Latest news with #ParisOlympicGames
New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Sport
- New Indian Express
Olympic champ Khelif has to undergo gender test to continue fighting
CHENNAI: If the Paris Olympic Games were to be held this summer, then Imane Khelif might not have competed. The World Boxing (WB) has now come out with a contentious decision on "mandatory sex testing". All boxers, including Khelif, will have to undergo the test. The WB is right now the International Olympic Committee-recognised body and crossed the 100-national federation mark recently. This is not the first time she would be ineligible, the boxer was banned by the now-defunct International Boxing Association during the 2023 World Championships in New Delhi. The WB said in a late night statement that it would "introduce mandatory sex testing, to determine the eligibility of male and female athletes that want to take part in its competitions." Gender issues overshadowed the Paris Olympic Games, at least towards the last few days. The Paris Boxing Unit was in charge of conducting the event in the absence of a IOC-recognised body. As is usually the case, boxing without controversy seems like a pipedream. The crisis this time was not so much about refereeing but a decision that did not go down too well with quite a few national boxing federations and it was related to gender. Two boxers – Khelif of Algeria and Taiwan's Lin Yu-ting — were the centre of attention then. Italy's Angela Carini withdrew merely 46 seconds into the first bout against Khelif, because of the pain she felt from those opening punches. The IOC had said in a statement then that the gender and age of the athletes are based on their passport and she was a born female. Despite the noise, Khelif had gone on to capture the gold medal then. The WB has also written to the Algerian Boxing Federation of their decision and informed them that Khelif will not be eligible to fight any of the WB events until she undergoes sex testing. "Imane Khelif may not participate in the female category at the Eindhoven Box Cup, 5-10 June 2025 and any World Boxing event until Khelif undergoes genetic sex test..."
Scoop
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
NZOC Present 2024 Annual Report At General Assembly
Press Release – New Zealand Olympic Committee The New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) has presented its 2024 Annual Report at its General Assembly held today at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron in Auckland. Representatives from 32 of the NZOC's member sports were in attendance as NZOC President Liz Dawson acknowledged and thanked the organisations for their commitment to Olympic and Commonwealth Sport over the past year. '2024 was an incredibly busy and rewarding year. With two Games campaigns, new initiatives and an ongoing programme work, it was a year that demanded unity, energy and a shared sense of purpose,' said Dawson. 'Our New Zealand Team athletes inspired the nation with an extraordinary Paris Olympic Games campaign. We saw numerous personal bests and outstanding performances culminating in 20 medals, including a record 10 golds.' 'Under the leadership of Chef de Mission Nigel Avery, and in collaboration with NSOs, NZOC staff, team support and High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ), we created a cohesive, supportive and high performing environment. This collaborative approach fostered outstanding performances and strong post-Games satisfaction from the athletes.' 'We can also be proud of the achievements of our young athletes at the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games. With seven medals, numerous personal bests, and multiple top 10 finishes, across seven disciplines, the future of New Zealand winter sports is bright.' Dawson thanked the organisations and individuals who make the work of the NZOC possible. 'We extend our gratitude to Sport New Zealand and High-Performance Sport New Zealand, along with our family of commercial partners, donors and suppliers, for their ongoing support,' she said. Board Elections Liz Dawson was reappointed to the role of President and will lead the international agenda for the next four years. Annette Purvis was reappointed for her final four-year term on the NZOC Board, Meg Matthews was ratified as the newly elected Board Member and Dallas Seymour was also supported to continue as a co-opted member of the NZOC Board for a further 12 months, as the Pou Tikanga. The NZOC acknowledged and thanked outgoing Chair Diana Puketapu-Lyndon for her service to the New Zealand Team and NZOC Board. Throughout her time in the role, Puketapu-Lyndon provided sound strategic advice and strong leadership particularly in the areas of diversity and inclusion. As the first Māori woman to chair the organisation, she has advanced the inclusion of te ao Māori at the NZOC, supporting our Māori advisory committee – Te Urunga Tū – and the appointment of the NZOC first Pouwhiringa. She has made a significant contribution to the NZOC and leaves as a respected Chair across the entire New Zealand Olympic whānau. Following the Assembly, the NZOC Board elected Glen Sowry (OLY #848) as the new Chair of the NZOC. Sowry said his time on the NZOC Board has prepared him well for his next step. 'I'm honoured to take on the role of Chair at the NZOC and build on the great work Diana has done,' said Sowry. 