https://www.scmp.com/rss/518884/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com The Olympic Games in Paris this summer were a triumph for France. Some 10,500 athletes turned up, representing 206 National Olympic Committees and the IOC Refugee Olympic Team. As always, the Games showcased the diversity of athletes worldwide and were a fitting testament to the human spirit and pursuit of excellence. I watched the track and field events at the 80,000-seat Stade de France and the incredible atmosphere and camaraderie between athletes and their supporters across different... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3275380/olympics-triumph-paris-and-inspiration-all?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3275380/olympics-triumph-paris-and-inspiration-all?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 23 Aug 2024 01:30:12 +0000 With special ceremonies and official launches for team kits, Olympic athletes take their look seriously. And even more so in 2024 with the Games taking place in one of the fashion capitals of the world. From striking team uniforms to dazzling personal style, there were plenty of fashion statements throughout the Summer Olympics. And here are some of our favourites. Best team uniform Just go ahead and give them them the🥇now for best uniform! 🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/6sOfMdt8Uo — Michael Johnson... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3274281/paris-olympics-fashion-statements-turkish-south-korean-shooters-bright-trunks-and-more?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3274281/paris-olympics-fashion-statements-turkish-south-korean-shooters-bright-trunks-and-more?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Aug 2024 07:00:12 +0000 You only get one Olympics debut, and from preteens and veterans to global sporting superstars, Paris had it all over the course of two-and-a-bit weeks. Some newcomers left with new-found fame, others simply added another page to their storied career, while there were those who even became memes. But whatever else happens in the rest of their lives, they’ll always have Paris. Here’s a look back at five who stood out in the French capital. Letsile Tebogo First time proved to be a charm for the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3274099/nba-stars-world-record-breakers-and-main-character-energy-top-5-debuts-paris-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3274099/nba-stars-world-record-breakers-and-main-character-energy-top-5-debuts-paris-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Aug 2024 03:00:12 +0000 Lin Yu-ting managed to maintain her composure in the ring after winning her women’s boxing 57kg final bout against Julia Szeremeta of Poland on Saturday, but she lost it entirely when the gold medal was slipped over her head. The southpaw from New Taipei City couldn’t hold back her tears on the podium when the Chinese Taipei flag was raised and anthem played at Roland Garros. In the centre of a gender row since the start of the early rounds of boxing events at the North Paris Arena, Lin produced... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/article/3274079/jk-rowling-helped-chinese-taipei-boxer-lin-yu-ting-win-gold-says-coach-calls-iba-lunatics?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/article/3274079/jk-rowling-helped-chinese-taipei-boxer-lin-yu-ting-win-gold-says-coach-calls-iba-lunatics?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Aug 2024 10:34:39 +0000 China players said the comeback victory over Japan in the opening doubles match of the women’s team table tennis final was the key to winning their fifth Olympic gold medal on Saturday. Sun Yingsha and Wang Manyu also admitted Japan’s performance was better than they expected, as China battled to a hard-fought victory at the South Paris Arena. Chen Meng, the women’s singles champion, said even the very first point of the tie had been “vital because it was all about a good start”. “A win could... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3274038/paris-olympics-chinas-women-hail-strong-bond-after-team-table-tennis-gold?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3274038/paris-olympics-chinas-women-hail-strong-bond-after-team-table-tennis-gold?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Aug 2024 01:30:24 +0000 South Korean Kim Y-je, who became a viral sensation at the Paris Olympics en route to a silver medal in pistol shooting, collapsed at a press conference on Friday. An official said it was likely because of the stress and exhaustion of competing in the French capital. The 31-year-old was back in Ismil, the county she represented for seven years in the southern part of South Korea when the incident occurred, the official added. He said she regained consciousness and, contrary to reports, did not... