IOC President talks Olympic Agenda 2020 during official visit to FEI HQ

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach commented favourably today on the high level of compliance in equestrian sport with the 40 recommendations in Olympic Agenda 2020 during an official visit to the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) headquarters in Lausanne (SUI), the Olympic capital.

“Olympic Agenda 2020 is the strategic roadmap for the future of the Olympic Movement and it is impressive to see how compliant the FEI and equestrian sport already are with many of the recommendations”, President Bach said. “We have targeted gender equality as a key goal of Agenda 2020 and equestrian sport has always been at the forefront on this, with men and women competing against each other for the medals.”

“Equestrian sport has been part of the Olympic movement since 1912 and the growth of the sport has been phenomenal, but it is good to know that the FEI was already working on a number of these areas, including good governance and a full review of the competition formats, even before we rolled out Agenda 2020. The sport touches many cultures and people of all ages and I have great admiration for what equestrian athletes achieve through the unique relationship between horse and rider, it’s truly awe-inspiring.”

During a presentation to the IOC President, FEI President Ingmar De Vos stressed how the FEI and equestrian sport are proactively embracing Olympic Agenda 2020. “We see it as an invitation to continue on the path we are already on to grow and develop the sport, a launch pad to further improve our sport and make it relevant in the modern sporting climate. We are confident that we tick many of the Agenda 2020 boxes, and we’re working hard to add the tick to the missing ones. We are pushing the boundaries, while respecting the traditions of our sport.”

Ingmar De Vos explained how the ongoing review of the competition formats, in full consultation with the member National Federations, athletes and stakeholders, is aimed at making equestrian sport more dynamic, easier to understand, and accessible for a wider fan base and for youth audiences. Sport presentation is also key and the FEI is continuing to work on development and further expansion of broadcast coverage of equestrian events.

President Bach, German team gold medallist in fencing at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal, also met with three fellow Olympians – China’s youngest Olympic Eventer Alex Hua Tian, German Dressage rider Kristina Bröring-Sprehe, team silver medalist at London 2012, and Brazilian Jumping athlete Pedro Veniss, who is bidding to make a return to the Olympic stage on home soil in Rio. And there was a surprise equine athlete, the Spanish stallion Sarango, who greeted Thomas Bach and the athletes during the visit to FEI HQ.

President Bach and the IOC delegation met with FEI President Ingmar De Vos and FEI Secretary General Sabrina Zeender on the date marking 275 days to go to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. The IOC delegation also included Director General Christophe de Kepper, Pierre Fratter-Bardy, Head of Summer Sports, and Mark Adams, Director of Communications.

FEI 1st Vice President and Chair of the FEI Jumping Committee John Madden, FEI Executive Board member and Chair of the FEI Dressage Committee Frank Kemperman, and Giuseppe Della Chiesa, Chair of the FEI Eventing Committee were also part of the FEI delegation that met the IOC President.

Straight from the horse’s mouth: International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach was greeted at Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) Headquarters by the stallion Sarango after meetings with an FEI delegation headed by President Ingmar De Vos and Secretary General Sabrina Zeender. Also pictured are Eventing athlete Alex Hua Tian (CHN) and German Dressage athlete Kristina Bröring-Sprehe. Brazilian Jumping athlete Pedro Veniss (out of shot) also met with the IOC President. (Liz Gregg/FEI)

“Equestrian is the only Olympic sport where men and women compete against each other for medals in all the disciplines,” Kristina Bröring-Sprehe said. “It’s only when you get a bit older that you realise just how special this is, and it’s one of the many reasons why equestrian sport is so popular with women of all ages. Knowing how important gender equality is to the Olympic movement, it’s been really empowering to talk to Thomas Bach about this today.”

“Eventing is my real passion”, said Alex Hua Tian, the man who carried the hopes of 1.2 billion Chinese at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. “It’s not just a sport, but a way of life, and we have a unique partnership with our horses where big decisions have to be made, communicated and executed in a heartbeat. Trust, courage and precision is what our sport is all about, as well as building on joint strengths, and forgiving and compensating for each other’s weaknesses. We have a very deep relationships with our horses, and it has been fascinating to discuss this with the IOC President today.”