'I look forward to working collaboratively with the Board, athletes and our diverse range of stakeholders of the NZOC to support our athletes to achieve continued success at the Olympic and Commonwealth Games and to continue to promote the Olympic values and instil pride and excellence in all New Zealanders.' NZOC Order Recipients Olympians Chantal Brunner (OLY#692) and Ben Sandford (OLY#991) wererecognised for their outstanding service to the NZOC and Olympic Movement at the General Assembly, announced as NZOC Order recipients. NZOC President, Liz Dawson, said Brunner wasthoroughly deserving of the NZOC's highest honour. 'Chantal's contribution to sport goes far beyond her achievements in the sporting arena. She has shown commitment to athlete representation, governance and integrity both here in New Zealand and on the world stage,' said Dawson. Athletics New Zealand Chair, Cameron Taylor, said the awardhonours Brunner'soutstanding athletics career and ongoing leadership across athletics and the Olympic movement. 'Chantal has been a fabulous leader and role model for New Zealand athletics, representing us with distinction at multiple Olympic Games, World Championships and Commonwealth Games,' said Taylor. 'What sets Chantal apart is how she's continued to lead and serve the sporting community long after retiring from elite competition. Through her work with the NZOC and international roles with the IOC and World Olympians Association, she's been a powerful advocate for athlete welfare and voice. Her ongoing impact is one of excellence and integrity, both on and off the track,' he said. NZOC President Liz Dawson also congratulated Sandford on his award. 'We're proud to recognise her with the NZOC Order, an honour that reflects the impact she continues to have on the Olympic Movement,' said Dawson. 'Ben's recognition with the NZOC Order is a fitting tribute to the legacy he has built, particularly in the areas of anti-doping, human rights and athlete advocacy.' 'He has been an advocate for athletes and clean sport throughout his career. His leadership and integrity have helped shape fairer, more transparent systems at all levels of sport.' New Zealand Bobsled and Skeleton Association President, Ross Dominikovich, said Sandford's award was well deserved, noting his impressive portfolio of athletic performances along with a legacy of leadership and contribution. 'It is rare to say an athlete who represented New Zealand at three Winter Olympics, including a top 10 finish, a third place at a World Championships and numerous medals at World Cups to have a better post athletic career than his athletic career. However, that can be said of Ben Sandford,' said Dominikovich. NZOC Financial Report The NZOC reported a net surplus of $1.8million for 2024. This result brought the overall performance for the quad to a near break-even, with a small deficit of $5,000. Commercial partnerships continued to play a key role, contributing 41% of total funding in 2024. The NZOC acknowledged and thanked its valued partners, donors and funders for their continued investment in 2024. 'We're proud to finish the Olympic cycle in such a strong position. This result is a credit to the support of our partners and the careful management of our financial resources, ensuring we can continue to back our athletes, invest in the Olympic Movement and plan with confidence for the future,' said NZOC CEO Nicki Nicol. NZOC Strategy The General Assembly provided a chance for the NZOC to present their updated 2025-2028 strategy. Guided by the vision to inspire pride and excellence in all New Zealanders, the updated strategy sets the framework to allow the New Zealand Team to excel at major Games, while ensuring the impact of both the Olympic and Commonwealth Games movements are amplified throughout the country. A detailed breakdown of the NZOC strategy can be found here. Robyn Cockburn receives ACE Award The Oceania National Olympic Committee (ONOC) recently announced Robyn Cockburn, as this year's recipient of the 2024 ACE (Active Champion of Equity) Award. The ACE Award honours outstanding leaders who have embodied examples of leadership, innovation, and impact in promoting gender equity through sport in Oceania. Cockburn, nominated by the NZOC for the award, was unanimously chosen from several exceptional nominations put forward by five National Olympic Committees and one Sport Federation from Oceania. 'I am deeply honoured to be recognised by the ONOC Equity Commission,' said Cockburn. 'Participation in sport and active recreation is a fundamental right, yet many face barriers to inclusion. By raising awareness and championing the rights of those often unheard, we can make a real difference.' 'I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to work with so many dedicated individuals, organisations, and communities, whose collaboration has enriched my approach. This award empowers me to continue identifying and challenging barriers, creating meaningful opportunities for change,' she said. About the ACE Award: Established by ONOC's Equity Commission, the ACE Award (Advocates for Change through Equity) honours individuals who demonstrate visionary leadership and impactful contributions to the advancement of women and gender equality in sport. Nominations are open to all National Olympic Committees and members of the Organisation of Sports Federations of Oceania (OSFO).
