Sports
A traditional Iranian sport has been closed off to women. One activist wants to change that.
Varzeshe Pahlavani is a mix of martial arts, wrestling and calisthenics. It has deep roots in Persian tradition going back centuries. The sport is officially closed off to women, but one female Iranian activist is trying to change that.
Kenyan tennis star Angella Okutoyi inspires a new generation
Even since 18-year-old Angella Okutoyi’s Wimbledon win last month, she’s been getting a lot of attention at home from aspiring tennis players. Her ascension in the sport comes after a long road of hard work, perseverance and determination against the odds.
The rise of Ultimate Frisbee as a team sport in China
Soccer may be China’s national sport, but enthusiasm for frisbee — a quintessential American sport — is growing in China. Ultimate Frisbee is one of the few no-contact, mixed-gender sports in the country. And that may be one of the reasons that women, especially, are now flocking to it.
‘An air of hope’: Sri Lankans see cricket as a welcome distraction from the country’s economic, political woes
Australia and Sri Lanka are usually bitter rivals on the pitch during cricket matches. But Sri Lankans are welcoming the Australian team and its fans as a much-needed distraction from their country’s recent political and economic turmoil.
Far from the sidelines of the Boston Marathon, Ukrainian runners keep up their training
The Boston Marathon has long been a haven for runners from across the globe. This year marks the first race on Patriots’ Day since 2019, as the world’s most famous marathon returns to full strength — or, at least, something like it. While the celebration of running has been years in the making, April 18 will be another loss in a flood of sacrifice for Ukrainians.
China is boosting its efforts to nab gold medals at the Olympics
China is trying its best to increase the number of gold medals that athletes can win on its behalf at the Olympic Games, not just in Beijing, but in future competitions. Some strategies include recruiting foreign athletes or teaching winter sports to athletes used to playing summer games.