10 Arab moments to remember from the Paris 2024 Olympics

Gold medalist Algeria’s Imane Khelif kisses her medal for the women’s 66kg final boxing match at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. (AP)
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Updated 12 August 2024
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10 Arab moments to remember from the Paris 2024 Olympics

  • The Arab contingent in Paris provided many memorable moments and not only from those who ended up on the podium

DUBAI: Athletes representing Arab countries claimed an unprecedented seven gold medals during the 2024 Olympics in Paris, which came to an end on Sunday with a spectacular closing ceremony at Stade de France.

The Arab contingent in Paris provided many memorable moments and not only from those who ended up on the podium; some of the near misses were just as inspiring.

We got to see Moroccan surfer Ramzi Boukhiam take part in the heat of his life during the third round of the competition, against Brazil’s Joao Chianca, scoring a huge 9.70 on one of his waves yet still make a tearful exit from the competition.

There was also heartbreak for Jordan’s Rama Abo-Alrub, who came ever so close to defeating top-seeded Nafia Kus Aydin in the quarter-finals of the taekwondo +67kg. The 23-year-old’s tears were incredibly moving and showed the depth of her belief that she could have posted an upset.

In the pool, Tunisia’s Ahmed Jaouadi just missed out on the podium in the 800 meters, placing fourth among a stacked field. The 19-year-old impressed in all three distances he swam and will no doubt be one to watch in the future.

Before we officially bid farewell to the Paris Olympics, here are 10 particularly special moments that featured Arab athletes during the 2024 Games.

Elgendy’s record-breaking gold

What could possibly be better than becoming the first African to win an Olympic medal in your sport? Returning to the Olympics three years later and winning gold with a record-breaking performance, of course.

After clinching silver in the modern pentathlon in Tokyo, Egypt’s Ahmed Elgendy went one better as he topped the podium at Versailles on Saturday, setting a new modern pentathlon world record of 1,555 points in the process.

The 24-year-old ran to hug his mother on the sidelines after securing Egypt’s only gold of the Paris Olympics. He was first man from his country to win more than one Olympic medal since Karam Gaber claimed wrestling silver in 2012 to go with the gold he won in 2004.

Nemour makes history for Africa

Also flying the flag for Africa and Arab sport, French Algerian Kaylia Nemour became the first gymnast from the African continent to win an Olympic medal when she took gold in the uneven bars event in artistic gymnastics.

The 17-year-old, who was born in France, was near flawless as she performed her breathtaking bars routine, which earned her a massive score of 15.70 in the final.

Nemour also performed well in the all-round competition, making the final and placing fifth overall, just 3.232 points behind gold medalist Simone Biles.

Khelif rises above the noise

Algeria’s other gold in Paris was claimed by Imane Khelif, who triumphed in the 66kg division to become the first Arab or African female boxer to make an Olympic podium.

The 25-year-old endured an unimaginable amount of injustice, scrutiny and online harassment during her time in Paris. She was misgendered and disrespected by many but somehow rose above it all as she powered to victory and clinched gold. She showed grace in every interview she gave and said her success had restored her honor and was the perfect response to those who had attacked her.

Palestinian athletes fly the flag

Eight Palestinian athletes competed at Paris 2024, all of them united by one mission: to raise the flag of their country, shine a light on the horrors taking place in Gaza, and provide a voice and platform for their people back home.

“For us to just ignore what’s going on is not feasible,” Valeria Tarazi, who swam in the 200m medley heats, told ABC News. “We’re affected by this every single day of our lives and it absolutely is our responsibility to speak out on what’s happening. And we’re not here to be politicians but we are here to tell our stories.

“Sport has given me more than I could ever ask for. But my job as an Olympian, here, is not to do my sport, be done and achieve all my goals, it’s to give back, it’s to educate.”

The Palestinian delegation received a standing ovation when they entered the Stade de France during the closing ceremony on Sunday and paraded around the stadium wearing the traditional keffiyeh headdress and waving their nation’s flag one more time.

Hafez stuns world with pregnancy announcement

Nada Hafez from Egypt reached the last 16 in sabre fencing by knocking out American No.7 seed Elizabeth Tartakovsky, before exiting the competition following a defeat by South Korea’s Jeon Hayoung.

Her impressive performance does not sound particularly out of the ordinary — but shortly after the defeat, Hafez made the stunning announcement on her Instagram page that she had been competing while seven months pregnant.

The 26-year-old instantly became one of the most talked-about athletes of the Games, as she proved just how limitless we can be, as humans, and reminded everyone never to underestimate the power of women.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Nada Hafez (@nada_hafez)

Morocco and Egypt reach soccer semi-finals

Not one but two Arab teams made it to the semi-finals of the football competition, with Morocco ultimately securing bronze and Egypt finishing in fourth place.