New Straits Times
04-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
South Korea edge Indonesia to face China in Sudirman Cup final
XIAMEN: Defending champions China advanced to the final of badminton's Sudirman Cup with an unassailable 3-0 lead over Japan on Saturday, setting up a final clash with South Korea as the hosts close in on a record-extending 14th title. The Koreans, who are four-times champions, overcame fierce resistance from Indonesia to secure a 3-2 win in the second semi-final in the evening session. China's world number two mixed doubles pair Feng Yanzhe and Huang Dongping beat Hiroki Midorikawa and Arisa Igarashi 21-11 21-17 in the opener. Top seed Shi Yuqi then crushed eighth-ranked Kodai Naraoka 21-8 21-16 in the men's singles. Japan showed resilience in the women's singles, where Akane Yamaguchi, who had won 21 of her previous 33 encounters with Chen Yufei, pushed the Tokyo Games champion to three games but Chen held her nerve to prevail 17-21 21-9 21-16. "I did feel that Akane's pace was very high in the first game and she consumed a lot of energy," Chen said. "After we changed ends, she was against the drift, and so it was harder for her. "The most important thing for me, although I don't know if I'll play the next match, is that I have to ensure my best condition and have the best mental state to prepare for the final ... both teams will be under pressure." South Korean mixed doubles pair Chae Yu-jung and Seo Seung-jae had little trouble beating Indonesia's Dejan Ferdinansyah and Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti 21-10 21-15 in the opener. Indonesia's 19-year-old tournament debutant Alwi Farhan then overcame Cho Geon-yeop 16-21 21-8 21-8 in the men's singles to level the contest, before Paris Olympic Games champion An Se-young beat Putri Kusuma Wardani in the women's singles to restore South Korea's lead. But Indonesia bounced back in the men's doubles, with Muhammad Shohibul Fikri and Bagas Maulana winning a close match. It was the women's doubles pair of Baek Ha-na and Lee So-hee who came to South Korea's rescue with a decisive win to secure their country's place in the final for the ninth time. China are in their 16th straight final of the biennial mixed team championship, having won 13 of the last 15. But South Korea, who lost to China in the 2023 final, beat them in the showpiece clash in 2003 and 2017. --REUTERS
Straits Times
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Holders China to face South Korea in Sudirman Cup final
XIAMEN - Defending champions China advanced to the final of badminton's Sudirman Cup with an unassailable 3-0 lead over Japan on Saturday, setting up a final clash with South Korea as the hosts close in on a record-extending 14th title. The Koreans, who are four-times champions, overcame fierce resistance from Indonesia to secure a 3-2 win in the second semi-final in the evening session. China's world number two mixed doubles pair Feng Yanzhe and Huang Dongping beat Hiroki Midorikawa and Arisa Igarashi 21-11 21-17 in the opener. Top seed Shi Yuqi then crushed eighth-ranked Kodai Naraoka 21-8 21-16 in the men's singles. Japan showed resilience in the women's singles, where Akane Yamaguchi, who had won 21 of her previous 33 encounters with Chen Yufei, pushed the Tokyo Games champion to three games but Chen held her nerve to prevail 17-21 21-9 21-16. "I did feel that Akane's pace was very high in the first game and she consumed a lot of energy," Chen said. "After we changed ends, she was against the drift, and so it was harder for her. "The most important thing for me, although I don't know if I'll play the next match, is that I have to ensure my best condition and have the best mental state to prepare for the final ... both teams will be under pressure." South Korean mixed doubles pair Chae Yu-jung and Seo Seung-jae had little trouble beating Indonesia's Dejan Ferdinansyah and Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti 21-10 21-15 in the opener. Indonesia's 19-year-old tournament debutant Alwi Farhan then overcame Cho Geon-yeop 16-21 21-8 21-8 in the men's singles to level the contest, before Paris Olympic Games champion An Se-young beat Putri Kusuma Wardani in the women's singles to restore South Korea's lead. But Indonesia bounced back in the men's doubles, with Muhammad Shohibul Fikri and Bagas Maulana winning a close match. It was the women's doubles pair of Baek Ha-na and Lee So-hee who came to South Korea's rescue with a decisive win to secure their country's place in the final for the ninth time. China are in their 16th straight final of the biennial mixed team championship, having won 13 of the last 15. But South Korea, who lost to China in the 2023 final, beat them in the showpiece clash in 2003 and 2017. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Daily Maverick
