Latest news with #WorldMastersGames
Time Out Abu Dhabi
25-07-2025
- Sport
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
The Open Masters Games is coming to Abu Dhabi, here's how you can enter
Ready, set, go! Abu Dhabi is getting ready to welcome one of the world's biggest sporting events and you don't have to be a pro – or under 30 – to take part. The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi is landing in the capital from February 6 to 16, 2026, bringing with it more than 25,000 athletes from around the globe. This is the first time the event is being held in the Middle East and it's all about celebrating sport, competition and community – regardless of your age. Inspired by the World Masters Games (think Olympics for the over-30s), the Open Masters Games takes things a step further by opening its doors to just about everyone, from retired pros and weekend warriors to fitness enthusiasts and curious first-timers. What to expect Over 33 sports will take place at venues across Abu Dhabi – including iconic locations like Zayed Sports City – with 29 official sports and four traditional competitions featuring falconry, camel racing, dhow sailing and endurance horse racing. Got a competitive streak? There's plenty to dive into – athletics, cycling, basketball, judo, tennis, rugby (open to 27+), swimming (25+) and more. Want to just soak up the vibes? Every venue is free to enter for spectators, so bring your flags, energy and plenty of cheer. Who can join? Anyone aged 30 and above can register (25+ for swimming and endurance racing, 27+ for rugby). The event also champions inclusivity, with 18 sports open to para athletes and people of determination. This isn't about medals or country rankings. There are no national delegations – just people competing for the love of the game and maybe a personal best or two. What's the cost? Registration is Dhs275 for UAE residents and Dhs550 for international participants. Even better, 90 percent of your fee is returned as credit for hotels, meals and exclusive Abu Dhabi experiences when you check in at the Athlete Welcome Centre. You've got until December 31 to sign up – or until slots fill up – so don't wait too long if you're thinking of joining the action. Want to volunteer? Not competing? You can still be part of the Games. Organisers are calling on 20,000 volunteers to help run everything from logistics and catering to medical services and sports management. It's open to everyone – students, professionals, sports fans – and you'll be part of something big, while helping promote active, healthy lifestyles across all ages. From Dhs275. Various locations. February 6 to 16, 2026. You might also like… Old Abu Dhabi: 15 best spots to uncover the history of the capital Peel back the layers of time Abu Dhabi's best restaurants 2025: Everywhere you should eat at least once Your dinner inspo is sorted 12 fantastic road trips across the GCC Fill up the tank and go Abu Dhabi to Dubai by bus: How to travel between the two cities Everything you need to know, from getting a Nol card to bus timetables
The Star
30-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Senior shuttlers win six WMG medals in Taipei
(From left) Kong, Neoh, Chan and Teik Guan with their tournament medals. — Courtesy photo Several Malaysian senior shuttlers collectively clinched an impressive six medals at the World Masters Games (WMG) 2025. Held in Taipei, Taiwan, the event saw six Malaysian players finish with a haul of a gold, a silver and four bronze medals. Penangite Lim Chong Sek competed in the Competitive Individual Competition Men's Singles 75+ Open Category and won a gold medal, defeating fellow finalist Somalu Sinnayah in three gruelling sets at 18-21, 21-15, 21-12. 'During the group matches, we also played each other. I also beat the United States-based player in three sets,' he said. 'Our points were very close and the match was intense. 'Yet, I managed to get the better of him and I am quite satisfied with my performance,' he said. Chong Sek also collected bronze medals in the Mixed Doubles and Mixed Team events in the same age category. Sarawakian Bruni Garip, the current 2023 Badminton World Federation Senior Men's Singles 70-74 years Champion, won the silver in the Competitive Individual Competition Men's Singles 70+. He lost to Chinese Taipei player Cheng Shin Yang in three sets, going down at 15-21, 21-11, 9-21. Meanwhile, Chan Wan Seong, who topped his group after winning two matches in the Competitive Individual Competition Men's Singles 70+, qualified for the elimination stage. In the round of 16, the luck of the draw pitted Chan against Dhany Sartika (also known as Yang Wei Chen). The latter was a former Indonesian Thomas Cup teammate of legendary Rudy Hartono and Liem Swie King in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Dhany defeated Chan in three tough sets at 16-21, 21-10, 21-17. Chan also formed a scratch partnership with Malaysian Lim Teik Guan, 74, who is based in Perth, Australia. Despite partnering for the first time in the Competitive Individual Competition Men's Doubles 70+ category, the duo performed creditably to finish second in their group matches. They qualified for the semi-finals but lost to a Singapore-Chinese Taipei pair, the eventual champions of the group. Although Chan and Teik Guan lost their semi-final match, they were assured of a bronze medal. 'I am quite satisfied with winning a bronze medal since I last participated in the WMG in Auckland, New Zealand, in 2017,' said Chan. 'Back then, I had won the gold medal in the Men's Doubles 60-64 years Open category, partnering Ong Then Lin. 'The WMG in 2021 in Kansai, Japan, was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 'So, after waiting for eight long years, it feels nice to be able to win another medal with a first-time partner.' The other Malaysian player, Neoh Cheong Kooi of Penang, partnered Ricky Kong from Sydney, Australia, to reach the Competitive Individual Competition Men's Doubles 70+ semi-finals. However, they eventually lost to the Chinese Taipei pair to finish with bronze medals.