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/asia/article/3273998/paris-olympics-south-korean-aura-shooter-kim-ye-ji-collapses-press-conference?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/asia/article/3273998/paris-olympics-south-korean-aura-shooter-kim-ye-ji-collapses-press-conference?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 Aug 2024 06:48:15 +0000 A modest, thankful and determined Lin Yu-ting said she was ready to roll up her sleeves and empty her tank ahead of her dream fight on Sunday. Lin and Julia Szeremeta will battle it out at Roland Garros, with both gold and history on the line. Neither Chinese Taipei nor Poland have ever won a women’s boxing title at the Olympics. Lin, a two-time world champion, has dominated her side of the draw, and racked up her third successive 5-0 win when dispatching Esra Yildiz in the women’s 57kg... https://www.scmp.com/sport/boxing/article/3273790/paris-olympics-lin-yu-ting-ready-give-it-everything-pursuit-games-glory?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/boxing/article/3273790/paris-olympics-lin-yu-ting-ready-give-it-everything-pursuit-games-glory?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Aug 2024 01:00:28 +0000 As Singaporean kitesurfer Maximilian Maeder gears up for the final of the men’s kite event in sailing, Singapore stands on the cusp of potentially witnessing their first medal – possibly even a gold – at this Olympics. At just 17 years old, Maeder has already cemented his status as a formidable force in the world of kitesurfing and has made a stunning Olympic debut by advancing all the way to the medal round. The world champion has been dubbed the sport’s Max Verstappen, who himself is a Formula... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3273696/paris-olympics-meet-max-maeder-kite-surfer-verge-singapores-second-gold-ever?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3273696/paris-olympics-meet-max-maeder-kite-surfer-verge-singapores-second-gold-ever?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 Aug 2024 12:30:14 +0000 South Korea’s table tennis coach Joo Sae-hyuk was left in tears after his side lost their men’s team table tennis quarter-final to China. Cho Dae-seong, Jang Woo-jin, and Lim Jong-hoon were beaten 3-0 by China’s trio of Fan Zhendong, Wang Chuqin and Ma Long. China have won team Olympic gold in every single edition since its inclusion at the 2008 Games in Beijing. “We have lost every single time we faced the Chinese table tennis team,” Joo said. “It has been [the same] for over 20 years. “Our... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/table-tennis/article/3273679/paris-olympics-south-koreas-coach-tears-after-losing-table-tennis-clash-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/table-tennis/article/3273679/paris-olympics-south-koreas-coach-tears-after-losing-table-tennis-clash-china?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 Aug 2024 07:00:13 +0000 As day 12 of the Olympics is ushered in, we have knockout rounds and new starts galore. Weightlifting and golf are among those to join the party, while we are getting to the business end of the women’s basketball. As usual, there is plenty of athletics to keep you occupied and lots of reasons to stay up late to keep on top of the action. But just how should you plan your evening? Well, let’s take a look at the what’s coming up, with times noted in Hong Kong time. Weightlifting begins Day 12 is... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3273500/paris-olympics-wu-yanni-debuts-us-womens-basketball-5-things-know-day-12?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3273500/paris-olympics-wu-yanni-debuts-us-womens-basketball-5-things-know-day-12?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 Aug 2024 04:30:09 +0000 South Korea’s An Se-young threatened to quit the national team over a lack of protection for her injury after securing an Olympic gold medal in the women’s badminton. The 22-year-old beat China’s He Bingjiao in straight sets to secure victory in the final at La Chapelle Arena on Monday. But at the award ceremony, rather than celebrate, she took aim at the South Korean Federation for failing to help her recovery from a knee problem picked up during the Asian Games last October. “My injury was... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/asia/article/3273391/paris-olympics-south-koreas-threatens-quit-national-team-after-badminton-gold?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/asia/article/3273391/paris-olympics-south-koreas-threatens-quit-national-team-after-badminton-gold?