Connect with us

Action

When will I see you again? Sport steps out of virus shadow

Published

on

Sport’s big ticket events, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, European football championships, Wimbledon and the British Open golf tournament have all been cancelled this year because of the coronavirus.

However, as the world slowly emerges from the pandemic, sport is making a comeback with the English Premier League and Italy’s Serie A both revealing return dates on Thursday.

AFP Sport looks at what’s ahead:

Football

The English Premier League will restart on June 17, provided that all safety requirements are in place.

Aston Villa v Sheffield United and Manchester City v Arsenal will take place on that date, followed by a full match round beginning on June 19.

Due to the coronavirus all matches will take place behind closed doors.

Liverpool are just two wins away from a first league title in 30 years.

Italy’s Serie A can resume on June 20 after a three-month absence in a country hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, sports Minister Vincenzo Spadafora said.

No top-flight matches have been played since Sassuolo beat Brescia 3-0 on March 9, before the championship was suspended by a pandemic which has killed over 33,000 people in Italy.

The German Bundesliga became the first major European league to resume on May 16 under strict conditions. Matches are behind closed doors with players elbow-bumping to celebrate goals. Some grounds have allowed cardboard cutouts of fans to fill up empty spaces. The league wanted to complete the last nine rounds of matches before June 30 to secure around 300 million euros ($325 million) in television money.

Lionel Messi back in training for Barcelona ahead of La Liga’s planned restart. PHOTO: FC BARCELONA/AFP / Miguel RUIZ

Spanish La Liga president Javier Tebas said he hopes the season will start again on June 11 with the Seville derby, “one game for all of Spain”.

“It is possible that on Thursday, June 11, we could have the first Liga game,” Tebas told Movistar Plus television.

“We would like it to be the Seville derby — Real Betis v Sevilla — at 2200 (2000 GMT).”

Last weekend, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that La Liga could resume from its lockdown in the week beginning June 8.

All matches will be behind closed doors. Barcelona sit top of the table, two points ahead of Real Madrid.

In France, the season has been declared over and Paris Saint-Germain were awarded the Ligue 1 title.

South Korea had the honour of being the first elite league back in action on May 8 but there were no crowds or wild goal celebrations — even talking was discouraged.

Cricket

There will be no domestic cricket in England until August 1 at the earliest.

As far as international cricket is concerned, the English authorities remain confident the Test series with the West Indies, with matches provisionally scheduled to start on July 8, 16 and 24 at Hampshire’s Ageas Bowl and Lancashire’s Old Trafford, will go ahead, behind closed doors at these “bio-secure” venues.

The IPL has been postponed. PHOTO: AFP/File / PUNIT PARANJPE

Australia and Pakistan are still due to tour later in the summer.

The money-spinning IPL, which should have started on March 29, was postponed but media reports said the BCCI may aim for a tournament in September-October, ahead of the T20 World Cup in Australia.

As Australia’s borders are currently closed to non-residents as a measure against coronavirus, there are doubts the tournament can go ahead as scheduled.

Tennis

The ATP said it will not resume tournament play until the first week of August in Washington. The WTA is still scheduling events in Palermo from July 20-26 and in Karlsruhe on July 28-August 2, for now at least.

Wimbledon was cancelled for the first time since World War II. PHOTO: AFP/File / Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS

The French Open has already been moved to Sept 20-Oct 4 although there are suggestions that it may be put back by a further week. Organisers say it could be played behind closed doors.

The United States Tennis Association will decide in mid-June on the US Open in New York.

Motor sport

Formula One plans to open its season in Austria with back-to-back races on July 5 and 12. F1 boss Chase Carey insists that a 15-18 race season is still possible. Silverstone’s hopes of also staging back-to-back races after Austria are in the balance after the British government insisted that all arrivals in the country undergo a two-week quarantine period.

The Australian Formula One Grand Prix was scrapped in chaotic fashion. PHOTO: AFP/File / Peter PARKS

NASCAR returned behind closed doors earlier in May at Darlington Raceway, South Carolina.

MotoGP hopes to start with back-to-back races at Jerez, Spain, on July 19 and 26.

Basketball

The NBA, whose players are conducting individual workouts at team facilities where allowed, exploring a plan to resume the season in late July at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, although final details have yet to be determined.

Baseball

Major League Baseball wants an 82-game schedule to open in July after three weeks of pre-season training, with games to be played at home stadiums with no spectators. However, players are disappointed that pay cuts have been suggested by team owners.

Ice hockey

The National Hockey League will abandon the rest of the regular season and proceed directly to a 24-team playoff staged in two hub cities. Ten cities are in the running for the two hub centres, including seven from the US: Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh. The three Canadian cities are Toronto, Vancouver and Edmonton.

Golf

The Masters has been moved from its traditional April slot to November. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File / JAMIE SQUIRE

After the cancellation of the British Open, the remaining majors are the PGA Championship from August 6-9 in San Francisco and the rescheduled US Open from Sept 17-20 at Winged Foot, New York, with the Masters at Augusta, usually played in April, scheduled for November 12-15.

