Kane hat-trick sends Bayern eight points clear

Kane hat-trick sends Bayern eight points clear
Bayern’s Harry Kane reacts in front of Augsburg’s goalkeeper Nediljko Labrovic during their Bundesliga match at the Allianz Arena in Munich on Nov. 22, 2024. (AP)
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Updated 23 November 2024
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Kane hat-trick sends Bayern eight points clear

Kane hat-trick sends Bayern eight points clear
  • Bayern, still yet to lose in the league in 2024-25, were dominant throughout but kept at bay by some dogged defending from their Bavarian neighbors
  • With 61 minutes gone, the ball connected with Augsburg’s Mads Pedersen’s outstretched arm in the box, bringing the England captain to the spot after a VAR review

MUNICH: A second-half Harry Kane hat-trick took Bayern Munich to a 3-0 home win over Augsburg on Friday, sending them eight clear atop the table ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
Bayern, still yet to lose in the league in 2024-25, were dominant throughout but kept at bay by some dogged defending from their Bavarian neighbors.
With 61 minutes gone, the ball connected with Augsburg’s Mads Pedersen’s outstretched arm in the box, bringing the England captain to the spot after a VAR review.
Kane cooly converted to give Bayern the lead.
In stoppage time, Kane went down in the box after contact from Keven Schlotterbeck and Bayern were again awarded a penalty after a VAR review, which the 31-year-old converted.
Schlotterbeck was sent from the field after picking up a second yellow for his challenge.
Kane then added a third, this time controlling a cross and heading in, his seventh hat-trick since joining Bayern.
The England captain now has 14 goals in 11 league games for Bayern this season, five of which have come from the spot.
Leipzig can cut the gap back to five when they play at struggling Hoffenheim on Saturday, while defending champions Bayer Leverkusen host Heidenheim.
The German giants received a boost pre-match, with captain and veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer cleared to start after missing training with a rib issue.
Bayern were in control of possession and field position but could not break through.
Augsburg offered little in attack but defended stoutly, holding Bayern’s glittering attacking riches at bay.
Augsburg goalie Nediljko Labrovic held firm to snuff out first-half chances from Jamal Musiaia and Leon Goretzka.
The Bavarian giants, still smarting after going trophyless for the first time in 11 seasons last campaign, eventually broke through with half an hour remaining, breaking Augsburg’s resolve.
Riding high in the league, Bayern have struggled in the Champions League format, sitting 17th after four games — six behind leaders Liverpool.
Tuesday’s home match with PSG, who are even further down the Champions League table, could be crucial for the German side in their top-eight bid to avoid the extra playoff round.


277 athletes compete in Saudi Open Kickboxing Championship in Riyadh

277 athletes compete in Saudi Open Kickboxing Championship in Riyadh
Updated 15 sec ago
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277 athletes compete in Saudi Open Kickboxing Championship in Riyadh

277 athletes compete in Saudi Open Kickboxing Championship in Riyadh
  • 3-day event brings together elite competitors across different weight classes, age groups
  • Championship will expand sport’s reach across the Kingdom, Saudi Kickboxing Federation says

RIYADH: A total of 277 athletes, including 67 women, on Wednesday began competing in 289 categories of the Saudi Open Kickboxing Championship, which is being organized by the Saudi Kickboxing Federation in Riyadh.
The three-day championship is being held at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium in Al-Malaz. The event kicked off on Wednesday with weigh-ins and medical check-ups followed by competitions.
Federation Chairman Ahmed Al-Towayan said that the championship brings together elite athletes across different weight classes and age groups. He highlighted the SKF’s commitment to these athletes, describing them as the foundation of the sport’s development in Saudi Arabia.
“This championship marks the launch of the second phase of our strategic implementation,” said Al-Towayan.
“We enter 2025 with a great spirit, fueled by the unlimited support in the sports sector from our leadership and the special attention given to kickboxing by Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, minister of sports and president of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee,” he added.
To enhance the experience for spectators, the federation has planned various entertainment activities, and set up food and beverage areas offering complimentary refreshments.
The federation will also offer gifts to the audience and host special segments on the sidelines of the championship.
Al-Towayan added: “The championship is not just about fostering a competitive sports environment, but also aims to expand the reach of kickboxing across the Kingdom, while providing diverse entertainment experiences for families and children as part of SKF’s community engagement efforts.”


