Latest news with #EFC
Mint
14-07-2025
- Health
- Mint
Cabinet note to be shortly moved for extending Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission till 2030
New Delhi: The health ministry will shortly circulate a cabinet note for extending the tenure of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) till 2030, a government official said. The five-year term of the scheme that aims to create a national digital health ecosystem ends in March next year, with only a third of the initial ₹1,600 crore allocated for the current phase having been spent. An Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) note will be first moved, following which the cabinet note will be circulated. The National Health Authority (NHA), which implements the mission, recently held discussions with states and union territories on the next phase of ABDM, which will focus on covering more people, onboarding private healthcare providers, and using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve healthcare. ABDM, which was launched in September 2021, has three components—Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA), a digital health ID for each person, and a Health Facility Registry (HFR). 'Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission is making efforts to connect healthcare services across the entire country digitally. With the first phase of ABDM set to finish in March next year, the NHA conducted theconsultation with States on ABDM 2.0" last week, the official said, adding states had a vital role to play in building a collaborative and inclusive digital health ecosystem under ABDM. The official said thatthe focus was on shaping ABDM 2.0 for a 2026-2030 roll-out. 'The talks covered important areas like how to make better use of allocated funds and encourage more people to sign up for digital health records keeper, known as ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account)." More than 790 million ABHA health IDs of have been created under the platform till date and 638 million health records linked to the system. Discussions also touched upon how new technologies like AI could be used to improve healthcare and the need for closer teamwork with states. The main aim is to speed up the pace at which both government and private healthcare providers adopt digital ways of working. 'The NHA is now going to evaluate all the ideas and suggestions, following which they will seek the Expenditure Finance Committee approval for the funds needed to upgrade the digital health initiative, following which Cabinet note will be circulated," the official said. To be sure, only about a third of the initial ₹1,600 crore budget for the current phase has been used so far. The recent meeting is a critical step in building a more efficient and widely available digital healthcare system for everyone in India, making this one of the central government's key initiatives. Notably, 414,864 health facilities and 666,956 healthcare professionals have been verified and are on board ABDM. Queries sent to the health ministry spokesperson remained unanswered till press time. Arpita Mukherjee, professor at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations, said the Indian healthcare system is fragmented and so is the healthcare data. "So, we have to prioritize digitization. The under utilization of the funds in ABDM may be because government health portals are not interconnected," she said. Dr. Harsh Mahajan, founder and chief radiologist, Mahajan Imaging & Labs, said the next phase of the mission will be even more important than the first one. "Bringing private healthcare providers on board and using technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) can improve how we diagnose and treat patients. In diagnostics, for example, AI can help doctors read scans more quickly and spot problems earlier. 'When this is supported by easy access to a patient's health records, it leads to better decisions and faster treatment. This is not just about technology. It is about making healthcare more connected and more focused on the patient," he said.
The Citizen
14-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
QuanWessels athletes to represent SA at IMMAF Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi
A group of rising young athletes from the QuanWessels Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Academy in Sunninghill have earned their place on the international stage, following standout performances at the MMA South African National Championships. Several members of the team have been selected to represent South Africa at the prestigious International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) Youth World Championships, taking place in Abu Dhabi this July. Under the banner of Mixed Martial Arts South Africa (MMASA), the national championships showcased the country's top junior talent, and QuanWessels made their mark. 'It is with great pride, watching our boys mature into quality junior athletes with 10 years of planning coming into fruition,' said coach Norman 'Chef' Wessels. Also read: 13-year-old MMA star needs support to compete for SA in Abu Dhabi 'They are a small but quality group of youngsters, going to represent QuanWessels and our country,' added another coach Richard Quan. 'They have done the hours and continue to grow, learn, and mature in our programme. All they need to do now is get on top, stay on top, finish, and win.' The IMMAF Youth World Championships is the premier stage for young mixed martial artists aged 8 to 17, bringing together top athletes from across the globe. For many, it represents a once-in-a-lifetime chance to compete internationally. For Nicholas Sears (13), the road to nationals was not without obstacles. 'It was a major struggle to balance training for nationals while studying for exams at the same time. I just put my head down and dealt with it. Did what I needed to do.' When asked what he would say to his future self before stepping into the cage in Dubai, he said: 'You are gonna 'Fight to the Death' no matter what happens.' ALso read: EFC fighters eye what they want for the future Another team member, Logan Brown, spoke about the personal growth he's experienced through training at QuanWessels. 'I am a lot more confident and comfortable walking around, knowing I can defend myself. I am very excited to compete for South Africa, and to see how I compare to other athletes in other countries.' Even athletes not on the national team, like Stefan van Rooyen, are making the journey to Abu Dhabi to support their teammates. 'Before a big fight, I stay calm by listening to music, doing some light stretching, and visualising the match in my head.' As for his inspiration in the sport, he named UFC star Paddy Pimblett. 'He's fearless, entertaining, and always brings energy to the cage.' For Tiano Marko Massimo Frau, another standout competitor, the opportunity means everything. 'I feel really good. It is really a huge and a great opportunity for me to show the world that, as a South African, we can compete at the highest levels. Never give up, through any struggle, keep training and you will persevere.' Also read: Star-studded EFC 123 card features international matchups While the achievement is historic, the athletes now face a new challenge: Raising funds to cover the costs of travel, accommodation, and gear. 'We're calling on businesses, sponsors, and supporters to help get our kids to the world championships,' said Wessels. 'These children are making South Africa proud. They just need a little help to get there.' Details: [email protected] Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts!
