(Photo: Commons)

Athletics

Russian pole vault star Yelena Isinbayeva has criticised the IAAF’s blanket ban on Russian athletes, demanding support for clean athletes ahead of the Olympic Game next year.

Russia was suspended by the IAAF last month over allegations of state-sponsored doping, with an independent commission established by the World Anti-Doping Agency having called for the All-Russia Athletics Federation to be banned. However, the two-time Olympic gold medallist, who has set 17 world records in the event, insists she will fight for the right to compete in Rio de Janeiro on behalf of her compatriots who are not guilty of doping.

“This is just unfair. This is unacceptable. I will be fighting for my rights, ” said Isinbayeva.

“I think I deserve to finish my professional career on a good note at the Rio Olympics.The Russian anthem should be playing in Rio when I win the gold medal. I will be fighting for that.”

Football

FIFA has given Turkey’s national football team the “Best Mover of the Year” award after it earned 329 points within the last 12 months, the global football governing body announced on December 3.

Turkey received the award since the team managed to qualify for the UEFA Euro 2016 finals after beating Netherlands, Czech Republic and Iceland in the last group matches.

Turkey managed to be the best third-placed team in nine qualifying groups by collecting 18 points in Group A. Turkey completed 2015 in the 21st place in FIFA rankings with 933 points in total.

Squash

The Men’s World Team Squash Championship, which was due to take place in Cairo from December 12-18, has been called off for security reasons, the sport’s international federation said.

Egyptian Squash Federation President Assem Khalifa requested the postponement because “some teams did not wish to attend the championship”.

“We request this postponement with a heavy heart as Cairo is a safe city,” said Khalifa.