“Brazil is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world and, just like the equestrian community, the Brazilian people are vibrant and welcoming”, said Pedro Veniss, who was part of the Brazilian Jumping team at the 2008 Olympic Games. “Our melting pot of cultures in Brazil and in our sport is very exciting. As a Brazilian equestrian athlete, I am so proud that we are staging the first Games in South America and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

“The Rio 2016 Olympic Games is now just around the corner, and it has been a huge pleasure for us all at FEI HQ and our equestrian ‘family’ to have IOC President Thomas Bach with us today,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said. “We are looking forward to seeing our top athletes, both human and equine, displaying their unique talents to all those who are lucky enough to get to Rio and see the action in person, as well as all those watching from home. The Games will be incredible.”

#RoadToRio

The Rio 2016 Olympic equestrian action gets underway on 6 August at the Olympic Equestrian Centre in the Deodoro Olympic Park, the second largest Rio 2016 Games cluster.

Two hundred of the world’s best human and equine athletes will compete for medals in the Olympic disciplines of Eventing, Dressage and Jumping over 12 days of intense competition.

Morocco 2015 ITF Junior Masters Qaudri beats Burundi opponent…,

Qaudri beats Burundi opponent, battles South African for Semifinal place…

Nigeria’s Oyinlomo Qaudri underlined her status as one of Africa’s star prospect on Wednesday as she rallied from a set down to beat Burundi’s Aisha Niyonkuru to enhance her chance of a semifinal place at the ongoing Africa U14 Junior Tennis Masters in Rabat, Morocco. The tournament is for the top 8 junior players in Africa.

The 14-year-old, who is the top ranked player in the West and Central African Zone, stumbled against her opponent 6-3 in the opening set but kept her composure to win the second set 6-3 before recording another 6-3 in the final set to end the dream of the Southern African’s quest of having a share of the ITF grant for the top finishers in the five-day championship which will end on Saturday.

It was an improved performance from Qaudri who was out rallied by Morocco’s Aziz Oumaima in her opening match on Tuesday. The Moroccan enjoy full support of the home fans but she was given a tough time by Quadri, who won the second set 6-4 having fell 6-2 in the first set. Oumaima’s exposure and quality eventually saw her claiming a 6-0 win in the deciding set but the Nigerians was widely applauded by the home fans who are surprised to see the standard of play of the Nigerian teenager.

“Today she (Quadri) raised her game. There is a lot of improvement in her game. For her to play three sets with Oumaima she is on top of her game because Oumaima, who is also 14 years old, just won two ITF tournaments in Morocco,” Nigeria’s coach Mohammed Ubale said.

Standing between Quadri, who incidentally is on a year-long ITF scholarship in Morocco, is Fichardt Carmen of South Africa. They will face-off in a winner-takes-all contest by noon on Thursday.

Quadri’s compatriot, Micheal Osewa crashed out in the race for the top prizes as he lost to El Mesbahi Soufiane of Morocco 6-2, 6-3. He will be playing for the 6th and 7th classification match on Thursday.

“Micheal is a bit rusty and it shows in his performance. All the other boys have been playing tournaments to prepare for this championship,” Ubale stated.

CCSF Tournament To Be Considered As WTF G-1 Event

The annual Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF) International Taekwondo Opens may become a World Taekwondo Federation may (WTF) Grade 1 event in 2016.

With this status, the tournament would become a point hauling event for athletes across the globe as taekwondists are expected to use the tournament to up their world ranking.

Being the first tournament in Africa to use the electronic head gear, the CCSF championship has continued to attract the best fighters on the continent with countries like Cote d’Ivoire, Mali, Niger Republic, Togo, Cameroun and Senegal taking part in this year’s tournament.

Efforts are on by the organizers of the CCSF Open to apply for the status from the world taekwondo ruling body.

Mali’s Golden Star, Karamoko Soumare, stands heads above Silver Medallist, Temitope Oyo [Nigeria National Team] and Bronze Medallists, Sunday Onofe [Nigeria National Team] and [MALI] during the medal ceremony for the +80kg category at the just concluded 3rd CCSF Opens

For the best athlete of this year’s tournament, Mali’s Karamoko Soumare (+80kg), attending the tournament has really exposed him to world class equipment which would aid him in subsequent tournaments.

“Having attended series of tournament across Africa, I realized that CCSF tournament stands out in terms of organization and quality of equipment. The atmosphere was also superb. Being my first time of taking part in the competition, I think the knowledge I acquired would be helpful to me in other international tournaments and I look forward to taking part in more CCSF tourneys,” the Malian star said.

