Sports

Indonesia’s hosting rights for U-20 World Cup, stripped

Published

2 years ago

March 30, 2023

editor

Fifa has stripped Indonesia of hosting rights for the Under-20 World Cup.

The decision follows the cancellation of the official draw for the tournament, which was due to be held in Bali last Friday.

The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) said Fifa was forced to cancel the draw after Bali’s governor Wayan Koster refused to host the Israeli team.

The U20 World Cup is set to take place from 20 May to 11 June.

Indonesia does not have any formal diplomatic ties with Israel and recently protesters have held marches demanding Israel be stopped from competing in the tournament, in support of Palestine.

Indonesia were awarded hosting rights in 2019, before Israel qualified for the tournament. England’s U20 team is also set to compete.

“Fifa has decided, due to the current circumstances, to remove Indonesia as the host of the Fifa U20 World Cup 2023,” a Fifa statement said.

“A new host will be announced as soon as possible, with the dates of the tournament currently remaining unchanged. Potential sanctions against the PSSI may also be decided at a later stage.”

Half an hour before Fifa’s announcement, PSSI executive committee member Arya Sinulingga said he was “very pessimistic” about Indonesia keeping the hosting rights.

“If we make political requirements in sports, it’ll always be like this. We will be exiled from the football ecosystem.

“It’s very tough for all of us. We’re headed into a calamity in sports. We have to separate football or sports and politics.”

(BBC News)

News

Kaveesha qualifies for semi-finals in Nanjing

Published

2 days ago

March 22, 2025

editor

Sri Lankan athlete Nadun Kaveesha has qualified for the semi-finals of the men’s 60-meter hurdles at the World Indoor Athletics Championships in Nanjing.

Competing in Heat 4 today (22), Kaveesha finished fifth with a time of 7.87 seconds, securing his place among the top 24 athletes advancing to the next round.

The semi-finals are scheduled to begin at 5:20 PM Sri Lanka time today.

Kaveesha’s performance marks a significant achievement for Sri Lanka in international athletics, as he continues to represent the country on the global stage.

Fans are eagerly awaiting his next race, hoping for a strong showing in the semi-finals.

News

Chamara Silva to be U19 cricket team’s head coach until next WC

Published

2 days ago

March 22, 2025

editor

Former Sri Lankan cricketer Chamara Silva has been appointed as the head coach of Sri Lanka Under-19 cricket team until the next ICC U19 World Cup.

Silva, who previously served as a coach for the Police Sports Club, brings extensive experience to the role, having also held the position of Chief Police Inspector.

Silva will be supported by batting coach Saman Jayantha and spin bowling coach Dilruwan Perera as the team prepares for upcoming tournaments.

His appointment aims to strengthen the development of young talent and enhance Sri Lanka’s performance in international youth cricket.

The Sri Lanka Cricket Board expressed confidence in Silva’s ability to guide the U19 team to success, leveraging his experience as both a player and a coach.

Sports

First woman elected as IOC president

Published

3 days ago

March 21, 2025

editor

Kristy Coventry, Zimbabwe’s current sports minister and a former Olympic swimming champion, has been elected as the new President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

At 41, Coventry became the first woman to hold the position in the IOC’s 130-year history (since 1894).

She is also the 10th IOC President, the first African to assume the role, and the youngest ever to be elected.

The election for the new term was held yesterday (March 20) in Greece, where she secured a majority vote in the first round.

Coventry will officially take office in June and is set to serve a minimum term of eight years, according to international media reports.