The Atlas Lions began their Olympics campaign with a wild victory over Argentina and ended it by netting six goals in the third-place play-off against their North African rivals.

Moroccan player Soufiane Rahimi was the tournament’s top scorer, with eight goals, and the first player in Olympic history to find the net in six consecutive games.

Egypt’s journey at the Games ended with a thrashing but the Pharaohs impressed on the road to the bronze-medal decider, defeating eventual champions Spain in the group stage and giving France a run for their money in the semis.

Barshim cements high jump legacy

Qatar’s Mutaz Barshim closed the final chapter on his Olympic career by becoming the first athlete to win four high-jump medals at the Games.

A silver medalist at London 2012 and Rio 2016, and gold medalist at Tokyo 2020, he made the podium for a fourth-consecutive Games by taking bronze at the Stade de France on Saturday.

The 33-year-old brought so much character to the high jump over the past 12 years, and of all his contemporaries he came closest to breaking Javier Sotomayor’s world record. He will be missed.

Katoussi leads trio of taekwondo medalists

The Arab world continues to make significant strides in taekwondo, and Tunisian Firas Katoussi became the latest addition to the region’s growing list of champions.

The 28-year-old was near-untouchable in all of his bouts as he stormed to gold in the -80kg event and then danced with joy in celebration at the heart of the Grand Palais.

Zaid Kareem from Jordan clinched silver in the -68kg event, while Mohammed Khalil Jendoubi from Tunisia added to the silver he won in Tokyo 2020 by securing bronze in Paris in the -58kg division.

Samir bags second career Olympic medal

She was devastated to miss out on gold but Sara Samir still had plenty to be proud of as she won a second Olympic medal to go with the bronze she won in Rio in 2016.

In the 81kg weightlifting event, the Egyptian briefly held the Olympic record in the clean and jerk, later broken again by Norwegian gold medalist Solfrid Koanda, before securing silver with 268kg.

Samir is one of only three Egyptian women to win more than one Olympic medal.

El-Bakkali defends title

He looked to be in a tough position late in the race but Moroccan runner Soufiane El-Bakkali managed to carve out enough space to take the lead and successfully defend his 3,000m steeplechase gold medal with a season-best time of 8 minutes 6.05 seconds.

In the women’s steeplechase, Winfred Yavi from Bahrain set a new Olympic record to take gold with a time of 8:52.76, the fourth-fastest of all-time in the event.


Daniel Dubois ready to do ‘whatever it takes’ to beat Anthony Joshua on ‘historic’ night for British boxing

Updated 30 min 14 sec ago
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Daniel Dubois ready to do ‘whatever it takes’ to beat Anthony Joshua on ‘historic’ night for British boxing

  • Two fighters faced off for second time this week at press conference at Guildhall in London

LONDON: Reigning International Boxing Federation heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois said on Thursday he was ready to do “whatever it takes” to win his fight against Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

The two fighters, who will headline the Riyadh Season Card Wembley Edition event in London, faced off for a second time this week at a press conference at Guildhall in the British capital.

Dubois, who has been guarded and careful with his words during the build-up week, did not mince his words when asked how he felt 48 hours from the bout.

“I’ve been preparing for this moment for months. This fight has been anticipated since the start of my professional career, and I’m here to solidify my place by winning,” he said. 

“I’m feeling in peak condition, physically and mentally, and I’m prepared for battle.

“Whether by knockout or decision, I’ll do whatever it takes to win. The method doesn’t matter — what matters is that I’m ready for any scenario,” he added.

 Anthony Joshua (L) and Daniel Dubois (R) during the press conference at Guildhall in London. (Action Images via Reuters)

Joshua, who could join an elite group of fighters to be crowned a three-time world champion, emphasized the respect between him and Dubois, adding that boxing was “at its core, a gentleman’s sport.”

However, he acknowledged the tension that often accompanies face-offs, recalling a recent encounter with Dubois: “During the face-off about a month ago, tensions flared, but it remained respectful. Dubois said, ‘Let’s go now,’ and for a moment, I wasn’t sure what he meant. But this is boxing, and these things happen. We’re ready for Saturday.”

He continued: “In this sport, you can’t give anyone an inch because they’ll take a mile. I’m going all out, and I want to thank my team for their efforts in preparing me for this battle.”

 Anthony Joshua (L) and Daniel Dubois (R) during the press conference at Guildhall in London. (Action Images via Reuters)

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, said the event on Saturday had the potential to be an “historic night for British boxing,” and not just for his fighter.

“I never imagined that Riyadh Season would reach this level, but here we are, hosting an extraordinary event at Wembley,” he said. 

“Joshua has always been an inspiration to a new generation of fighters, and ever since he won Olympic gold, he has set the standard for British boxing. Saturday offers him the chance to prove himself once again as a three-time heavyweight world champion, joining the ranks of legends like Muhammad Ali and Lennox Lewis.

