United News of Bangladesh

Wallabies hooker David Porecki has announced his immediate retirement from rugby following a heel injury that ruled him out of last weekend’s third test against the British and Irish Lions. Rugby Australia confirmed the 32-year-old’s decision in a statement on Tuesday, marking the end of a professional career that spanned five seasons in the UK with Saracens and London Irish before returning to the New South Wales Waratahs in 2021. Porecki made his test debut for Australia in 2022 against England and was part of the Wallabies squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup. He became the 88th Wallabies captain after Will Skelton’s injury, leading the side in three of its four pool matches. Despite his leadership, Australia exited at the group stage for the first time in World Cup history. After a setback in 2024, Porecki returned to the national squad last month and earned his 21st and final cap on July 26 at the MCG, where the Lions sealed the series with a late try. “Rugby has given me so much,” Porecki said. “But it feels like the right time to turn the page.” Source: Agency 

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is set to undergo back surgery next week and will be sidelined for approximately three months, the club confirmed on Thursday. The surgery is intended to address persistent lower back issues that have troubled the German international. “Today is a personally difficult day for me,” Ter Stegen said in a statement. “Physically I feel fit, but the pain hasn’t gone away. After extensive consultations with Barcelona’s medical staff and outside specialists, we’ve concluded that surgery is the quickest and safest route to full recovery.” The 33-year-old shot-stopper already missed the majority of last season due to a knee tendon rupture, and he was previously out for around two months in 2023 following a separate back procedure. From hospital bed to hero: Bonmatí's goal sends Spain to first Euros final “This time, doctors recommend a three-month recovery window to eliminate any risk,” he added. “Emotionally, it’s tough not being able to help the team, but I’m confident in the rehab process and the path forward.” Barcelona recently strengthened their goalkeeping options by adding Espanyol’s Joan García to the squad. Iñaki Peña served as the backup last season. Source: Agency 

A four-member Bangladeshi delegation including two swimmers, one coach and one congress representative left Dhaka for Singapore on Thursday (July 24) to compete in the 22nd World Aquatics Championship. Bangladesh Swimming team consists of two swimmers Shamiul Islam Rafi and Annie Akhter, coach M Niaz Ali and congress representative M Mahbubur Rahman left Hazrat ShahJalal International Airport Thursday early morning. National Age Group Swimming: BKSP comfortably maintains top slot Some 2500 swimmers from 205 countries lmk all over the world are expected to participate in the 22nd version of the World Swimming Championship Singapore is hosting the most prestigious World Aquatics Championship as the first South East Asian country. Bangladesh team will return home on August 4

Venus Williams made a triumphant return to singles tennis on Tuesday night, defeating 23-year-old Peyton Stearns 6-3, 6-4 at the DC Open and becoming the second-oldest woman in history to win a tour-level singles match. At 45, Williams is now only behind Martina Navratilova, who won a match at age 47 in 2004. This marks Williams’ first singles match in over a year and her first singles victory since August 2023 in Cincinnati. She had been sidelined following surgery to remove uterine fibroids and was listed as “inactive” by the WTA until this week. “Each week was a mental battle,” Williams said of her comeback journey. “Some days I felt I wasn’t ready. Some weeks I made progress. But it was always a head game.” Williams, once ranked world No. 1, showed flashes of her old dominance, firing aces above 110 mph and landing powerful groundstrokes. The crowd at the 7,000-seat stadium rallied behind her, cheering loudly from the moment she stepped onto the court. Diplomatic badminton, table tennis tournament begins Friday Backed by decades of experience and seven Grand Slam singles titles — four of which came before Stearns was even born — Williams broke Stearns early and never looked back. Though she needed six match points to seal the win, she did so emphatically with a 112 mph serve that forced an error from her opponent. “I really wanted to win — for myself and to show what’s possible,” Williams said after the match, adding that maintaining good health remains her biggest priority. Stearns, currently ranked 35th, praised her opponent: “She played some ball tonight. Her movement and serve were on point — more than I expected.” Venus now advances to face fifth-seeded Magdalena Frech, 27, in the next round. Determined and battle-ready, she said, “It’s never easy out here. But I’m ready to fight for every match.” Source: Agency 

