Sports

16.09.2026

2027 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar announced

DUBAI, 16th September, 2026 (WAM) -- The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile and Formula One Management have announced, following approval by the World Motor Sport Council, the 2027 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar, featuring 24 Grands Prix across 22 countries and 10 Sprint events.Pre-season testing will take place in Bahrain from 24th to 27th February before the Championship returns there for the first race, followed by Saudi Arabia.The calendar then moves to Australia, Japan, and China, followed by the Miami and Canadian Grands Prix. The European leg includes Formula 1’s return to Portugal in June, after Monaco, with Türkiye rejoining the calendar in October between Azerbaijan and Singapore.The closing phase of the season features races in Austin, Mexico City, São Paulo, and Las Vegas, before the final two rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.Bringing together historic venues and major global destinations across five continents, the 2027 calendar reflects Formula 1’s continued growth as a global sport and entertainment platform while supporting its long-term sustainability goals through a more efficient geographical flow of events across the season.Due to the continued success and strong demand for the format, the number of Sprint events has increased from six to ten for 2027, delivering even more competitive action across the season for fans, promoters, broadcasters, and partners.Bahrain, Australia, Japan, Monaco, and Abu Dhabi will host Sprint events for the first time, with fans set to enjoy two thrilling qualifying sessions in Monaco as the drivers show their world class skill and precision on the narrow streets of Monte Carlo. Sprint events will also return to Montréal, Silverstone, Monza, São Paulo, and Lusail.Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, said, “The 2027 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar is a strong reflection of the global appeal and continued growth of our sport. With twenty-four Grands Prix across five continents, the return of Portugal and Türkiye, and the opportunity for an expanded Sprint programme, the calendar combines tradition, innovation, and fan engagement while maintaining the highest sporting standards.Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said, “The 2027 calendar brings together some of the most iconic circuits and vibrant cities in the world, creating an incredible stage for another unforgettable season of Formula 1. We are thrilled to welcome Portugal and Türkiye to the championship and to expand Sprint racing to ten events, giving our fans even more intensity, drama, and the wheel-to-wheel action that make our sport so special."

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11.09.2026

UAE endurance team defends World Young Horses titles in Portugal

LISBON, 10th September, 2026 (WAM) -- The UAE national endurance team is set to defend its individual and team titles at the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Horses (8-year-olds) in Barroca d’Alva, Portugal.Sponsored by Emirates airline and overseen by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI), the 120-kilometre competition features riders from 26 nations across four stages. The 13-strong UAE contingent includes five riders in the main team competition—Salem Hamad Malhoof Al Kitbi, Issa Abdullah Issa, Rashid Al Mheiri, Naser Al Suwaidi, and Ali Al Falasi—alongside eight individual competitors.Following successful weigh-ins, veterinary inspections, and technical briefings, as well as an opening ceremony in Alcochete attended by Dubai Equestrian Club Director-General Ahmed Rashed Al Kaabi, the squad aims to extend its dominant streak following gold-medal sweeps in Sardinia in 2024 and Jullianges in 2025.Trainers Ismail Mohammed and Mohammed Al Subose highlighted the team's extensive preparation, high-calibre horses, and experience, while rider Salem Hamad Malhoof Al Kitbi noted the intense competition, high speeds, and challenging warm-weather conditions expected on the course.

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07.09.2026

Antonelli claims historic Monza victory as Mercedes secures Italian Grand Prix

MONZA, Italy, 6th September, 2026 (WAM) -- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli stormed through the field from 19th on the grid to claim a historic victory at the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday, becoming the first Italian to win at Monza in 60 years.Starting near the back due to an engine penalty, Antonelli staged a relentless comeback through traffic to close down teammate George Russell.A decisive late-race overtake secured a 1-2 finish for Mercedes and extended Antonelli’s lead at the top of the Drivers' Championship, with Red Bull's Max Verstappen finishing third. McLaren’s Lando Norris crossed the line in fourth, followed by teammate Oscar Piastri in fifth and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton in sixth. The race saw an early red flag after Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc suffered a heavy crash, though he escaped uninjured. The victory marks Antonelli’s seventh win of the season, consolidating his title push on home soil.