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Aug 2024 07:48:47 +0000 Dozens of medals are up for grabs in Paris on Tuesday, with a mix of classic Games staples and recent additions to the programme. If you have yet to embrace Olympic skateboarding, this is the time to do so. Its contestants are some of the Games’ youngest – and bravest. Or you can keep it traditional with the women’s 200 metres final. So here are five things you should know for day 11, with all times noted in Hong Kong time as is the norm. Too cool for school We’re not sure what we were doing at... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3273342/paris-olympics-lebron-11-year-olds-china-eye-diving-gold-5-things-know-day-11?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3273342/paris-olympics-lebron-11-year-olds-china-eye-diving-gold-5-things-know-day-11?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Aug 2024 04:30:10 +0000 Leading Asian sprinter Shanti Pereira said her Olympic Games disappointment would not “define who I am and what I am capable of”. Singaporean Pereira ran 23.45 seconds, a long way off her personal best of 22.57, to finish last in her 200 metres repechage race on Monday. The 27-year-old, who was eliminated in round one of the 100m last week, said a fibula injury sustained in April left her needing to “bounce back from the bottom” to compete in Paris. Pereira vowed she would fight on until the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/asia/article/3273302/shanti-pereira-honoured-put-singapore-map-sad-after-olympics-blow?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/asia/article/3273302/shanti-pereira-honoured-put-singapore-map-sad-after-olympics-blow?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 Aug 2024 14:00:14 +0000 South Korea’s An Se-young won Olympic gold in the badminton women’s singles on Monday, and said she was looking forward to popping open the champagne. The world No 1 dispatched China’s He Bingjiao in straight games at the La Chapelle Arena, becoming the first South Korean to hold the title since Bang Soo-hyun last won it in Atlanta in 1996. An never looked troubled against He, needing only 51 minutes to take the crown with a comfortable 21-13, 21-16 victory. “I’m so happy that I was able to get... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3273299/paris-olympics-south-koreas-ready-open-champagne-inspire-next-generation-after-gold?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3273299/paris-olympics-south-koreas-ready-open-champagne-inspire-next-generation-after-gold?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 Aug 2024 13:12:26 +0000 Lin Yu-ting could not hold back the tears after beating Svetlana Staneva in the quarter-finals of the women’s 57kg category on Sunday, as the emotion of the past few days finally caught up with the Chinese Taipei boxer. The 28-year-old, along with Algeria’s Imane Khelif, has been at the centre of a gender row at the Paris Olympics and refused to talk to the press after her previous bout. Her opponent, meanwhile, was the same one she beat to bronze at the Women’s World Boxing Championships in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/boxing/article/3273157/chinese-taipei-boxer-lin-yu-ting-cannot-hold-back-tears-after-edging-semi-finals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/boxing/article/3273157/chinese-taipei-boxer-lin-yu-ting-cannot-hold-back-tears-after-edging-semi-finals?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Aug 2024 11:44:56 +0000 Beyond just elevating himself to Philippines national hero status, Carlos Yulo’s historic Olympic gold has triggered a cascade of rewards from the public and private sector. Yulo earned the country its inaugural Olympic gold in gymnastics and only the second gold ever, after weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz at the Tokyo Games. In recognition of his unparalleled accomplishment, a slew of local brands and even national institutions have showered Yulo with lavish rewards. The Philippine government has... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/asia/article/3273146/philippines-rejoices-yulo-gold-gymnast-gets-hk135-million-house-free-food-reward?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/asia/article/3273146/philippines-rejoices-yulo-gold-gymnast-gets-hk135-million-house-free-food-reward?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Aug 2024 08:48:27 +0000 Tennis gold medallist Zheng Qinwen has been praised for her patriotic spirit after saying she had finally “brought glory to her ancestors” by making history at the Paris Olympics. The 21-year-old said winning the Olympics for her country was more meaningful than winning one of the sports grand slams; the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open. Zheng’s achievement was the first time any Chinese player has won the singles tournament at a Games, and the country’s first tennis... