Sports

The Satisfying Sound Of Silence: Cricket World Cup 2023

Published

11 months ago

November 21, 2023

By Musa Ehizoje Bodie

Australia’s Victory against India on home soil is damning evidence of why they are the best Cricket team in the world. They lost their last 2 matches in the 2019 world cup and their first 2 matches in this world cup which is the longest losing streak they have encountered in world cup history.

However, there is a popular saying that, allow Australia reach the semifinals, you may as well kiss the world cup goodbye and that is exactly what played out.

In their last group game, a masterclass from *Glen Maxwell* with 201 runs off 145 balls and a cramped left leg, produced the best individual score in a run chance since the history of the world cup to gift them a semi-final spot.

The Semi-final against South Africa was a repeat of 1999 world cup with the infamous *Alan Donald* scenario that can be likened to ‘’Lots wife’’ in the Bible who looked back why fleeing Sodom and Gomorrah’ and turned into a pillar of salt.

Fast forward 24 years later, Australia did just enough with *Josh Inglis* playing the Night watch man to see Australia home. A definition of cricket being a ‘’waiting-game’’ was displayed in the death when *Mitchel Stark* and *Pat Cummins* held on to a victory that will see South Africa wait for another 4 years at least. If there is a team that performs best under intense pressure, that will be Australia because they will play under their own steam and decide what is considered pressure or motivation and the deafening *‘Sound of Silence’* to a crowd of over 90,000 India supporters will be the second-best reward after the trophy itself and that is the story of the Cricket World Cup 2023.

This victory makes it 6 in 13 attempts and three times more than any other country, no wonder comments around the world have included “Heartbreak most poignant – in the dashed hopes of Captain Rohit Sharma and Coach *Rahul Dravid* of India”, ‘’Hard for me not to believe in Miracles – Marnus Labuschagne* of Australia’’, ‘’Australia saved the best for last – *Captain Pat Cummins* of Australia’’, ‘’These are the moments that you’ll remember for the rest of your life – *Travis Head*’’, Player of the final match with his brilliant 137 runs that ensured Australia went home with the trophy.

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Sports

Korean Ambasador Thumbs NTF, Pledges More Support

Published

8 hours ago

October 21, 2024

The Gleamer

..As Africa Teakwondo Union upgrade Korean Ambassador’s tourney to G1 ranking tournament
Joel Ajayi

The Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency KIM Pankyu, has thumbed the level of growth and development in the game of teakwoodo across Nigeria as he pledged more supports to the federation to enable more growth.

He gave this assurance weekend in Abuja at the just concluded 12th edition of Korean Ambassador’s Cup Teakwondo Tournament where over 200 teakwondo player competed for honour.

According to him, as you know, Taekwondo is a traditional Korean martial art loved by many people around the world. Not only does Taekwondo enhance your physical strength, it also disciplines your mind and soul.

“Taekwondo encourages competition, but at the same time teaches us fairness and respect. These aspects helped Taekwondo become a global sport. And now, thanks to people, I am proud to see the popularity of Taekwondo grow in Nigeria.

“The Ambassador’s Championship is part of our efforts to promote Taekwondo in Nigeria. It also aims to help Nigerian athletes to improve their skills so that they can compete on the global stage.”

And we will continuing supporting Nigeria to a stage where Nigeria will win gold medal in the game at Olympic or any world stage.

In his address, the President of NTF said that, the tournament creating a platform fforall our athletes to showcase their skills and passion for this beautiful martial art.

“I also want to express my sincere gratitude to the coaches and officials who have devoted their time and expertise to support our athletes. Your hard work behind the scenes has been instrumental in making this championship a resounding success. It is your commitment that nurtures the talent of our athletes, shaping them into the champions of tomorrow.

“I am filled with optimism about the future of Taekwondo in Nigeria. Together, we will continue to work diligently to improve our training programs, expand our reach, and develop more young athletes. I envision a Nigeria where Taekwondo thrives at all levels, from grassroots programs to international competitions.”

He thanked all sponsors and partners whose generous contributions have contributed to the success of 12th Korean Ambassador Cup.In his remarked, the President Africa Teakwondo Union, Mr Ide Issaka, who was happy with level of progress in Nigeria announced that African union has decided to upgrade Korean Ambassador Taekwondo Cup Championship that has been existing in the last twelve years to the G1 ranking tournament in Africa where other Africa country will participating.

President who was represented by his vice president; chief Jonathan Nnaji the Africa Union is happy about the progress of the Taekwondo in the country expressed that, Taekwondo union, Africa Taekwondo union will continue to support the Taekwondo federation.

“It’s worthy of note that the Korean Ambassador has been sustaining the sponsorship for all these years. This to a very high essence, which has helped in no small measure in making Nigeria and Africa great. Also, the world at large.”

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