PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday hailed Los Angeles’ announcement that it intends to host the 2028 Olympics as a “very important step” toward Paris hosting the 2024 edition.
“France notes the decision of Los Angeles to put forward its candidature for 2028 and to reach an agreement with the IOC and Paris,” a statement from Macron’s office said.
Macron spoke to International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach following Los Angeles’ announcement on Monday and was “delighted by this very important step toward France obtaining the Games in 2024.”
The statement added Macron was “very committed to helping our country’s candidacy win” in a contest in which Paris is now the only candidate following Los Angeles’ decision.
Both Paris and Los Angeles had wanted to host the 2024 Summer Olympics, with the winner to be officially named by the IOC on September 13 in the Peruvian capital Lima.
But the possibility that Los Angeles would abandon efforts to host the 2024 Games bid and instead accept to host in 2028 has been growing since the IOC decided in July that it would attempt to announce the host cities of both Games at the Lima meeting.
Paris had remained insistent on hosting in 2024, on the 100th anniversary of the city’s 1924 Olympics.
Olympics: Macron hails ‘important step’ toward Paris hosting 2024
Olympics: Macron hails ‘important step’ toward Paris hosting 2024
Sharjah Self-Defence takes opening-day lead at Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship
- Round 1 of the competition is taking place at Nad Al Sheba Complex in Dubai
DUBAI: The Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship — Round 1 No Gi got underway in Dubai on Saturday with the Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club leading the standings at the end of the day’s action.
The competition took place at Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex with action across the U-12, U-14 and U-16 categories.
Day 1 also saw Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club finish in second place and Palms Sports — Team 777 in third.
Mohamed Hussain Al-Marzooqi, board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said the inclusion of the No Gi category reflects the federation’s commitment to providing athletes with more competitive opportunities and developing their skills across different jiu-jitsu styles. He stressed that investment in youth categories remains essential to building a generation capable of representing the UAE at regional and international competitions.
“No Gi competitions offer a different challenge in jiu-jitsu, with a focus on speed, flexibility and tactical awareness,” said Al-Marzooqi. “We include this format to help develop athletes’ skills, prepare them for international competition, and build well-rounded athletes who can adapt to different styles.”
The championship continues on Sunday with competitions in the U-18, Adults and Masters categories, with significant participation from clubs and academies from across the UAE.