“Anthony is fully prepared. I’ve never seen him this calm and confident. Saturday will be a night to remember, and it will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest in British sporting history,” he added.

 Anthony Joshua (L) and Daniel Dubois (R) during the press conference at Guildhall in London. (Action Images via Reuters)

Hearn’s rival promoter Frank Warren, who manages Dubois, agreed.

“This isn’t just any fight— we have two of Britain’s strongest heavyweight contenders going head-to-head. Both have faced challenges, but Dubois has shown throughout his career that he’s a fighter not to be underestimated,” he said.

“He’s surmounted numerous obstacles, and now he’s here to show the world what he’s capable of. Dubois packs a powerful punch, with speed and agility that make him a dangerous opponent.

“I advise everyone not to blink during this fight because it’s going to be extraordinary from start to finish. I truly believe this will be one of the greatest bouts in British boxing history.”


Barca stumble at Monaco after early red card

Updated 20 September 2024
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Barca stumble at Monaco after early red card

MONACO: Barcelona fell to a 2-1 defeat at Monaco on Thursday in their Champions League opener, hindered by an early red card shown to Eric Garcia.
Hansi Flick’s side have started the season with a perfect record after five La Liga matches but struggled to find their best level against the Ligue 1 side.
After Garcia was sent off for pulling down Takumi Minamino as he ran through, Maghnes Akliouche fired Monaco ahead.
Starlet Lamine Yamal scored a fine equalizer for Barcelona but George Ilenikhena grabbed the winner for Monaco in the 71st minute.
Five-time winners Barcelona, last crowned European champions in 2015, have struggled in Europe in recent seasons, particularly away from home and were brought crashing down to earth in the French Riviera.
Monaco thrashed Barcelona in a pre-season friendly and had the Catalan giants’ number for much of the clash at the Stade Louis II.
They were significantly aided by Garcia’s dismissal after 11 minutes, for felling former Liverpool midfielder Minamino on the edge of the box.
A careless pass from Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen put Garcia under immediate pressure and he tangled with the Japan international as he tried to stop him running in on goal.
Monaco soon took the lead after 17 minutes when Akliouche worked his way into the box and finished well under little pressure.
With Barcelona at a numerical disadvantage the hosts were on top and Raphinha squandered the visitors’ best openings despite his impressive domestic form of late.
Monaco had kept Spain’s Euro 2024 star Yamal quiet but he burst into life to level before the half-hour mark, cutting in from the right and drilling inside the near post.
The teenage made it look easy to score a goal out of nothing, becoming the second youngest scorer in Champions League history at 17 years and 68 days old.
The record-holder watched on from Barcelona’s bench — Ansu Fati, who netted in 2019 against Inter Milan at 17 years 40 days of age.
Alejandro Balde bundled off target for Barcelona but Monaco came closer, with Breel Embolo firing at Ter Stegen and Wilfried Singo having a goal disallowed for offside.
Monaco took the lead when the dangerous Vanderson played a long ball over the top which substitute Ilenikhena ran on to, with Inigo Martinez in his rearview mirror.
The 18-year-old Nigerian forward hit his shot hard and low and it flew into the net via a hand from Ter Stegen, who might have kept it out.
The German stopper achieved some redemption when he produced a superb save to keep out Folarin Balogun’s ferocious effort.
Monaco were awarded a penalty late on when Balogun tumbled to ground under pressure from Martinez, but the referee changed his decision after a VAR review.
Flick threw on Fati for his first Barcelona appearance since August 2023 in search of an equalizer but it was not forthcoming.


Ex-Man United striker Anthony Martial joins AEK Athens

Updated 19 September 2024
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Ex-Man United striker Anthony Martial joins AEK Athens

  • Martial will receive $3.9m per year, becoming the most expensive player in the history of the 13-time Greek champions
  • “AEK was a chance for me and I want to give the best of myself to win trophies and bring joy to the fans,” the French player said

ATHENS: Former Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has penned a three-year deal with AEK Athens, the Greek first division club announced on Thursday.
Out of contract after nine years with the Premier League club, Martial will receive 3.5 million euros ($3.9m) per year, becoming the most expensive player in the history of the 13-time Greek champions, who are celebrating their centenary this year.
“I’m very happy. AEK was a chance for me and I want to give the best of myself to win trophies and bring joy to the fans,” the French player said.


The 28-year-old former Lyon and Monaco player signed for Man United in 2015, scoring 90 goals in 317 games and winning the Europa League in 2017 and two FA Cup trophies.
But he has never fulfilled his early promise after bursting onto the scene at Monaco as a teenager.
Martial was capped 30 times capped by France with two goals scored but his last selection was in the final of the Nations League in October 2021, though he did not appear from the bench in that match as France beat Spain 2-1.
AEK have also signed former Tottenham Hotspur and Sevilla midfielder Erik Lamela.
They are top of Super League Greece after four matches, but are not playing in European competition this season.


