United News of Bangladesh

As the world’s attention turned to Japan to witness the new 100-meter champion, Usain Bolt, the legendary Jamaican sprinter, watched from a stadium skybox, a reminder of the lasting shadow he casts over athletics. Even eight years after retiring, Bolt’s records and presence remain unmatched. In an interview ahead of Sunday night’s track events, he said he is proud to have set the bar so high. “When I competed, my goal was to break benchmarks,” he said. “Now that I’ve retired, it’s satisfying to know I am the benchmark. To be the best, you aim to be a legend. I wanted to set high standards, and I did. I’m happy about that.” Bolt’s accomplishments speak for themselves: eight Olympic golds, eleven world championship golds, and three enduring world records — 9.58 seconds in the 100m, 19.19 in the 200m, and 36.84 in the 4x100m relay. No athlete has come within .12 seconds of his individual times since his retirement. Asked why today’s runners haven’t surpassed him despite advances in shoe and track technology, Bolt attributed it to natural talent. “You can’t just rely on new spikes,” he said. Olympic legend Usain Bolt named ambassador for T20 Cricket World Cup 2024 Beyond speed, Bolt’s charisma transformed track into a spectacle. His signature gestures, playful laps, wide smile, and interaction with fans made the sport more entertaining and relatable. Sunday marked his first appearance at a world championship or Olympics since 2017. Now a father of three — Olympia, Saint Leo, and Thunder — Bolt looks forward to showing his children where his legendary career began, hoping they will one day grasp the magnitude of his achievements. Source: Agency 

The United States booked their place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup after defeating Samoa 29-13 on Sunday to finish fifth in the Pacific Nations Cup. Flyhalf Luke Carty made an impact off the bench, scoring one try and setting up another for winger Toby Fricker, while captain Jason Damm and hooker Kaleb Geiger crossed late to seal victory for the 19th-ranked Eagles against 14th-ranked Samoa. After missing out on qualification for the 2023 World Cup in France, the U.S. are now assured of spots at the next two editions — Australia in 2027 and as hosts in 2031. With Fiji and Japan already qualified, three further places were available through the Pacific Nations Cup. Tonga and Canada claimed two, leaving the U.S. and Samoa to battle for the final slot. Samoa will still have another chance to qualify via a playoff series against Chile. Later on Sunday, Fiji and Japan both advanced to next week’s Cup final, setting up a rematch of last year’s decider. Japan exploded in the second half to beat Tonga 62-24, while Fiji thrashed Canada 63-10. Japan led 21-19 at halftime despite Tonga enjoying the majority of possession and territory. A dominant second-half performance saw the Brave Blossoms run in five tries, including a penalty try. “We were happy with our set piece and continued to fight for 80 minutes against a physical Tonga team,” said Japan prop Shuhi Takeuchi, the player of the match. Fiji, meanwhile, stormed to a 43-3 halftime lead over Canada, scoring six tries before the break. Wingers Kalaveti Ravouvou and Taniela Rakuro combined for five tries, with Ravouvou completing a hat-trick. Leverkusen beats in-form Frankfurt to claim first Bundesliga victory Earlier, the U.S. edged a tight contest against Samoa with five lead changes before pulling clear in the final quarter. “We knew we were going to get it done,” captain Damm said. “To do it here in front of our home crowd, cheering us on the whole game is incredible.” The Eagles’ kicking game and ability to force turnovers at the breakdown proved decisive. Carty’s pinpoint pass created Fricker’s first-half try, while his 65th-minute score gave the U.S. breathing space. Damm and Geiger then added tries in quick succession to confirm qualification. Source: Agency 