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/buzz/article/3273136/china-hails-zheng-queen-wen-after-she-says-tennis-gold-brought-glory-her-ancestors?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/buzz/article/3273136/china-hails-zheng-queen-wen-after-she-says-tennis-gold-brought-glory-her-ancestors?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Aug 2024 06:37:24 +0000 Carlos Yulo triumphed in the men’s floor exercise of the gymnastics in Paris on Saturday, for only the second Olympic gold in the history of the Philippines. The 24-year-old broke down in tears after matching the achievement of weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, who won gold at the Covid-delayed 2020 Tokyo Games. “I just went for it, I didn’t hesitate,” Yulo said. The former world champion perfectly executed his routine, ending with a sure-footed landing to score 15.000 points. It sealed the first... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/asia/article/3273132/overwhelmed-yulo-wins-historic-gymnastics-olympic-gold-philippines?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/asia/article/3273132/overwhelmed-yulo-wins-historic-gymnastics-olympic-gold-philippines?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Aug 2024 06:00:15 +0000 Shanti Pereira is one of the fastest women in Asia. Singapore’s “Sprint Queen” holds the city state’s national records for the 100 and 200 metres, at 11.20 and 22.57 seconds respectively, both set in 2023. Her six medals last year at various continental meets – including Singapore’s first athletics medals at the Asian Games in nearly five decades – catapulted her to household-name status. It was a phenomenal season, all the sweeter for coming after a rough patch lasting several years. Her... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/profiles/article/3270857/paris-olympics-profile-who-shanti-pereira-singapores-sprint-queen?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/profiles/article/3270857/paris-olympics-profile-who-shanti-pereira-singapores-sprint-queen?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 03 Aug 2024 02:00:21 +0000 Harry Potter author JK Rowling is facing the wrath of netizens in Taiwan after she challenged female Chinese Taipei boxer Lin Yu-ting’s eligibility to compete in the Paris Olympics. Rowling, a vocal opponent to trans rights, said Lin was part of the “insanity” of trans athletes competing in women’s sport. She shared an article on social media platform X about Lin and Algerian boxer Imane Khelif being authorised to compete in the Olympics despite failing gender eligibility tests last... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/buzz/article/3272917/taiwan-cancels-harry-potter-jk-rowlings-bears-netizens-wrath-trans-criticism?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/buzz/article/3272917/taiwan-cancels-harry-potter-jk-rowlings-bears-netizens-wrath-trans-criticism?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Aug 2024 07:30:09 +0000 Chinese table tennis star Fan Zhendong scraped through to the men’s singles semi-final after a pulsating contest against Japan’s Tomokazu Harimoto on Thursday, but their intense match turned Chinese social media into a hotbed for debate. Harimoto, 21, was born in Japan’s Miyagi prefecture to Chinese parents and was naturalised as a Japanese citizen in 2014. His parents, Zhang Yu and Zhang Ling, are both former table tennis players from Sichuan, China, but moved to Japan in 1998. His mother had... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/buzz/article/3272881/chinese-social-media-reacts-china-v-japan-table-tennis-clash-paris-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/buzz/article/3272881/chinese-social-media-reacts-china-v-japan-table-tennis-clash-paris-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Aug 2024 05:00:08 +0000 Japan’s Kenji Nener was “frustrated and upset” after failing to transfer his continental superiority to the global stage in the Olympic triathlon – and said doing well in Asia was insufficient preparation. Asian Games champion Nener finished 15th on an iconic French capital course on Wednesday, three years after placing 14th in the Tokyo Olympics. After coming home third in the Hong Kong leg of the Triathlon World Cup in March, Nener told the Post he felt closer than ever to the world’s best... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/hong-kong/article/3272702/paris-olympics-asias-standards-not-good-enough-japan-triathlete-kenji-nener-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/hong-kong/article/3272702/paris-olympics-asias-standards-not-good-enough-japan-triathlete-kenji-nener-says?