Topgolf to open three driving range entertainment venues in Kingdom

Updated 19 September 2024
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Topgolf to open three driving range entertainment venues in Kingdom

  • Move part of partnership deal with Golf Saudi
  • Company will also sponsor Kingdom’s professional golfers

RIYADH: Topgolf Callaway Brands is set to open three driving range entertainment venues in the Kingdom under a partnership deal with Golf Saudi.
The facilities will open in Riyadh, Jeddah and the Eastern Province, with the possibility of more to follow in the future, according to a press statement.
Golf Saudi CEO Noah Alireza said: “Our partnership marks a pivotal moment for golf in Saudi Arabia. Our golf infrastructure has been rapidly evolving and this multi-brand deal with Topgolf Callaway Brands will accelerate the game we love across the whole ecosystem.
“We are confident that we’ve found the right long-term partner to leverage the fast developing sports and golf canvas in Saudi Arabia and to co-innovate to help shape the future of golf in Saudi and beyond.
“This partnership ladders back to Golf Saudi’s role in achieving the goals of Vision 2030,” Alireza said.
“We are driven by improving the lives and opportunities of all Saudis and expats living in the country. Opening Topgolf will not only get thousands of people into playing golf and enjoying the health and wellness benefits that come with that, but it will also bring hundreds of new jobs to young Saudis, which is another part of our ambitions of building a far-reaching and sustainable golf ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.”
As well as the entertainment venues, under the deal Golf Saudi will become the official distributor of Topgolf Callaway Brands equipment and clothing in the Kingdom.
Callaway Golf will also sponsor the country’s professional golfers and provide clothing for the men’s, women’s and junior national teams.


Ton-up Ashwin lifts India to 339-6 against Bangladesh

Updated 19 September 2024
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Ton-up Ashwin lifts India to 339-6 against Bangladesh

  • Pacer Hasan Mahmud rips through Indian batting order by taking four wickets 
  • India slipped to 144-6 in the second session before Ashwin, Jadeja’s rescue 

CHENNAI, India: A counter-attacking century from Ravichandran Ashwin pulled India to a “good position” at 339-6 on day one of the first Test after Bangladesh fast bowler Hasan Mahmud rattled the hosts with four wickets on Thursday.

India slipped to 34-3 inside the first hour of play in Chennai, then 144-6 in the second session before Ashwin, on 102, and Ravindra Jadeja, on 86, put on an unbeaten stand of 195 runs.

Hasan had vindicated skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto’s decision to field first in overcast conditions, striking early with three wickets and taking one more after lunch.

The tourists, fresh from their 2-0 sweep in Pakistan, are looking for their first Test win against India.

Chennai-born Ashwin and the left-handed Jadeja — India’s go-to spinners — blunted the Bangladesh bowling, to the delight of the home fans.

“We always have a plan. We were relaxed in the dressing room when watching,” India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal told reporters.

“I think initially the ball was moving and seaming a bit and the wicket was damp. We took our time. In the last session we scored quite well and are in a good position at the moment,” he added.

Ashwin, 38, reached his sixth Test ton in 108 balls with 12 boundaries, removing his helmet and raising his hands to soak in the crowd’s cheers.

Hasan ripped through the Indian top-order including skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli — both scoring just six runs — to leave the hosts at 34-3 inside the first hour of play.

Jaiswal put on a 62-run partnership with fellow left-hander Rishabh Pant to get some momentum into the Indian innings.

Hasan broke the stand in the third over after lunch when wicketkeeper-batsman Pant, who is playing his first Test after a serious 2022 car crash, was caught behind off a loose shot. He made 39 with six boundaries.

Jaiswal fell to Bangladesh’s new pace sensation Nahid Rana for 56. Spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz then took down KL Rahul for 16.

Hasan’s opening spell of 3-14 put the hosts immediately on the back foot, starting with Rohit caught at second slip.

“The plan was simple, to bowl at my strength — bowl seam-up and shape the ball in and out — and I succeeded,” said Hasan. “I was in my zone.”

He added: “Later in the day the wicket settled, but still I got some movement.”

Shubman Gill survived just eight deliveries before being caught behind for a duck when he attempted a flick down the leg side.

Kohli walked in to loud cheers but the noise soon stopped when the former captain edged a length delivery outside the off-stump from Hasan to wicketkeeper Litton Das.

It was a disappointing outing for Kohli after missing his team’s 4-1 home win over England in March due to the birth of his second child.

India is looking to extend their lead at the top of the World Test Championship rankings as they begin a fresh Test season of 10 matches.

The second and final Test starts on September 27 at Kanpur.