The London City Lionesses will wear jerseys displaying the slogan “Everyone Watches Women’s Sports” through a new partnership with Togethxr, the company founded by athletes Alex Morgan, Sue Bird, Simone Manuel, and Chloe Kim. Competing in this season’s English Women’s Super League, London City opens its campaign Saturday against Arsenal. Owned by Michele Kang, who also runs the Washington Spirit and Lyon, London City is the only WSL team not linked to a Premier League club. Kang said the collaboration reflects the team’s bold, independent mission to advance women’s football and spark broader conversations about women’s sport. Togethxr first launched the slogan on T-shirts in 2023, which gained popularity among celebrities and athletes such as Jason Sudeikis and Steph Curry. The company reported $6 million in merchandise revenue earlier this year. Unlike a traditional sponsorship, the partnership does not involve payment for jersey branding. Togethxr also maintains partnerships with the WNBA and NWSL. Alex Morgan said the collaboration underscores the global rise of women’s sports, adding that both the Lionesses and Togethxr were founded to disrupt their respective fields.

Novak Djokovic, now 38, is back in the U.S. Open semifinals and aiming for a record 25th Grand Slam title. His next challenge is 22-year-old Carlos Alcaraz, with a potential final clash against world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, 23, if results fall in line. It has been two years since Djokovic’s last Slam win, the longest gap of his career. This season, he fell short in all three majors, hampered by a hamstring tear in Australia and a groin issue at Wimbledon. He only returned to action at Flushing Meadows after that setback. The Serb, who owns 24 majors and 37 Slam final appearances, admits age is changing his approach. “I’m not sure how the body will feel, but I’ll do everything to be ready,” he said. Djokovic rallies past qualifier to reach US Open 3rd round Djokovic leads Alcaraz 5-3 head-to-head and won their past two encounters, though Alcaraz has been dominant in 2025, winning six titles and reaching seven straight finals. “I want revenge. That’s obvious,” Alcaraz said. Still, Djokovic insists he’s ready to disrupt expectations: “I’m definitely not going with a white flag on the court.” Source: Agency 

The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) has launched its latest global campaign under its consumer brand, "Saudi, Welcome to Arabia," starring football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. Titled "I Came for Football, I Stayed for More," the campaign aims to position Saudi Arabia as a premier, year-round destination for sports, culture, and entertainment, according to a press release. Rolling out across key markets in Europe, India, and China, the campaign highlights Saudi Arabia's growing position on the global stage as a hub for major international events. The promotional film follows Ronaldo's journey through the Kingdom's vibrant event calendar, contrasting his initial arrival for football with the array of experiences that inspired him to stay. The film emphasizes the energy of live events, the enthusiasm of local fans, and the Kingdom's evolving cultural scene. The campaign highlights Saudi’s diverse, year-round sports and entertainment events held across Riyadh, Jeddah and AlUla, with curated packages making it ever easier to visit.  As hosts of the FIFA World Cup 2034, AFC Asian Cup 2027, Esports Olympics Games 2027, Asian Winter Games 2029 among others, Saudi is bringing sport home.  Its regular calendar includes largescale international events such as the Esports World Cup, Formula 1, LIV Golf Riyadh, Tennis, Saudi Pro League (RSL) - cementing its position as a hub for largescale events.  From sports to culture and entertainment, Saudi offers something for all interests.  Its annual calendar continues to grow, with Riyadh Fashion Week, the Red Sea International Film Festival, Arts Biennales and the eponymous Seasons – held in Riyadh and Jeddah, forming the cornerstone of activities.  From music to comedy, international and regional acts are taking the stage in Saudi, furthering reach and accessibility for ever more audiences. Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism for Saudi, said "Today, Saudi is cementing its place as a global destination that combines cultural authenticity, warm hospitality, and the thrill of world-class events. In the tourism sector, we remain steadfast in our commitment to developing a seamless landscape that inspires the world and provides visitors with unforgettable experiences." Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, said this campaign with CR7 is a showcase of Saudi today, and our ambitions. “Tourism is a core component of our vision, and we are continuously expanding our offerings. Since 2018 we’ve hosted over 100 major international events, and as our calendar continues to expand, we’re on track to reach our goal of 150 million visitors by 2030,” he added. Cristiano Ronaldo said: “Being part of Saudi’s journey as a global sports hub has been truly special and somehow unexpected for me a few years ago. Today, the truth is, that from the energy of the fans to the scale of ambition — this is where the future of sport is being written. What I admire most about Saudi is how it honors its roots while building for the future. From camels to horses, racing to esports, from the desert to the stadium — this is a place where every young athlete can dream big.” Saudi is investing to become a global hub for events, as part of its Vision 2030 goal of diversifying the economy and expanding the tourism sector. It has committed $800 billion to the sector, which is projected to reach $22.4 billion in market value by 2030 and contribute $16.5bn to GDP by 2030.  Investments in stadiums, arenas, and grassroots programs are helping shape Saudi’s legacy as a leader not only in global sports tourism, but wider entertainment.