The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) has effectively banned transgender women from competing in women’s events at the Olympic level, citing compliance with an executive order signed by President Donald Trump earlier this year. In a low-profile update to its website and a formal letter sent to national sports governing bodies, the USOPC said it is obligated to follow Trump’s February executive order titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” which warns of cutting federal funding from organizations that allow transgender athletes to participate in women’s competitions. “As a federally chartered body, we must align with federal expectations,” USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland and President Gene Sykes wrote. “Our revised policy stresses the need to maintain fair and safe environments for female athletes. All National Governing Bodies (NGBs) must now update their policies accordingly.” The change comes months after the NCAA revised its own rules to restrict participation in women’s sports to athletes assigned female at birth. The USOPC oversees roughly 50 NGBs, including USA Swimming and USA Track and Field, many of which now face the task of adjusting their policies across both elite and grassroots levels. USA Swimming acknowledged the new directive and is consulting with the USOPC, while USA Fencing announced a new policy — effective August 1 — allowing only athletes “of the female sex” to compete in women’s categories. Men’s events will now be open to transgender athletes and others not eligible for the women’s division. The National Women's Law Center condemned the move, calling it politically motivated. “By caving to political pressure, the USOPC is undermining the safety and rights of its own athletes,” said the center’s president, Fatima Goss Graves. Usyk knocks out Dubois to reclaim undisputed world heavyweight title The issue of transgender inclusion in sports has become a flashpoint in U.S. politics, with over two dozen states enacting laws restricting transgender participation in women’s and girls’ sports. Some measures have faced legal challenges for being discriminatory. At the international level, sports such as swimming, cycling, and track and field have adopted stricter eligibility rules that bar athletes who have undergone male puberty from competing in women’s events. The International Olympic Committee, under new president Kirsty Coventry, has emphasized preserving the integrity of the female category while allowing federations to set sport-specific rules. Trump has been vocal about his stance, calling for sweeping changes by the IOC and labeling the issue “ridiculous.” The 2028 Summer Olympics will be hosted in Los Angeles. Source: Agency 

Oleksandr Usyk may humbly deny being one of boxing’s all-time greats, but his performance at Wembley Stadium on Saturday continues to strengthen his legacy. The Ukrainian southpaw became the undisputed world heavyweight champion for the second time after a fifth-round knockout of Britain’s Daniel Dubois, landing a powerful left hook to end the bout in front of 90,000 fans. With the win, Usyk successfully defended his WBA, WBC, and WBO titles and reclaimed the IBF belt he vacated over a year ago. The 38-year-old showed no signs of slowing down and hinted at future bouts against Tyson Fury, Derek Chisora, Anthony Joshua, or Joseph Parker. Even YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul expressed interest. “I will continue boxing and training,” Usyk said post-fight. “But right now, I want to return home. I’ve been away from my family and living with my team in one house for over three months.” Usyk dropped Dubois twice in the fifth round, finishing the fight with a lunging left hook he jokingly called “Ivan”—a punch he likened to a heavy blow from a farmhand. U-18 Asia Cup Hockey: Airin's hattrick powers Bangladesh women to secure bronze ; men finish 4th Saturday’s finish came without the controversy that surrounded their first encounter, which ended with a ninth-round stoppage following a debated low blow. This time, there was no doubt. Dubois, who stunned Joshua with a knockout last September, was aiming to become the first British heavyweight to unify all major titles since Lennox Lewis. Despite improved form, he couldn't withstand Usyk’s power. “I gave everything I had. No excuses,” said Dubois (22-3, 21 KOs). Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs), a former undisputed cruiserweight champion, has remained unbeaten since turning pro. He praised Britain as his “second home,” recalling past victories in London, Liverpool, and Manchester. Meanwhile, Jake Paul teased future bouts against both Joshua and Usyk, drawing attention with a stadium stare-down and online challenge. Source: Agency 

