Latest news with #ISU
Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar Winter Sports Committee concludes Advanced Ice Skating Course with ISU
Tribune News Network Doha The Qatar Winter Sports Committee on Saturday concluded Advanced Short Track Speed Skating Training Course, organized in cooperation with the International Skating Union (ISU) at the Ice Rink of Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena in Al Sadd. Held from August 3 to 9, the program came as part of strengthening the partnership between the Committee and the ISU, with the aim of developing Qatari talent among athletes, coaches, and technical staff. The course featured both advanced on-ice practical sessions and theoretical lectures, all conducted under the supervision of international experts in a highly professional setting. The initiative seeks to establish a specialized national technical base in short track speed skating, preparing Qatari talents to compete in regional and international championships and reinforcing Qatar's presence in global winter sports. Participants showed high levels of technical skill and remarkable progress, reflecting the rapid development and continued support for winter sports in the country. On the occasion, Ahmed Ali Al Jaber, Board Member of the Qatar Winter Sports Committee, said: 'Organizing this course embodies our active partnership with the International Skating Union and underscores the world-class facilities provided by Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena, which has become a key hub for winter sports in Qatar and a magnet for expertise from home and abroad.' The course concluded with an official ceremonyattended by international coach and ISU representative Ms. Nicole Garrido, Qatar national team coach Attila Tarcali, and Ahmed Ali Al Jaber. Certificates were awarded to the participants in a vibrant and positive atmosphere, reflecting the program's success and the strong team spirit. This course is one of several pioneering initiatives aimed at advancing ice skating in Qatar and creating new opportunities for Qatari youth.
Russia Today
31-07-2025
- Business
- Russia Today
Ice skating revenues plummet due to Russia ban
The suspension of Russian athletes from competitions globally is taking a toll on the finances of the International Skating Union (ISU), the global governing body for the sport has revealed in its 2024 financial report. Operating losses reached an equivalent of about $10.7 million, an increase of nearly $7.4 million from the previous year, according to the document, which was recently made public. 'The ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to have a negative impact on the ISU, with a key market closed off and reduced competitivity due to the absence of some elite athletes,' the report states, adding that commercial revenue remains under pressure due to the continued absence of Russian skaters. Since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in early 2022, the ISU has banned Russian athletes from all international skating events, following recommendations issued by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Prior to the suspension, Russian skaters dominated the World Championships, winning more medals than any other nation. At the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia became the first country to win gold medals in all five figure skating events. Moscow has condemned the IOC's exclusion policy, calling it a violation of Olympic principles and a politically motivated move to weaken competition. President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stressed that sport should remain separate from politics. The ISU also reported increased operating expenses, citing 'legal costs related to antidoping matters, notably the Valieva case,' as a significant factor. Kamila Valieva, a 15-year-old Russian figure skater, tested positive for a banned substance prior to the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, although the result was only announced the day after she posted a gold-medal winning performance at the Games. Following a lengthy legal process, her results were disqualified, and Russia's gold medal was rescinded and given to the US instead. She was handed a four-year competition ban. Moscow denounced the decision as politicized. In the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, only a limited number of Russian athletes will be allowed to participate under a neutral flag. Valieva, whose ban ends before the Games, will be eligible to return.
Russia Today
30-07-2025
- Business
- Russia Today
Russia ban harming global ice skating finances
The suspension of Russian athletes from competitions globally is taking a toll on the finances of the International Skating Union (ISU), the global governing body for the sport has revealed in its 2024 financial report. Operating losses reached an equivalent of about $10.7 million, an increase of nearly $7.4 million from the previous year, according to the document, which was recently made public. 'The ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to have a negative impact on the ISU, with a key market closed off and reduced competitivity due to the absence of some elite athletes,' the report states, adding that commercial revenue remains under pressure due to the continued absence of Russian skaters. Since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in early 2022, the ISU has banned Russian athletes from all international skating events, following recommendations issued by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Prior to the suspension, Russian skaters dominated the World Championships, winning more medals than any other nation. At the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia became the first country to win gold medals in all five figure skating events. Moscow has condemned the IOC's exclusion policy, calling it a violation of Olympic principles and a politically motivated move to weaken competition. President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stressed that sport should remain separate from politics. The ISU also reported increased operating expenses, citing 'legal costs related to antidoping matters, notably the Valieva case,' as a significant factor. Kamila Valieva, a 15-year-old Russian figure skater, tested positive for a banned substance prior to the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, although the result was only announced the day after she posted a gold-medal winning performance at the Games. Following a lengthy legal process, her results were disqualified, and Russia's gold medal was rescinded and given to the US instead. She was handed a four-year competition ban. Moscow denounced the decision as politicized. In the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, only a limited number of Russian athletes will be allowed to participate under a neutral flag. Valieva, whose ban ends before the Games, will be eligible to return.