Soumare who won gold in the men’s heavyweight category believes the quality of athletes in Nigeria is enormous while blaming their under-achievement on lack of exposure of most of their athletes. “I respect Nigerian athletes particularly with the pedigree of their athletes, but they have not been able to use this to their advantage at international tournaments. We attend a lot of international tournaments but I hardly see Nigerians competing and this has really affected their rating globally. But attending international competition is vital for any nation to improve her athletes,” he added.

AAG Silver Medallist and potential RIO 2016 Olympics Qualifier, Edwin Samson, outclasses an opponent en route to winning a bronze medal

Also silver medalist at the CCSF Opens, Cameroun’s Kamgue Silvre hailed the organizers for putting the colourful tournament together, which he described as a world class championship. “I am surprised with the quality of organization as well as the atmosphere which is of international standard. I am indeed looking forward to the next edition because I have been able to up my skills as well as improve my rating among the best fighters in Africa. Winning silver will surely improve my chance of representing my country at the Olympics qualifiers come 2016. When the tournament gets the WTF G-1 rating, I believe more athletes within and outside Africa will be part of the tournament,” Kamgue, winner of the fair play award said.

Betway UK Snooker Championship Draw: World Champion Bingham will face amateur Jordan Brown

World Champion Stuart Bingham will face amateur Jordan Brown in the first round at the Betway UK Championship at the York Barbican later this month.

The draw for the prestigious world ranking event, one of snooker’s Triple Crown tournaments, has been made, with all 128 players starting in round one. The BBC-televised tournament runs from November 24 to December 6.

Bingham won the World title for the first time last May and he’ll be the number one seed in York. His opening match will be on Thursday November 26 at 2.30pm, against Northern Ireland’s Brown.

In the same session, world number one Mark Selby will be up against fellow Leicester cueman Joe O’Connor.

Local favourite Ashley Hugill, a 21-year-old amateur from York, will make his debut in the tournament when he takes on former World Champion Shaun Murphy on Wednesday November 25 at 2.30pm.

Judd Trump, the 2011 UK Champion, meets Hammad Miah while legend Jimmy White will face Stephen Maguire. John Higgins’ first opponent is Leo Fernandez while China’s top player Ding Junhui will meet Sheffield’s Adam Duffy.

Stuart Bingham

For the full draw and format see http://www.worldsnooker.com

All matches are best of 11 frames, up until the final which is best of 19.

Tickets for the final session on December 6 have already sold out, and other sessions are selling fast so fans are urged to BOOK SEATS NOW. Tickets start at just £6, visit http://www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

Morocco’s Mohammed Rabii Named AIBA October Boxer Of The Month

The International Boxing Association (AIBA) has named Moroccan welterweight Mohammed Rabii its Boxer of the Month for October. The 22 year old became Africa’s first ever gold medallist at the AIBA World Boxing Championships held in Doha earlier in the month, continuing an impressive run of form that included an unbeaten World Series of Boxing Season V with Morocco Atlas Lions team.

Moroccan welterweight Mohammed Rabii is AIBA Boxer of the Month

“It was an incredible feeling to win the gold in Doha after a lot of hard work and an intense training schedule, and I am honoured that AIBA have recognised that effort, too”, said Mohammed Rabii following the announcement.

An AIBA panel created the shortlist of boxers all of whom had put in exceptional performances in Doha, with the responsibility passed to AIBA’s social media followers to vote for their Boxer of the Month. Irish star Michael Conlan and French super heavyweight champion Tony Yoka were close seconds, but Rabii’s efforts had clearly captured the public’s imagination.

“Congratulations to Mohammed Rabii on his achievements in Doha and winning AIBA Boxer of the Month for October. It is with great pleasure that we saw the reaction of Morocco’s boxing fans to his gold medal win, which I have no doubt will help inspire Africa’s boxers to further success”, said AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu.

Moroccan welterweight Mohammed Rabii with AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu

IAAF STATEMENT CONCERNING ONGOING INVESTIGATIONS

The IAAF confirms that, emanating from separate ongoing investigations by WADA’s independent commission and the IAAF’s own independent Ethics Commission into allegations surrounding its anti-doping rules and regulations, a French police investigation has now commenced.

The IAAF is fully cooperating with all investigations as it has been from the beginning of the process.

As part of the French investigation, police visited the IAAF HQ offices yesterday to carry out interviews and to access documentation.

The IAAF will make no further comment at this time.

 Khan vs Pacquaio Fight is a No Deal

Contrary to reports going round about upcoming bout between Manny Pacquaio and his former training mate Amir Khan on April 9,the Pacman promoter Bob Arum has come out to say a deal has not been reached to fight Amir Khan.

