Women wrestlers take on rivals and tradition in south Iraq
Harden scores 25 in return, Rockets defeat Bulls Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Gretchen Barretto’s daughter Dominique graduates magna cum laude from California college To start off, she found five volunteers at her local sports club to train the Al-Rafidain — “the two rivers” —whose name pays tribute to Iraq’s mighty Tigris and Euphrates.‘Tribes rule’ Today, the team has about 20 members aged from around 15 to 30 who train three times a week in two-hour sessions after school.On a broad blue mat with a red circle at its center, the wrestlers tumble with determination under the watchful eye of Dhaher, wearing a grey tracksuit.The gym’s windows are thrown wide open to ease the stifling heat.ADVERTISEMENT Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. ‘Little by little’ As the sport gained popularity across the country, “little by little, people finally accepted us”, said Alia Hussein, the team’s star who sports a stylish short haircut.In September, she won a silver medal at the Women Classic International Tournament in Beirut in the under 75-kilo category.Alongside her budding wrestling career, the 26-year-old hopes to finish her high school diploma after having put her studies on hold to help her family.After graduating, she hopes to study physical education at university.Her mother, who has adorned their modest family home with Alia’s trophies alongside paintings showing revered Shiite imams and figures, has always been supportive.“We’re sure of what we do, so people can say what they want — we don’t care, we haven’t done anything wrong, so no one has the right to say anything,” she said.Wrestling federation chief Ahmad Shamseddine has been supportive of Iraq’s women wrestlers since day one.When Al-Rafidain first got started in 2016, the federation was only able to give it “a very small budget”, with about $40 (35 euros) a month allocated to each member, he said.But in 2019, he added, “they will have more because the team has had good results”. NVG Allen Durham still determined to help Meralco win 1st PBA title Taking on a sport largely reserved for men in a region with strict traditions was quite a challenge but one that both Dhaher and young female sports fans embraced.ADVERTISEMENT Nadine Lustre’s phone stolen in Brazil “Recruiting wasn’t a problem,” said Dhaher, a tight blue hijab framing her round face.“On the other hand, it’s been difficult to convince society because our traditions aren’t really headed in this direction,” the 52-year-old told AFP.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSJapeth Aguilar wins 1st PBA Finals MVP award for GinebraSPORTSGolden State Warriors sign Lee to multiyear contract, bring back ChrissDhaher was working as a school sports teacher and trainer at a sports club but never imagined that one day she would be coaching a group of young female wrestlers in her conservative city of Diwaniyah.But when the Iraqi Wrestling Federation approached her two years ago with the opportunity to lead the team due to her proven track record with women athletes, she leapt at the chance. Iraqi women wrestlers at a gym in Diwaniyahh, around 160 kilometres south of Baghdad Image: SABAH ARAR / AFPSports teacher Nehaya Dhaher was living a quiet life looking after her elderly mother in Iraq’s tribal south when she was asked to set up the country’s first women’s wrestling squad. Tim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crown Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Will you be the first P16 Billion Powerball jackpot winner from the Philippines? RELATED STORIES:Women wrestlers take on Japan’s big boysJapan bullfighting lifts ‘men-only’ rule Dressed in an assortment of shorts, tights and T-shirts, the young women alternate between stretches and sparring drills.But when training ends, the wrestlers file out of the building in long robes, most of them wearing headscarves, seamlessly blending into the city where most women are cloaked in black.“Here, the tribes rule the lives of all. I’ve received direct and indirect threats but we’ve managed to win respect,” said Dhaher.To do so, they had to put in more effort than the average coach, according to Dhaher’s assistant, Nadia Saeb.“We’ve built bonds of trust with the wrestlers’ families,” she told AFP.“We look after the girls, picking them up from their home before practice and returning them afterwards,” she said.“We even follow up on their schooling,” added the 47-year-old proudly.The approach has paid off.At first unsure what to make of the sport’s new female competitors, today people in Diwaniyah come out to support the team during competitions, according to Dhaher.Al-Rafidain’s success has pushed others elsewhere in Iraq to try the same, with women’s teams popping up in the ethnically mixed city of Kirkuk, north of the capital, and in Basra in the country’s far south. 