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07.09.2026

UAE’s Chimaev pins Woodley in 94 seconds at Moscow Wrestling Tournament

MOSCOW, 7th September, 2026 (WAM) -- UAE representative Khamzat Chimaev needed just one minute and 34 seconds to pin former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley in the headline bout of the Real American Freestyle tournament in Moscow.The showcase in the Russian capital brought together high-profile Olympic and world wrestling talent. Two-time Olympic gold winner Abdulrashid Sadulaev earned an 8-6 win over the United States' Zac Braunagel, while Kyle Snyder successfully defended his title by topping Akhmed Tazhudinov 11-5. Kyle Dake also held onto his championship strap, edging Mahamedkhabib Kadzimahamedau 7-6.Dominant technical superiority decisions of 10-0 were recorded by Jordan Burroughs over Magomed Kurbanaliev and Kennedy Blades over Vusala Parfianovich. Bo Nickal outpointed Shirvani Muradov 11-8, whereas Jason Nolf progressed past Ismail Khaniev on criteria after finishing locked at 5-5.Elsewhere on the card, Sharabutdin "Shara Bullet" Magomedov picked up an 11-3 victory against Neiman Gracie, Yusuf Raisov stopped Marif Piraev 12-2 on technical superiority, and Pouya Rahmani defeated Anatoly Malykhin 10-3. Zahid Valencia claimed a 9-5 decision against Ibragim Kadiev, while Vito Arujau delivered a commanding 13-3 technical superiority triumph over Olympic champion Soslan Ramonov.

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06.09.2026

UAE Team Emirates-XRG's Tim Wellens takes Tour of Britain lead

LONDON, 6th September, 2026 (WAM) -- On the Queen stage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain, UAE Team Emirates-XRG delivered an outstanding display to launch Tim Wellens into the race lead. The Belgian claimed second place in Leyburn and now takes the green jersey into Sunday’s final stage.Stage 4 of the 22nd Tour of Britain was always going to be the toughest day of racing, but the Emirati squad ensured it would be extra challenging by forcing the pace of the peloton all afternoon.Thanks to his teammates’ efforts, Wellens was able to launch a devastating move with 42.8km of the stage remaining. The former Belgian national champion mopped up the remainder of the breakaway and eventually rode to the line alongside Cees Bol of Decathlon CMA CGM. Bol took the stage honours, as Wellens fought all the way to extend his advantage over the race leader, Lewis Askey (NSN Cycling Team).Askey had taken a 12-second advantage over Wellens into Saturday’s stage, and had shown tremendous form in winning stage 1. However, Wellens’ display in the Yorkshire Dales was enough to topple Askey from the top of the standings, with the UAE Team Emirates-XRG man now heading into stage 5 with a 21-second buffer to the now-second-placed Askey.Earlier on stage 4, a breakaway of half a dozen riders had headed up the road from the start town of Helmsley. As the afternoon drew on, their lead over the peloton hovered at the three-minute mark, as NSN Cycling Team looked to control affairs on behalf of Askey.Though the script would be ripped up by UAE Team Emirates-XRG on the Greenhow Bank climb (3.3km at 7.9%). Here, Mikkel Bjerg rampaged to the front of the bunch and began setting a fearsome pace, in a bid to fatigue Askey and the other general classification contenders.The UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider will now head into the final stage with the full support of his teammates, as they look to win the Tour of Britain for the first time.

