Japanese Ambassador Promises Full Support for Iran's Participation in Asian Games in Nagoya

Japan has committed to providing comprehensive assistance to Iran so that the Iranian sports delegation can arrive and participate in the XX Asian Games, which will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, without hindrance.

Before Iran's participation in the XX Asian Games scheduled for Aichi-Nagoya, Tamaki Tsukada, the Japanese ambassador to Iran, visited the National Olympic Committee (NOC) on Wednesday morning and met with Mohammad Hosravi Vafaei, president of the Iranian NOC.

Hosravi Vafaei welcomed the Japanese ambassador and raised the topic of recent regional events. He noted that 'You have also experienced the bitter consequences of such events in Hiroshima. This shared wound has generated a sense of solidarity between us and allows us to understand each other better. Despite these events, the determination and motivation of our officials, people, and athletes have not weakened.'

The President of the Iranian NOC added that the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya would be unique for several reasons, particularly due to the absence of a unified village for athletes, as accommodation will be distributed across different locations.

Hosravi Vafaei emphasized: 'The Asian Games in Nagoya are a new experience due to the lack of a unified village for athletes and the geographical distribution of living places.' He also pointed out the need for comprehensive support and cooperation from the Japanese embassy and the Games Organizing Committee regarding currency, athlete accreditation cards, and organizing travel for the delegation in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Tamaki Tsukada also expressed deep regret over the recent incidents and the suspension of some sporting competitions. The Japanese ambassador congratulated Iran on the impressive performance of the national football team at the World Cup, noting that 'sports can overcome politics.' He also mentioned the good result of the Japanese national team.

The ambassador stated that Japan is fully prepared to host the Asian Games and understands that Iran will send more than 300 athletes to Nagoya, making this delegation one of the largest participants in the competition. He assured his counterpart that the raised issues were valid and that they would be passed on to the Games Organizing Committee to consider necessary solutions, thus reassuring his interlocutor.

At the end of the meeting, Hosravi Vafaei presented the Japanese ambassador with a photo album containing selected historical pictures of the Iranian delegation at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964 and the Asian Games in Tokyo in 1958. The ambassador highly praised the photographs, calling them very valuable and historic.

During this friendly meeting, the Japanese ambassador reiterated the readiness of the Japanese embassy and the Games Organizing Committee to provide full support to ensure the smooth participation of the Iranian delegation in the XX Asian Games. He characterized this cooperation as a reflection of mutual respect between the two nations and an opportunity to strengthen sporting and cultural ties between Iran and Japan.

iol.co.zaAugust 7, 16:23

Brandon Petersen believes victory in MTN8 will set the tone for Kaizer Chiefs' season

Kaizer Chiefs captain Brandon Petersen expresses hope that a victory in the MTN8 tournament will help set a positive tone for the team's upcoming season.

Petersen believes that winning the MTN8 trophy will serve as an ideal start to the 'Amakhosi' season, as they prepare to face Golden Arrows in the quarter-finals on Sunday. The Chiefs return to South Africa's main knockout tournament after missing the previous two editions and aim to make a strong impression at the FNB stadium.

The Glamour Boys managed to qualify for the MTN8 this season due to their improved league standing last season, giving them a chance to compete for the first trophy of the new cycle.

MTN8 Tournament Discussion

Speaking after the MTN8 presentation in Randburg this week, Petersen admitted that the return to the competition itself has given extra motivation to the Chiefs players. He stated: 'Returning to MTN8 is motivation in itself because we know what it's like not to be part of it, and I think that alone is enough to set the tone for us.'

Furthermore, Kaizer Chiefs have strengthened their squad by signing Faiz Abrahams. He joins Naturena on a one-year loan from Stellenbosch FC with an option to buy at the end of the campaign. This transfer showed the team that success is achievable. Petersen noted that in just four matches, and especially in the upcoming weekend against Golden Arrows, the team can take the first step towards success.

The team knows that the shortest path to the trophy begins this weekend, as they are only three wins away from ending their trophy drought in this tournament. Nevertheless, Petersen emphasizes that the significance of the tournament goes beyond simply lifting a cup, insisting that early success can shape the entire remaining season.

He added: 'I believe it is important for us to start with a strong launch, to ensure we set the tone for the season. That is, if you win this trophy, it sets the tone for the season. So I think this is our goal—to try to go through the tournament and provide a good foundation for the rest of the season.'

