Khalfan Belhoul left, won a silver medal in the men's jiu-jitsu 85kg division after being forced out of the final against Haider Al Rasheed of Jordan, second left. EPA
Khalfan Belhoul left, won a silver medal in the men's jiu-jitsu 85kg division after being forced out of the final against Haider Al Rasheed of Jordan, second left. EPA
Khalfan Belhoul left, won a silver medal in the men's jiu-jitsu 85kg division after being forced out of the final against Haider Al Rasheed of Jordan, second left. EPA
Khalfan Belhoul left, won a silver medal in the men's jiu-jitsu 85kg division after being forced out of the final against Haider Al Rasheed of Jordan, second left. EPA

Khalfan Belhoul 'a hero' for fighting though the pain to guarantee UAE an Asian Games medal, says coach


Amith Passela
  • English
  • Arabic

The national jiu-jitsu team coach Ramon Lemos proclaimed Khalfan Belhoul "a hero for us" after the Emirati fighter battled through his semi-final with a fractured ankle to claim victory and thus guarantee the UAE a medal.

As a result of the injury, Belhoul was in no physical shape to contest the 85-kilogram final against Haider Al Rasheed, the Jordanian claiming the gold medal as a result of a walkover.

“He was a hero for us. Had he not won the semi-final, we wouldn’t have won a medal because we wouldn’t have been able to fight for the third place,” Lemos said.

Belhoul suffered the injury midway through his semi-final against Murtazali Murtazaliev of Kyrgyzstan at the Jakarta Convention Centre on Sunday but battled through the pain to hold on to his two-point lead.

“He resisted the pain, fought with an injury after a foot-lock. Sometimes this happens," Lemos said.

“Khalfan resisted the pain and controlled that fight. He wanted to put his country in the final.

“He told me ‘Ramon, if I lost that fight I wouldn’t have won a medal for my country but now I know we have a silver at least.’ For me, that silver is like a gold.”

The UAE's Khalfan Belhoul beat Murtazali Murtazaliev of Kyrgyzstan in the 85kg weight division semi-final at Jakarta on Sunday. Courtesy UAEJJF
The UAE's Khalfan Belhoul beat Murtazali Murtazaliev of Kyrgyzstan in the 85kg weight division semi-final at Jakarta on Sunday. Courtesy UAEJJF

The Emirati was understandably disappointed on missing out on a third gold medal for the UAE in Indonesia, but said he was advised to pull out of the final after consulting medical specialists.

“I still tried to fight the final but the coach and the medical team at the venue advised me not to,” Belhoul said.

“It’s disappointing but what can I do? It was God’s decision that I couldn’t take part in the final.”

Belhoul was handed a bye in the first round and took just 22 seconds to submit Ahmed Saud of Saudi Arabia to clinch a quarter-final berth.

He eased past Abdughafur Abdulloev of Tajikistan 11-0 before his semi-final against Murtazaliev.

______________

More from Amith Passela at the Asian Games:

UAE's Khalfan Belhoul settles for silver after fracturing ankle at Asian Games

'A dream come true': UAE's Faisal Al Ketbi wins jiu-jitsu gold at 2018 Asian Games

Points mix-up sees UAE's Khalid Al Maazmi miss out on Asian Games jet ski medal

UAE go on medal rush at Asian Games with two golds and three silvers

Spotlight falls on jiu-jitsu team as UAE embrace medal expectations

Omar Al Fadhli: Asiad gold 'will be the high point of my career'

Faisal Al Ketbi: Hoping hard work in LA will pay off at Asiad

______________

Earlier, Mohammed Al Qubaisi won a bronze medal with victory over Erkhbayar Batkhuyag of Mongolia 3-2 on advantage in the 77kg division for the UAE. It means Emiratis top the jiu-jitsu medals table at the Asian Games with two gold, five silver and two bronze medals.

Lemos said the success of the UAE's jiu-jitsu athletes in Jakarta - the national team won nine medals in total - was down to preparation.

“That’s the key,” said the Brazilian. “We have continued our preparations year after year and what we saw at the Asian Games is a culmination of those results. But as a coach, I can never be satisfied.

“Now we go back and begin our work to go into the next level. So there is no stopping. But I’m so happy with the achievements at the Asian Games.”

