AFRICAN SPORTS TV

The man with the golden spikes and former double world Champion, Olympic Gold Medallist & World Record Holder in the 200 & 400 meters, Michael Johnson, secures $30 million in funding for new Track & Field League, per reports from the Sports Business Journal.

Kaizer Chiefs Defender Luke Fleurs Shot Dead in a Carjacking in Johannesburg South Africa


Our Sympathy to his Family and Teammates at Kaizer Chiefs FC and May His Soul Rest in Peace (From the Team at ASVG Media)

*African Athlete Of The Month Award Returns*

Africa Sports Ventures Group (ASVG) is excited to announce the return of the African Athlete of the Month Award! Originally published by African Sports Monthly Magazine and daily news website, the award profiles the best performing African athletes across all disciplines at home on the continent and globally.

African Sports Monthly and other associated media publications under African Sports Media Network have now been absorbed under ASVG Media which along with other properties developed by ASVG now form a significant part of the Africa Sports Ventures Group Sports and Entertainment Marketing and Public Relations Agency platform for its clients.

The Award recognizes these athletes and rightly celebrates them by nominating the best 3 each month as it engages the public in a voting poll which will form part of selection process.

This month, we have nominated Egypt's Mohamed Salah (Mo Salah) of the English Premier Leagues Liverpool for his outstanding performance at the club level, Botswana’s Sprinter Letsile Tebogo who broke a World Record in the 300 Meters and set a personal Best in the 400 meters, and Nigeria’s Hurdler Tobi Amusan who ran away with the Gold Medal in the women’s 100 Meters at the recently concluded African Games in Accra Ghana.

We encourage you to show your appreciation for these athletes by voting for them in the ASVG Media WhatsApp platform.

(Click this Link to Vote👇🏾)
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaA3feQ2P59iH1caDd3s/738

Let's celebrate and recognize the incredible talent of African athletes

By Editor
ASVG Media

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TobiAmusam/evaglobal01 MohamedSalah/Mosalah
LetsileTebogo/LetsileTebogo9

China sentences ex-soccer chief to life in prison in latest crackdown on sports corruption

China sentences ex-soccer chief to life in prison in latest crackdown on sports corruption | CNN The former head of China’s official soccer association has been sentenced to life in prison by a court in the central Chinese province of Hubei, in the latest crackdown on the country’s corruption-plagued professional football league.

*Rugby Africa Launch Women’s Leadership and Management Training Program*

_In alignment with World Rugby, the online training program is designed to equip women volunteers and employees of rugby unions with essential managerial skills_

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 26, 2024/APO Group/ -- Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com), the continental governing body of Rugby across Africa, introduces the Women’s Leadership and Management Training Program. The program will feature a dynamic curriculum consisting of presentations, workshops, expert testimonials and real-world case studies.

In alignment with World Rugby, the online training program is designed to equip women volunteers and employees of rugby unions with essential managerial skills. Participants, who have been identified as potential future leaders in the sport, will engage in rigorous training sessions conducted over a period of 10 months, with two days of training every three weeks.

In collaboration, the Executive Masters in Sports Organizations Management Association (MEMOS) and the International University of Health, Exercise and Sport (LUNEX) (https://LUNEX.lu), are providing their expertise and support to ensure the success of the program. Through the online platform provided by LUNEX, participants will have access to invaluable resources and guidance as they enhance their leadership and management capabilities.

Rugby Africa and World Rugby stand united in our vision to empower and uplift the women who will drive the force behind rugby's growth and development in Africa

The initiative highlights Rugby Africa’s commitment to developing rugby across the African continent while empowering women in the sport. By providing opportunities for female participants to engage in management training and leadership development, Rugby Africa is actively working towards fostering inclusivity and gender equality within the realm of rugby across Africa.

Upon the completion of the Women’s Leadership and Management Training Program, participants will devise a women's rugby development project tailored to their environment, encompassing all elements necessary for its success. In December 2024, three of the top projects will be selected.

*Hebert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa:*« Rugby Africa and World Rugby stand united in our vision to empower and uplift the women who will drive the force behind rugby's growth and development in Africa. We’ve crafted a program that champions inclusivity, ambition and leadership among women. This signifies our ongoing commitment to forging a future where every woman thrives in sports, assumes leadership roles with confidence and where their invaluable contributions are acknowledged and celebrated ».

