Sports
International Cricket Council pledges funding, support for Afghanistan’s exiled cricketers
Afghanistan’s national women’s cricket team was formed in 2020, prompted by the rules of the International Cricket Council, which stated that countries must have both a men’s and a women’s team. The ICC hasn’t officially recognized the women’s team since the Taliban returned to power, but it has now pledged funding to help the team.
American football finds a way in Japan
While the Philadelphia Eagles smashed the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX in February, two teams in Japan fought for the title in their own tournament, known as the Rice Bowl. These foes might not draw as many people in for the game, or the commercials, but they still have everything to play for.
International athletes pivot to American football for a chance at joining the NFL
The NFL started a new program several years ago to introduce talented athletes from other sports and around the globe to American football. The program includes practicing on the field and learning in the classroom. Since then, dozens of athletes have signed with NFL teams.
Mapuche sports help Indigenous Chileans revive culture
Chile’s Indigenous Mapuche people have long fought the government over land claims. They’ve faced discrimination and assimilation in Chilean society. But some Mapuche communities are now turning the page. And they’re using an ancestral sport to help protect and revive their culture, customs and language.
Nobuko Oshiro: Okinawa’s only female karate grandmaster
Training in karate was not always easy for Nobuko Oshiro, who faced bullying and harsh treatment from her instructors as one of the few women in the sport. Now at 77, she is Okinawa’s only female grandmaster and runs a renowned dojo, inspiring students from around the world.