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United News of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- United News of India
Niche sports, unexpected stars fuel World Games buzz
Chengdu, Aug. 18 (UNI) The Chengdu World Games highlighted that sport is about far more than winning gold medals. Featuring diverse non-Olympic sports, unique participants, and compelling stories, the Games sparked curiosity, passion, and a desire to participate. While experiences varied, they converged into a shared love of sport that transcended borders, promoted cultural exchange, and brought people closer together. This spirit was most evident when athletes succeeded in sports rarely practiced in their home countries and regions. Such victories carried added meaning, celebrated not only as personal achievements but as national milestones opening new athletic possibilities. At 25, Valentina Toro made history for Chile by winning bronze in the female kumite -55kg. She became the first Chilean karateka to reach the podium at the World Games, a breakthrough for her, for Chile, and for karate in the Americas. Her achievement quickly became a trending topic in Chile, inspiring children to follow her example. "Valentina has made all of us proud," said Chilean sports fan Camila Rojas. "Seeing her on the podium shows that Chilean athletes can compete with the best in the world. It's inspiring for our youth." The excitement extended beyond athletes. Latvian dance judge Sergey Sinkins, standing 6-foot-3 with a striking posture, drew global attention after photos and videos of him officiating went viral. The 55-year-old was widely described online as "elegant," and his unexpected fame, which began in China, spread worldwide. His popularity has fueled interest in sports dance. Many Chinese parents have begun bringing their children to competitions, and searches for dance classes have surged. "We hope to see more professionals like Sergey gain attention," said his Chinese colleague, Che Yao. "It allows people to see how sports dance shapes a person and encourages more people to take that first step." The Games' appeal lies in part in showcasing unfamiliar, non-Olympic sports. Their intensity and focus on pushing human limits created thrilling first-time experiences for spectators. Videos of Germany's Max Poschart, who won finswimming men's surface 100-meter gold with a record time before leading his team to victory in the 4x100m surface relay in a world record 59.35 seconds, went viral on TikTok. Viewers marveled at the almost mermaid-like swimming style. This sense of discovery sparked curiosity, challenged perceptions, and encouraged people to get involved. UNI XINHUA RKM


United News of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- United News of India
Australia wins 3rd straight FIBA Asia Cup
Jeddah, Aug. 18 (UNI) Australia won the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup after beating China 90-89 in the final on Sunday. Australia has never lost a game since joining the Asia Cup in 2017. Sunday's victory marked the team's 18th straight win at the continental tournament. China had the chance to make a kill with three seconds left, but Hu Mingxuan's shot missed the target. Xavier Cooks scored a game-high 30 points for Australia. Jaylin Galloway added 23. UNI XINHUA RKM


United News of India
11-08-2025
- Sport
- United News of India
African Nations Championship: Kenya stuns Morocco to put a foot into QFs
Nairobi, Aug. 11 (UNI) Debutant Kenya claimed its second upset at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) when the tournament co-host defeated two-time winner Morocco 1-0 on Sunday in the Kenyan capital, despite playing the entire second half with 10 men. The victory put Kenya on the verge of a historic quarterfinal appearance, while Morocco's hopes of advancing now hinge on its final two group matches. The Atlas Lions, who opened with a 2-0 win over Angola in Group A, created the first clear chance inside 10 minutes when Riahi's header hit the post and was cleared off the line. Spurred on by the home crowd and despite having just 37 percent possession, Kenya took the lead three minutes before halftime when Ogam scored with a stylish finish. The final whistle confirmed not only a famous win for Kenya but one of the biggest shocks in CHAN history, as the co-host reached seven points from its first three matches. A victory over Zambia in its final group game on Aug. 17 would secure Kenya the top spot in the group, while even a draw could be enough to advance. With three points from two matches, Morocco needs to beat Zambia on Aug. 14 to keep its title defense alive. UNI XINHUA RKM


United News of India
28-07-2025
- Climate
- United News of India
2 major wildfires force mass evacuations in Türkiye
Istanbul July 27 (UNI)Two major wildfires in northwestern and northern Türkiye triggered mass evacuations on Saturday, with strong winds pushing flames toward residential areas and trapping vehicles on engulfed roads, local authorities said. In Bursa province, an uncontrolled blaze between Kestel and Gursu districts spread rapidly toward villages, forcing evacuations. Online videos showed residents fleeing on foot as fire engulfed a main roadway, briefly stranding vehicles including civilian aid cars. Meanwhile, a blaze that began on Thursday in Karabuk province remained uncontained, prompting precautionary evacuation of nearly 20 villages. Authorities closed the Ankara-Karabuk highway as residents attempted to relocate livestock from danger zones. Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ibrahim Yumakli confirmed on Saturday 76 active fires nationwide -- 28 forested and 48 rural, citing extreme heat and "very high risk" conditions. He said firefighting teams will continue night operations. Temperatures reached 38 degrees Celsius in Bursa and 37 degrees Celsius in Karabuk on Saturday, with forecasts predicting even higher temperatures over the next two days. UNI XINHUA RKM


United News of India
28-07-2025
- Sport
- United News of India
Uganda wins Pearl of Africa Cricket T20 Series 2025
Entebbe, Uganda, July 28 (UNI) Host Uganda won the Pearl of Africa Cricket T20 Series 2025 after beating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by eight runs in the final at the Entebbe Cricket Oval on Sunday. Going into the match, Uganda was comfortably leading the standings with five wins. The hosts batted first and scored 170/7 in 20 overs. The UAE side attempted the chase but collapsed to 162/9 in 20 overs. The pairing of Alpesh Ramjani and Raghav Dhawan was instrumental for Uganda, with scores of 61 and 56 runs respectively. For the UAE, Ethan D'Souza top-scored with 32 runs, while Muhammad Zohaib and Muhammad Wassem contributed 30 and 5 runs, respectively. "We tried to play tight and only lost out in the later stages of the match. The Series have helped us get a lot of match practice," said UAE's Ethan D'Souza. Uganda's head coach Abhay Sharma said that he was very proud of his players who won all the six matches. "We played well, and the Series have helped us a lot," said Sharma. Uganda's second team only lost to Namibia's second team in a match that did not carry world ranking points. In an earlier fixture, Kenya defeated Nigeria by 6 wickets. Kenya, led by Sachin Gill, chased Nigeria's 113/9 in 20 overs and scored 116/4 in 19.1 overs. Gill scored 35 runs off 42 balls, while Rakep Patel contributed 33. Nigeria's captain, Systever Okpe, scored a team-high 35 runs, and Abdulmumuni Mohammed added 26. Uganda finished the series with 12 points, followed by the UAE in second place with 6 points. Kenya was third with 4 points, and Nigeria finished with no points. Uganda's and Namibia's second teams did not score any points. The teams used this series to prepare for the upcoming ICC T20 Men's World Cup Qualifier in September. UNI XINHUA RKM