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
Blitzboks aim to finish the season with World Championship trophy in hand
The Blitzboks will fancy their chances of a World Championship win in Los Angeles this weekend. The Springbok Sevens have been grouped alongside overall series winners Argentina, who won three out of six series legs, 2024 Paris Olympic Games champions France as well as Great Britain. Two out of three victories should be enough to see the side reach the semi-finals of the World Championship where they will face off against one of Fiji, Spain, Australia or New Zealand, who will be battling it out in the other group. South Africa will back their chances to overcome France, who have only reached the final four of a SVNS leg on two occasions this season, as well as Great Britain, who snuck into the top eight despite a best finish of fifth across the six legs. The Blitzboks though, like France, have struggled for consistency. They've reached two finals – winning one, in Cape Town – but have also finished ninth on two occasions. 'We can look back at the regular series where we had a mixed bag of results, but this effort here in Los Angeles will define the season,' said Springbok Sevens head coach Philip Snyman. 'We have won and lost against all three during the season, so it will come down to the effort of that match. There are no easy games, and a clinical execution will be the difference. 'There were brilliant moments, average moments and some poor moments, but we are looking towards this weekend, not behind us. We had our review of the series and know what we were good at, or not. 'Our fourth place in the series was an improvement from the previous year, but we want to be remembered for more than that.' 'New energy' The Blitzboks tailed off toward the back end of the World Series with consecutive ninth-placed finishes in Hong Kong and Singapore in the final two legs. It means that the Springbok Sevens' cumulative 70 points, gained from the six SVNS legs this season, is closer to New Zealand (56) in seventh place — who failed to finish above fourth in any leg — than Spain (88) in third. Fortunately for the Blitzboks, France in fifth overall finished last in Singapore, and Australia, who are sixth, limped to 10th in the Asian city, so they were not overtaken. For the Blitzboks, their ambitions of a World Championship title have been improved by the return of trio Ronald Brown, Mfundo Ndhlovu and Quewin Nortje — the latter is the leading try scorer for the team this season. 'We needed some new energy, given the short turnaround from Singapore, where we did not deliver,' Snyman said. 'I am happy to say we got that from them. Overall, it will be a weekend of enjoyment, effort and energy, and each of those players are able to provide that. We are in a good space.' Bok Sevens Women The Springbok Sevens Women, meanwhile, have been forced to shift their goals at the last minute because of the recently revamped SVNS model next year. The team arrived in America with the ambition of making it on to next year's SVNS World Series as one of the core 12 teams, but because of the 'evolved SVNS model' announced by World Rugby — two days before the start of the LA SVNS — the Bok Sevens Women will a gun for a spot in the second tier of the series. 'It does change the temperature in the room as there is funding from World Rugby involved, and if we don't get into the tier two, that might be at risk,' said head coach Renfred Dazel. 'Having said that, we came here with clear objectives on how to perform on the field, and that has not changed. We came here to win the play-off tournament, and that mission remains. If we manage that, it will be tier two, but that is next season's planning.' The nation Sevens ladies will be up against World Series regulars Ireland in their first clash of the weekend, and will then face China and Argentina. DM