*Coralie Van Den Berg*, Regional Partnerships Manager for Africa at World Rugby: « Accelerating the growth of women's rugby stands as a top priority for World Rugby. Our commitment to this cause is evident on the global stage, as seen through the success of the 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and the launch of WXV, a global women’s competition. Nonetheless, World Rugby acknowledges the need for more off-field efforts to promote women in leadership roles and drive growth for girls and women in the sport. Rugby Africa's Sports Leadership and Management Training Program, in partnership with LUNEX, is a pioneering initiative we proudly support. This program will empower talented women to contribute to the game's sustainable development in Africa ».

*Maha Zaoui, Rugby Africa Women’s Rugby Manager*: « As Program Director and Rugby Africa Women’s Rugby Manager, I strongly believe this program not only empowers women to excel in leadership roles within sports but also serves as a catalyst for the growth and advancement of rugby in Africa. By equipping women with the necessary skills and opportunities, we are sculpting a legacy of excellence, ensuring that sport in Africa truly is inclusive for generations to come ».

*Paula Lanco*, Rugby Africa Executive Member and Chairperson of the Women's Rugby Advisory Committee (WRAC): « Empowering women in leadership roles not only strengthens teams but also serves as a source of inspiration for girls and women aspiring to join the rugby world. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and mentorship, we are guaranteeing that young girls across Africa know they have a place within the rugby community, with full access to the necessary tools and guidance ».

"Track and field needs to evolve" - Usain Bolt calls for changes in the athletic meets

“I love the competition, but I think track and field needs to evolve. To really look in ways they can evolve, change the scenery, and change the way they go about doing meets. And I think until we evolve, track and field will continue to float under the radar,” he claimed.

https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/olympics/news-track-field-needs-evolve-usain-bolt-calls-changes-athletic-meets?utm_source=www.sportskeeda.com&utm_medium=native&utm_campaign=ShareArticle&fbclid=IwAR2QPHaz7gu6YmOBiXq_7llUDyH39gOj1aZRwMqrwiwoc3MU1zgkTsNeYns_aem_ATR13Byhy5TfVxLm6RZURAK1oB57UYmZKm_GcLHNU3-3w73A5pqd5Aw7_PTOHXTMF-4

"Track and field needs to evolve"- Usain Bolt calls for changes in the athletic meets Usain Bolt, the 100m and 200m world record holder, has claimed that track and field needs to evolve to gain popularity among the masses.

*Egypt To Host Next African Games In 2027*

North African nation, Egypt has been chosen to host the next, 14th African Games.

The symbolic handing over of the African Union flag was done at the closing ceremony of the 13th edition of the African Games which was successfully took place in Accra, Ghana.

Hon. Mustapha Ussif, the Youth & Sports Minister of Ghana handed over the flag to the African Union (AU) Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Minata Samate Cessouma, who then presented it to the Egyptian Minister of Youth & Sports, Ashraf Sobhy.

Ghana hosted the African Games for the first time since its inception in 1965.

This is the second time that Egypt will host the quadrillion sports festival.

Egypt placed first at Accra 2023 with a total of 187 medals (99 gold, 46 silver and 42 bronze).

Ghana placed sixth with 68 medals (19 gold, 269 silver and 20 bronze), making the sports authorities and Ghanaians happy, hoping to reach the top three in the next edition.

In his parting address, President Akufo-Addo expressed his pride and gratitude, emphasizing on how the event provided an opportunity to strengthen bonds and socio-economic relations between African countries.

The President extolled the high level of performance by the over 5,000 athletes and the dedication of officials and volunteers involved in the games.

"These games embodied the true spirit of African diversity, unity, and our common purpose of promoting our continent," he said.

"The outstanding performances, display of sportsmanship, and competition that produced personal bests, national records, and competition records will undoubtedly inspire upcoming athletes to aim even higher," the President added.

President Akufo-Addo articulated his delight that despite challenges, Ghana was able to provide world-class sporting facilities. He mentioned the construction and rehabilitation of facilities such as the Borteyman Sports Complex, University of Ghana Stadium, Theodosia Okoh Stadium, Achimota Cricket Oval and Bukom Boxing Arena, as proof of Ghana's commitment to sports development.