Arum maintained that No deal had been signed, he stated that he has had talks with Khan representatives but no deal is close.

Khan and 2014 fighter of the year Terence Crawford are the two contenders still in the running to fight Manny Pacquaio.

MANNY PACQUAIO
photo credit: PrizeFights.com
https://www.flickr.com/photos/prizefights/16762612496/in/photolist-rxfLGh-rxfLp3-rzrH4s-rzxmSX-qCL2ac-rzrxra-rxfKeh-rzrwXV-rzrwDP-rhXV5u-ri6kPg-rzrEvb-rzrEhA-qCxM8j-rzxiyc-ri6iXF-qCKXhT-qCxKwU-qCKWt8-qCxJwh-rzxgf4-rgdRXP-qCxHKC-rgdRsk-rzrAgu-rzrr5n-ri6fyB-rgdPW4-rhYTsm-rhYTa7-rzxcWF-rzxcJg-rzrovV-rxfAfL-rzrwXL-rhYRqA-rxfyKb-rgdLkB-rxfya3-qCKPiM-rzx9nM-rgdKcK-qCKNp2-rzrt17-rgdHLD-ri681k-qCxxxo-rzx55i-rzrpMy-rzx3hk

Ademola Adejuwon

SWC 2015: HOSSZU (HUN) AND LARKIN (AUS), THE BEST IN DOHA

There’s one more leg to go till the 2015 edition of FINA Swimming World Cup is completed and once again this year saw the world’s finest swimming stars perform outstanding sporting exploits in a prestigious international competition with stops all over the world.

The latest leg in date, in Doha, Qatar, from November 2-3 was the stage for some spectacular races and a number of excellent performances.

FINA swimming stars reinforced their strength in their respective specialty strokes and the Doha leg was topped by Hungary’s Katinka Hosszu (87 points) in the women’s competition and Australia’s Mitchell Larkin (60 points) in the men’s field.

The major excitement was provided by the Australian backstroker Mitchell Larkin, whose ambition was to match or better his Tokyo time, as he won the 100m in 52.26 on Day 1 and the 200m back on Day 2 in 1:53.80.

Chad Le Clos was in terrific shape for his come back to the circuit in Doha. He won three golds on Day 1 (100m free and 50/200m fly) and a fourth one on Day 2 (100m fly).

Mitch Larkin (AUS) photo credit FINA

Provisional overall rankings indicate that the “Iron Lady” is first with 570 points while Emily Seebohm (AUS, 381) is second and Hungary’s Zsuzsanna Jakabos third (180).

Among the men, South Africa’s Cameron Van Der Burgh totals 327 points and is the best, followed by Chad Le Clos (RSA, 129) and David Verraszto (HUN, 123).

FINA

Pinnick off to Chile for Eaglets, Mexico clash

NFF President Amaju Pinnick will be with the Golden Eaglets when they take on Mexico in the FIFA U-17 World Cup semi finals on Thursday.

The NFF boss departed on Monday evening, following the Eaglets’ 3-0 thrashing of three –time winners Brazil in the quarter -finals on Sunday.

“I am very excited with the way the team has played so far, raising our country’s flag very high. The Head Coach (Emmanuel Amuneke) has shown tremendous maturity and has managed the team and everything around it brilliantly.

“Amuneke is the kind of person you would naturally recommend for higher responsibilities. He has clearly rubbished all insinuations and dark innuendoes against him and has continued to do a marvelous job quietly. He has earned his respect.”

Golden Eaglets

The Eaglets take on Mexico’s U-17 at the 30,000 –capacity Estadio Municipal Ester Roa in Concepcion, with the prospect of a second –ever all-African final looming large in the South American nation.

Mean and miserly (in terms of goals conceded so far – only one) Mali take on Belgium (the only European team left in contention) in Vina del Mar, which will has become a home of sort to the Golden Eaglets and will host Sunday’s final.

Mali and Belgium play the first semi final, starting from 5pm (9pm Nigeria time), before the Nigeria, Mexico clash that will again kick off at midnight in Nigeria.

On Monday, NFF Deputy General Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme arrived in Chile to join the high–flying Golden Eaglets.

IOC Reaching Young Audiences With The Winter Youth Olympic Games – #iLoveYOG

Marking 100 days to go, the International Olympic Committee today announced its latest social media campaign asking athletes to share their love of sport and get active with the #iLoveYOG hashtag as they gear up to the second Winter Youth Olympic Games in Lillehammer, Norway, this February.