The Ryder Cup, at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin, from September 25-27, could take place without fans.

The USPGA hopes its tournament season can resume with the Charles Schwab Challenge from June 11 in Fort Worth, Texas.

The LPGA Tour is due to reopen on July 23 at the Marathon Classic at Sylvania, Ohio.

Golf’s European Tour will be back on July 22 with a run of six tournaments over six weeks in the UK, starting with the British Masters.

Cycling

The Tour de France has been rescheduled for a August 29 start from its original June 27 date.

The Giro d’Italia will take place from October 3-25 with a six-day overlap with the Vuelta a Espana and will be raced at the same time as three ‘Monument’ classics.

Athletics

The Diamond League, which was to have started in Doha on April 17, is now scheduled to open in Monaco on August 14.

With the exception of a June 11 meeting in Oslo that will feature modified events in line with social distancing rules, the rejigged Diamond League calendar will showcase 12 meetings, culminating in China on October 17 at a venue yet to be arranged.

Racing

The first English classics, the 1000 and 2000 Guineas are to be run at Newmarket on the first weekend of June.

Flat racing’s showpiece meeting Royal Ascot it is hoped will follow shortly afterwards on June 16. However, it will do so without racegoers, including its most notable attendee Queen Elizabeth II who will miss it for the first time since 1952.

The Derby and Oaks will be behind closed doors at Epsom Downs on July 4 instead of June.

In the United States, the Triple Crown will now start on June 20 with the Belmont Stakes, followed by the rescheduled Kentucky Derby on September 5 and the Preakness Stakes on October 3.

Rugby

The NRL season in Australia restarted on Thursday.

In union, summer internationals have been cancelled as has the French Top 14.

New Zealand’s Super Rugby franchises will compete in a new competition played behind closed doors starting on June 13.

Reporting and photo: AFP

Action

Train with tennis legend Iva Majoli at Sirru Fen Fushi

Published

on

Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort has welcomed former World No. 4 and Grand Slam champion Iva Majoli for an exclusive tennis experience set amidst the stunning natural island.

From Saturday, 26 April to Monday, 5 May, guests are invited to sharpen their skills, enjoy unforgettable moments, and train with a true icon of the sport. Known for her powerful game and fierce determination, Iva Majoli carved her name into tennis history by winning the 1997 Roland-Garros title, famously defeating World No. 1 Martina Hingis in a breathtaking final. With career highlights including titles at the Zurich Open and Tokyo Open, her presence on the island promises an inspiring and elegant sporting experience.

Schedule of Events

Saturday, 26 April:

  • 5pm- 6pm: Adult Group Clinic (2-6 players max)
  • 6pm-7pm: Meet & Greet: A Sunset Cheers with Iva Majoli

Sunday, 27 April:

  • 5pm – 6pm: Kids Group Clinic (2-6 players max)
  • 6pm -7pm: Private session

Tuesday, 29 April:

  • 5pm- 6pm: Adult Group Clinic (2-6 players max)
  • 6pm -7pm: Private session

Thursday, 1 May:

  • 5pm – 6pm: Kids Group Clinic (2-6 players max)
  • 6pm – 7pm: Private Coaching

Saturday, 3 May:

  • 5pm- 6pm: Adult Group Clinic (2-6 players max)
  • 6pm – 7pm: Private Session

Monday, 5 May:

  • 5pm – 6pm: Kids Group Clinic (2-6 players max)
  • 6pm – 7pm: Private Coaching

Whether you’re seeking to refine your backhand or introduce your child to the game under expert guidance, this is a rare chance to learn from a tennis champion in one of the world’s most exclusive island settings.

Spaces are limited. For bookings and further information, please visit www.sirrufenfushi.com or email reservations@sirrufenfushi.com.

Continue Reading

Action

Patina Maldives partners with FC Bayern Munich to host exclusive football camps

Published

on

Following a successful collaboration with Real Madrid last year, Patina Maldives continues its tradition of extraordinary partnerships: The luxury resort welcomes FC Bayern Munich for an exclusive series of football camps on the Fari Islands. A total of six camps will be offered throughout 2025, timed to coincide with school holidays. Football- loving children and teenagers will have the rare opportunity to train under the guidance of licensed coaches from the German champions – all against the spectacular backdrop of the Indian Ocean.

The core focus of the camps is the professional training based on FC Bayern’s proven approach, designed to enhance technical skills, tactical understanding and game intelligence. Under the guidance of highly qualified coaches, young participants will not only learn precise ball control and strategic thinking but also the importance of teamwork and a winning mentality. Divided into three age groups, the training ensures targeted, age-appropriate development for every individual. A special highlight: Each participant receives an official FC Bayern kit, including a shirt, shorts and socks, as a keepsake from unforgettable days on the field.