He was confident that the facilities would be maintained and serve as venues for training future champions and hosting local and international tournaments, as well as become the nucleus of a soon-to-be-established University of Sports for Development.

The President also expressed gratitude to all Ghanaians for their enthusiastic support of the athletes throughout the competition. He congratulated the athletes on their performances and urged them to carry their good form into the Paris Olympics to bring further glory to the continent.

"May the memories of these Games inspire us to work towards a brighter, more prosperous and more united future for Africa and her peoples. Accordingly, ladies and gentlemen, I have the pleasure to declare the 13th African Games (Accra 2023), successfully closed"

By Sammy Heywood Okine

*Aliyyah Koloc overcomes adversity to win the Mugello 12 Hours!*

Dubai-born teenager Aliyyah Koloc has won her class at the tightly-fought Mugello 12 Hours race in Italy: the first round of the decade-old 24H Series, which pushes the edge of endurance racing at the world’s most challenging tracks. The Mugello 12 Hours is slightly different from other endurance races, as it’s effectively split into two six-hour races, with the first part starting on Saturday, and the second part on Sunday.

Driving together with experienced team mates Adam Lacko and David Vršecký, Aliyyah won the GT4 class for Buggyra ZM Racing, at the wheel of the team’s Mercedes AMG-GT4. The field included some of the world’s top drivers – such as nine-time World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb and two-time Le Mans winner Romain Dumas – with the number 416 Buggyra car recording 22nd place overall, one lap ahead of the second-placed car in GT4.

Not only that but Aliyyah also set the fastest lap in the GT4 category on lap 38 at an average speed of 158.60 kph, underlining her mastery of the category last weekend.

The Mugello circuit in Tuscany is fast and varied, having formed part of the 24H Series since 2014, and it’s described as almost like a mini-Nürburgring Nordschleife by some drivers. There’s plenty of elevation with a quite narrow racing line and some bumps, giving the layout an old-school feel: no big surprise as the circuit was inaugurated in its current form back in 1974, but with its roots going all the way back to a 1914 road course.

The 15 corners are mainly medium to high speed, with no really tight chicanes or big braking zones throughout the 5.2-kilometer lap, making it a real challenge for every driver. And Aliyyah loved all 12 hours of it, despite variable and tricky conditions that included periods of heavy rain – which the teenager excelled in, despite her relative lack of wet-weather experience on only her second visit to Mugello.

The weekend started off with plenty of drama, after a testing crash before practice on Wednesday damaged the car sufficiently that the spare chassis needed to be brought over from the team’s base in the Czech Republic and built up overnight by the team’s mechanics. Their efforts were rewarded when the newly rebuilt car went quickest in practice and then took pole in qualifying. So as well as the trio of talented drivers, the entire Buggyra ZM squad did not miss a beat throughout the Italian weekend, recording what was arguably its best-ever team performance over the course of the four days.

It wasn’t an entirely straightforward race weekend, with the team having to deal with a brake problem while Adam was driving, as well as heavy tyre wear as they pushed hard to get the result they deserved. With David at the wheel, the team also had to carry out a fuel pump change on Saturday.

“I really love Italy and the Mugello track – it’s nice to be in the greenery and not in the sand!” said a delighted Aliyyah at the finish. “The race was fantastic although it didn’t get off to an easy start for me on Saturday: the car wouldn’t get off the line and then two drivers spun in front of me: everything was happening! The main thing is that over the course of the race I was consistent and fast. I’m happy and I actually surprised myself. Even in the wet I had fun, so it was a great team effort and I’m really proud of the whole team after our early setback on Wednesday: we definitely have the best mechanics, so big congratulations to them!”

There is only a short break for Aliyyah before she is back at the wheel from April 2 to 7 for the Ultimate Rally Raid in Portugal and Spain, focussing on her second series she is competing in this year, the FIA World Rally Raid Championship.