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04.09.2026

Over 2,000 athletes from 90 countries to compete in AJP Asia Continental Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI, 3rd September, 2026 (WAM) -- Abu Dhabi is set to host the AJP Asia Continental Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2026 from 4th to 6th September at Mubadala Arena, with more than 2,000 male and female athletes representing 90 countries taking part in the event, sponsored by EDGE Group.The championship is one of the key events on the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP) Tour calendar this season and will feature broad participation across amateur, masters, youth and professional divisions.Competitions will begin on 4th September and continue for three days, further underscoring Abu Dhabi’s position as a global destination for jiu-jitsu and a meeting point for leading athletes from around the world. The AJP Tour calendar confirms that the continental championship will take place at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi from 4th to 6th September 2026.The championship forms part of a series of international events organised by the AJP Tour across different continents, aimed at expanding participation in jiu-jitsu, strengthening the sport’s global presence, and providing athletes of various categories and levels with more opportunities to compete according to the highest organisational and technical standards.Meanwhile, the AJP Tour’s international activities will continue with the Argentina National Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2026, scheduled for 5th September at the Youth Olympic Park in Buenos Aires. The event will feature both Gi and No-Gi competitions, reflecting the expanding reach of the AJP Tour and its ability to stage simultaneous events across different continents.Both championships are sponsored by EDGE as part of its support for AJP Tour programmes and events, contributing to the growth of the sport, supporting athletes and further strengthening Abu Dhabi’s presence on the global jiu-jitsu map.Mohammad Zayd Eagleton, Operation Manager of AJP, said that the strong participation in the Asia Continental Championship reflects growing international confidence in AJP competitions and Abu Dhabi’s ability to attract leading athletes from around the world.“The participation of more than 2,000 male and female athletes from 90 countries in the Asia Continental Championship confirms the global standing Abu Dhabi has achieved in jiu-jitsu. It also reflects the continued success of the AJP Tour’s strategy to build a competition ecosystem spanning different continents and providing athletes with continuous opportunities to compete and develop according to the highest standards,” he said.Al Bahri added, “The staging of the continental championship in Abu Dhabi alongside the Argentina National Championship demonstrates the global reach achieved by AJP competitions and our ability to engage new jiu-jitsu communities around the world.“We value EDGE’s sponsorship and support for these championships. This partnership represents an important contribution to the AJP Tour’s journey and its efforts to reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as the global capital of jiu-jitsu and expand the sport’s reach worldwide.”He affirmed that the AJP Tour continues to develop its global calendar and enhance the technical and organisational standards of its championships, creating greater opportunities for athletes of different nationalities and age groups and contributing to the sustainable growth of jiu-jitsu worldwide.The Asia Continental Championship will take place from 4th to 6th September in Abu Dhabi, while the Argentina National Championship will be held on 5th September in Buenos Aires.

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03.09.2026

Alcaraz, Sabalenka shine as US Open catches up after rain delays

NEW YORK, 3rd September, 2026 (WAM) -- Carlos Alcaraz took another solid step in his comeback from injury while fellow defending champion Aryna Sabalenka also advanced ​at the US Open on Wednesday, as organisers heaved a sigh of relief after clearing a backlog of rain-delayed matches.Former winner Daniil ‌Medvedev weathered an avian interruption to soar into the next round, with Americans Ben Shelton, Jessica Pegula, Emma Navarro and Frances Tiafoe all progressing.Alcaraz took centre stage in the evening session on Arthur Ashe Stadium, where the Spanish second seed dropped the opening set before blowing away Jaime Faria 4-6 6-0 6-3 6-2 with superb shot-making to ease any lingering fears about his wrist injury.Sabalenka was even more impressive a short while earlier on the main ​showcourt, as the Belarusian crushed Russian qualifier Polina Iatcenko 6-1 6-1, before bristling at a question about her appearances at pre-tournament events.Medvedev, the 2021 champion, had his feathers ruffled in a 6-1 6-3 7-5 victory over US wildcard Sebastian Gorzny on Louis Armstrong ​Stadium when two birds landed on the net.Earlier, third-ranked Pegula needed just 56 minutes to dismantle 2020 Australian Open winner Sofia Kenin 6-3 6-1 in the first match ​at Arthur Ashe Stadium to book a match-up with 2021 runner-up Leylah Fernandez.Eighth seed Shelton had a more difficult time, beating Poland's Hubert Hurkacz 6-3 5-7 7-6(3) 7-5, as he relied on the energy of the home crowd to power through.The Montreal winner has emerged as one of the best hopes of ending a 23-year US men's major drought in a diminished field missing injured world number one Jannik Sinner.Navarro took down fellow American Caty McNally 3-6 6-2 6-3, and Tiafoe beat Rei Sakamoto 6-3 7-6(2) 7-5, but ​it was not all good news for ​the home hopes as 2017 champion Sloane Stephens suffered a 6-1 7-5 defeat by 11th seed Marta Kostyuk.Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova eased to a 6-4 6-2 win over Thailand's Lanlana Tararudee in her bid for a second consecutive Grand Slam title, while runner-up Karolina Muchova outclassed Katie Boulter 6-1 6-0.With a backlog of 14 matches to complete after Tuesday's weather-hit action, organisers looked to the heavens in the ​afternoon as more rain fell over Flushing Meadows to bring a brief halt to play.There was no stopping lucky loser Bu Yunchaokete from reaching the second round, however, as he delivered a stunning win over 12th seed Rafael Jodar.Alex Michelsen delivered another jolt to a fancied player as he upset fellow American and 16th seed Brandon Nakashima 6-3 6-4 6-4 in the second round, while Australian sixth ​seed Alex de Minaur eased through his opening match against Italian qualifier Andrea Guerrieri 6-2 6-2 ​6-4.Peruvian Ignacio Buse won a five-setter to earn a maiden victory.