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Eleven Nigerians including two children accused of using “fake” immigration documents in an attempt to leave the country, yesterday appeared before the Monrovia City Court on charges of forgery, illegal imposition of immigration’s documents and criminal facilitation.The charges were pressed by the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization (BIN).The incident took place early November, at the Yekepa port of entry, in Nimba County, where they were trying to make their way out of the country.Yesterday’s appearance was their second time at the Temple of Justice under heavy BIN escort.When they first appeared last Monday, they were made to sit all day on the prisoner’s bench, at the Monrovia City Court.They were later taken from the courtroom and placed in a parked BIN vehicle that drove them away.Apparently, they may have been ineligible for bail due to being classified as ‘escape risk’, and they were remanded to prison until yesterday.The crimes are baliable offence under Liberian law, however.The times they have appeared, at the City Court, not a single piece of luggage was even seen with them or in the vehicle that always drove them to the Temple of Justice.More besides, the BIN’s authorities have not been able to explain how long the Nigerians had lived in Liberia, or what kinds of activities were they involved into, while residing in the country.However, in an exclusive interview with BIN’s director for public affairs, Abraham Dorley, he said, during preliminary investigation, 10 of the accused pleaded guilty to the charges.They told the BIN’s investigators”Everything was done voluntarily; we acted upon the ordered of Vincent Okike Ago. We regret and we do apologize,” Dorley quoted his investigators.Ago is believed to be the main person behind the sale of fraudulent immigration documents in the country, according to the public affairs director.If the “fake documents” would have passed inspections, the 11 persons would have been able to leave the country legally.But, Dorley maintained that “luckily, the immigration officials processing the documents became concerned and made closer checked.”He continued with his explanation by saying, “It was during verification, they found out that the documents were forged, in an attempt to allow them “imposters” to get through immigration.”“When the officers took them aside,” Dorley claimed “questioned them, it was when they discovered that their documents were fake.”“They all admitted under interrogation that the documents were forged and that is when they were charged with the offense of traveling with fraudulent they are not entitled to,” Dorley further said.“It was how the immigration officers therefore charged them with possession of a fraudulent document for it,” the public affairs reiterated.Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
Ebola Survivor, Robert Kpoto (looking up)D’Geedawoi Johnson stopped just long enough to look back and share a smile with the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps officers waiting beside the Ebola survivor board for the release of the next patient. Johnson, 46, a father of 4 children, 2 boys and 2 girls, and wife Sadatu, 32, was grateful for the treatment at the Monrovia Medical Unit (MMU), but was anxious to get home. He was full of energy and ready to return to his work as a Drug Dispenser and Contact Tracer. He said, “Ever since I experienced the illness of Ebola all I could think about was death.” He added that after being infected and then getting the news that he was negative, he felt encouraged to tell others about MMU. “I would be happy if I can be of any kind of assistance to you all. I want to get out in the field and get the message out there because I have been saved,” Johnson said. He became infected while providing care to Ebola victims, a US Embassy release said.With a bag over his shoulder and a smile, he promised to send a message to others. “Whenever you feel any sign or symptoms of the disease, don’t waste time; get to the center because that will help you more.”The curtain peeled back and another survivor, Robert Kpoto, appeared through the MMU’s Ebola survivor discharge exit. After receiving a gift from his co-worker, Jacob, and working with MSF for approximately 5 years as a Physician Assistant, Robert looked towards heaven and thanked God, ready to return home to wife, Famata, and their two children, daughter, 11, and son, 7. He also thanked the U.S. Public Health Service Corps. A medical provider for 15 years, he understands the importance of saying thanks to those providing care to others. When LTJG D’Addeo approached Robert to introduce herself for the first time without wearing Personal Protective Equipment, he said, “I am truly blessed that you came over here to assist and helped save my life,” said the US Embassy release. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
