Sports

After years of exile and uncertainty, the Afghanistan women's national football team is once again making strides toward international competition, marking a significant victory for resilience and human rights. Despite the Taliban's sweeping ban on women's sports following their 2021 takeover, a newly formed refugee team, "Afghan Women United," has commenced participation in international tournaments, symbolizing an unyielding defiance against oppression and a testament to the power of sport

Recent widespread violence following the death of a prominent cartel leader has cast a shadow of uncertainty over Mexico's preparations to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, triggering international concern and prompting urgent security reassessments. With less than four months until the tournament commences, a wave of retaliatory attacks, marked by blockades, arson, and armed confrontations, has unfolded across multiple states, particularly impacting Guadalajara, one of the designated host cities

VERONA, ITALY – The grandeur of the Verona Arena bore witness this evening to the poignant closing ceremony of the XXV Winter Olympic Games, bringing to a close 17 days of exhilarating competition and cultural celebration across Northern Italy. Under the theme "Beauty in Action," the ceremony served as a vibrant testament to athletic achievement, international camaraderie, and Italy's commitment to a sustainable future, culminating in the traditional extinguishing of the Olympic flame

The XXV Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina, Italy, have concluded, leaving behind a tapestry of athletic achievement, innovative organizational approaches, and a multifaceted legacy that promises to reshape northern Italy for years to come. From February 6 to February 22, 2026, the Games, spread across a vast geographical area, aimed to set new benchmarks for sustainability and community benefit, while also navigating a series of challenges and controversies that underscore the evolving nature of mega-events. The decision to co-host the Games across Milan and Cortina marked a historic first for the Winter Olympics, distinguishing this edition as the most geographically dispersed in Olympic history

Bormio, Italy – As the global sporting community turns its gaze towards the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, a thrilling and historically rich discipline is set to make its official debut: Ski Mountaineering, or "Skimo." This high-octane sport, blending the endurance of uphill climbing with the technical prowess of downhill skiing, promises to captivate audiences and challenge athletes like never before, marking a significant evolution in the Winter Games landscape. ### What is Skimo? A Fusion of Endurance and Technique At its core, ski mountaineering is a demanding endurance sport that requires athletes to ascend snow-covered mountains on skis, then swiftly transition to a downhill race. The sport meticulously combines aspects of cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, and mountaineering

The Olympic Games, a quadrennial spectacle of human endeavor and sporting excellence, have long stood as a powerful symbol of national pride and unity. Athletes march under their nation's flag, anthems play for gold medalists, and countries fiercely track their medal counts

Italy is basking in the glow of a remarkably successful winter sports season, one that has seen its athletes achieve unprecedented highs across various disciplines. This surge in performance has not only captivated the nation but has also intensified discussions about the powerful, often debated, phenomenon of "home advantage" as the country gears up to host the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo in 2026

Milan, Italy – Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych, a figure known for his prior anti-war stance, was disqualified from the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina after refusing to remove a helmet bearing the images of fallen Ukrainian athletes. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) cited its long-standing Rule 50.2, which prohibits political demonstrations on the field of play, sparking a fierce international debate about the role of sport amidst global conflict and an athlete's right to expression

CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, ITALY – Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych finds himself at the center of a poignant Olympic dispute after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) prohibited him from wearing a specially designed "helmet of remembrance" at the Winter Games. The helmet, adorned with images of Ukrainian athletes killed in the ongoing war with Russia, was intended as a solemn tribute, but the IOC deemed it a violation of its long-standing rule against political demonstrations

Greenland, a land defined by its majestic ice and unique Arctic culture, faces profound challenges from a rapidly warming planet. At the forefront of raising awareness and advocating for action are biathlete siblings Ukaleq and Sondre Slettemark, who, even as they pursue their Olympic dreams, have become vocal champions for their threatened homeland

Milan-Cortina, Italy – In a testament to indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication, Lebanese cross-country skier Samer Tawk has defied the odds, returning to the global stage of the Winter Olympics seven years after a catastrophic training accident left him with life-altering injuries. His appearance as a flag bearer for Lebanon at the Milan-Cortina 2026 opening ceremony on February 6, 2026, marks not just a personal triumph but a powerful narrative of resilience resonating across the international sporting community

MILAN-CORTINA 2026 – In an astonishing display of mental fortitude and athletic prowess, German ski jumper Philipp Raimund secured an Olympic gold medal in the men's normal hill event at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Games, despite openly acknowledging a persistent fear of heights. His victory, a personal first on the world stage, captivated spectators and underscored a powerful narrative of overcoming deeply ingrained personal challenges to achieve the pinnacle of sporting success

Milan, Italy – The 2026 Winter Olympics officially roared to life today, February 6, with an unprecedented and geographically distributed opening ceremony that seamlessly blended Italy’s rich cultural heritage with innovative technology and a poignant message of global harmony. For the first first time in Olympic history, the traditional curtain-raiser unfolded across multiple locations, with Milan's iconic San Siro Stadium serving as the main stage, while symbolic events simultaneously captivated audiences in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Livigno, and Predazzo, setting a new benchmark for Olympic spectacles. ### A Grand Unveiling Across Italy's Diverse Landscapes The choice to host a distributed opening ceremony reflects the unique geographical spread of the Milan Cortina 2026 Games, which encompass a vast 8,500-square-mile area stretching from the bustling metropolis of Milan to the majestic peaks of the Dolomites

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany – In a seismic shift for German women's football, the 14 clubs of the Frauen-Bundesliga have unilaterally announced their separation from the German Football Federation (DFB), opting instead to establish their own independent league association. This landmark decision, taken in December 2025, marks a decisive step towards greater professionalization and commercial control for the top-tier women's league, following the collapse of a joint venture agreement with the DFB

Once a niche import, American football is steadily transforming from a curiosity into a burgeoning phenomenon across Europe, driven by strategic efforts from the National Football League (NFL) and the ambitious rise of local professional leagues. This expansion marks a persistent, multi-decade "fight" for relevance and a share of the continent's sporting passion, a battle waged on multiple fronts from packed stadiums to burgeoning grassroots programs