Latest news with #ParalympicGames
ABC News
11 hours ago
- Sport
- ABC News
Community fights Singapore-style makeover for Mt Coot-tha
The Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games are seven years away but the city is already planning for its moment in the global spotlight. But some plans to refresh local icons have locals concerned. Antonia O'Flaherty reports.
Qatar Tribune
2 days ago
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar's bid to host 2036 Olympics a strategic leap toward global sporting leadership: Experts
Khaled Al Hameidi Doha In a historic and unprecedented move for the Arab world, Qatar has officially submitted its bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. This makes Qatar the first Arab and Middle Eastern nation to seek the honour of organising the world's largest sporting event. The announcement follows recent discussions between the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and stands as a powerful testament to Qatar's confidence in its organisational capabilities and its extensive experience in hosting major global sports events. This bold step is seen as a natural extension of Qatar's longstanding sports legacy, which culminated in the successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022—widely praised for its innovation, infrastructure, and fan experience. Qatar has also hosted other landmark competitions such as the World Athletics Championships and the FINA World Swimming Championships, steadily reinforcing its status as a premier global sporting destination. The momentum behind Qatar's Olympic bid is further amplified by the candidacy of President of the Qatar Olympic Committee His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani for the presidency of the Olympic Council of Asia, declared on July 16. This strategic move reflects Qatar's commitment to broadening its influence in the regional and international sports arena and playing a pivotal role in advancing unity and excellence in Asian sports. To explore the deeper significance of this historic Olympic bid, Qatar Tribune sought exclusive commentary from regional and international experts, including Qatari sports analyst Suleiman Al Marri, Iraqi sports commentator Laith Al Qaisi, and Canada-based sports writer Dr. Anas Ziad. Their insights shed light on the strategic, social, and geopolitical dimensions of Qatar's bold move. Qatar is ready, technically and philosophically: Suleiman Al Marri Speaking to Qatar Tribune, Qatari sports photographer Suleiman Al Marri emphasised that the Olympic bid reflects far more than symbolic ambition. 'Qatar's bid to host the 2036 Olympics is not a ceremonial gesture. It's a statement of readiness—not just in terms of infrastructure, but in terms of a comprehensive national vision that places sports at the heart of human and social development,' he said. Al Marri pointed to Qatar's proven ability to manage complex global events, citing the 2022 FIFA World Cup as a benchmark. He said, 'Qatar introduced new standards in organisation, innovation, and technological integration. From stadiums to transportation and logistics, every element was delivered at a world-class level. The Olympic bid is the next step in that evolution, one defined by leadership and ambition.' Addressing the level of national support, Al Marri highlighted the alignment between public enthusiasm and governmental strategy, saying: 'Qatar doesn't view sports as merely a source of medals and flags. Sports are a strategic tool for enhancing public health, strengthening social cohesion, and unlocking economic, touristic, and investment opportunities. This aligns perfectly with the Qatar National Vision 2030.' He underscored the importance of international alliances. 'The Qatar Olympic Committee has built strong global relationships. Qatar's sports diplomacy is a model in itself. I'm confident the IOC will recognise this bid as a holistic and human-centred proposal for the Olympics of the future.' Laith Al Qaisi: This is a defining moment, led by a visionary sports leadership For Iraqi sports analyst Laith Al Qaisi, the timing of Qatar's Olympic bid is tactically brilliant. He said, 'This is a perfect moment. Qatar is riding a wave of athletic momentum, and there is a growing global awareness that non-traditional hosts can deliver spectacular global events. Doha has evolved into not just a sports capital of the region, but a global hub for sporting and cultural dialogue.' Al Qaisi sees a strategic synergy between Qatar's Olympic bid and the candidacy of Sheikh Joaan for the Asian Olympic Council. 'His Excellency Sheikh Joaan is not just a senior official—he is one of the most influential architects of Qatar's sports development. His leadership of the QOC has been transformative, and his consensual style makes him a natural candidate. Should he be elected, Qatar's regional influence in sports will be significantly strengthened,' he opined. What sets the Qatari model apart, he argues, is its dual focus on infrastructure and human capital, saying: 'Qatar has quietly built a professional sporting ecosystem. From Aspire Academy to the world-renowned Aspetar hospital, and through strategic partnerships with international federations, Qatar has created an administrative and developmental model worth showcasing.' Al Qaisi emphasised the regional implications of the bid. 