Living life in misery sees a sinking manDrowns to the depth of his deathWeeping and sobbingHe breathes the breath of hardshipBravely begging for survival theAid of the enemies of justiceAnd singing the song of his future freedomWith tears at his tender cheeksLiving life in misery plots the death of the innocentAnd seals the city of joy with sorrow salientTo the perpetrators of evilBreaking the cage of captivity in miseryIs his dream only to be achievedBy his generous generations to comeShare this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
The firearms which were handed over to Police during the “firearm amnesty” in 2015 will soon be returned to indigenous residents.However, a planned trip to Region Seven to commence the distribution process was thwarted due to inclement weather conditions on Monday.A team headed by Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan that also included Indigenous People’s Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock and Minister of Public Affairs Dawn Hasting-Williams was on site to depart the Eugene. F. Correia International Airport on Monday to facilitate the distribution.The team was to meet with residents of 11 indigenous communities at Chinoweng, Phillipai and Kamarang.In addition to the firearms, they were also taking along 121 permits to distribute to the residents.Minister Allicock said persons have trekked from very long distances to meet up at the respective locations either to receive their firearms or their permits to purchase firearm. However, safety remains important.Of the 140 firearms received from Region Seven indigenous villages during the amnesty of 2015, only nine were serviceable, and were being returned to the respective owners.The ministry will be working towards a new date for the distribution.In 2015 following the launch of Government’s gun amnesty programme, several Amerindian farmers had expressed outrage, saying that they were duped by the Public Security Ministry into believing that when they handed in their firearms, they would have been issued with licences.
The Lakers do not plan on voiding the five-year, $30.2 million deal Radmanovic signed last July. But Radmanovic, who will miss six to eight weeks with the injury, does face a possible fine and/or suspension. “I did a stupid thing snowboarding, but I don’t want to be a liar,” Radmanovic said. “That’s not something that I am. Obviously, I lied but there was a way to correct it and hopefully this is going to help.” LOS ANGELES – Lakers forward Vladimir Radmanovic was about as good a liar as he was a snowboarder, which was why he arrived at the team’s practice facility Friday and decided to come clean to coach Phil Jackson and general manager Mitch Kupchak. Radmanovic did not suffer a separated right shoulder by falling on a patch of ice Saturday afternoon in Park City, Utah. He was injured while snowboarding in what he admitted was a violation of his contract. “We’ll discuss it internally over the next couple of days on what we may or may not do,” Kupchak said. “If it’s something that we feel needs to be shared, we’ll share it with you.” Lakers owner Jerry Buss nevertheless made a rare appearance in the locker room before Friday’s game. He sat between reporters and said, “I will mull it over” when asked about possible punishment. “It shows a lack of maturity and respect for his obligation to the Lakers and his teammates and the fans of Los Angeles,” Kupchak said. ross.siler@dailynews.com (818) 713-3607 160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set!
Jackson said his last words to his players before the All-Star break were, “You guys take care of yourselves. This is a time when things can happen.” Snowboarding is not prohibited in the standard player’s contract, but skiing and other activities with an injury risk are. “Unfortunately, before I stepped on that board, I wasn’t really thinking about it,” Radmanovic said. “Until things happen, you don’t believe it’s going to happen to you. Hopefully, it’s going to be a lesson for me.” Kupchak said Radmanovic’s decision to tell the truth would be taken into consideration as the Lakers decide what penalties to impose. He said owning up to the embarrassing truth publicly was “to some degree a punishment.” 