The Patina Maldives football camps are more than just training sessions, they blend athletic performance with summer ease. After intense practice sessions and valuable coaching tips, the Indian Ocean invites participants to explore its crystal-clear waters.

The camps offer an extraordinary experience not only for the young talents but also for their families, turning the stay into the perfect vacation for the whole family. While the young players refine offensive strategies, penalty kicks and solid defense on the field, parents and grandparents can unwind on the white sandy beaches, indulge in the award-winning spa, or explore a variety of leisure activities together — from sustainable initiatives like the Coral Restoration Project, where coral frames and ceramic structures are created, to watersport adventures and engaging art workshops. Patina Maldives offers a vacation concept that bridges generational needs. And with a bit of luck, a special surprise might be in store for both young and old: perhaps a professional football player will make a personal appearance!

The football camps will be held on the following dates: April 20th to 24th 2025, August 1st to 5th 2025, October 24th to 30th 2025, December 22nd to 26th 2025 and December 29th 2025 to January 2nd 2026.

Continue Reading

Action

OBLU NATURE Helengeli, partners to celebrate inaugural Women’s Dive Month in July

Published

on

Taking a bold step in championing women in diving, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, part of the distinguished Atmosphere Core portfolio, and in partnership with TGI Maldives, ELE|NA Ayur spa and Marine Biologist Luca Melodia, have together launched International PADI Women’s Dive Month. This pioneering initiative extends the excitement of PADI Women’s Dive Day on 19th July into a full month, giving more thrill seekers the opportunity to experience the magic of the Indian Ocean.

Following a 2024 “PADI Outstanding Contribution to Women’s Diving” award, both TGI Maldives and OBLU NATURE Helengeli have been continuing their enthusiastic support for introducing more and more women and families into learning how to dive.

Helengeli island provides an incomparable diving experience. The island’s exotic house reef located just metres from the shoreline, and its surrounding dive sites are among the most sought-after in Malé Atoll, ideal for all skill levels, from beginner snorkellers to professional scuba divers. Throughout July, solo women travellers, adventurous families or even groups of friends escaping to this tropical haven, will find special offerings designed to encourage diving and exploration. All guests at the island resort enjoy the fully comprehensive OBLU Island Plan™, and in honour of PADI Women’s Dive Day, guests can enjoy a curated holiday package including wellness sessions, discounted dives, and engaging marine life talks.

Dive centre TGI Maldives boasts over 40 years’ experience supporting women in the sport of ocean diving. Known for their progressive approach to encouraging locals and travellers alike, the dive centre offers exclusive discounts on all dives booked by women throughout July, including the PADI Discover Scuba Dive for beginners. With a dedicated instructor, the discovery session is a safe and rewarding introduction to diving, even for non-swimmers, whilst for the professionals, excursions out into the big blue will unveil the Indian Ocean’s secrets.

TGI Maldives Operations Manager Greta Marcelli highlights the reasons for introducing this year’s Women’s Dive Month festivities, “There’s nothing like seeing guests’ emotions after their first dive. While we celebrate women in diving year-round, PADI Women’s Dive Month in July provides a platform to offer more reasons to join us in paradise. Partnering with the ELE|NA Ayur spa team and Marine Biologist Luca Melodia, we are creating an unforgettable and educational journey. We aim to bring together women, friends, and families for an immersive escape. Guests will enjoy diving, spa wellness classes, and all-inclusive dining. It’s a soulful island adventure into the aquatic world and beyond.”

To enhance the underwater adventure, the island’s ELE|NA Ayur spa team has curated over 18 different wellness activities, rotating throughout the month. From sunrise yoga by the ocean to aqua aerobics and core stability classes, these sessions help improve flexibility, endurance, and stamina, all essential for moving through the water with ease. And as a special treat, women who book a dive experience with TGI Maldives Helengeli will receive discounts on ELE|NA Ayur’s famous signature Coconut Shell and Sand Bundle massages. Drawing on age-old Maldivian healing practices, these unique rejuvenating therapies feature only locally sourced, sustainable ingredients and are just two treatments from the spa’s extensive award-winning menu.

Matt Wenger, PADI Regional Manager for the Maldives, stated, “As a leading PADI certified dive centre in the Indian Ocean, the team at TGI Maldives brings exceptional expertise in introducing ocean enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds to the wonders of scuba diving. This July, by extending our PADI Women’s Dive Day celebration into a month-long event at the truly stunning OBLU NATURE Helengeli resort, we aim to welcome even more newcomers to the sport while also offering advanced certifications for existing enthusiasts”.

This July, guests are invited to take full advantage of the PADI International Dive Month at OBLU NATURE Helengeli and book their stay with a generous 20% discount on a fully inclusive stay of a minimum of four nights. TGI Maldives is offering 20% discount on all women’s PADI-certified dive courses booked throughout the month of July whilst ELE|NA spa also extends a 20% discount on the Coconut Shell and Sand Bundle signature treatments for every female guest who books a PADI Dive Month course.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.