Sport
What makes Paris Olympic Games so special?
Paris 2024 is just one day away from the official opening and millions of Olympic Games fans around the world will be treated to what will surely be a magical spectacle.
For the first time in the history of the summer Olympic Games, Paris 2024 will host the iconic Opening Ceremony outside of a stadium – and it will be bigger than any one to ever come before.
The revolutionary event will take place on the Seine River, where the 10,500 athletes will float down the river on boats with their National Olympic Committees on Friday 26 July to kick off the Games.
The route is six kilometers long and will end in front of the Trocadéro – the site of the Palais de Chaillot, across the river from the Eiffel Tower.
Spectators will be able to watch the entire parade from the sides of the river and it is the first time an Opening Ceremony will be open to as many people as possible with no cost of admission, apart from one area.
Eighty giant screens will also be strategically placed with speakers throughout the French capital, so the whole city will be able to enjoy the atmosphere.
Phryge: Paris 2024’s Mascot
The Olympic Phryge was unveiled as the official mascot for the Paris Olympics back in November 2022. The Phryges are donned in red, white and blue colors – just like France’s flag – with the 2024 Olympic logo across their chests.
Special medals
From the iconic venues to the much anticipated Opening Ceremony, every athlete who makes it onto an Olympic podium will be taking home a piece of the Eiffel Tower.
A piece of original iron from the iconic landmark will sit in the center of each bronze, silver and gold medal in a hexagonal shape, branded with the logo of the Games.
The reverse side of the medal depicts an adaptation of the rebirth of the Games, featuring the goddess of victory Athena Nike.
Beyond the medals, here are more of the ways in which Paris will be an incredibly special edition of the Olympic Games.
Afghanistan broadcast schedule
Ariana Television Network (ATN) will meanwhile ensure fans in Afghanistan also get to enjoy this global sporting festival.
Friday’s opening ceremony will be broadcast on both Ariana Television and Ariana News from 10.30pm Kabul time – following a pre-show that starts at 10pm.
On Saturday, July 27, a pre-show will air from 11am, followed by Olympic events from 11.30am to 1.30am Sunday morning on Ariana Television.
Also on Saturday, Ariana News will broadcast Olympic events from 11am to 5.30pm.
All times are Kabul time.
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Serbian Dejan Dedovic appointed head coach of Afghanistan national futsal team
Dedovic will lead Afghanistan’s preparations for upcoming regional and international competitions, overseeing the team’s technical development and training programs.
The Afghanistan Football Federation (AFF) has appointed Serbian coach Dejan Dedovic as the new head coach of the national futsal team on a two-year contract.
The agreement was signed during a ceremony attended by AFF officials, futsal committee members, technical staff, and sports journalists.
Dedovic will lead Afghanistan’s preparations for upcoming regional and international competitions, overseeing the team’s technical development and training programs.
The federation also announced several additions to the national team’s coaching staff. Iran’s Javad Asghari Moqaddam has been appointed technical director, while Morteza Mansour Samaei will serve as goalkeeping coach. Spain’s Uriel Masana has joined as assistant coach, Iran’s Sadeq Amani as fitness coach, and Brazil’s Joao Lira as team analyst.
In addition, the AFF renewed the contract of Mohammad Nasir Sedaqat as manager of the national futsal team.
The federation said it expects the newly assembled coaching staff to contribute to the continued development of Afghan futsal and strengthen the team’s competitiveness at the regional and international levels.
Sport
India clinch ODI series against Afghanistan
The India national cricket team defeated Afghanistan in the third and final One Day International (ODI), sealing the series with a 9-wicket victory and lifting the series trophy.
Afghanistan won the toss in the final match and opted to bat first.
Batting first, Afghanistan were bowled out for 218 in 44.2 overs, setting India a target of 219 runs.
Hashmatullah Shahidi played a superb innings, scoring 102 runs off 131 deliveries, anchoring the Afghan batting effort.
In reply, India made light work of the chase, reaching 219 for the loss of just one wicket in 28.4 overs, completing a dominant run chase.
India had already taken an unassailable lead in the series by winning the first ODI by 7 wickets and the second by 170 runs, before sealing a comprehensive 3–0 series sweep in the final match.
Sport
2nd ODI: India crush Afghanistan by 170 runs to seal series lead
The Indian national cricket team registered a dominant 170-run victory over Afghanistan in the second One Day International, delivering a commanding all-round performance.
Batting first, India piled up 402 all out in 49.5 overs, setting a daunting 403-run target for Afghanistan.
In reply, Afghanistan were never able to settle into the chase and were eventually bowled out for 232 in 44.3 overs, falling well short of the required total.
India’s innings was powered by a sensational top-order display. Shubman Gill led the charge with a brilliant 154 off 110 balls, striking 22 fours and 2 sixes, while Ishan Kishan lit up the innings with a rapid 125 off 79 deliveries, smashing 14 fours and 7 sixes. The duo laid the foundation for a massive total.
Afghanistan’s bowling effort saw some resistance from Rashid Khan, who picked up 3 wickets, but lacked support from the other end.
Set under pressure from the outset, Afghanistan’s batting lineup failed to build partnerships and was unable to sustain the required run rate against disciplined Indian bowling.
The match was played at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, where India’s dominant performance secured a comfortable win and momentum in the series.
Afghanistan had also lost the opening ODI by 7 wickets, giving India a strong 2–0 position in the series.
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