By Editor

The 2024 African Athletics Championship are slated for Yaoundé Cameroon from June 19th - 23rd 2024 as the nations gear up for the ultimate Paris 2024 Olympic Games

*Fatma Samoura Graces Closing Ceremony Of 13th African Games*

Madam Fatma Samoura, the former FIFA Secretary General from Senegal was one of the special dignitaries who graced the closing ceremony of the 13th African Games in Accra on Saturday 23rd March, 2024.

She thanked HE President Nana Akufo-Addo and his colleague African presidents for their unwavering support and commitment towards sports development, in particular.

“Football can indeed bring about positive societal changes’” she said.

Ghana won both men and women’s football gold at the Games which involves 29 disciplines.

Over 5,000 athletes and officials from 53 countries participated in the exciting and memorable Games.

They were supported by 3,000 volunteers, with over 1,000 journalists covering the event.

Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura was appointed as the first female Secretary General of FIFA by president Gianni Infantino and assumed her post on 20 June 2016. Previously she worked in various positions at the United Nations, mostly of a humanitarian nature. In June 2023, she tendered her resignation as Secretary General, which took effect on 31 December 2023.

She was bestowed with a special distinction by African Union Chairperson Moussa Faki through Amb Samate for the services rendered to sports at the University of Ghana Stadium at Legon in Accra, Ghana.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

*PUMA REVEALS JAMAICAN OLYMPIC KIT IN SPECTACULAR SHOWCASE OF SPEED AT PRESTIGIOUS ISSA BOYS & GIRLS CHAMPIONSHIPS*


Herzogenaurach, Saturday 23 March, 2024

Globally renowned sports brand, PUMA, proudly unveiled the highly anticipated Jamaican Olympic Association kits during an unmissable showcase of speed at the ISSA Boys & Girls Championships in Kingston, Jamaica.

The reveal, at the Jamaica National Stadium, came in front of more than 25,000 track enthusiasts from across the country, all gathering to feast their eyes on the future of Jamaican track & field. It served as the perfect platform to showcase the cutting-edge apparel that will adorn the fastest athletes on the planet this summer in Paris – many of whom competed at this event in their teenage years.

Jamaica’s most prestigious athletes took centre stage for the grand reveal, including the likes of double, double Olympic Champion, Elaine Thompson-Herah; the fastest woman alive at the 200 meters, Shericka Jackson; reigning Olympic Champion at the 110m hurdles Hansle Parchment; the second fastest man of all-time, Yohan Blake; former 100m World Record holder, Asafa Powell; World U-20 Triple Jump Champion Jaydon Hibbert; Rushell Clayton, Ackeem Blake and many more. They were joined side-by-side on the track by young athletes from PUMA sponsored high schools.

The ISSA Boys & Girls Championships, often referred to as "Champs," has gained immense popularity and recognition for its ability to showcase young Jamaican talent who have gone on to achieve greatness on both the domestic and international stage. The Championships not only celebrate sporting excellence but also serve as a symbol of unity, passion and pride for the Jamaican community.

"Champs is the beating heart of Jamaica. For decades, it has produced an unimaginable number of Olympians, World Champions and World Record holders, who themselves have created some of the most memorable moments in sports history. Tonight, here in Kingston, we created another,” said PUMA's Chief Executive Officer, Arne Freundt.

The new designs represent a perfect harmony of speed and fashion, reflective of the symbiotic relationship between these two giants of track & field.

Rooted in elite performance, they have been designed to evoke speed with cut lines strategically placed to accentuate the physique of the athletes whilst also providing a showstopping visual via Warpspeed graphics that emphasise the beauty of an athlete in motion. Engineered jacquard fabric is ergonomically shaped to contour the back muscles for heat reduction and breathability, with thermoadapt technology regulating body temperature to enable optimum performance.

“In their truest form these kits are an expression of speed. Speed has always been PUMA’s vantage point. It is what enables us to see the game differently, challenge convention and create moments that will live with us forever. We can’t wait to experience more in Paris this summer,” added Arne.

Maria Valdes, Chief Product Officer at PUMA, commented: “What makes these kits special is how closely they have been created in collaboration with our athletes. They are more than just a kit – they are a statement of the collective ambition shared between PUMA and Jamaica. They are a symbol of pride for the PUMA family, and we hope that they become a symbol of pride for Jamaicans this summer and long into the future.”