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03.09.2026

Imola sets historic milestone in journey of Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League: ASPIRE CEO

IMOLA, 3rd September, 2026 (WAM) -- The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) is preparing to make its debut outside the capital, Abu Dhabi, this Saturday at Italy’s Imola Circuit, one of the world’s most famous and challenging racing tracks. Five autonomous race cars based on the Dallara Super Formula platform will compete, including Kinetiz, a team from the United Arab Emirates.CEO of ASPIRE, the innovation acceleration arm of the Advanced Technology Research Council of Abu Dhabi (ATRC), told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of preparations for the race that holding an A2RL autonomous racing competition at Italy’s Imola Circuit marks a historic milestone for the league. It is the first time that its official multi-car competition will be held outside Abu Dhabi, reflecting the league’s ambition to become a leading global platform for autonomous motorsport.He said that being at Imola represents both a great honour and a major responsibility, given the circuit’s historic and exceptional standing in motorsport. He stressed that selecting one of the most famous and influential circuits in the history of racing and Formula 1 to host the league’s first international race outside Abu Dhabi carries significant implications for the project’s future ambitions.He explained that A2RL has undertaken extensive preparations for this milestone, drawing on the expertise and knowledge developed during previous seasons in Abu Dhabi in collaboration with the participating teams. He expressed confidence in the ability of the teams and technologies involved to deliver a strong competitive performance in their first international test on a new circuit that differs significantly from Yas Marina Circuit.He added that the league’s strategy since its launch has been based on expanding beyond the UAE and taking the autonomous racing experience onto the international stage. He noted that the Imola race represents a practical step toward achieving this goal, as well as a new phase in the development of the championship and the strengthening of its global presence.He emphasised that the Italian circuit will provide a genuine test of the capabilities of the teams and autonomous systems, given its demanding competitive nature and a track that leaves little room for error. He explained that having five teams compete at Imola represents an advanced challenge for artificial intelligence technology and its ability to make decisions and interact with other cars within fractions of a second under real racing conditions.He noted that, in its third year, the league has reached an advanced stage of development following the successful staging of two races in Abu Dhabi, in addition to tests and trials conducted outside the UAE. He stressed that holding the race at Imola represents the first comprehensive international test bringing together multiple teams and autonomous cars in an actual competition outside the championship’s home base in Abu Dhabi.He said that A2RL is now moving beyond merely demonstrating that the technology can function, and is gradually exploring new horizons for motorsport and examining how artificial intelligence and autonomous driving technologies can be harnessed to enhance vehicle performance and improve safety, both in racing and in the future of the mobility sector.He emphasised that what the world is witnessing today at Imola is not merely an autonomous car race, but a new technological and sporting experiment that could help redefine the future of motorsport and mobility. He noted that taking the league outside Abu Dhabi for the first time sends a clear message to the world that the A2RL experience is ready to expand into broader international arenas, while Abu Dhabi retains its position as the championship’s home and central hub for this emerging global series.More than a racing series, A2RL serves as a high-performance testing ground for technologies with applications beyond motorsport, including autonomous vehicles, industrial automation, and intelligent transportation systems. The UAE is among a small number of countries, alongside the United States and China, that have made meaningful progress in building human-scale test beds where these technologies can be developed, tested, and refined. The lessons learned in environments like A2RL help accelerate the broader adoption of autonomous systems across society.