On eve of his 40th birthday, Ronaldo says he is the best soccer player ever

On eve of his 40th birthday, Ronaldo says he is the best soccer player ever
Updated 23 min 39 sec ago
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On eve of his 40th birthday, Ronaldo says he is the best soccer player ever

On eve of his 40th birthday, Ronaldo says he is the best soccer player ever
  • “I am the greatest scorer in history,” Ronaldo said in an interview with Spanish television channel La Sexta
  • He had said it before, more than once, that he feels he will go out as the best ever in the history of soccer

MADRID: Cristiano Ronaldo approaches his 40th birthday with the same confidence and self-esteem as he has always boasted throughout his successful career.
Ronaldo, the former Real Madrid star who now plays for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr, will turn 40 on Wednesday and apparently has no doubt about who should be considered the best soccer player ever.


“I am the greatest scorer in history,” Ronaldo said in an interview with Spanish television channel La Sexta. “Although I am not left-footed, I am in the top 10 in history for goals scored with the left foot. These are numbers, I am the most complete player who has ever existed.

Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, and FC Barcelona’s Lionel Messi gesture during their Spanish La Liga match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, in 2013. (AP/File)

“I play well with my head, I take good free kicks, I am fast, I am strong, I jump... I have never seen anyone better than me.”
The Portugal star holds most scoring records in men’s international soccer, including most appearances with 217 and most goals with 135.
He had said it before, more than once, that he feels he will go out as the best ever in the history of soccer. Whenever he was asked about the discussion of who is better, him or Lionel Messi, he always praised the Argentine but ended siding with himself.
Ronaldo’s most recent comments prompted a few reactions in the soccer world.
“I have a lot of respect for Cristiano and I don’t have to analyze his opinions. It’s what he thinks. I have my own thoughts and it isn’t that,” said Javier Mascherano, a former teammate of Messi and his current coach at Inter Miami.


Bangladesh goes into bat for cricket in Saudi Arabia, ambassador says

Bangladesh goes into bat for cricket in Saudi Arabia, ambassador says
Updated 05 February 2025
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Bangladesh goes into bat for cricket in Saudi Arabia, ambassador says

Bangladesh goes into bat for cricket in Saudi Arabia, ambassador says
  • M. Delwar Hossain: I look forward to meeting the SACF chairman and discussing how we can work together for better cooperation
  • Former Pakistan captain, and one of the great allrounders, Shahid Afridi, was recently in the Kingdom, and met SACF CEO Tariq Ziad Sagga

RIYADH: Bangladesh Ambassador M. Delwar Hossain says that his country is looking forward to working with the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation and extending all cooperation as the sport’s popularity in the Kingdom grows.

The ambassador told Arab News: “Cricket is an important area developing in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi cricket team is doing well at the Asian Cricket Council events. We are following up the developments, and are in touch with the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation.”

The Saudi cricket team won the ACC Men’s Challenger Cup, both the first and the second competition, played in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2023 and 2024. The tournament is a part of the qualification pathway for the Asia Cup. The finalists qualify for the Premier Cup, whose winner goes on to the Asia Cup.

Hossain said that his predecessor, ambassador Mohammad Javed Patwary, met SACF Chairman Prince Saud bin Mishal Al-Saud last year, and they had signed an agreement between the Bangladesh and Saudi cricket boards.

The SACF chief was also invited to visit Bangladesh to see cricket developments there and decide what kind of cooperation could be extended from the Bangladeshi side. He was a keen supporter, according to the embassy officials who accompanied the previous ambassador during the meeting.

“I am new here, and look forward to meeting the SACF chairman and discussing how we can work together for better cooperation,” Hossain told Arab News.

Bangladesh is a good cricket side, currently ranked in the top ten across all formats: Test, ODI and T20 internationals.  

Many Bangladeshi expatriates play cricket at different clubs in Saudi Arabia. Bangladeshi expatriates have been invited to join matches organized by the SACF with employees of various companies as part of corporate cricket.

Recently Bangladeshi international schools have also been engaged in the game — both male and female students — for separate matches organized by the SACF.

With the game growing by leaps and bounds in the Kingdom, many developments are taking place. The Red Sea city of Jeddah hosted the TATA IPL mega auction at the Abadi Al-Johar Arena in November 2024, which attracted international cricket stars and the celebrity owners of the IPL franchises.