'This is not just about Qatar—it's a bid on behalf of the Arab world. Hosting the Olympics would present the region as a place of innovation, peace, and global cooperation through sport,' he added. Qatar's bid challenges Western centralism: Dr. Anas Ziad From a geopolitical perspective, Dr. Anas Ziad, a sports writer for Canada Press, views Qatar's bid as a moment of global transformation. He said, 'This is a turning point in Olympic history. Qatar's candidacy isn't just about entering the race—it's about redrawing the Olympic map. Historically, Olympic hosts have been concentrated in the traditional West or select East Asian powers. Qatar is now challenging that pattern.' Dr. Ziad noted that Qatar's bid aligns with broader shifts in the global sporting ecosystem, stressing: 'The IOC today is actively seeking sustainable and impactful models for Olympic hosting. Qatar has demonstrated that it can deliver not only excellence in organisation but also lasting legacies of every event it hosts.' He highlighted the 2022 World Cup as a game-changing reference point, saying: 'The success of the World Cup proved Qatar's ability to shape global narratives—culturally, politically, and logistically. That legacy strengthens the credibility of the Olympic bid.' While acknowledging that competition for the 2036 Games will be fierce, Ziad emphasised Qatar's greatest asset: credibility. 'Qatar's strength lies in its consistent delivery and integrity. If the bid is successful, and I believe its chances are strong, it will mark a historical shift in how we define Olympic identity, linking sport with global peace, inclusion, and equitable development. Qatar has a rare opportunity to lead that transformation—and it seems poised to do so.' A Global Opportunity Rooted in National Vision Qatar's 2036 Olympic bid is more than an aspiration—it's a strategic milestone that encapsulates the country's evolution as a sports, cultural, and diplomatic powerhouse. It reflects Qatar's belief in the unifying power of sport and its ability to serve as a platform for intercultural dialogue, sustainable development, and international cooperation. As the world prepares to evaluate competing bids, Qatar's proposal stands out for its depth, maturity, and clarity of vision. With a legacy of successful mega events and world-class infrastructure, Qatar is not just bidding to host an Olympic Games, it is offering the world a new model for what global sport can mean in the 21st century.
CBC
2 days ago
- Sport
- CBC
Zak Madell talks to Anastasia Bucsis about his wheelchair rugby success and road to retirement
In 2011, at the age of 17, Zak Madell made his debut on the Canadian national team. Madell then went on to compete in the 2012 Paralympic Games, helping the team to secure a silver medal. The four-time Paralympian has been a valuable asset to Wheelchair Rugby for 13 years, raising the profile of the sport in Canada and worldwide.
News18
2 days ago
- Sport
- News18
India Bag 21 Medals At British & Irish Para Badminton International 2025
India excelled at the British & Irish Para Badminton International 2025, winning 21 medals. Sukant Kadam and Krishna Nagar led with silver and bronze respectively. India's para badminton athletes showcased remarkable performances at the British & Irish Para Badminton International 2025, a prominent Level 1 event on the BWF circuit. Leading India's medal tally were Sukant Kadam and Krishna Nagar, who secured silver and bronze medals respectively in their categories, demonstrating exceptional skill and determination on the global stage. In the Men's Singles SL4 category, World No. 2 Sukant Kadam made a strong run to the final. He triumphed over fellow Indian Naveen Sivakumar in straight sets (21-14, 21-19) in the semifinal. In the final, Sukant faced Paralympic Champion Lucas Mazur of France, battling hard before taking silver, with the match concluding 6-21, 14-21. Sukant Kadam expressed, 'I gave it everything on court, and reaching the final at a Level 1 event is a big boost. Matches like these help me improve, and I'm taking away valuable lessons to refine my game for the Paralympics," as stated in a press release from the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI). In the Men's Singles SH6 category, Paralympic gold medallist Krishna Nagar maintained his consistent form, progressing to the semifinals and earning a hard-fought bronze medal. Krishna Nagar remarked, 'Every match here was a test of focus and endurance. I'm happy to finish on the podium again, and this performance gives me great confidence as we head towards Paris." India's strong performance across multiple categories highlights the depth of talent and preparation among its para shuttlers. With a total of 21 medals, the country's achievements at this prestigious tournament provide a timely boost to its Paris 2024 Paralympic Games prospects on the global stage. (With inputs from ANI) view comments 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.