CNA
26-06-2025
- Health
- CNA
Singer Tanya Chua reveals 14-year battle with depression and finding strength in gymnastics
They say exercising is good for your physical and mental health, and Tanya Chua is one to vouch for that. Recently, the 50-year-old local songbird, who's been practising gymnastics for the past two years, shared that she has plans to participate in the next World Masters Games, which would be held in Japan in 2027. Chua then opened up about why she decided to take up the sport in the first place. "I think I was just listening to my body. My body has been unwell for many years, and it used to pull me to rock bottom," she recalled. The singer confessed that she's been battling depression for close to 14 years, and even "stopped looking forward to breathing" when her condition was at its peak. "Of course I wanted to continue living but when I woke up I couldn't gasp for air – something that you learnt to do naturally from the moment you were born. It obviously affected my singing too," she said. Chua "has sought whatever help there is" for her mental health since 2011, but is insistent on not taking medication. She also said that she's experienced many stages in her life, and that all the illnesses she's been through is her body's way of letting her "explore every side of" herself. Now, Chua has learnt to live with her depression, though she prefers to not elaborate how. "I know what it is, but it's a very personal story, I don't want the world to know," she laughed. She also acknowledged that the "torment" from depression cannot be improved no matter how hard she tries. "Being in love didn't save me. In fact [depression] affects the relationship. I slowly dissected many things that happened as I grew up, and that would affect my attitude towards people and relationships," explained the singer. That said, Chua remains grateful. "I thank this discomfort and this illness for becoming my best teacher. It made me meet many people and helped me grow a lot," she said. "In terms of wisdom, the way I face people and myself, or spiritually, I realised many people really have very little time to care for themselves, but I treat that as my mission." She recently also went for a body check-up and admitted that there are "some things to worry about". Chua, however, declined to share more before chuckling: "I'm still here! Don't fret!" The singer, who's been single for quite a few years, isn't looking to start a relationship now. Her last high profile relationship was a short-lived romance with French pastry chef Johann Martin, whom she met at baking school in Paris in 2016. "What's not good about being single?," she questioned. "[I've] tried all types of romances before, including dating a younger man." She then urged all single ladies to not feel inferior just because they don't have a partner. "Based on your own preferences, you don't need to feel like you're deprived of anything just because you're not in love," she averred.
New Indian Express
21-06-2025
- Sport
- New Indian Express
Raising their game! Ex-varsity circuit hockey players live the global dream
KOLLAM: They have aged like fine wine — giving the world a taste of their talent and skill. Marking a comeback in a sport they once cherished, a group of four middle-aged women from the state, who in their youth were active on the national university circuit, have raised their game: Now, making a mark in the field of international masters hockey. Leading the charge is Saritha Devi, a 55-year-old schoolteacher from Thiruvananthapuram. The Indian captain guided her team to a gold at the recent World Masters Games in Taiwan. 'Becoming an international player was always my dream. After university, family pressures took over. But the passion never faded. Now, in my fifties, I'm determined to keep playing for the national team as long as health permits,' Saritha told TNIE. 'My university days were filled with dreams and aspirations. Playing hockey was a dream come true, and I lived it during my time at university,' recounts Sheeba R, 50, another member of the team.
Qatar Tribune
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
Wednesday Fiesta shines spotlight on Indian arts, culture, sporting excellence
Tribune News Network Doha As part of its ongoing mission to foster cultural pride and community spirit, the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), under the aegis of the Embassy of India, Qatar, successfully hosted another vibrant edition of its weekly cultural series, 'ICC Wednesday Fiesta', on Wednesday, 11th June 2025, at the ICC Ashoka Hall. Designed to be a dynamic celebration of Indian arts and culture, the event featured a captivating line-up of performances by artists from various ICC affiliated organisations (AOs) and arts centres operating in Qatar. The stage came alive with colourful displays of classical, folk, and contemporary art forms, showcasing the diversity and richness of India's cultural tapestry. The evening began with a warm welcome address delivered by Ravindra Prasad, ICC head of affiliation, who extended greetings to the distinguished guests and members of the Indian community. This was followed by the presidential address from ICC President AP Manikantan, who lauded the consistent efforts of ICC and its affiliates in nurturing and promoting Indian heritage through regular cultural programming. A special highlight of the event was the felicitation of three exceptional Indian athletes from Qatar —Saji Sreekumaran, Shyam Sivaji, and Navas Muhammad — who recently brought laurels to the Indian expatriate community by winning bronze medals in the Men's 35+ Handball category at the World Masters Games held in Taipei, Taiwan. Their achievement was acknowledged with great pride and applause, marking the intersection of cultural celebration and sportingachievement. The evening's programme concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Venkappa Bhagavatula, ICC head of in-house activities, who expressed gratitude to all performers, volunteers, and attendees for making the event a resounding success. The event was smoothly and gracefully anchored by Prema, whose professional hosting added to the charm of the evening. The occasion was graced by ICC General Secretary Abraham K Joseph, members of the ICC Managing Committee, presidents of affiliated organisations, and several senior community leaders, all of whom reiterated their commitment to strengthening India-Qatar cultural ties. The 'ICC Wednesday Fiesta' continues to stand as a dynamic platform that not only celebrates India's rich cultural heritage but also recognises the achievements of the Indian diaspora, building a stronger and more vibrant community spirit in Qatar.