Bangladesh have lost the toss and were put to bat first in the second T20I of the three-match series against Sri Lanka. Bangladesh lost the first match, and are now on the verge of another defeat in the ongoing Sri Lanka tour. Winning the second T20I, that Bangladesh aimed, will give the Tigers a chance to seal the series in the last match. Bangladesh made a few changes to their playing XI. Jaker Ali returned to replace Mohammad Naim who was slow in the middle in the first match. Mustafizur Rahman and Shoriful Islam also made their way to the playing XI to replace Taskin Ahmed and Tanzim Hasan Sakib. But Sri Lanka fielded an unchanged squad. FIFA, players' unions agree on minimum rest rules for footballers Bangladesh XI: Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Litton Das (captain, wicketkeeper), Jaker Ali, Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shamim Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam Sri Lanka XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wicketkeeper), Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka, Chamika Karunaratne, Jeffrey Vandersay, Maheesh Theekshana, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara//

Bangladesh Women's Hockey team clinched a bronze medal in their maiden appearance at the Women’s U-18 Asia Cup Hockey 2025, thanks to a stunning hat-trick by Airin Akhter Riya that led them to a 6-2 victory over Kazakhstan in their final Super Four match at China’s Dazhou National Hockey Training Centre on Sunday morning. In the day's match, Airin Akhter Riya made a hattrick scoring three goals in a row in the 12th, 18th and 20th minutes--first two from penalty stroke and last from a field goal.  Later, she was adjudged the player of the match. Besides, captain Rimon Sharika , Kona Akhter and Riyasha Rishi scored one goal each for Bangladesh in the 35th, 50th and 53rd minutes respectively. Kazakhstan scored the match first goal in the 9th minute and the match last goal in the 59th minute. Bangladesh Women’s team, which reached the super four stage of the Women’s U-18 Asia Cup Hockey as the Pool A runners up beating Uzbekistan and Hong Kong by 3-0 goal each after suffering a huge 0-11 goal defeat against mighty Japan in the opener. Japan will play hosts China in the Way omen’s U-18 Asia Cup  final  Sunday (July 13) afternoon  at 3 pm at the same venue. U-18 Asia Cup Hockey: Bangladesh Men’s team  to face Malaysia, Women to play Kazakhstan in 3rd place deciders Meanwhile, Bangladesh Men's team was placed 4th in the eleven-team U-18 Men's Asia Cup losing to stronger Malaysia by 2-5 goal in the 3rd place deciding match at the same venue Sunday morning. Mohammad Mehedi and Jony Islam scored one each for Bangladesh in the 10th and 41st minutes respectively --first from a penalty corner and the remaining was a field goal Earlier, Bangladesh Men’s Hockey team finished Pool A runners up to qualify for the semi-finals securing nine points from four matches with three wins and one defeat after beating hosts China by 5-2 goals, Hong Kong, China by 3-0 goals, crushing Sri Lanka by 13-0 goals and conceded 3-6 goals defeat against favorite Pakistan. However, Bangladesh Men's Hockey team were eliminated from the Men's U-18 Asia Cup Hockey after conceding 4-6 goals defeat against stronger Japan in the first semi-final last Friday,  Pakistan, which qualified for the Men's final eliminating Malaysia by 4-3 goals in penalty shootout as the 2nd semifinal match between two teams was locked in 3-3 goals in the schedule time last Friday, will now play Japan in the final Sunday (July 11) afternoon.