IOL News
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Mikhail Ajam: the journey of a young figure skater in search of the right partner
Mikhail Ajam on skating, self-discovery, and the space between seasons Image: Supplied For most competitive figure skaters, a year without competition might seem like a setback. However, for Cape Town student Mikhail Ajam, the past season has taught him patience, perspective, and the often-unspoken challenges of finding the right partner in ice dance. At eight years old, Mikhail's first experience on the ice came during a birthday party. He wanted to try hockey but was advised to learn to skate first. He joined the Junior Blades Figure Skating Club and quickly fell in love with the precision and discipline of figure skating. 'There was something about the technique that just stuck with me,' he said. From singles skating to synchro and eventually ice dance, his journey has never followed a straight line. 'I was playing catch-up for years,' he reflected, pointing to struggles with his axel jump and a late start compared to many peers. 'But when ice dance was introduced, something clicked. It became my discipline.' His love for performance came early. 'Matthew Samuels was my role model. His programs weren't just technical but entertaining as well. That's what I wanted my skating to be.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Mikhail and Matthew, his brother Image: Supplied While Mikhail went on to compete at the Junior Grand Prix and represented South Africa internationally, this past season brought a different kind of challenge: being partnerless. 'It's not something people talk about often,' he said. 'But finding the right partner in ice dance is incredibly difficult. You need physical compatibility such as height, strength, and stamina. However, you also need mental alignment, shared goals, communication, and trust. Chemistry matters. And you only really know if it's there after hours on the ice together.' Mikhail explained that it has also become harder, as more female skaters are opting for solo dance. 'There's this perception that boys get to choose. But that's changing. With solo dance becoming more popular, and eventually being recognised at ISU level, girls don't need to wait for a partner anymore. That means the pool is shrinking. For someone like me, it adds pressure to find the right fit and soon.' Still, he remained hopeful and focused. 'My biggest goal right now is to form a strong, compatible partnership. From there, I want to qualify for Nationals, return to the Grand Prix circuit, and ultimately compete at Worlds, Four Continents, and even the Olympics.' Off the ice, Mikhail is equally thoughtful. Living with ADHD and General Anxiety Disorder, he's learned to embrace what once made him feel different. 'For a long time, I was scared people would judge me. But I realised I can't hide who I am. Music helps me manage the noise in my head, and skating gives me purpose.' He also jokes that he doesn't really have a personal life: 'While my friends party, I go to bed early. But it's a choice. I do find time to see friends and family, but skating comes first.' Looking ahead, his ambitions are clear but so is his sense of self. 'Skating has taught me to be more adaptive, to train smarter, and to find the artist inside me. It's more than a sport. It's part of who I am.' And his message to younger dancers still searching for the right partner? 'Don't force it. If something feels off, trust your gut. You have to be able to rely on your partner, not just on the ice, but everywhere you go. Find someone who shares your vision and values. That connection is everything.'
Kuwait Times
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Kuwait Times
International Skating Union grants Kuwait full membership
LUSANNE: Salem Al-Ajmi, director of figure skating at the Kuwait Winter Sports Club, Yousef Al-Kandari, director of speed skating,ِ pose for a photo with ISU President Jae Yeol Kim. KUWAIT: The International Skating Union (ISU) granted the country full membership in its figure skating division, officially recognizing the Kuwait Figure Skating Federation. The decision, which was announced during the ISU's 2025 Congress currently being held in Switzerland, marks a major step forward for Kuwait's winter sports scene. In a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Thursday, President of the Kuwait Winter Sports Club, Fahid Al-Ajmi, hailed the development as a major milestone in the country's growing involvement on the global winter sports stage. The Kuwaiti delegation attending the ISU Congress included Salem Al-Ajmi, director of figure skating at the club, Yousef Al-Kandari, director of speed skating, and club administrator Farah Al-Qallaf. Al-Ajmi said Kuwait exercised its full voting rights at the Congress for the first time following the approval, taking part in key decisions aimed at developing the sport internationally. He expressed deep gratitude to the ISU and its president, South Korea's Jae Yeol Kim, for their confidence in Kuwait's skating program and their continued support. He explained that full membership was granted after Kuwait successfully met the ISU's eligibility requirements, including consistent participation in regional and international figure skating competitions and compliance with development standards. 'This recognition will boost the sport's development in Kuwait by creating more opportunities for our athletes to compete and gain valuable experience on the international stage,' Al-Ajmi said. He also extended congratulations to all club members and supporters who contributed to the achievement. Al-Ajmi credited the Kuwait Olympic Committee, led by Sheikh Fahad Nasser Al-Sabah, and Secretary-General Hussein Al-Musallam, for playing a key role in facilitating Kuwait's entry into the international skating community. He emphasized that the club remains committed to supporting all five winter sports under its umbrella. — KUNA