ABC News
3 days ago
- Politics
- ABC News
Premier David Crisafulli's Rockhampton rowing commitment for 2032 Olympic Games a message to regional Queensland
They say the two don't mix, but there's a lot of politics in sport, and even more sport in politics. It's hardly been more apparent than this week. Who would've thought a croc-infested Central Queensland river would become such a flashpoint in the journey to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games? The "mighty Fitzroy", in the words of Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, is slated to host rowing and canoeing in 2032. Not so mighty in the eyes of national and international rowing bodies, which have expressed concerns over whether it meets technical requirements. Good luck convincing the government of that. The premier and his deputy have repeatedly said if it's good enough for local kids, it's good enough for "Pierre from Paris" (at times in a bad accent). When asked on Wednesday about what would be done about the Fitzroy's croc population for the Games, Jarrod Bleijie first responded, "What crocodiles?". For reference, a government monitoring program from 2016 to 2019 found there were 0.2 crocodiles per kilometre in the Fitzroy River. How do you like those odds, Pierre? When pushed on the issue, Mr Bleijie snapped back with a gold medal sound bite. "These things are not jumping on canoes and downing things, just like Jaws is not downing the surfers when the surfers surfed in Tahiti for the Olympic and Paralympic Games." Prehistoric apex predators aside, the river has verifiable issues around its length and current. While technical assessments have begun, the decision on whether the Central Queensland waterway is suitable ultimately lies with World Rowing, not the Queensland government. So that's the sport of it all, what about the politics? Standing behind the premier on the banks of the Fitzroy on Wednesday were Donna Kirkland and Nigel Hutton, the LNP members for Rockhampton and Keppel, respectively. The first-time MPs clinched their electorates on the back of massive swings against Labor. Central Queensland was Labor heartland, and the October election was the first time since 1932 that the party lost the seat of Rockhampton. The LNP came to government through the regions, where concerns about youth crime were more acute than in the south-east. Of Labor's 36 seats, just three are outside of south-east Queensland. Its return to power can only be found through wins in the regions, something the premier and his government are distinctly aware of. Mr Crisafulli's commitment to rowing in Rocky is a commitment to its constituents, repaying the faith they've shown the LNP. And if the Fitzroy is deemed not up to scratch, that'll come from an international body, conveniently absolving the premier of blame. Maybe Pierre from Paris will cop another spray. Politicians trying their hand at sport is etched into Australian folklore. Peter Dutton kicking a footy into a camera and cutting the operator's head, Scott Morrison tackling a small child, John Howard's failed bowling attempt. Mr Crisafulli, a former television journalist, is no stranger to the spotlight. But he's cautious with his carefully cultivated image and brand, reticent to join that storied group. When the opportunity arose this week to take to the river to experience what rowing might be like, he instead sent his sports minister. Watching from a boat alongside, Mr Crisafulli saved himself from any potential embarrassment or puns from eager journalists. It's not the first time the premier has opted out of sporting endeavours, his pre-election small target strategy extending to what his media team would allow him to do for the cameras. Perhaps he'll become more intrepid in the future if his firm grip on the electorate waivers.
