Sport

Russian, Belarusian athletes barred from Beijing Paralympics

Published

4 years ago

March 3, 2022

Russian and Belarusian athletes were barred from the Winter Paralympics in Beijing on the eve of the Games following threats of boycotts by other teams over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) said.

Belarus has been a key staging area for the invasion, which was launched a week ago.

Thursday’s decision comes a day after the IPC gave athletes from the two countries the green light to participate in the March 4-13 Games as neutrals, saying the “athletes were not the aggressors”.

But that led to an outcry and threats from other countries’ National Paralympic Committees (NPC) to boycott the Games, IPC President Andrew Parsons told a news conference in Beijing.

“They told us that if we do not reconsider our decision, it is now likely to have grave consequences for the Winter Games,” Parsons said.

“Multiple NPCs, some of which have been contacted by their governments, teams and athletes, are threatening not to compete.”

Ukraine’s paralympic committee welcomed the decision and thanked the sporting community for rallying around them.

“A fair decision, a decision against a country that started this war,” committee president Valeriy Sushkevych told a news conference.

A 71-member Russian contingent and 12-member team from Belarus are in Beijing.

“Now Russia must leave the Games as soon as possible … we would also like to thank everyone for their support. I have received so many messages in the last few days … it’s time to stop this terrible war,” Sushkevych said.

Officials from the two banned teams were not immediately available for comment.

Parsons said it was clear the situation put his organisation in a “unique and impossible position” so close to the start of the Games, adding that an overwhelming number of members had been in touch and been forthright in their objections to Russia and Belarus taking part.

Parsons said the Russian and Belarusian athletes were victims of the actions of their governments.

“Athlete welfare will always be a priority for us,” he said.

“If Russian and Belarusian athletes stayed in Beijing, nations were likely to withdraw, and a viable Games would not have been possible.

“The atmosphere in the Games village is not pleasant. The situation there is escalating and has now become untenable … The Games are not only about gold, silver and bronze, but also about sending a strong message of inclusion.”

Parsons said the IPC was likely to face legal consequences but was confident that the right decision had been made.

The IPC said earlier in a statement that following a specially convened meeting, its Governing Board has decided not to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to take part.

The ban got support of the Polish Paralympic Committee, which said it would have been unimaginable for athletes from Ukraine, Russia and Belarus to compete in the same place.

“The decision taken today was in our opinion the only possible one. Russia, with the support of Belarus, has aggressively breached international law and invaded another Paralympic member state and our close neighbour,” the committee said in a statement to Reuters.

“That is why we strongly objected the previous decision of IPC, many nations shared the same opinion and expressed it in their petitions to IPC. We are glad IPC changed their mind.”

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Myanmar trump Afghanistan 2-1 in Asian Cup Qualifier

Published

1 day ago

March 26, 2026

Ariana News

The Afghanistan national football team lost 2–1 to Myanmar in the Asian Cup qualifiers in Yangon on Thursday afternoon.

The only goal for Afghanistan was scored by Omid Popalzay.

Afghanistan’s national team is scheduled to play its final match of the competition on March 31 against Syria in Saudi Arabia.

Sport

Afghanistan to face Myanmar in crucial AFC clash

Afghanistan enters the fixture with renewed focus, aiming to capitalize on recent improvements in squad cohesion and tactical discipline.

Published

1 day ago

March 26, 2026

Ariana News

Afghanistan national football team take on Myanmar national football team today, Thursday March 26, in a key AFC competition match, with kickoff scheduled for 3pm local time.

The match, set to be broadcast exclusively on Ariana Television in Afghanistan, is seen as an important test for Afghanistan as they look to build momentum and strengthen their standing in regional competition.

Afghanistan enters the fixture with renewed focus, aiming to capitalize on recent improvements in squad cohesion and tactical discipline.

The team will be hoping to deliver a strong performance in front of fans watching across the country, with particular emphasis on defensive organization and quick transitions in attack.

