Month: November 2025

Rare is the major tournament that does not see a few aggrieved teams bemoaning what might have been in their early exit. The ICC’s World Test Championship has been no exception. The tournament – which replaced the ICC Champions Trophy in 2019 – has been criticised for how it determines finalists, with richer countries such as Australia and India benefiting from scheduling which allows them to play five Test series while smaller nations – such as South Africa – must play two.

It also has the potential to dilute the precious points-per-Test ratio – with countries that have a good record in both one-off matches and regular series gaining more rewards. It’s not the fault of either South Africa or the ICC, but of the system as a whole which is designed to ensure that all members have a fair chance of playing in a final.

But despite all this, South Africa have earned the right to play at Lord’s. The Proteas have ripped the hoodoo off a 27-year ICC trophy drought by dethroning the modern Goliaths that were Australia. And they did so with the support of billions around the globe who watched – and cheered – as Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada stripped the mace from a callused hand at the Home of Cricket.

When the latest athlete retirement news hits the airwaves, the world usually wonders what the next chapter will hold for these famous athletes. Sometimes, however, they decide to “un-retire” and come back better than ever. These four athletes thought they were ready to throw in the towel, but ended up coming out stronger.

The US women’s soccer star and 2024 Olympian Alex Morgan recently announced her retirement from professional play. After leading her team and the NWSL in scoring, she now plans to focus on her business and charitable endeavors. Morgan is one of the most accomplished players in the history of the sport, having earned two Olympic medals and a number of prestigious club accolades. She also played with former Olympians Mia Hamm and Abby Wambach early in her career, a mentorship that she says had a profound impact on her.

Whether it’s taking time off to pursue interests other than their sport or starting a new career, adjusting to life after sports can be challenging for elite and amateur athletes alike. A study by Dr Cavallerio of Anglia Ruskin University found that retired female gymnasts struggled to identify with their non-athletic lives and often felt like failures. To help address this, it’s crucial for sports organisations to support the transitional phases of their athletes’ post-sport careers. It’s also important for athletes to understand the tax implications of their retirement decisions and make financial savvy moves early on.

For much of the year, Flushing Meadows is a quiet place. But for two weeks late in August, the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center transforms into the hub of the tennis world for the US Open. The tournament was first played in August 1881 on grass courts at Newport Casino in Newport, Rhode Island, and is one of the oldest of all Grand Slam championships.

On day eight of the US Open, former men’s champion Carlos Alcaraz takes on Novak Djokovic in what will be their first meeting at a Grand Slam since they battled for the 2024 Olympics gold medal in doubles. Elsewhere, top seed Aryna Sabalenka will face an unseeded player in Cristina Bucsa while Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina is up against Marketa Vondrousova.

The US Open is also a great opportunity for up-and-coming stars to make their mark. Among them are Victoria Mboko, who delighted her home country with a win at the Canadian Open, and rising American Taylor Fritz.

Fans can watch the action live at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong Stadium and other venues around the grounds with grounds passes that include access to all outdoor matches. The tournament’s broadcast partners offer traditional television coverage, while streaming options are available on the official site and various individual court streams.

Food options include traditional hot dogs and hamburgers as well as vegan and vegetarian offerings. Those who plan to attend the full tournament are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles to fill up at the numerous drinking fountains throughout the grounds. Glass bottles and cans are not allowed inside the stadiums, although reusable metal or plastic water bottles are permitted in Arthur Ashe’s Club Level and in the Food Village.

Combat Sports offer a unique combination of physical challenge, mental discipline, and strategic depth. They draw on centuries of history and adapt to current needs and traditions, while also expressing humanity’s continued quest for structured ways to measure and express strength and skill.

Whether you are drawn to the power and precision of boxing, the speed and agility of Muay Thai, or the tactical brilliance of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, explore this vibrant world through this guide, which delves into the rules, techniques, philosophies, and culture of each modality. This guide includes information about how a fighter trains, where they came from, how they progress through the ranks (if they do at all), and much more.

As a high-intensity sport, training in combat sports can enhance a person’s cardiovascular endurance and build muscle tone. They engage multiple muscle groups for a full-body workout that helps with flexibility, balance, and mobility. They are also an excellent stress-reduction activity, as regular training releases endorphins that help alleviate tension and promote well-being. In addition, learning how to defend oneself against a physical threat is a significant reason for people to practice these sports. It can give them the confidence to handle stressful situations that would otherwise be intimidating. This is a powerful lesson that can be carried into other aspects of life, such as work and relationships. However, combat sports have a high risk of injury. Precautions such as proper equipment usage, medical screening, and rule modifications minimize risks to participants’ health while allowing them to remain competitive.