1,500 athletes ready for Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship

1,500 athletes ready for Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship
Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship is taking place in Sharjah from Sept. 27-29 (UAEJJF)
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Updated 27 September 2024
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1,500 athletes ready for Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship

1,500 athletes ready for Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship
  • Round 3 No Gi takes place from Sept. 27-29 at Al-Bait Metwahed in Sharjah
  • This year sees registration numbers up 50% on the previous edition

ABU DHABI: More than 1,500 athletes are set to take part in the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship Round 3 No Gi, the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation has revealed.

The event takes place from om Sept. 27-29 at Al-Bait Metwahed in Sharjah.

During the opening day of the event on Friday, entrants will compete in the adults and masters categories, followed by the U12 and U14 sections on the second day. The final day will see the U16 and youth competitions.

The championship is part of a five-round series held across different emirates throughout the season. It holds special significance as it marks the final No Gi round, with double ranking points awarded.

Khalid Ibrahim Al-Nakhi, a board member of the Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club and jiu-jitsu supervisor, said: “Hosting the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Sharjah is an important step in promoting jiu-jitsu in the emirate. Our club’s training department has fully prepared for the largest participation in our history. We are confident our athletes will compete strongly and win medals.”

He added: “We extend our gratitude to the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation for its constant support of athletes and clubs across the country. This support has helped develop a strong pool of talented athletes, motivating them to strive for excellence. Our club is determined to compete for the championship title, building on our success in the second round.”

Yasser Al-Qubaisi, technical supervisor at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said: “The Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship — Round 3 No Gi has seen an incredible 50 per cent increase in athlete participation compared to the second round, with 35 academies and clubs taking part. This shows the rising importance of No Gi competitions across different categories. No Gi requires advanced technical skills, quick movement, and strategic flexibility, making it a unique challenge.”


Herve Renard announces Saudi Arabia’s lineup for Asian qualifiers for 2026 World Cup

Herve Renard announces Saudi Arabia’s lineup for Asian qualifiers for 2026 World Cup
Updated 12 March 2025
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Herve Renard announces Saudi Arabia’s lineup for Asian qualifiers for 2026 World Cup

Herve Renard announces Saudi Arabia’s lineup for Asian qualifiers for 2026 World Cup
  • Green Falcons will host China on March 20 before they travel to play against Japan on March 25
  • Frenchman’s list constitutes of 27 players, who will join the Green Falcon’s training camp in Riyadh on Sunday

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s national football team’s French head coach Herve Renard announced on Wednesday the lineup for the seventh and eighth rounds of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
The Green Falcons will host China on March 20 at Al-Awwal Park Stadium before they travel to play against Japan on March 25 at Saitama Stadium 2002.
The Frenchman’s list constitutes of 27 players, who will join the Green Falcon’s training camp in Riyadh, starting March 16, ahead of their two qualifiers.
The list includes Ahmed Al-Kassar, Nawaf Al-Aqidi, Hamed Yousef, Mishari Sinior, Hassan Kadesh, Jihad Zekri, Saad Al-Moussa, Ali Lajami, Hassan Al-Tambukti, Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti, Saud Abdulhamid, Nawaf Bushel, Ali Majrashi, Faisal Al-Ghamdi, Nasser Al-Dosari, Musab Al-Juwair, Ziad Al-Jahni, Mohammed Kano, Salem Al-Dosari, Turki Al-Ammar, Abdullah Al-Hamdan, Ayman Yahya, Muhannad Al-Saad, Ahmed Al-Ghamdi, Marwan Al-Sahafi, Firas Al-Buraikan and Abdullah Al-Salem.
The Green Falcons are in Group 3 in the third round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, alongside Japan, Australia, Bahrain, China and Indonesia.


Muslim Boxing Awards return to Birmingham this month to honor British Muslim fighters

Muslim Boxing Awards return to Birmingham this month to honor British Muslim fighters
Updated 12 March 2025
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Muslim Boxing Awards return to Birmingham this month to honor British Muslim fighters

Muslim Boxing Awards return to Birmingham this month to honor British Muslim fighters
  • The event, now in its second year, is the brainchild of solicitor Adil Hussain, founder of a pro bono legal organization that helps boxers deal with complex business contracts
  • The event will also include a fundraiser in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, and a 4-course Ramadan iftar

LONDON: Top British Muslim boxers will be honored at an awards event on March 22 in Birmingham, which organizers describe as a celebration of fighters’ careers and the values of fairness within the sport.

The Muslim Boxing Awards 2025 will take place at the city’s Grand Botanical Suite and be presented by Amir Khan, a former Olympian and two-time world champion, and Johnny Nelson, a former world cruiserweight champion.

This year’s awards ceremony follows the inaugural event in April last year. It is once again organized by Legal Blows, a pro bono legal organization that helps boxers deal with the complexities of business contracts, which said the evening will unite champions, rising stars and boxing legends for a memorable celebration.

“The event will honor the dedication, excellence and values that make Muslim athletes true role models, both inside and outside the ring,” it added.

It will also include a fundraiser in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, and a four-course Ramadan iftar.

Legal Blows said the lineup it has assembled for the awards features some of Britain’s top boxers and other leading lights in the sport, including: Shabaz Masoud, holder of the IBO super-bantamweight title; Hamza Uddin, a former Team GB fighter and eight-time national champion; Haseebah Abdullah, England’s first hijab-wearing boxing coach; and Mehek Khalil, an amateur boxer and actress.

The Muslim Boxing Awards is the brainchild of solicitor Adil Hussain, the founder of Legal Blows, in collaboration with renowned boxing figures, including Khan and other top-tier talent.

“Many athletes are unaware that they have the ability to negotiate contracts to obtain more favorable terms,” Hussain said of his work with boxers.