The UAE's Ali Al Lanjawi celebrates victory at the Jet Ski Indonesia Academy Moto 2 before being demoted to second place. Reuters
The UAE's Ali Al Lanjawi celebrates victory at the Jet Ski Indonesia Academy Moto 2 before being demoted to second place. Reuters

Elsewhere, Ali Al Lanjawi won a silver medal in Jet Ski Endurance Runabout Open final to add to the gold medal he won on Friday.

Al Lanjawi was initially declared the winner after topping the scoreboard but penalty deductions meant he was later demoted to second place with Aqsa Sultan Anwar of Indonesia claiming the gold medal while Suphathat Footrakul of Thailand took bronze.

Saif Al Mansoori clinched third place in the skeet to take the UAE’s overall tally to three gold, six silver and three bronze medals that lifted them up to 13th in the table.

It means a new record haul for the UAE at the continental showpiece, beating the previous best, set at the 2006 Games in Doha, of three gold, four silver and three bronze medals.

BANGLADESH SQUAD

Mashrafe Mortaza (captain), Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Mushfiqur Rahim (wicketkeeper), Mahmudullah, Shakib Al Hasan (vice captain), Mohammad Mithun, Sabbir Rahaman, Mosaddek Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Abu Jayed (Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru Editing by Amlan Chakraborty)

The White Lotus: Season three

Creator: Mike White

Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell

Rating: 4.5/5

Director: Paul Weitz
Stars: Kevin Hart
3/5 stars

Healthy tips to remember

Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:

Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast

Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits

Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day

Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet

Dust and sand storms compared

Sand storm

  • Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
  • Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
  • Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
  • Travel distance: Limited 
  • Source: Open desert areas with strong winds

Dust storm

  • Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
  • Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
  • Duration: Can linger for days
  • Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
  • Source: Can be carried from distant regions
MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League final:

Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports

Essentials
The flights: You can fly from the UAE to Iceland with one stop in Europe with a variety of airlines. Return flights with Emirates from Dubai to Stockholm, then Icelandair to Reykjavik, cost from Dh4,153 return. The whole trip takes 11 hours. British Airways flies from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Reykjavik, via London, with return flights taking 12 hours and costing from Dh2,490 return, including taxes. 
The activities: A half-day Silfra snorkelling trip costs 14,990 Icelandic kronur (Dh544) with Dive.is. Inside the Volcano also takes half a day and costs 42,000 kronur (Dh1,524). The Jokulsarlon small-boat cruise lasts about an hour and costs 9,800 kronur (Dh356). Into the Glacier costs 19,500 kronur (Dh708). It lasts three to four hours.
The tours: It’s often better to book a tailor-made trip through a specialist operator. UK-based Discover the World offers seven nights, self-driving, across the island from £892 (Dh4,505) per person. This includes three nights’ accommodation at Hotel Husafell near Into the Glacier, two nights at Hotel Ranga and two nights at the Icelandair Hotel Klaustur. It includes car rental, plus an iPad with itinerary and tourist information pre-loaded onto it, while activities can be booked as optional extras. More information inspiredbyiceland.com

Rooney's club record

At Everton Appearances: 77; Goals: 17

At Manchester United Appearances: 559; Goals: 253

Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

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Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
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  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
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The full list of 2020 Brit Award nominees (winners in bold):

British group

Coldplay

Foals

Bring me the Horizon

D-Block Europe

Bastille

British Female

Mabel

Freya Ridings

FKA Twigs

Charli xcx

Mahalia​

British male

Harry Styles

Lewis Capaldi

Dave

Michael Kiwanuka

Stormzy​

Best new artist

Aitch

Lewis Capaldi

Dave

Mabel

Sam Fender

Best song

Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber - I Don’t Care

Mabel - Don’t Call Me Up

Calvin Harrison and Rag’n’Bone Man - Giant

Dave - Location

Mark Ronson feat. Miley Cyrus - Nothing Breaks Like A Heart

AJ Tracey - Ladbroke Grove

Lewis Capaldi - Someone you Loved

Tom Walker - Just You and I

Sam Smith and Normani - Dancing with a Stranger

Stormzy - Vossi Bop

International female

Ariana Grande

Billie Eilish

Camila Cabello

Lana Del Rey

Lizzo

International male

Bruce Springsteen

Burna Boy

Tyler, The Creator

Dermot Kennedy

Post Malone

Best album

Stormzy - Heavy is the Head

Michael Kiwanuka - Kiwanuka

Lewis Capaldi - Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent

Dave - Psychodrama

Harry Styles - Fine Line

Rising star

Celeste

Joy Crookes

beabadoobee

While you're here
Volvo ES90 Specs

Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)

Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp

Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm

On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region

Price: Exact regional pricing TBA

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3EFounder%3A%20Hani%20Abu%20Ghazaleh%3Cbr%3EBased%3A%20Abu%20Dhabi%2C%20with%20an%20office%20in%20Montreal%3Cbr%3EFounded%3A%202018%3Cbr%3ESector%3A%20Virtual%20Reality%3Cbr%3EInvestment%20raised%3A%20%241.2%20million%2C%20and%20nearing%20close%20of%20%245%20million%20new%20funding%20round%3Cbr%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%2012%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MATCH INFO

FA Cup final

Chelsea 1
Hazard (22' pen)

Manchester United 0

Man of the match: Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

Company%C2%A0profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ELeap%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMarch%202021%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ziad%20Toqan%20and%20Jamil%20Khammu%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPre-seed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunds%20raised%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Undisclosed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeven%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
RESULTS

5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 2,200m
Winner: Arjan, Fabrice Veron (jockey), Eric Lemartinel (trainer).

5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m​​​​​​​
Winner: Jap Nazaa, Royston Ffrench, Irfan Ellahi.

6pm: Al Ruwais Group 3 (PA) Dh300,000 1,200m​​​​​​​
Winner: RB Lam Tara, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinal.

6.30pm: Shadwell Gold Cup Prestige Dh125,000 1,600m​​​​​​​
Winner: AF Sanad, Bernardo Pinheiro, Khalifa Al Neyadi.

7pm: Shadwell Farm Stallions Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,600m​​​​​​​
Winner: Jawal Al Reef, Patrick Cosgrave, Abdallah Al Hammadi.

7.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh80,000 1,600m​​​​​​​
Winner: Dubai Canal, Harry Bentley, Satish Seemar.

'Ashkal'
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Results

6.30pm: Mazrat Al Ruwayah – Group 2 (PA) $36,000 (Dirt) 1,600m, Winner: RB Money To Burn, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Eric Lemartinel (trainer)

7.05pm: Handicap (TB) $68,000 (Turf) 2,410m, Winner: Star Safari, William Buick, Charlie Appleby

7.40pm: Meydan Trophy – Conditions (TB) $50,000 (T) 1,900m, Winner: Secret Protector, William Buick, Charlie Appleby

8.15pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 - Group 2 (TB) $293,000 (D) 1,900m, Winner: Salute The Soldier, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass

8.50pm: Al Rashidiya – Group 2 (TB) $163,000 (T) 1,800m, Winner: Zakouski, William Buick, Charlie Appleby

9.25pm: Handicap (TB) $65,000 (T) 1,000m, Winner: Motafaawit, Sam Hitchcock, Doug Watson

Champions League Last 16

 Red Bull Salzburg (AUT) v Bayern Munich (GER) 

Sporting Lisbon (POR) v Manchester City (ENG) 

Benfica (POR) v Ajax (NED) 

Chelsea (ENG) v Lille (FRA) 

Atletico Madrid (ESP) v Manchester United (ENG) 

Villarreal (ESP) v Juventus (ITA) 

Inter Milan (ITA) v Liverpool (ENG) 

Paris Saint-Germain v Real Madrid (ESP)  

Top New Zealand cop on policing the virtual world

New Zealand police began closer scrutiny of social media and online communities after the attacks on two mosques in March, the country's top officer said.

The killing of 51 people in Christchurch and wounding of more than 40 others shocked the world. Brenton Tarrant, a suspected white supremacist, was accused of the killings. His trial is ongoing and he denies the charges.

Mike Bush, commissioner of New Zealand Police, said officers looked closely at how they monitored social media in the wake of the tragedy to see if lessons could be learned.

“We decided that it was fit for purpose but we need to deepen it in terms of community relationships, extending them not only with the traditional community but the virtual one as well," he told The National.

"We want to get ahead of attacks like we suffered in New Zealand so we have to challenge ourselves to be better."