band on Instagram, Littrell is seen speaking to Luka at eye level, and when the camera zooms out, it is revealed that the musician is standing on a table. The band captioned the post, stating, 'A Backstreet Boy trying to talk to an NBA player at eye level.' The video was circulated across different platforms as fans gushed over the wholesome moment. Doncic's extension secures Lakers' future post-LeBron According to another Athlon Sports report, the deal ends months of speculation around Doncic's future and positions the Slovenian star as the franchise's next centerpiece, especially with LeBron James potentially entering his final NBA season. Also read: Luka Doncic contract extension: Lakers star makes huge announcement after signing deal; wins hearts With James picking up his $52.6 million player option, the Lakers are locked in for at least one season of a LeBron-Doncic super-duo. Following the extension, Luka posted on X (formerly Twitter) and wrote, 'This is just the beginning.' He expressed gratitude for the Lakers, his team, and the fans who have 'shown love since day one'. Following a season where he averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists in the regular season over 28 games, Dončić is now intent on continuing to help the Lakers win their 18th championship. Dončić was able to join an elite company in Lakers postseason history, averaging 30 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, and even though the Lakers were eliminated in the playoffs by the Timberwolves. He earned a Men's Health cover feature for his hard-won conditioning during the offseason, and he made a concerted effort to recruit players like Marcus Smart and DeAndre Ayton. FAQs Q1: How much is Luka Dončić's contract with the Lakers worth? A: Dončić signed a three-year, $165 million extension with the Lakers. Q2: Why did the Lakers take Dončić to a Backstreet Boys concert? A: The celebration was personalised. Dončić had previously said they were his favourite boy band. Q3: Who organised the celebration? A: Lakers GM Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick planned the Vegas surprise. Q4: How did Dončić perform with the Lakers last season? A: He averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists in the regular season, and 30+ points in the playoffs. Q5: What's next for the Lakers? A: With Dončić, LeBron, and new additions like Ayton and Smart, the Lakers are targeting a championship run in the 2025-26 season.
