Sports
Attention again on Paris as Paralympics take centre stage
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The Place de la Concorde, set to host the opening ceremony on 28 August, promises a showcase of talent for over 4,000 athletes who will compete in a display of skill.
With 22 sports on the agenda and a total of 549 events across 19 stunning venues, epic Paralympic sporting stories will unfold.
At the Paralympic Games, fans from every corner will have the chance to rediscover the magic that made the Olympics unforgettable through the same iconic venues and fierce competition for medals. France will be dressed to impress with celebrations throughout the country, creating a unique sphere where everyone can experience the Paralympic excitement together, with renewed intensity and significance.
The party is far from winding down. For this reason, the French capital invites the public to extend the celebration by joining the thrilling athletic performances of the best Paralympic athletes from around the world. This is the message conveyed by the Organising Committee with the slogan “The Game isn’t over,” in their ground-breaking Paralympic campaign, signalling that there’s still plenty of success, excitement, tension, effort, and medals to be shared in the first weeks of September.
Just yesterday, the Olympic and Paralympic Gala Dinner of New South Wales took place at The Venue in Sydney, Australia, featuring one of the federations that will provide strong competition in Paris in just a few days. China, the champion of the Paralympic medal table at Tokyo 2020, aims to defend a throne that is increasingly being challenged by the Anglo-Saxon nations, Great Britain and the United States, with their blend of talent and experience across many disciplines. Not to be forgotten, the hosts, France, are eager after a stellar performance in the recent Games.
The excitement is palpable. In fact, ticket sales for the Paralympic Games have been booming recently and will continue to rise as the 28th approaches, marking the start of the event. Nearly 1.5 million tickets have been sold, including around 500.000 since the beginning of the Olympic Games, though many seats remain. They are likely to be snapped up, considering the frenzy of the Paralympics always delivers unique moments for spectators.
Some events have already surpassed demand: wheelchair fencing and adapted taekwondo at the Grand Palais are box office hits, as well as adapted cycling, adapted equestrian events at the majestic Château de Versailles, and adapted triathlon at the iconic Alexandre III Bridge. Likewise, wheelchair rugby finals at Arena Champ de Mars and the final rounds of wheelchair basketball and blind football at the Eiffel Tower Stadium have also vanished in the blink of an eye.
Recently, Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024, spoke and promised an unforgettable experience: “After two weeks of extreme emotions and moments that will make history in the Games, we don’t want to say goodbye. But we’re in luck, because in two weeks, the Games return with 4,500 athletes ready to compete with the same wild energy.”
Meanwhile, Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee, didn’t hold back on his enthusiasm with his recent statement, “After a successful Games, I am more convinced than ever that Paris 2024 will host the most spectacular Paralympic Games in history. The celebration continues, and people should get ready for a sporting event that will be astonishing and impressive like never before.”
Sports
Lookman seals mouths of critics, scores brace in Atalanta demolition of Empoli
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Ademola Lookman scored twice as Atalanta demolished Empoli 5-0, responding emphatically to recent criticism from coach Gian Piero Gasperini.
Following a midweek penalty controversy, Lookman returned to the starting lineup and played a key role in the win.
Davide Zappacosta opened the scoring with a deflected cross, before Lookman assisted Mateo Retegui for Atalanta’s second.
The Nigerian forward then showcased brilliant skill to score before halftime and added a second with a composed finish after the break.
Zappacosta sealed the rout with a late goal.
Despite the dominant performance, tensions lingered as Lookman noticeably avoided shaking hands with Gasperini after being substituted.
The victory moves Atalanta within two points of second-placed Napoli, keeping them in the title race.
Sports
Atalanta coach makes a U-turn says he never knew his comment could offend Lookman
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Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has clarified that he didn’t intend to offend his player Ademola Lookman.
Gasperini infuriated Lookman after criticising the Nigerian international for taking a penalty in Tuesday night’s home loss to Club Brugge.
The Italian declared that the striker was “one of the worst penalty kick takers” he had ever seen.
But, Lookman responded by labelling his manager’s comment disrespectful.
However, Gasperini clarified his position, saying: “He had an extraordinary impact. My words were never meant to be offensive.”
Gasperini spoke at a press conference on Saturday via TMW.
“Yesterday, in Udinese-Lecce, we saw what could have turned into a global spectacle, but fortunately, the players let it go,” he said.
“I would have liked to see a great player like him [Lookman] make a gesture toward [Charles] De Ketelaere, saying, ‘Come on, take the ball, put it in.
“He could become a penalty taker, adding another scoring ability. But I almost feel like there’s a narrative being pushed that Atalanta are in chaos when the reality is quite different.
“I always speak in front of the whole team, this has never even been an issue within the club.
“The player felt offended, but I never intended to offend anyone. In the end, I think it turned out well because there was no unnecessary drama.
“I also appreciated what happened in the Udinese game, with both the players and the coach. Lookman came on against Brugge in an extraordinary way, and his gesture, even if generous, doesn’t change my opinion,” Gasperini stated.
Sports
End of road for Arsenal, may not win any shield this season – Report
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Former Liverpool man, Didi Hamann has told Arsenal they cannot win titles without a top striker.
Hamann believes that Arsenal’s quest for titles would remain a mirage if they fail to bring in a top striker.
He named Ollie Watkins as another good option the Gunners could have gone for in the winter transfer window.
“I said that before, I don’t see them winning the Premier League or the Champions League unless they sign a centre-forward like Ollie Watkins,” he told Prime Casino.
I don’t know how serious that was, but [Jhon] Duran went to Saudi, so I think it was always unlikely they’re gonna let Watkins go, still being in the Champions League.
“I think the team is well equipped, but the lack of a centre forward is obviously what I think harms their chances,” he added.
Mikel Arteta’s side have also been linked with Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, Liam Delap and Youssef En-Nesyri.
They are in dire need of a front man to solve their goal-scoring issues.
The Gunners are without a striker for the rest of the season following injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
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