Chiefs face Golden Arrows, who are starting a new era under head coach Pitso Dladla. He came after managing Durban City, leading them to the top eight and success in the Nedbank Cup last season. This match promises to give an early indication of Chiefs' progress under Da Cruz following a promising pre-season and active transfer window.

For Amakhosi, the goal is clear: a positive start against Arrows will allow them to get closer to MTN8 glory in just two victories, and also provide the confidence that they hope will fuel a stronger fight in the Betway Premiership and CAF Confederation Cup throughout the season.

iol.co.zaAugust 7, 16:02

Maa Nonu joins Sharks squad to lend experienced authority to young team ahead of All Blacks match

All Blacks legend Maa Nonu will join the Sharks team for the match as part of the 'Greatest Rivalry in Rugby' tour against the team he previously represented with great distinction.

Greatest Rivalry in Rugby Tour

Nonu, who swapped the famous black All Blacks jersey for the black and white Sharks kit, will play from the bench after signing a short-term contract with the Durban franchise. His age of 42 sharply contrasts with many players in the Sharks squad, especially the defenders he has come to mentor.

The defense features four players from the Junior Springboks category, as well as a young player from the Blitzboks, because the Sharks decided to give several young athletes the opportunity to test themselves at a high level against the All Blacks. This line is built on speed and initiative, with South Africa national flanker Wusi Moyo leading a dynamic group of attacking players.

The squad includes players who have represented South Africa at the U-20 or Blitzboks level: fullback Zeketelo Siyaya, wingers Donovan Don and Litelile Bester, and outside centre Djurenzo Julius. Additionally, the Sharks bench features another attacking talent from the Junior Bok, Luan Giliomme, and experience is brought by Nonu and former South African international Ivan van Zyl.

Eight players in the squad are under 23 years old and are either current or former Junior Springboks. The youth focus extends to the reserves in the front row: current Junior Boks Liam van Wyk, Rambo Hubeka, and Simphiwe Ngobese are included in the reserve. However, the starting forwards possess significantly more experience.

Captain Nick Hatton plays at number 8 and forms a trio with Manu Tsikutuka and Fepsy Butelezi, while Vincent Tsikutuka provides support from the bench. Much experience is also present in the tight five thanks to new acquisitions Hendre Stassen and Nemo Roelofs, who receive starting positions. Although they may be little known to Sharks fans, they possess extensive European experience. 31-year-old Roelofs has played over 150 matches in the French Top 14, and 28-year-old Stassen joins the Sharks after several seasons with Stade Français. Completing this impressive tight five is two-time World Rugby Champion Vincent Koch at tighthead prop.

Despite all the experience provided by Nonu, Van Zyl, Koch, and the senior Sharks forwards, the most intriguing aspect of the team is the chance given to the group of young and promising athletes.

www.aajtak.inAugust 7, 15:59

Sri Lanka defeats India in friendly match in Colombo

The first day of the three-day friendly match between India and Sri Lanka, taking place in Colombo, concluded with the batsmen of the Sri Lankan team putting Indian bowlers through a serious test.

Choosing to bat first, the Sri Lankan team scored 363 runs, losing eight wickets in 90 overs. Both starting batsmen for Sri Lanka scored half-centuries: Nishan Madushanka made 66 runs, and Ravindu Rasanta scored 71 runs. Sri Lanka's captain, Sonal Dinusha, also contributed, scoring 52 runs before being dismissed.

At the beginning of the game, the Indian bowlers had to wait a long time for a chance to take a wicket, and the home side demonstrated a strong start. The Indian team waited for 110 runs to take the first wicket.

Despite this, in the second and third sessions, the Indian team managed to regain its position. Ravindra Jadeja, Manav Chatur, Gurnoor Brar, and Kuldeep Yadav helped restrict Sri Lanka's pace by taking important wickets. These three bowlers took two wickets each. Among the fast bowlers, only Gurnoor Brar managed to take one wicket. Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Saransh Jain failed to achieve any success.

Nevertheless, the Sri Lankan team managed to build a strong position by the end of the day, maintaining a run rate of 4.03 per over. During this match, Ravindra Jadeja, Gurnoor Brar, Prasidh Krishna, Saransh Jain, and Kuldeep Yadav proved expensive for the team, as all of them allowed the opponent to score at an economy rate above four.

Captain Shubman Gill did not take the field on the first day due to a finger injury, while KEL Rahul took charge of the team. This match is considered an important opportunity for players to test their form ahead of the upcoming Test series, which starts on August 15.