Kicking off this campaign is one of the biggest and most inspirational names in winter sport, South Korean Olympic figure skating champion, Yuna Kim. Also known as “Queen Yuna”, the skating legend and YOG Ambassador got behind the campaign by opening her official Instagram account using the hashtag, which has already gained over 80,000 followers.

Following the success of #YOGselfie last summer in Nanjing at the second Summer edition of the Games, which saw 58 million people posting their “sporty selfies” on social media, the IOC aims to engage young athletes and fans in this latest campaign and ultimately get people active and involved in the YOG.

During Games time, between 12 and 21 February 2016, printing stations will be available around Lillehammer for people to print their pictures posted on social media. Collectively, these thousands of images will create a giant mosaic – a piece of artwork that will then be donated to Lillehammer as part of the legacy of the Games.

In line with Olympic Agenda 2020, the Youth Olympic Games aim to engage with fans and young people around the world to encourage them to get active and enjoy the benefits of sport. The IOC sees social media as key to the success of this mission, and as outlined by Sir Martin Sorrell, CEO of WPP, the world’s largest marketing communications group, the IOC is striving “to use these Games as an incubator, as an accelerator and as a way of understanding what young people want.”

Supporting these social media efforts to engage and inspire fans, the IOC has also teamed up with other winter sports stars: US Alpine skier Lindsey Vonn, Norwegian Alpine skier Kjetil Jansrud, Norwegian slopestyler Silje Norendal and Norwegian ice hockey player Mats Zucarello. Collectively, these YOG Ambassadors reach millions of young fans through their social media accounts and support the IOC and Lillehammer 2016 in their campaigns to raise the profile of the forthcoming YOG.

For more information on the Youth Olympic Games, please visit: http://www.olympic.org/yog.

TONY OKEMMIRI SHINES AGAIN, DESPITE WARRIORS LOSS TO ENYIMBA

Abia Warriors petit mid-fielder, Anthony Okemmiri shone like a million stars and was voted the man-of-the-match by sports writers who covered the week 36 Glo Premier League encounter between Abia Warriors Football Club and Enyimba International of Aba at the Umuahia township Stadium at the weekend which Enyimba won 1-0.

The Uzuakoli, in Abia State – born former Dolphins of Port Harcourt and Kwara United Utility player, who joined the Umuahia based Warriors this season, also won the maiden edition of the award in Abia Warriors’ last home match against Lobi Stars of Makurdi a fortnight ago also in Umuahia.

Tony beat his closest rival, Mfon Udoh of Enyimba who scored the only goal in the Abia derby to cart home the award instituted by the Abia Warriors management to encourage the players put up their best during home games.

Receiving the award from a business mogul Chief Obioma Okorie, Tony expressed gratitude to the management of Abia Warriors for initiating the award, adding that he was humbled and honoured to win it back-to-back and particularly against a star- studded Enyimba side promising that he will continue to do his best to lift Abia Warriors to greater heights.

Earlier, Chief Obioma Okorie, who was the guest of honour at the match, described Tony as a highly skilful footballer, predicting that he would go places if he keeps his head low.

The much publicized Abia “el-Classico”, lived up to expectations as the two sides kept it tight. Enyimba was awarded a penalty in the first half but captain, Chinedu Udoji shot tamely into the waiting hands of Chinedu Anozie, in goal for the Warriors.

As the game wore on, the capacity crowd which included the State Governor Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, thought it could end goalless until substitute, Mfon Udoh broke lose from the left side and dragged the ball beyond Bassey Akpan.

The Warriors attack, led by Super Eagles striker, Chisom Chikatara, bombarded the Enyimba defence ceaselessly but could not find the equalizer.

Barclays To end Sponsorship of ATP world Tour Finals.

Barclays Bank have decided not to extend their sponsorship of the ATP world tour Finals which is said to expire 2016. The Bank who has sponsored the ATP Finals since 2009 at the London 02 Arena,continues to prioritise their commercial activities.

Barclays will also give up the sponsorship of the English Premier League at the end of this season.

According to earlier reports, London will still be the venue of the tournament till at least 2018 even though there have been serious interest from Beijing, North America and Abu Dhabi.

Roger Federer vs Andy Murray at 2014 ATP World Tour Finals
photo credit: Jaideep Vaidya
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/legalcode

This year’s tournament will take place from the 15th-22nd of November at the London 02 Arena.

Ademola Adejuwon