Photo fun in Franklin Canyon Ranch, 3-5 p.m., 2600 Franklin Canyon Drive, Beverly Hills. Meet at Wm. O. Douglass Outdoor Classroom. Bring camera. Reservations: Call (310) 858-7272, ext. 131. Mail Datebook entries – including time, date, location and phone number – to Daily News City Desk, P.O. Box 4200, Woodland Hills, CA 91365; fax (818) 713-0058; e-mail dnmetro@dailynews.com. 160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set! TODAY Father’s Day celebration, 10:30-12:30 p.m., Mid-Valley Senior Citizen Center, 14450 Valerio St., Van Nuys. $3.50. Call (818) 785-8488. Tribute to Holocaust Memorial Day concert, 2 p.m., Samuelson Chapel, California Lutheran University, 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks. Donations accepted. Call (805) 493-3306. An afternoon of poetry and music featuring the Danny Janklow Quartet, 2-4 p.m., Grant R. Brimhall Library, 1401 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. Call (805) 449-2660, ext. 258. 
VALLEY VILLAGE – An 89-year-old woman backed out of a parking space Thursday and plowed into the patio dining area of Gelson’s Market, critically injuring a man and seriously hurting a mother and her 3-year-old daughter, officials said. The collision occurred at 1:45 p.m. when a number of people were seated in the outdoor dining area at 4738 Laurel Canyon Blvd., police said. “She evidently put her car in reverse instead of forward,” said LAPD Lt. Steven Allen. “She hit the gas, went over a concrete bumper, drove though a hedge and hit three people sitting at a concrete table. “She sheared the concrete table off at the base.” A man in his 50s was critically injured and taken to Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills, said Los Angeles City Fire Department spokeswoman Melissa Kelley. A 35-year-old woman and her daughter were taken to Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center with serious injuries. The driver, whose name was not released, was taken to Sherman Oaks Medical Center for treatment after complaining of breathing difficulties. Los Angeles police were investigating the cause of the crash, the latest Southland crash involving an elderly driver. In April, a 66-year handicapped man with a modified gas pedal injured four people when he drove his car into a patio area at a Costco store in Burbank. A 1-year-old girl, her 29-year-old mother and her 54- year-old grandmother suffered minor injuries and a 49-year-old man had a broken pelvis as well as head injuries. In July 2003, George Russell Weller, then 86, killed 10 people and injured scores of others when he drove his 1992 Buick Le Sabre through the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market, mowing down everything in his path. Weller was convicted of 10 counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence. The judge in that case said Weller deserved to be sentenced to prison, but citing Weller’s failing health, sentenced him to probation. rick.coca@dailynews.com (818) 713-3329160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set!
Kepa had received treatment for an injury in the final stages, but also has an inferior record of saving spot-kicks than Willy Caballero, who Sarri attempted to introduce.City goalkeeper Ederson denied Jorginho and David Luiz hit the post in the shootout before Raheem Sterling smashed the winning penalty past Kepa.Until that flashpoint, the afternoon had been a success for Sarri just two weeks on from Chelsea’s worst defeat since 1991 in a 6-0 thrashing at the hands of City in the Premier League.The chances of Sarri losing his job were only heightened by a FA Cup elimination at the hands of Manchester United on Monday.With his back to the wall, it was perhaps understandable then that Sarri adopted a far more cautious approach.Gonzalo Higuain was dropped to the bench to leave Eden Hazard to plough a lone furrow up front — as the Belgian did when Chelsea beat City 2-0 in December.Sarri is an open admirer of City boss Pep Guardiola’s work, but accepted his side’s limitations by gifting City possession and being far harder to break down than in recent weeks.Sergio Aguero scored a hat-trick in the Etihad mauling a fortnight ago, but the Argentine could only volley over with the best chance of a first half with precious few opportunities.City were dealt an injury blow as Vincent Kompany had to replace Aymeric Laporte at half-time, and Hazard routinely exposed his Belgian international teammate’s lack of pace after the break.Chelsea had an anxious wait just before the hour