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Aug 2024 01:00:23 +0000 South Korean shooter Kim Ye-ji has been crowned the “coolest person on the planet” by netizens after a photo of her in sci-fi shooter glasses and an ice-cold stance at the Paris Olympics went viral on the internet. the most aura I have ever seen in an image pic.twitter.com/HHo8yCV5O4 — Women Posting W's (@womenpostingws) July 30, 2024 The 31-year-old Kim took home silver in the women’s 10-metre air pistol event on Sunday, and pictures of her quickly went viral for her unbothered... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/buzz/article/3272644/paris-olympics-south-korean-shooter-kim-ye-ji-crowned-coolest-person-planet?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/buzz/article/3272644/paris-olympics-south-korean-shooter-kim-ye-ji-crowned-coolest-person-planet?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 31 Jul 2024 09:18:59 +0000 South Koreans social media users have accused the Paris Olympics organisers of discrimination, over what they called a “personal grudge” against the country, after repeated blunders within days of the Games’ opening. South Korea were introduced as North Korea at the opening ceremony, after which the name of the country’s first gold medallist at the Games was misspelt, leading netizens to criticise organisers for their “disgraceful” mistakes. At the opening ceremony on Saturday, as the South... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/fencing/article/3272261/south-koreans-slam-paris-olympics-personal-grudge-social-media-backlash-blunders?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/fencing/article/3272261/south-koreans-slam-paris-olympics-personal-grudge-social-media-backlash-blunders?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Jul 2024 06:00:18 +0000 Shuttler Loh Kean Yew ignited a roar to his home crowd when he stunned the world No 7 to net Singapore’s first badminton quarter-final berth at the Olympics in 20 years. Loh caused a major upset which he eliminated China’s Li Shifeng in the round of 16 on Thursday to set up a rematch in the quarter-finals with Olympic champion and world No 2 Viktor Axelsen. The city state was initially set ablaze when Loh was crowned Singapore’s first badminton world champion in 2021. The then 24-year-old... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/asia/article/3271953/paris-olympics-singapores-loh-kean-yew-became-world-badminton-champ-despite-ankle-injury?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/asia/article/3271953/paris-olympics-singapores-loh-kean-yew-became-world-badminton-champ-despite-ankle-injury?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 27 Jul 2024 02:00:14 +0000 The 2024 Olympics will take place in the City of Love. So it’s only natural to take time to appreciate the athletes fans are most likely to fall for. The Games are the height of athletic competition, which means everyone taking part is a monster in their field. But some are gods and goddesses off it and will draw as much attention for their looks as their sporting talent. So, as the Paris Games get under way, here are 10 hotties to keep your eyes on … Daria Bilodid Ukraine View this... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3272003/paris-olympic-games-10-hottest-athletes-men-and-women-who-are-good-they-look?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3272003/paris-olympic-games-10-hottest-athletes-men-and-women-who-are-good-they-look?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 26 Jul 2024 19:00:11 +0000 Lim Si-hyeon delivered an emphatic statement on Thursday that she is the woman to beat at the Paris Olympics, and the mighty South Korean archery team warmed up for another assault on the medal podium. The 21-year-old Lim shot a world and Olympic record 694 in the women’s individual ranking round at the stunning Esplanade des Invalides venue, breaking the previous mark of 692 held by compatriot and 2020 Olympic champion Sang Chae-young. Lim leads a young Korean squad bidding for a 10th... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/asia/article/3271910/paris-olympics-archer-lim-shoots-world-record-signal-korean-intentions-kaufhold-hunt?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/asia/article/3271910/paris-olympics-archer-lim-shoots-world-record-signal-korean-intentions-kaufhold-hunt?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Jul 2024 13:30:12 +0000 For most athletes, winning an Olympic gold medal is the pinnacle of sport, the fulfilment of a life goal. What else could you possibly be offered by way of incentive? Well, quite a lot it seems. As well as the as the ambition for glory and the financial incentive, there have been more creative rewards dangled in front of participants. And here are some of the most memorable. 