Grant back in Italy hoping to follow Sinner as the country’s next tennis star
ROME: Tyra Caterina Grant grew up playing and living at the same tennis academy in northern Italy that Jannik Sinner attended before he went on to become No. 1.
Thailand Sport News
NEOM launches Champions of Progress initiative to drive community football
NEOM: The Asian Football Confederation’s official partner, NEOM, on Wednesday launched an initiative that aims to celebrate community heroes in football across Saudi Arabia, the Middle East and Asia. Known as Champions of Progress, the scheme will use football’s global platform to drive positive change across the region and help the development of talent from grassroots to elite players. The partnership supports NEOM’s vision to grow football in the Kingdom, improve access to physical activity for people and help make the country a global sports destination, it said in a statement. “Champions of Progress seeks to celebrate individuals and projects that promote positive community engagement, support innovative sports development and show a commitment to diversity and inclusion in football,” it said. The initiative is open to individuals aged 18 and above from across the region, as well as projects that have had a significant impact in the development of football at a community level, increased participation numbers or improved accessibility. A panel of judges, including experts from NEOM and AFC, will review all submissions to determine the winners. The six “champions” will be invited to the AFC Champions League Elite at the beginning of the 2025/26 season where they will meet senior members of the Saudi football community. Their stories will also be shared across selected partnership channels to drive awareness and encourage positive change in pan-Asian football.
‘Mr Dakar’ Peterhansel returns with Defender for 2026
RABAT: ‘Mr Dakar’ Stephane Peterhansel, a record 14 times winner of the Dakar Rally, will return to the gruelling endurance event next year aged 60 as a driver for Jaguar Land Rover’s Defender brand. The Frenchman, who turns 60 in August, did not enter this year after Audi withdrew but will be back in Saudi Arabia next January competing in the Stock category for production-based vehicles.
Riyadh to host final of World Polo Championship Asia qualifiers
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will host the final of the 2025 Federation of International Polo (FIP) Arena World Polo Championship Asia qualifiers at the Nofa Equestrian Resort, west of Riyadh.
Man Utd seek to finish off Athletic Bilbao in chase for Europa glory
MANCHESTER: Manchester United are preparing for the second leg of their Europa League semifinal against Athletic Bilbao knowing only a calamity will prevent a likely showdown with Tottenham later this month. Ruben Amorim’s men came away from the first leg in northern Spain last week with one foot firmly in the final, also in Bilbao, after an impressive 3-0 win. It was an extraordinary result in a season of ceaseless turmoil at United and the club reverted to type on Sunday, crashing to their 16th Premier League loss of a miserable season at Brentford. United have now suffered their highest number of league defeats in a campaign for 35 years.
Sunil Chhetri In Coach Manolo Marquez's 28-Member Probables List For Kolkata Camp
Indian football head coach Manolo Marquez has reposed faith in the abilities of veteran forward Sunil Chhetri, including him in the 28-member probables squad for next month's AFC Asian Cup 2027 Final Round qualifiers. Chhetri, 40, was forced to come out of retirement in March to lead a struggling India, reversing his decision to hang up the boots last year after more than two decades of wizardry upfront. He has since led the national side in a friendly against Maldives and also played in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers against Bangladesh.
Morocco’s Elmehdi El-Jamari set for high-stakes clash against Thailand’s Aliff at ONE Fight Night 32
RIYADH: Moroccan Muay Thai standout Elmehdi El-Jamari is set to return to the ring in a thrilling strawweight clash against Thailand’s Aliff Sor Dechapan at ONE Fight Night 32, scheduled for June 7 at the historic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok.
Taipei Open 2025: Apri/Febi Menang, Ester Tumbang
Duet ganda putri Apriyani Rahayu/Febi Setianingrum merebut kemenangan di babak 32 besar Taipei Open 2025. Sementara Ester Nurumi Tri Wardoyo harus angkat koper lebih cepat.