When Fifa expanded the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams, it was in the hope that countries such as India and China, with their 2.7 billion residents, would qualify rather than countries such as Cape Verde and Curaçao, whose combined population of about 700,000 barely equals a district of a megacity such as Mumbai or Shanghai. What the governing body did not account for was that, with the 2026 tournament a month away, there would be no broadcasting deals done with the two Asian giants to ensure fans there…
Tag: Sport
Humanoid robots show rapid advances as they race past humans in Beijing half-marathon
Dozens of Chinese-made humanoid robots showed off their fast-improving athleticism as they whizzed past human runners in a half-marathon race in Beijing on Sunday, having lagged far behind a year earlier. The race’s inaugural edition last year was riddled with mishaps, as many robots struggled to get off the starting line, and most were unable to finish. The champion robot recorded a time of 2 hours 40 minutes, comfortably ahead of its machine rivals, but more than double the time of the human winner of the conventional race. The contrast…
Chinese ice dancers under investigation after holding toy missile at event – video
The International Skating Union (ISU) is investigating after two Chinese ice dancers were shown with what appeared to be a toy ballistic missile during a grand prix figure skating event. TV footage showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing sitting with a large toy in the shape of a missile labelled ‘DF-61’ as they were waiting for their scores in the ‘kiss and cry’ area at the Cup of China on Saturday. The toy was briefly held up by Ren, Xing and a coach, then placed across Xing’s lap. The Guardian
Chinese ice dancers under investigation after holding toy missile at event
The International Skating Union is investigating after two Chinese ice dancers were shown with what appeared to be a toy ballistic missile during a grand prix figure skating event. TV footage showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing sitting with a large toy in the shape of a missile labelled “DF-61” as they were waiting for their scores in the “kiss and cry” area at the Cup of China on Saturday. The toy was briefly held up by Ren, Xing and a coach, then placed across Xing’s lap. The DF-61 is…
No 10 says talks happening ‘at pace’ across government to lift ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending Aston Villa match – live
From 2h ago No 10 says talks happening ‘at pace’ across government to get Maccabi fans ban lifted Downing Street has said that discussions are happening “at pace, across government” to resolve the ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending the Europa League match in Birmingham. At the morning lobby briefing, a No 10 spokesperson told reporters: Conversations began on this last night. You will have seen the West Midlands police and crime commissioner has asked police and Birmingham’s safety advisory group to immediately review the decision. Culture secretary Lisa…
Revealed: Major NBA brands linked to forced labor in China
When Enes Kanter Freedom appeared on a basketball court in his Boston Celtics jersey and a pair of trainers emblazoned with the slogan “Free Uyghur”, the reaction from Beijing was swift. “Literally at the half-time, they cancelled every Celtics game on television [in China] for the rest of the year,” the basketball player tells the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) and the Guardian. That game, in October 2021, marked a turning point in his career. “That’s when the NBA got really angry at me,” says Freedom. Freedom, who has long…
Robots run, punch and score at World Humanoid Robot Games in China – video
China is hosting the inaugural three-day World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing as it looks to showcase its advances in artificial intelligence and robotics. In total, 280 teams from 16 countries are taking part in the event, where humanoids compete in sports such as kickboxing, football and athletics. The Guardian
China hosts first fully autonomous AI robot football match
They think it’s all over … for human footballers at least. The pitch wasn’t the only artificial element on display at a football match on Saturday. Four teams of humanoid robots took each other on in Beijing, in games of three-a-side powered by artificial intelligence. While the modern game has faced accusations of becoming near-robotic in its obsession with tactical perfection, the games in China showed that AI won’t be taking Kylian Mbappé’s job just yet. Footage of the humanoid kickabout showed the robots struggling to kick the ball or…
Humanoid footballers stumble through their first tournament in China – video
China’s first three-on-three humanoid robot soccer league, the RoBoLeague World Robot Soccer League, officially kicked off at the Beijing Smart Esports Event Centre on Saturday. The humanoid footballers showcased real-time decision-making, coordinated teamwork and even the ability to self-recover after falling. The optimised penalty system minimised interruptions, allowing the 1.2- to 1.5-metre-tall robots to execute fluid movements and well-orchestrated attacks, mimicking human football tactics The Guardian
China’s pro-wrestlers search for a star to bring the sport out of the shadows
Rising from the ground with 73kg of writhing muscle on his shoulders, Wang Tao grimaced. The man whose legs were wrapped around his head was not giving up, pulling at Wang’s silver-tipped hair, dyed especially for the occasion. But Wang knew what he had to do. Reaching up with one arm, he grasped his opponent’s neck, and pulled forwards, flinging him to the ground. Seconds later, Wang had him pinned to the floor for a three-count, and had successfully defended his title as Middle Kingdom Wrestling’s “Belt and Road” champion.…