1 – Free flights and lifetime rail pass After a record seven-medal haul at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, three local airlines... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3271530/olympic-rewards-winning-gold-medals-free-tea-furniture-no-military-service-and-more?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3271530/olympic-rewards-winning-gold-medals-free-tea-furniture-no-military-service-and-more?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Jul 2024 10:30:14 +0000 Japan may be the Olympic men’s rugby sevens tournament’s lowest-ranked team, but they believe they have a plan to upset the odds. But putting it into action has meant challenging centuries of national identity, given it involves high risk and plenty of chaos. “With the Japanese culture, pride and shame is big,” Japan’s head coach Simon Amor said. “Making mistakes is a difficult one for them because they are very proud of representing their families, their companies, their country.” His team open... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/asia/article/3271441/paris-olympics-japan-coach-promises-high-risk-and-chaos-mens-rugby-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/asia/article/3271441/paris-olympics-japan-coach-promises-high-risk-and-chaos-mens-rugby-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Jul 2024 13:00:09 +0000 Shoko Miyata, the 19-year-old captain of the Japan women’s artistic gymnastics team, has withdrawn from the squad for the Paris Games after violating the team’s code of conduct by smoking, the Japanese Gymnastics Association said on Friday. JGA officials said Miyata arrived in Japan on Thursday after leaving the team’s training camp in Monaco for investigation, which confirmed the violation including drinking alcohol. The women’s squad would compete with four athletes instead of five, the JGA... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/asia/article/3271025/paris-olympics-japan-gymnastics-captain-could-miss-games-over-smoking-allegations?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/asia/article/3271025/paris-olympics-japan-gymnastics-captain-could-miss-games-over-smoking-allegations?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Jul 2024 00:45:03 +0000 From the ugliest to the most stylish, the cheapest to the most innovative, Olympic uniforms have run the gamut – and two Mongolian designers may have come up with the most beautiful attire in Paris. Social media users and Olympians alike have praised the look, with one suggesting the country should be given the gold medal for best outfit “right now”. Designed by Mongolian fashion brand Michel&Amazonka, the country’s 32 athletes will wear the intricate outfits during the Games’ opening and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3270631/paris-olympics-mongolia-teams-insane-uniform-rated-hands-down-most-beautiful-games?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3270631/paris-olympics-mongolia-teams-insane-uniform-rated-hands-down-most-beautiful-games?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 16 Jul 2024 09:30:08 +0000 Singaporean swimmer Amanda Lim Xiang Qi said a long and healthy relationship with the Hong Kong team could push her to break a national record on Saturday. Lim will compete at the Hong Kong Open Swimming Championships at Victoria Park this weekend, and has her city’s 50-metre freestyle record in her sights. The 31-year-old has been training in Hong Kong for the past two weeks training for the race, while also helping her counterparts prepare for the 4x100m freestyle and 4x100m medley relays at... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3269944/singapore-swimmer-believes-special-hong-kong-relationship-can-fuel-national-record-bid?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3269944/singapore-swimmer-believes-special-hong-kong-relationship-can-fuel-national-record-bid?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Jul 2024 09:57:35 +0000 At a bare-bones gym in the central Philippines, children in torn shoes put on frayed head guards in pursuit of their Olympic boxing dream – and a way out of poverty. Aged from 10 to 18, they spar in the Bago City gymnasium after school before sleeping under the ring’s canvas at night. Located on the island of Negros, in the sugar-growing region which has some of the country’s starkest rich-poor divides, the city of 200,000 calls itself the Philippines’ “boxing capital”. Eight of the 70 Filipino... https://www.scmp.com/sport/boxing/article/3269872/paris-olympics-boxing-gym-offering-way-out-poverty-children-philippines?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/boxing/article/3269872/paris-olympics-boxing-gym-offering-way-out-poverty-children-philippines?