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03.09.2026

UAE Team Emirates-XRG begins Tour of Britain in fine form

LONDON, 2nd September, 2026 (WAM) -- On stage 1 of the Lloyds Tour of Britain, UAE Team Emirates-XRG began the race in strong fashion, placing Tim Wellens in third and Florian Vermeersch in seventh. The pair now sit handily in the general classification ahead of the four remaining stages to come.Held in and around Lincoln, stage 1 of the 22nd Tour of Britain already came to define this year’s race. With five ascents of the cobbled Michaelgate climb on the parcours, the peloton exploded into countless fragments on Wednesday afternoon.For UAE Team Emirates-XRG, both Wellens and Vermeersch tracked a dangerous move on the second ascent of the climb, and this breakaway ultimately contested the stage honours. Their advantage over the majority of the peloton at the finish was in excess of three minutes, ensuring that the riders in the front group will more than likely contest the general classification spots later in the week.Earlier in the day, a traditional breakaway had gone up the road in search of much-sought-after television time. Their advantage clocked over two minutes in parts, but Netcompany INEOS had been determined to make their presence felt before the race hit the five laps of a circuit in Lincoln.Thanks to the British team’s work, the breakaway took a gap of less than a minute onto the first ascent of the Michaelgate climb, and their time out front was numbered from this point on. The Netcompany INEOS squad blocked the road on the first ascent, but heading into the second time up the climb, the pace was well and truly on.For his part, Wellens tried to lay down a searing attack on the fourth ascent of Michaelgate, putting the squeeze on his rivals out front. This aggression continued into the final 10km, with both Wellens and Vermeersch trading attacks for UAE Team Emirates-XRG.It was Vermeersch who, at one point, developed the most threatening attack. The Belgian snuck clear inside the closing 2km and opened up a gap of 10 seconds over those behind, with a first win in the Emirati squad’s colours on his mind.

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01.09.2026

UAE Team Emirates-XRG confirms squad for Lloyds Tour of Britain

ABU DHABI, 31st August, 2026 (WAM) -- Ready to make its second appearance in as many years, UAE Team Emirates-XRG announced its six-rider lineup for the Lloyds Tour of Britain. The five-day stage race begins in Lincoln on Wednesday, 2 September and draws to a close in Earlston on Sunday, 6 September.Along the way, there are stage finishes in Skegness, Beverley and Leyburn, as the 22nd Tour of Britain makes its way across Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and the Scottish Borders.For UAE Team Emirates-XRG, Sports Directors Fabrizio Guidi and Aner Moreno will take the reins, with the six-rider roster including Mikkel Bjerg, Benoît Cosnefroy, Felix Großschartner, Nils Politt, Florian Vermeersch and Tim Wellens.Politt will bring the experience of five previous appearances in Britain, whilst Cosnefroy will look forward with confidence towards the race’s punchy parcours. Sprint finishes may be expected on stages 2 and 3, but otherwise there is ample terrain for the peloton’s puncheurs to contest the overall victory.On Sunday, 6 September, the 2026 Tour of Britain will draw to a close in the Scottish Borders. Earlston in Scotland will host the start and finish of stage 5, and reach into the nearby Lammermuir Hills. In the 156.1km-long stage, some 2,236m of climbing awaits the peloton, as the fight for the overall win heads into the last day of racing.