“My goal is to empower them with the tools to protect their interests and maximize their careers.”


Former star Eto’o elected to CAF executive by acclamation

Former star Eto’o elected to CAF executive by acclamation
Updated 12 March 2025
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Former star Eto’o elected to CAF executive by acclamation

Former star Eto’o elected to CAF executive by acclamation
  • The 44-year-old became eligible only last week after CAS overturned a CAF ban on the ex-Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea forward
  • Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) president Eto’o now joins the supreme decision-making body in Africa

JOHANNESBURG: Former Cameroon star Samuel Eto’o was elected to the CAF executive committee by acclamation in Cairo on Wednesday as he was the lone candidate from the central Africa region.
The 44-year-old became eligible only last week after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturned a CAF ban on the ex-Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea forward.
His elevation to the executive of the African governing body came at a CAF extraordinary general assembly — an annual meeting of top football officials in the continent.
Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) president Eto’o now joins the supreme decision-making body in Africa.
The gathering at a hotel overlooking the pyramids also confirmed that South African Patrice Motsepe would serve a second four-year term as CAF president. He was unopposed.
Motsepe was elected by acclamation in Morocco four years ago, succeeding Malagasy Ahmad Ahmad, who had been suspended by FIFA over financial misconduct.
CAF secretary general Veron Mosengo-Omba is among those who have credited Motsepe with improving the finances and governance of the organization.
“Patrice was a gift for African football. In 2021 CAF was a toxic body. He brought good governance to all levels of the organization,” Mosengo-Omba said ahead of the meeting.
The CAF ban of Eto’o came last year after the three-time Champions League winner was found guilty by the Cairo-based organization of an ethics breach.
Last July, CAF said the Cameroonian had “seriously violated the principles of ethics, integrity and sportsmanship” by becoming a brand ambassador for a betting organization.
Apart from the suspension, the four-time African Footballer of the Year was fined $200,000 (EUR185,000). This was later quashed.
Born in the Cameroon port city Douala, Eto’o has been involved in several controversies since becoming FECAFOOT boss in 2021.
He was caught on video assaulting a football supporter outside a stadium after a match at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
He later apologized, saying: “I would like to apologize for losing my temper and reacting in a way that does not match my personality. It was an unfortunate incident.”
Last year, he was banned by FIFA from attending all Cameroon men’s and women’s national team matches for six months after an incident at the Women’s under-20 World Cup in Colombia.
The world body found Eto’o guilty of “offensive behavior, violation of the principles of fair play and misconduct of players and officials.”
When Belgian Marc Brys was appointed national coach of the Cameroon men’s team last year, he clashed regularly with Eto’o.
Eto’o enjoyed a glittering career, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest African footballers.
He helped Cameroon win the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games football tournament and was part of the 2000 and 2002 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)-winning teams.
Eto’o featured at four World Cup and six AFCON tournaments and scored a record 18 goals in the African tournament.


DP World ILT20 to sponsor Ramadan cricket tournament in Dubai

DP World ILT20 to sponsor Ramadan cricket tournament in Dubai
Updated 12 March 2025
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DP World ILT20 to sponsor Ramadan cricket tournament in Dubai

DP World ILT20 to sponsor Ramadan cricket tournament in Dubai
  • Tournament to be held at the ICC Academy Oval 1 and 2 from March 13 to April 3
  • Dubai Capitals lifted the DP World ILT20 Season 3 trophy in February

DUBAI: As a sign of their commitment to develop and support UAE cricket, particularly at the grassroots, DP World ILT20 is set sponsor a Ramadan cricket tournament to be held at the ICC Academy Oval 1 and 2 in Dubai from March 13 to April 3. 

The 22-day tournament will feature 10 domestic teams — the Dubai Cricket Council Starlets, Karwan Cricket Club, Emirates Fly Better, Seven District, Prospero Properties, Dubai Dare Devils, Consolidate Shipping Service, Z Games, Lexington Shot Guns, and GHK Properties — with over 200 players vying for the top prize.

Each team will play nine single round-robin league games followed by semifinals and the final. The tournament will be livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook.

Discussing their backing for the event, David White, CEO of DP World ILT20, said: “It is DP World ILT20’s endeavour to support and nurture local talent in UAE. With 220 players turning up for the Ramadan cricket tournament, it’s a great opportunity to see and encourage emerging talent. We stay true to our commitment of developing cricket at the grassroots and I wish all the players the very best.”

The DP World ILT20 season 3 recently concluded with Dubai Capitals emerging as the new champions. While the league has been a global success, the DP World ILT20 continues to support domestic cricket at the grassroots level as part of their commitment to help in the growth and development of emerging local talent.


Libya hires Aliou Cisse as new head coach

Libya hires Aliou Cisse as new head coach
Updated 12 March 2025
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Libya hires Aliou Cisse as new head coach

Libya hires Aliou Cisse as new head coach
  • Cisse will lead Libya until 2027, the federation said
  • “We welcome the best coach in Africa“

TUNIS: The Libyan football federation announced Tuesday in a statement posted on Facebook the appointment of AFCON-winner Aliou Cisse as new head coach of the national team.
Cisse, widely regarded as one of Africa’s top coaches and winner of the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal in 2022, will lead Libya until 2027, the federation said.
“We welcome the best coach in Africa,” the statement said, without providing further details on Cisse’s new contract or its value.
He replaces Nasser Al-Hadhiri, who had been appointed in September 2024.
The federation said Cisse, 48, will be officially presented to the media on March 13 in Tripoli, ahead of the start of his tenure.
Libya did not qualify for the upcoming edition of AFCON, which is set to take place in Morocco next winter.
However, they currently sit second in their World Cup qualifying group, and next take on Angola later this month.