The SACF described the TATA IPL mega auction as “a historic sporting achievement in Jeddah.”

Former Pakistan captain, and one of the great allrounders, Shahid Afridi, was recently in the Kingdom, and met SACF CEO Tariq Ziad Sagga, describing it as an inspiring experience, at King Abdullah University Of Science And Technology (KAUST) Winter Enrichment Program 2025.

“Honored to be invited to the @kaust_news Winter Enrichment Program 2025! Thrilled to champion cricket and sports empowerment alongside our star Olympian @ArshadOlympian1, CEO @Cricketsaudi @tzsagga and GM Iqbal Sikandar. A pleasure engaging with the brilliant faculty, students and community here, alongside @ZafarxMalik, CEO of @SAFoundationN. Together, we continue to drive the spirit of sports forward!,” Afridi posted on X.

Pakistani cricketing legends, including Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar, have also been visiting the Kingdom and held meetings with the SACF chairman to discuss the development of cricket and ways to cooperate.

Indian cricket legend and former captain Rahul Dravid, head coach of the Indian Premier League team Rajasthan Royals, also attended the NEOM cricket program recently.


Dubai set for second round of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship

Dubai set for second round of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship
Updated 05 February 2025
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Dubai set for second round of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship

Dubai set for second round of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship
  • Athletes from children’s, youth, adult and masters categories will take part at Al-Nasr CLub on Feb. 8-9

ABU DHABI: The second round of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship will take place this weekend (Feb. 8-9) at Al-Nasr Club in Dubai.

It will feature competition in the No-Gi division with athletes representing clubs and academies from across the country.

Participants in the U-12, U-14, and U-16 categories will compete on Day 1, followed by youth, adults and masters on Day 2.

Mohamed Salem Al-Dhaheri, vice chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, emphasized that the second championship was a pioneering model for developing talent across technical, physical and mental levels, creating a pathway for future champions. He said that the No-Gi competitions allowed athletes to experiment with innovative strategies and techniques, further enhancing their ability to adapt to the diverse challenges of the sport.

“The great turnout for the No-Gi competitions reflects the sustainable development of the sport and the growing interest in it at all levels,” he said. “The participation of younger age groups has become one of the championship’s key pillars, showcasing the success of the federation’s strategy to discover and nurture new generations of talent and future champions.

“The championship draws athletes and their families into a distinctive and supportive environment, strengthening community ties and reflecting the noble values jiu-jitsu is known for, such as respect, loyalty and teamwork,” Al-Dhaheri said. “It also promotes the importance of pursuing sports as a healthy lifestyle, further establishing its position as one of the country’s most prominent sporting and social events.”


Germany’s president visits Riyadh training center for briefing on women’s football development in Saudi Arabia

Germany’s president visits Riyadh training center for briefing on women’s football development in Saudi Arabia
Updated 05 February 2025
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Germany’s president visits Riyadh training center for briefing on women’s football development in Saudi Arabia

Germany’s president visits Riyadh training center for briefing on women’s football development in Saudi Arabia
  • Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the first German head of state to visit Saudi Arabia, was accompanied by Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal
  • Regional Training Centers in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah are nurturing football talent in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: The Saudi Arabian Football Federation hosted Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Riyadh Regional Training Center on Monday.

Steinmeier, the first German head of state to visit Saudi Arabia, has travelled to the Kingdom to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as part of a three-day tour of the Middle East.

Steinmeier visited the Riyadh Girls’ RTC for a briefing on the development of women’s football in Saudi Arabia. His appearance highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to developing sport across all levels in the country.

Steinmeier was accompanied by Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal and Commerce Minister Majid Al-Qasabi.

The Riyadh RTC is one of four such training centers across the Kingdom that are developing football talent in a safe, educational, and supportive environment.

The centers focus on physical health, social skills and mental well-being. There are facilities in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah.

The Riyadh Girls’ RTC was launched by the SAFF in 2021. Now operating for the fourth year, there are 60 female players enrolled from under-8 to under-15.

The Jeddah center, in its third year, has 100 female players, while there are 80 in Dammam, and 60 in Madinah.

The work of the RTCs to prepare players for elite-level competition has proved vital since their launch, with 60 percent of the under-17 women’s national team scouted from the centers during the 2023/2024 season.