Novak Djokovic overcame another sluggish start to move into the third round of the US Open, defeating American qualifier Zachary Svajda 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Wednesday. The 24-time Grand Slam winner, who dropped the opening set, extended his flawless record in New York’s first two rounds to 36-0. He has lifted the trophy here four times. Svajda, 22, stunned the crowd by taking the first set but later struggled with cramps as Djokovic found his rhythm. “He was missing a little bit … he was getting a little frustrated,” the American said afterward. Djokovic, 38, admitted he is still searching for form following a groin injury that hampered him at Wimbledon. “It’s not about motivation … I just get frustrated with my game and try to solve the riddle on court,” he said, adding that reaching the third round at a major for the 75th time gave him a new record ahead of Roger Federer. Next up for Djokovic is Britain’s Cam Norrie, a Wimbledon semifinalist in 2022 who trails 0-6 in their head-to-head. Norrie advanced by beating Francisco Comesana of Argentina 7-6 (5), 6-3, 6-7 (0), 7-6 (4). Novak Djokovic clinches his 100th career singles title at Geneva Open Elsewhere, Taylor Townsend defeated Jelena Ostapenko 7-5, 6-1 before a heated post-match exchange. Ostapenko, the 2017 French Open champion, accused Townsend of having “no class” and “no education.” In other results, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula, Taylor Fritz, Carlos Alcaraz, Frances Tiafoe, Ben Shelton, Emma Raducanu and Emma Navarro all advanced, while No. 12 seed Casper Ruud was upset by Belgium’s Raphael Collignon in five sets. Thursday’s schedule features past US Open champions Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff on Ashe, alongside No. 14 seed Tommy Paul. Venus Williams will also begin her women’s doubles campaign. Source: Agency 

Former New Zealand rugby player Shane Christie, who strongly campaigned for greater research into links between concussion and long-term brain injury, has died at the age of 39. Police said Christie was found dead early Wednesday at his home in Nelson and confirmed the case would be referred to the coroner. The New Zealand Herald reported that friends believed he may have taken his own life. Christie, a former Highlanders and New Zealand Maori flanker, suspected he was suffering from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) — a degenerative brain condition that has been associated with suicides among NFL players in the United States. The condition can only be confirmed after death, and Christie had said he intended to donate his brain for research to help make rugby safer. “Without brain donations we’re not going to be able to identify how long it takes to get this disease. It’s important to help the research in New Zealand,” he said in a recent interview. Read:Greg Iles, Mississippi novelist of ‘Natchez Burning’ trilogy, dies at 65 A close friend of Billy Guyton, who died in 2023 and became the first New Zealand rugby player diagnosed with CTE, Christie co-founded the Billy Guyton Foundation to raise awareness about concussion. Christie had reported several concussions during his career and later spoke of ongoing headaches and memory lapses. New Zealand Rugby paid tribute, saying: “Any time the rugby community loses a member it is felt deeply. Shane’s passion for the game will be remembered always.” Source: Agency 

