EJ Obiena back to golden ways with victory in Germany

BANGKOK: Pakistan celebrated another proud moment on the international sporting stage as taekwondo athlete Ehsanullah Mehsud captured the gold medal at the Thailand International Taekwondo Championship after an impressive run through the competition. Mehsud sealed the title with a commanding victory over his Sri Lankan opponent in the final, completing an unbeaten campaign that showcased his skill, determination and consistency against top regional competitors. The Pakistani fighter began his journey with a confident win over a competitor from Kazakhstan in the opening round, setting the tone for an outstanding tournament. He then produced one of his best performances in the semi-finals by defeating an Indian opponent to secure a place in the championship match. Carrying that momentum into the final, Mehsud delivered another composed display to overcome the Sri Lankan contender and clinch the coveted gold medal for Pakistan. Speaking after his victory, Mehsud thanked the people of Pakistan for their prayers and unwavering support throughout the tournament. He dedicated his gold medal to the nation, saying the encouragement he received from fans inspired him to perform at his best on the international stage. “I am grateful for the love, prayers and motivation from the people of Pakistan. This gold medal belongs to the entire nation,” he said after the medal ceremony. The achievement drew widespread praise from across the country. Provincial Assembly member Asif Mehsud congratulated the athlete, saying his remarkable performance had brought pride to both Pakistan and Waziristan by raising the country’s flag on the international stage. Recognizing his success, Asif Mehsud also announced a job for the newly crowned champion, describing the gold medal as a reward for years of dedication and hard work. The latest triumph adds to Pakistan’s growing list of achievements in international taekwondo and highlights the emergence of talented athletes capable of competing successfully on the global stage. Sports enthusiasts hope Mehsud’s victory will inspire more young athletes to pursue martial arts and represent Pakistan with distinction in future international competitions.

GENEVA: FIFA has taken sweeping disciplinary action against Argentina following the confrontation that erupted after the 2026 World Cup final against Spain, handing midfielder Leandro Paredes a 10-match international suspension and a $90,000 fine. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee announced the sanctions after reviewing incidents that occurred at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, when Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 to lift the World Cup trophy. Paredes received the heaviest punishment among the players involved. Nahuel Molina was suspended for seven international matches and fined $90,000, while Thiago Almada was handed a one-match ban and a $30,000 fine. Argentina team official Roberto Ayala was also suspended for three matches and fined $30,000. On the Spanish side, midfielder Pablo Martín Páez Gavira, better known as Gavi, received a one-match suspension and a $30,000 fine for unsporting behaviour. The disciplinary action follows a brief but heated confrontation at the final whistle. Reports said tensions spilled over as players from both teams came together on the pitch, with Paredes involved in an altercation with Gavi. FIFA subsequently opened disciplinary proceedings over alleged assault and unsporting behaviour. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) was also hit with a combined $321,000 fine for multiple violations during the tournament. FIFA cited issues including team misconduct, discriminatory behaviour by supporters, security-related breaches and other disciplinary violations. Argentina has additionally been ordered to play its next two home matches with attendance restricted to 50 per cent of stadium capacity. However, FIFA has suspended part of the sanction, meaning one of those reduced-capacity matches will remain conditional during a probationary period. FIFA also directed that $100,000 from the disciplinary fine be allocated toward measures aimed at combating discrimination. Another portion of the financial penalty has been suspended under the conditions announced by the governing body. The AFA and the individuals involved have 10 days to request the detailed reasons behind the decisions, after which they may pursue available appeal procedures. The punishments add a controversial postscript to a dramatic World Cup final. Spain’s 1-0 victory secured the title, while Argentina was left to deal with the fallout from events that unfolded after the final whistle. What began as an emotional ending to football’s biggest tournament has now turned into a major disciplinary case, with Argentina facing significant player suspensions, financial penalties and restrictions on its home support.