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Jul 2024 06:00:12 +0000 Japan used to think skateboarding was a pastime for delinquents but the country has grown into a global powerhouse in the sport and is expected to dominate at the Paris Olympics. Children as young as six can be seen zipping up ramps and grinding down rails at skate parks all over Japan, with instructors teaching tricks while parents wait patiently nearby. It is a far cry from skateboarding’s original street culture image, but it is producing spectacular results, with Japan winning three of the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/outdoor/article/3268908/street-culture-paris-olympics-how-japans-skateboarding-youth-turned-tide?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/outdoor/article/3268908/street-culture-paris-olympics-how-japans-skateboarding-youth-turned-tide?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 03 Jul 2024 02:00:09 +0000 Saudi taekwondo stand-out Donia Abu Taleb had an unusual introduction to the sport: for years she trained at a boys’ club because there were no girls to compete with. Now the 27-year-old has become the first Saudi Arabian woman to qualify for the Olympics and is dreaming of bringing home the Gulf kingdom’s first gold medal when she competes in Paris. Though her smiling face today appears on posters and billboards, underscoring Saudi officials’ recent push to champion women’s athletics, the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/other-martial-arts/article/3268100/paris-olympics-taekwondoin-donia-abu-taleb-goes-fighting-boys-making-saudi-history?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/other-martial-arts/article/3268100/paris-olympics-taekwondoin-donia-abu-taleb-goes-fighting-boys-making-saudi-history?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Jun 2024 14:30:08 +0000 Having missed the men’s gymnastics team title by a hair at Tokyo 2020, Japan are determined to beat their biggest rivals China to take gold in Paris, setting that as their top priority with one month left to go until the Games begin. Three years ago, the Russians beat Japan by 0.103 points – a sliver of a number that etched itself into the minds of the three Japanese gymnasts and their head coach who will be returning to the Olympics looking to erase those painful memories. “We had the bitter... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3268154/paris-olympics-2024-japan-gymnastics-mens-top-goal-beating-rivals-china-team-gold?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3268154/paris-olympics-2024-japan-gymnastics-mens-top-goal-beating-rivals-china-team-gold?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Jun 2024 13:00:15 +0000 South Korea’s badminton world No 1 An Se-young said on Tuesday that a medal at next month’s Paris Olympics will be the “final piece of the puzzle”. An has almost won it all aged just 22 – she is the reigning world and Asian Games champion, as well as ranked number one. The only thing now missing is an Olympic medal, having gone out in the quarter-finals to eventual champion Chen Yufei at the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Games three years ago. “I think an Olympic medal is my final piece of the puzzle,”... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3268081/paris-olympics-2024-badminton-no-1-se-young-says-games-medal-final-piece-puzzle?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3268081/paris-olympics-2024-badminton-no-1-se-young-says-games-medal-final-piece-puzzle?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Jun 2024 11:30:08 +0000 With just 30 days until the Paris Olympics begins, delegations around the world have begun releasing the uniforms athletes will wear at opening ceremony, during competition and, for the lucky few, when they stand on the podium. China have produced tracksuits only those who take home gold, silver and bronze will get to wear, while the Philippines unveiled theirs on a temporary catwalk in Paris. While the USA have stuck with Ralph Lauren as their designers, Chinese Taipei have turned to Japanese... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3268118/enter-dragons-chinese-uniform-includes-scales-only-olympic-medal-winners-get-one?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3268118/enter-dragons-chinese-uniform-includes-scales-only-olympic-medal-winners-get-one?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Jun 2024 09:30:09 +0000 Shannon Tan will make history at the Paris Olympics, when she becomes the first golfer from Singapore to compete at a Games. The 20-year-old, who is ranked 181 in the world, will be among the 60 women to play at Le Golf National from August 7 to 10. The course will host the men’s competition the week before, and was also the venue for the 2018 Ryder Cup. Tan has enjoyed a stellar season since turning professional in February, winning the Magical Kenya Ladies Open on her debut on the Ladies... