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Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Khabib Nurmagomedov's sparks praise for Islamic commitment
During CBS's Champions League final broadcast, UFC icon Khabib Nurmagomedov once again found himself at the centre of cultural conversation—not for his undefeated record in the octagon, but for a quiet moment of religious adherence. As the post-match panel, hosted by sports anchor Kate Scott, reflected on Paris Saint-Germain's 5-0 demolition of Bayern Munich, Nurmagomedov joined the live set alongside YouTuber IShowSpeed. Greeted warmly by the panel including Jamie Carragher, Micah Richards, and Thierry Henry he offered firm handshakes all around. But when Scott extended hers, he respectfully declined. After refusing to shake hands with the female TV presenter, Thierry Henry should have refused to welcome Khabib Nurmagomedov. It would have been a powerful act # — Michaël Pilater (@mikapilater) June 1, 2025 What could have easily turned awkward was instead navigated with calm professionalism. Scott quickly offered a warm apology on-air. 'I apologise, thank you so much. Khabib, UFC fighter, it's a pleasure to have you,' she said, swiftly shifting the conversation to football. Viewers online quickly lauded Nurmagomedov for remaining true to his values. As a devout Sunni Muslim from Dagestan, he follows a tenet of Islam that forbids physical contact with women outside one's family. The act, to many, was more than etiquette; it was a visible expression of religious conviction. Khabib Nurmagomedov is a devout Muslim and a true ambassador of Islam. We admire you for upholding Islamic values, including your respectful stance on avoiding handshakes with women. Much respect, but I wish you were a Barca fan, brother! — Extraordinary Ustaz 👳🏾♂️📿 (@bapphah) June 1, 2025 Some people see boundaries as threats. They can't comprehend that respect in Islam isn't shown by physical contact, but by restraint, principle, and self-discipline. We saw this clearly when @TeamKhabib respectfully declined a handshake during a Champions League panel — a… — Goran Milutinovic (@YouthMLWins) June 1, 2025 refusing to touch another man's wife is the ultimate respect anyone can give someone — H 🦅🔭⚽️ (@OrangeMentosSzn) June 1, 2025 The former UFC lightweight champion has long been open about his beliefs, previously refusing to train with female fighters for the same reasons. While critics may view such decisions through a Western liberal lens, many others see in him a quiet dignity and unwavering spiritual compass. The moment has since drawn praise from Muslim viewers and conservative commentators, calling Nurmagomedov a 'true ambassador of Islam' in the global spotlight an athlete whose faith shapes not only his words, but his every action.
The Hindu
07-05-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
PSG vs Arsenal, Champions League semifinal — What to expect in 2nd leg, team news
Boosted by the return of Thomas Partey, Arsenal looks to overcome a 1-0 deficit in its Champions League semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and do what only two teams have achieved in the history of Europe's top competition. The Gunners play at the Parc des Princes later Wednesday trying to reach their first Champions League final in 19 years. The winner takes on Inter Milan on May 31 after the three-time champion defeated Barcelona 7-6 on aggregate in one of the greatest semifinals in the competition's history. Both teams are looking for a first title, and second appearance in the final. PSG lost to Borussia Dortmund at this stage last year. The French side was beaten by Bayern Munich in the 2020 final, while Arsenal was runner-up to Barcelona in 2006. Partey was suspended for the first leg in London last week and his absence was a big handicap for the Gunners. Declan Rice was forced to play in a less advanced role on the pitch and PSG controled the midfield early on. Partey's return could also allow Mikel Merino to play up front in a position where he has blossomed since Kai Havertz's injury. 'We are here to make history,' Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta said. 'We bring a result that gives us so much clarity about what we have to do. A lot of learning from the first leg as well, and how small the margins are between the two teams. 'The result, in my opinion, should have been very different to that one.' The only two teams to reach the Champions League final after losing the first leg of their semifinal at home are Ajax in 1996 and Tottenham in 2019. The first leg is ours! 👊 See you Wednesday at the Parc ❤️💙#ARSPSG (0-1) | # — Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) April 29, 2025 PSG has also received a welcomed boost with the return to training this week of Ousmane Dembélé. The France forward, who has recovered from a slight hamstring problem, has been in great form since the turn of the year. He's scored eight goals in nine Champions League appearances in 2025, including the winner in the first leg. RELATED: Dembele fit to play UCL semifinal second leg against Arsenal, confirms Enrique According to UEFA statistics, PSG has won 18 of 19 ties after a first-leg away victory. Arsenal has never overturned a home first-leg defeat in European competition, losing all five ties. 'We're going to have to stay true to the ideas we've had so far,' said PSG coach Luis Enrique, who in two seasons at the club has built a rejuvenated, rock-solid side playing some of the best football in Europe. 'We're going to go into this match and build on our strengths. If things don't go our way, we'll be competitive enough to turn things around.'