Bangladesh Men's team will take on Malaysia while the Women's team will face Kazakhstan in their respective third-place deciding matches of the U-18 Men’s and Women’s Asia Cup Hockey 2025 at the Dazhou National Hockey Training Centre in China on Sunday. Bangladesh Men's Hockey team, which was eliminated from the Men's U-18 Asia Cup Hockey after conceding 4-6 goal defeat against stronger Japan in the first semi-final on Friday, will play another losing semifinalist Malaysia in the 3rd place deciding match on Sunday (July 13) at the Dazhou National Hockey Training Centre in China. Pakistan, which qualified for the final eliminating Malaysia by 4-3 goal in penalty shootout as the 2nd semifinal match between two teams was locked in 3-3 goals in the schedule time on Friday, will play Japan in the final on Sunday (July 11). In the Friday’s first semis, Bangladesh dominated match on three occasion against their mighty opponents Japan till the 50th minute, but, Japan took the match in their favor scoring three goals in a row in the remaining ten minutes of the 4th and last quarter to reach the final. Din Islam put Bangladesh ahead in the very 2nd minute from a penalty corner (1-0), Ismail Hosen doubled the Bangladesh margin scoring a field goal in the 12th (2-0),  captain Mohammad Abdullah scored the 3rd by a field goal in the 30th minute while Amit Hasan scored the 4th goal for Bangladesh in the 47th minute from a penalty corner. Earlier, Bangladesh Men’s Hockey team finished Pool A runners up to qualify for the semi-finals securing nine points from four matches with three wins and one defeat after beating hosts China by 5-2 goals, Hong Kong, China by 3-0 goals, crushing Sri Lanka by 13-0 goals and conceded 3-6 goals defeat against favorite Pakistan. Japan Men’s team clinched the Pool A title to qualify for the semi-final with all-win run securing full 12 points from straight four matches after beating Chinese Taipei 5-2 goals, Malaysia by 3-1 goals, crushed Kazakhstan by 12-0 goals and outplayed Uzbekistan by 6-2 goals Bangladesh Women’s team, which reached the super four stage of the Women’s U-18 Asia Cup Hockey in their first appearance as the Pool A runners up, played 2-2 draw with Pool B runners up Kazakhstan in their first super four match last Friday  (July 11)  at the same venue. After the match, both the Bangladesh and Kazakhstan have secured one point each from super four stage, will play each other again on Sunday at 6 pm to decide the 3rd place. Japan will play hosts China in the women’s final also on Sunday (July 13) at 3 pm at the same venue..     On way to the super four stage, Bangladesh women’s team beat Uzbekistan and Hong Kong by 3-0 goals each after suffering a huge 0-11 goals defeat against Japan.  

The Pool A runners-up Bangladesh Men's Hockey team will play Pool B champions Japan in the first semi-final of the Men's U-18 Asia Cup Hockey’ 2025 on Friday  at 3 pm Bangladesh time at the Dazhou National Hockey Training Centre in China. Pakistan, the all-win champions of Pool A will play Pool B runners up Malaysia in the 2nd semi-final, also on Friday at the same venue. The final match between two winning semi-finalists will be held on Sunday  at 5:30 pm Bangladesh time at the same venue.     Bangladesh Men’s Hockey team finished Pool A runners up to qualify for the semi-finals securing nine points from four matches with three wins and one defeat after beating hosts China by 5-2 goals, Hong Kong, China by 3-0 goals, crushing Sri Lanka by 13-0 goals and conceded 3-6 goals defeat against favorite Pakistan. Japan clinched the Pool A title to qualify for the semi-final with all-win run securing full 12 points from straight four matches after beating Chinese Taipei 5-2 goals,  Malaysia by 3-2 goals, crushed Kazakhstan by 12-0 goals and outplayed Uzbekistan by 6-2 goals.  This is just the beginning: Edwards Stands firm amid England’s T20 struggles Bangladesh Women’s team, which reached the super four stage of the Women’s U-18 Asia Cup Hockey in their first appearance as the Pool A runners up, will play Pool B runners up Kazakhstan in the super four match on Friday (July 11) at 5: 15 pm at the same venue. The Pool A champion Japan will play the Pool B champions and hosts China in the day’s other super four match of the women’s group on the day at the same venue.