Sports News from Thursday, March 20th, 2025

Kirsty Coventry smashed through the International Olympic Committee’s glass ceiling on Thursday to become the organisation’s first female and first African president in its 130-year history.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) have announced the return of UFC to the UAE capital on Saturday, July 26, at the Etihad Arena.

Japan became the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday with a 2-0 win over Bahrain at Saitama Stadium and confirm their place at next year's finals.

Former Formula One team boss Eddie Jordan has died of prostate cancer at his home in South Africa, the Irishman's family said on Thursday in a statement. He was 76.

The Indian cricket board (BCCI) handed its team, which claimed the Champions Trophy title earlier this month, a $6.72 million (AED 24.6 million) cash bonus on Thursday, an amount three times the winner's purse for the 50-overs tournament.

The UAE take on Iran on Thursday in a crunch World Cup 2026 qualifier in Tehran. A win for Paulo Bento’s side will keep the UAE in contention to qualify for the global showcase, being held in the USA, Mexico and Canada next year.

Former US Open champion Emma Raducanu barely broke a sweat as she brushed aside Japanese wildcard Sayaka Ishii 6-2 6-1 on Wednesday to reach the second round of the Miami Open.

The Scottish city of Edinburgh will host the Tour de France Grand Depart in 2027 as the world's most famous cycling race returns to Britain for the fifth time.

Australian Nick Kyrgios came from behind to defeat Mackenzie McDonald 3-6 6-3 6-4 in the first round of the Miami Open on Wednesday to earn his first win since October 2022.