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01.09.2026

Fujairah Martial Arts Club signs Brighton plus Helsinki Declaration in support of women's empowerment in sports

FUJAIRAH, 31st August, 2026 (WAM) -- Fujairah Martial Arts Club (FMAC) has signed the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration on Women and Sport, issued by the International Working Group on Women and Sport (IWG), coinciding with the month-long celebration of Emirati Women’s Day 2026. The signing makes the club one of more than 700 international organizations committed to enhancing the participation and empowerment of women and girls in sport.The signing reflects the club’s participation in the national celebrations of Emirati Women’s Day and underscores its commitment to translating the values of women’s empowerment, equality, and equal opportunity into sustainable sports policies and programs that support the participation and development of women and girls and enable them to reach leadership positions and achieve sporting excellence.The signing ceremony was held at the club’s headquarters in the presence of Andrew Clark, Deputy Consul General at the British Embassy in the UAE; Richard Atkinson, representing the British Embassy; Nader Abu Shawish, Director of Fujairah Martial Arts Club; representatives of the International Working Group on Women and Sport; media representatives; a number of the club’s leading female athletes; and the club’s female leaders.The signing of the declaration builds on the club’s efforts to establish an inclusive and sustainable sports ecosystem, provide an environment that ensures equal opportunities, and support the participation and development of women and girls, as well as their access to leadership positions and sporting excellence.Female athletes currently account for 28% of the total membership of Fujairah Martial Arts Club, while the club has set a strategic target of increasing female participation to 35% by 2028.The club has adopted an integrated, data-driven approach to developing women’s sport and aligning its programs and initiatives with the ten principles of the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration. Key areas of focus include fairness, equality, and leadership through the implementation of clear anti-discrimination policies and measures to ensure equal opportunities, as well as supporting women’s access to decision-making and leadership positions in sport.The club is also focusing on accessible facilities and safe environments by providing sports facilities that are suitable and equipped for women, ensuring equal training hours, and providing prayer spaces and family facilities, alongside the implementation of safeguarding and safety measures.Annemarie Phelps, Co-Chair of the International Working Group on Women and Sport, welcomed Fujairah Martial Arts Club’s joining of the IWG’s global network.Amal Al Kindi of Fujairah Martial Arts Club stressed the importance of the club becoming a signatory to the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration, noting that the step reflects the club’s continued commitment to supporting women and girls in the community and translating the principles of equality and empowerment into programs and initiatives with a tangible impact.Nader Abu Shawish, Director of Fujairah Martial Arts Club, affirmed that supporting women’s sport has been a fundamental part of the club’s journey since its establishment. He said that empowering women in sport is not merely a goal the club seeks to achieve, but a cornerstone of its future and international legacy.

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01.09.2026

Argentina’s Lionel Messi retires from international football

ABU DHABI,31st August, 2026 (WAM) -- Argentine legend Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from Argentina duty after winning 207 caps. The 39-year-old, who made his Argentina debut in 2005, won the World Cup in 2022 and was a runner-up this summer and in 2014. He also secured two Copa América titles.Messi wrote in a statement: “It was a decision that hurt – and still hurts deep down – but I understand that the time has come. I swear to you that I always gave it my all – not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.Messi said he had written his retirement statement on 21 July, two days after the World Cup final, and that the death last month of his father, Jorge, had confirmed it was the right moment to publish it and end his international career.Messi wrote a statement after his father’s death saying he had “quite a few doubts” about whether he would keep playing “for much longer”. He revealed then the extent to which he had struggled in Argentina’s World Cup final defeat by Spain. “My legs couldn’t go on any more,” he wrote. “This time I tried to push myself beyond my ​physical limits, but I couldn’t.”Messi plays for Inter Miami, where his contract runs to 2028. He scored four goals in a Major League Soccer match for the first time last Saturday to ⁠inspire a 7-1 thrashing ⁠of CF ​Montreal.

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30.08.2026

Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival marks 32 years of talent discovery

ABU DHABI, 30th August, 2026 (WAM) -- Reaching its 32nd edition, the Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival has consolidated its position as a global tournament, attracting over 2,400 players from across the world, including nearly 300 Emirati competitors.

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