mark for VAR to confirm Aguero was offside after he found the net, but most of the second half action came at the other end.Sarri’s gameplan nearly worked perfectly 24 minutes from time when Hazard let Kompany trailing and crossed for N’Golo Kante, but the French World Cup winner couldn’t keep his shot under the bar.Ross Barkley then curled just off target as Chelsea grew in confidence before more Hazard magic opened up City again only for Pedro Rodriguez’s cross to be cut out when the Spaniard should have gone for goal.Only the finest of margins denied Hazard once more in stoppage time as he raced clear on goal only to see the offside flag go up to Sarri’s dismay.An extra 30 minutes also failed to muster a goal with City regaining a semblance of control.A combination of Cesar Azpilicueta and Kepa prevented Aguero turning home Sterling’s cross from point-blank range.Aguero had one final chance to win it three minutes from time, but Kepa made his best save of the game low to his left before refusing to make way for Caballero.A visibly furious Sarri even started making his way towards the tunnel before turning back to take his place on the touchline.Arrizabalaga did save Leroy Sane’s spot-kick, but should have done better when Aguero’s penalty slipped underneath his body.Ilkay Gundogan also found the net for City before Sterling sealed the start of a potential quadruple of trophies this season by drilling his penalty in off the underside of the bar.0Shares0000(Visited 8 times, 1 visits today) 0Shares0000Manchester City wins Carabao Cup. Photo/DAILY MAILLONDON, United Kingdom, Feb 24 – Manchester City retained the League Cup by edging Chelsea 4-3 on penalties on Sunday after an incredible bust-up between Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.The Italian tried to replace the world’s most expensive player towards the end of a cagey 120 minutes that ended 0-0.
Well done to ladies players Sarah Kho, Rionach Giles, Eimear Alcorn and Mya Alcorn who have been selected for the Donegal u16 ladies’ squad for 2017Last week’s draw took place in Wilkins of Church Hill for the first time. Numbers drawn were 4,5,10 and 18. There were 4 match 3 winners, Bernadette Sweeney, Róisín Friel, Kathleen Gallagher Derry and John Harley. Open draw winners were Michael Carr and Lisa McCafferty. Next week’s draw takes place in the Lagoon with Kath McSharry and Nicola Doherty co-ordinating.9pm Friday night, thousands in prizes and books only €10 single and €15 double!! Anyone wishing to buy a copy of this year’s Yearbook, which features our Féile boys and girls in full technicolour, please contact Danny O on 0879384702, make a great Christmas stocking filler.A very successful & well attended Minor Board AGM was held in an Craoibhin on Wednesday last, with all positions filled, with the exception of PRO, which is to be confirmed, and hopefully will be filled before the start of next year.The following officers, and team coaches were installed for 2017.Chairperson: Eugene Trearty Secretary: Conall McGettiganTreasurer: Joe O’ConnellChild Protection Officer: Meave SweeneyClub Coaching Officer: Hugh HarkinMinor PRO: tbc Coaches posts were filled as follows: U-6 Aidan McGrenra, Daireann Gibson, Johnny McCafferty.U-8 Conall McGettigan, Paddy GallagherU-10 Jim Boner, Liam Cunningham, David Brady. U-12 David Brady, Kevin McGettigan.U-13 & U-14: Paddy McMenamin, Hugh Harkin & Edward Harkin.U-15 & U-16: PJ McFadden, Paddy Gallagher, James Cassidy & Trevor AlcornU-18: Bernard Gallagher & Paul DohertyU-17: Coaches to be appointed from a combination of U-16 & Minor management team.The committee would like to stress that the number of appointed coaches at U-6, 8 & 10 will not be sufficient give the playing numbers of boys & girls at these brackets in 2016. All parents, male & female interested in coaching, can sign up for a foundation coaching & child protection course via the Club Coaching Officer, Hugh Harkin. This course is likely to be run off at the end of January.All parents, boys and girls should note the Underage Presentation Evening, for all players from U-6 to Minor is now likely to take place in An Craoibhin on Sat 7th January, commencing at 5pm, further details, including special guests to be confirmed in the weeks ahead.Termon GAA Minor Board, in association with Kelly’s Centra & Topaz Filling Station, Mountain Top, Letterkenny.Termon GAA: Ladies players selected for Donegal Under-16s was last modified: December 14th, 2016 by Chris McNultyShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)