World No. 3 Iga Swiatek lifted her maiden Cincinnati Open title on Monday night with a 7-5, 6-4 victory over seventh-ranked Jasmine Paolini. The Polish star, who had never progressed beyond the semifinals in six previous appearances, finally broke through after falling short to eventual champions Coco Gauff in 2023 and Aryna Sabalenka in 2024. “It means a lot to me,” Swiatek said. “I really wanted it this year. It’s nice to check off another tournament I hadn’t won. I feel comfortable here — it’s a relaxed tournament before New York.” Paolini made a strong start, racing to a 3-0 lead in the opening set before Swiatek fought back to take a 5-3 advantage. Although Paolini leveled at 5-5, Swiatek held firm to close out the set in 56 minutes. The four-time Grand Slam champion then relied on her serve, firing her eighth ace for a 5-3 edge in the second set. Paolini broke twice to stay alive but Swiatek sealed the win to secure her 24th career singles title. Swiatek, who now owns a perfect 6-0 record against Paolini, admitted the season had been demanding. “It hasn’t been easy, but I’m happy I could push through,” she said. Paolini, the first Italian woman to reach a Cincinnati final, acknowledged Swiatek’s serving as the difference. “When she needed an ace, she hit it,” she said. Venus Williams, 45, Becomes Oldest Woman Since Navratilova to Win Singles Match The Italian, a qualifier in Cincinnati just last year, has since reached two Grand Slam finals, captured a Grand Slam doubles crown and claimed Olympic gold. The Cincinnati Open, regarded as a key warm-up for the U.S. Open starting Sunday, has produced back-to-back men’s and women’s champions who later triumphed in New York. Earlier Monday, Carlos Alcaraz took the men’s title after Jannik Sinner retired ill during the first set. Source: Agency 

Humanoid robots showcased hip-hop dance moves, martial arts skills, and musical performances on keyboard, guitar, and drums at the opening ceremony of the inaugural World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing on Thursday evening. The three-day competition, which kicks off Friday, features more than 500 robots across 280 teams from 16 countries — including the United States, Germany, and Japan — competing in sports such as football, running, and boxing. The event highlights China’s push to advance humanoid robotics powered by artificial intelligence. During the opening, robots demonstrated various sports, some cheering and performing backflips to mimic a real sporting atmosphere. A robot footballer scored after several attempts, prompting the goalkeeper to collapse dramatically. Another fell but managed to stand up unaided. Robots also took part in a fashion show, modeling hats and clothing alongside human models. In one mishap, a robot toppled over and had to be carried off stage by two people. World humanoid robot games adds new events Participants include robotics companies, leading Chinese universities such as Tsinghua and Peking University, and three middle schools. China’s People’s Daily quoted a Beijing official as saying, “Every robot that participates is creating history.” Tickets for the games, which end Sunday, are priced between 180 yuan ($25) and 580 yuan ($80). Source: Agency 

Two Japanese boxers lost their lives from brain injuries sustained in separate matches held on the same event at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall. Shigetoshi Kotari, 28, collapsed shortly after completing a 12-round draw against Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation junior lightweight champion Yamato Hata on August 2. He underwent emergency brain surgery for a subdural hematoma—a condition where blood pools between the brain and skull—but passed away on Friday. The World Boxing Organization (WBO) expressed condolences on social media: “Rest in peace, Shigetoshi Kotari. The boxing world mourns the tragic loss of this warrior and sends thoughts and prayers to his family, team, and the Japanese boxing community.” The following day, 28-year-old Hiromasa Urakawa died from the same type of brain injury sustained during a knockout loss to Yoji Saito. He had undergone a craniotomy in an attempt to save his life. In another statement, the WBO said, “This heartbreaking loss comes just days after Kotari’s passing. We extend our deepest sympathies to the families, friends, and the entire Japanese boxing community during this difficult time.” In response, the Japanese Boxing Commission announced that all OPBF title fights will be shortened from 12 rounds to 10. Earlier this year, Irish boxer John Cooney died a week after being hospitalized following his Celtic super-featherweight title defeat in Belfast. Source: Agency