Myanmar, meanwhile, arrive determined to challenge their opponents and secure valuable points. Known for their pace and structured play, they are expected to provide a competitive contest and test Afghanistan’s resilience throughout the match.

Today’s encounter is more than just a fixture—it represents an opportunity for both sides to assert themselves on the continental stage. For Afghanistan, a positive result would not only boost confidence but also reinforce their ambitions in AFC competition.

With anticipation building, all eyes will be on the pitch as the two sides battle for supremacy in what promises to be an engaging and closely fought contest.

Today’s match between Afghanistan national football team and Myanmar national football team is part of the qualification campaign for the AFC Asian Cup, one of Asia’s premier international football competitions.

Crucial opportunities

The fixture plays a key role in determining which teams advance to the next stage of the qualifiers and ultimately secure a place in the final tournament. For emerging football nations like Afghanistan and Myanmar, these matches are crucial opportunities to compete at a higher level and gain continental recognition.

Afghanistan are aiming to strengthen their position in the group standings, with every point vital in a tightly contested qualification race. A win today would significantly boost their chances of progressing, while also improving their FIFA ranking and regional standing.

For Myanmar, the match carries similar importance, as they look to stay competitive in the group and keep their qualification hopes alive.

With so much riding on the outcome, today’s encounter is not just another game—it is a pivotal step on the road to the AFC Asian Cup.

Fans can meanwhile tune in to Ariana Television from 2.30pm for the preview show. Kickoff is expected to take place at 3pm.

Sport

IPL 2026: RCB sold for $1.78 billion in landmark deal

Published

3 days ago

March 25, 2026

Ariana News

In one of the biggest franchise deals in cricket history, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has been sold for approximately $1.78 billion (INR 16,660 crore) to a powerful consortium of Indian and global investors.

The all-cash deal was confirmed by United Spirits Limited (USL), the current owner of the franchise and a subsidiary of global beverage giant Diageo.

The sale follows a “strategic review” by Diageo, which had identified cricket as a non-core business and aimed to complete the transaction by the end of March 2026.

New ownership structure

The consortium acquiring RCB includes the Aditya Birla Group, Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone’s private equity arm. Under the agreement, both the men’s and women’s teams—previously operated by Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited—will now be fully owned and managed by the new group.

Former cricketer Aryaman Birla is set to serve as chairman, with Satyan Gajwani appointed as vice-chairman.

Record-breaking valuation

The $1.78 billion price tag highlights the surging commercial value of franchise cricket. The figure surpasses the combined valuation of the Lucknow and Ahmedabad IPL franchises sold in 2021 and marks a dramatic rise from RCB’s original purchase price of $111.6 million in 2008.

The franchise’s growth has been fueled by consistent on-field success and a massive global fanbase. Led by star player Virat Kohli, RCB’s men’s team secured its first-ever IPL title in 2025, while the women’s side, captained by Smriti Mandhana, are also reigning champions in the Women’s Premier League.

Strategic vision and global backing

The new ownership brings together a diverse mix of business and sporting expertise. Bolt Ventures is linked to prominent investor David Blitzer, who holds stakes in multiple global sports teams across leagues such as the NBA, NFL, and Premier League. Meanwhile, Blackstone—one of the world’s largest asset managers—adds significant financial muscle to the consortium.

In a joint statement, the new owners described RCB as “one of the most iconic franchises in world sport,” citing its championship-winning culture, deep connection to Bengaluru, and passionate fanbase.

“We are committed to taking RCB to new heights, both on and off the field,” the consortium said.

What happens next

The deal is still subject to regulatory approvals from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Competition Commission of India before it is formally completed.

Industry analysts say the sale signals a new era for franchise cricket, with increasing global investment and cross-sport ownership models reshaping the business of the game. With fresh capital and international expertise, RCB is expected to expand its brand, talent pipeline, and commercial footprint in the coming years.