Latest news with #YuvrajNarayan
Khaleej Times
26-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
'Can't wait to play in India' — Rory McIlroy ready for debut at DP World Championship
Masters champion and four-time major winner Rory McIlroy has confirmed he will make his eagerly anticipated debut in India later this year, competing in the inaugural DP World India Championship at Delhi Golf Club from October 16-19. The Northern Irish star, ranked world number two, expressed his excitement about visiting India and taking part in a tournament that marks a significant milestone for golf in the region. 'I'm excited to not only tee it up in India for the first time but also visit a country that I've always wanted to explore,' McIlroy said. 'I'm proud to play in the inaugural DP World India Championship. I've always enjoyed playing a global schedule and, as I have previously said, there is tremendous potential to grow golf further in the country. This is a great opportunity, and I can't wait to play in front of Indian golf fans.' The tournament, boasting a prize fund of £2.9 million, is set to be a major highlight of the DP World Tour's season and the penultimate event in the Race to Dubai series, which McIlroy himself won last year. With hopes of attracting a strong field of the world's top golfers, the DP World India Championship aims to elevate the profile of golf across the Indian subcontinent and inspire a new generation of players. Yuvraj Narayan, Group Deputy CEO and Chief Financial Officer of DP World, welcomed McIlroy's participation as a huge boost to the event. 'Having a player of his calibre underscores the commitment both we and the DP World Tour have to the success of this tournament. Hosting a global icon like Rory in India is a proud milestone in our mission to grow golf from the grassroots.' McIlroy's announcement comes amid a busy season for the 36-year-old, who recently endured a tough outing at the US PGA Championship, finishing tied for 47th after cutting by a narrow margin. While the Masters champion did not speak to the media during that event, his focus is now firmly on upcoming tournaments. Following the DP World India Championship, McIlroy is scheduled to return to the Australian Open in December — his first appearance there in over a decade — where he will headline the field at Royal Melbourne, a venue where he secured victory in 2013. Looking ahead, McIlroy said: 'Playing a global schedule has always been important to me, and opportunities like this one in India offer not just a chance to compete, but also to connect with fans around the world. I'm really looking forward to experiencing the culture and the passion for golf in India.' With the excitement building around his debut in Delhi, fans can expect McIlroy to bring his trademark intensity and skill to the new tournament, further fueling golf's growth in one of the world's most dynamic sporting markets.
Egypt Today
27-01-2025
- Business
- Egypt Today
Shipping companies continue to divert from Suez Canal despite cautious optimism
Cairo – January 27, 2025: Despite a recent pledge from the Yemeni Houthis to ease hostilities against vessels in the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea, major shipping companies have made it clear that they are not in a hurry to resume routes through the Suez Canal. In separate statements over the weekend, Maersk, the Danish shipping giant, and the logistics division of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) acknowledged the Houthis' pledge as a positive development but stated the risk to their vessels remains too high, and will continue rerouting cargoes around Africa. Maersk emphasized that the safety of its crew, vessels, and cargo was their top priority, confirming that they would continue to use the Cape of Good Hope route until safe passage through the region could be ensured for the long term. Abdulkareem Al Masabi, CEO of ADNOC Logistics & Services, expressed caution, stating it was too early to declare the situation resolved, citing the fragile nature of the ceasefire. French shipping company CMA CGM also confirmed it would avoid the Suez Canal, despite the ceasefire, viewing the situation in Gaza as a fragile but positive sign for global shipping and logistics. However, DP World's deputy CEO, Yuvraj Narayan, mentioned that ships not connected to Israel could return to the Red Sea in as little as two weeks, which could lead to a significant drop in freight prices, potentially by 20-25% over two to three months. The ongoing conflict in Gaza, which began in late 2023 after Hamas's attacks, has led to numerous assaults on ships passing through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait by the Houthis. However, with the US-brokered ceasefire in place, the Houthis have pledged to limit their attacks to vessels with Israeli ties, provided the terms of the truce are respected. Egypt is 'cautiously optimistic' about the ceasefire, explained Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan El Khatib last week, noting plans to engage with shipping companies about returning to the Suez Canal. Since the conflict began, Suez Canal revenues have dropped by 60-70 percent, but El Khatib acknowledged that a full return to the canal would not happen immediately.