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3267977/paris-olympics-golfer-shannon-tan-makes-history-singapore-secures-spot-games?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3267977/paris-olympics-golfer-shannon-tan-makes-history-singapore-secures-spot-games?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 25 Jun 2024 10:30:10 +0000 Masomah Ali Zada is “proud” to represent “all those who have been forced to flee their country” in her role as chef de mission of the Refugee team at the Paris Olympics. The 28-year-old Afghan has transferred seamlessly from Olympic cyclist for the Refugee team at the Tokyo 2020 Games to a managerial role and will be “the spokesperson for the 120 million displaced people round the world”. Masomah will be in charge of 36 athletes hailing from 11 countries and competing across 12 sports at the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3267943/afghan-cyclist-masomah-ali-zada-proud-be-voice-refugees-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3267943/afghan-cyclist-masomah-ali-zada-proud-be-voice-refugees-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 25 Jun 2024 05:58:23 +0000 Japan’s Olympic all-around gymnastics champion Daiki Hashimoto said on Friday that he believes he will be in top shape to defend his title in Paris after injuring a finger last month. Hashimoto, also the two-time defending world champion, damaged a ligament in the middle finger of his right hand while practising for his final competition before next month’s Games. He said at Japan’s national training base that he was feeling at 60 per cent fitness after resuming practice two weeks ago. The... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3267587/paris-olympics-2024-defending-gymnastics-champ-daiki-hashimoto-confident-full-recovery?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3267587/paris-olympics-2024-defending-gymnastics-champ-daiki-hashimoto-confident-full-recovery?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Jun 2024 12:30:14 +0000 It was hours after being admitted to a hospital in Belgium following a sharp landing from the uneven bars that Rifda Irfanaluthfi learned she had become the first Indonesian gymnast to qualify for the Olympics. In the back of an ambulance, the 24-year-old had been furiously firing off messages. “I kept asking my manager, my coach and my friends. I texted them one by one to ask: Did I qualify?” she recalled. The morning after sustaining the injury, Rifda received the news that she needed knee... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3266664/rifda-irfanaluthfi-indonesias-first-olympic-gymnast-hopes-inspire-nation-paris?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3266664/rifda-irfanaluthfi-indonesias-first-olympic-gymnast-hopes-inspire-nation-paris?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 15 Jun 2024 00:30:10 +0000 Former world No 1 Naomi Osaka has been given the green light to compete for Japan at next month’s Paris Olympics, the country’s tennis association said on Thursday. Former US Open finalist Kei Nishikori has also been cleared to play, the Japan Tennis Association said. Four-time grand slam winner Osaka lit the cauldron at the opening ceremony of the Covid-delayed Tokyo Games in 2021, where she went on to make the third round. She has since become a mother and returned to tennis late last year... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3266504/paris-olympics-2024-naomi-osaka-kei-nishikori-given-green-light-play-tennis-japan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3266504/paris-olympics-2024-naomi-osaka-kei-nishikori-given-green-light-play-tennis-japan?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Jun 2024 11:56:21 +0000 Naturalised speed skater Lin Xiaojun, who was banned from representing South Korea because of a now-overturned sexual harassment charge, has vowed to win a gold medal for his adopted country, claiming he is “already Chinese”. Olympic gold medallist Lin – born Lim Hyo-jun in Daegu, South Korea – became a Chinese athlete almost exactly four years ago when the Chinese Skating Association snapped him up following his ban from training in and competing under the Taegeukgi. Although Lin missed out on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3266176/lin-xiaojun-speed-skater-who-switched-south-korea-china-vows-win-over-public?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3266176/lin-xiaojun-speed-skater-who-switched-south-korea-china-vows-win-over-public?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 12 Jun 2024 00:00:13 +0000