USA Today
10-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
UFC vets Ali AlQaisi, James Llontop featured in UAE Warriors doubleheader in Abu Dhabi
UAE Warriors will host a doubleheader later this month. UAE Warriors 61, which takes place July 23 at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi, will be headlined by Arabian featherweight champion and former UFC fighter Ali AlQaisi (16-8), who meets former EFC bantamweight champion Sylvester Chipfumbu (11-6) for the promotion's inaugural Intercontinental featherweight title. Also featured on the card is a matchup between Season 32 "Ultimate Fighter" alum and Arabian welterweight champion Omran Chaaban (8-1), who meets Brazil's Wellington Madeira (7-1). Plus, UFC and PFL veteran Ronny Markes (25-10) takes on ACB alum Kazbek Saidaliev (13-3). UAE Warriors 62, which takes place July 24 in the same venue, features a headliner between welterweight champion Khotam Boynazarov (10-0), who defends his title against DWCS graduate and UFC alum James Llontop (16-5). Former Eagle FC Champion Imam-Shapi Mukhtarov (11-1) meets Azerbaijan's Anvarbek Daniyalbekov (9-0), and team Khabib Nurmagomedov's Ullubiy Amirzhanov (4-0) takes on submission specialist Ravshan Boymirzoev (5-0).
The Citizen
08-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
‘Feralspunky' defeats ‘The Wolverine' in EFC bout
Parkrand's Godfrey 'Feralspunky' Mkhwanazi delivered a commanding performance at EFC 125, recently held at the World Sports Betting Arena. Mkhwanazi defeated Warren 'The Wolverine' Richards via TKO (strikes) at 4:29 in the second round of their bantamweight bout. 'Overall, I'm pleased with the performance and the win. I feel like I dominated the fight. However, I could have done better with the striking, ' Mkhwanazi said after the fight. The rising bantamweight contender, whose pro MMA record is 2-3-0, attributed his success to the gruelling training camp leading up to the EFC 125. 'The preparation for this fight was long, hard, and intense. But I'm ready to get back to training,' he added. Mkhwanazi thanked his team at Godfather MMA and his supporters: 'Big thanks to Godfather MMA and all my sponsors for backing me. Without them, this wouldn't be possible.' With another statement victory under his belt, Feralspunky continues to solidify his reputation as one of South Africa's top prospects in the EFC bantamweight division. While there are no confirmed details about his next bout, Mkhwanazi hopes to return to the cage this winter. 'My primary goal is still to bring back the belt,' he affirmed, making it clear that a title run remains firmly in his sights. More about Feralspunky When and why did you start training in martial arts? I started in 2019 because I've always had a passion for sports. What inspired you to become an MMA fighter? It looked like a lot of fun and something I would enjoy doing. How did you transition to MMA? I made the transition from bodybuilding to MMA, looking for something more exciting. What is your best achievement? Making it to EFC has been my biggest achievement. How did you get your fight name? My fight name is a tribute to my late girlfriend, Spunky, and the gym where I started training – Junkyard MMA with Ferdinand Basson. That's why I chose 'Feralspunky.' What is your favourite technique and why? My favourite technique is the jab because it leads to the perfect 6,7 combo. Also Read: 'The Kid' edges closer to EFC glory following victory over 'The Power' Also Read: '9mm' verskuif fokus na 'bare-knuckle' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
27-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
SA's Niedermayr and Nigeria's Ukah size each other up at PFL Africa roadshow in DRC
READY FOR BATTLE Juliet Ukah and Ceileigh Niedermayr set the tone for an exciting event in Cape Town, South Africa when they showcased their skills for fans during a PFL Africa Road Show and open workout in Kinshasa, DRC this week. Picture: PFL Image: PFL African MMA stars Ceileigh Niedermayr and Juliet Ukah had their first opportunity to size each other up ahead of their showcase Women's Strawweight bout in Cape Town next month. South Africa's Niedermayr and Nigeria's Ukah will make history as the first ladies to compete in the debut event of the inaugural PFL Africa season, set to take place on July 19th at Grand West Casino and Entertainment World in the Mother City, South Africa. This week, in Kinshasa, DRC, the Professional Fighters League had an open workout as part of a roadshow in the lead-up to the big show at the foot of Africa. There, in front of the media and hundreds of excited MMA fans, Ukah and Niedermayr showcased their skills and ran through some training drills before facing off for the first time ahead of their highly anticipated showdown. Ukah Excited for PFL Africa Debut: Aims to Shine in Fight Against Ceileigh 'I'm very happy to be on the first PFL Africa card, and my fight with Ceileigh is going to be an exciting one. We're going to be representing the two biggest MMA nations in Africa, and we want to help put African MMA in the global spotlight,' said the unbeaten Ukah, who is on a six-fight winning streak that includes two wins in the Extreme Fighting Championship, the leading African-based MMA promotion. 'Compared to her, I think I'm the more experienced fighter and the better striker, so I'm comfortable wherever the fight goes. I expect to get the finish, but I don't mind going to a third round if needed,' added Ukah who has gone to decision in five fights. Niedermayr Prepares for Historic PFL Africa Women's Fight Fellow EFC fighter and South Africa's Niedermayr, who has also previously competed at UAE Warriors and Fury Challenger Series (USA), is revelling in the moment as she looks to shine in one of the biggest MMA brands on the globe. 'It's truly an honour to be part of the first-ever PFL Africa women's fight. This fight camp isn't just about preparing for my next opponent — it's a reflection of my lifelong dedication to martial arts. I'm always pushing myself to grow, to evolve, and to become the best fighter I can be,' said Niedermayr who will be hungry to build a good innings after failing to string together a group of wins with 3 losses and two wins. (w,l,w,l,w) 'On fight night, I'm bringing a new level of 'Smiley Savagery' to the SmartCage. I have a lot of respect for Juliet as a fighter, and I welcome the chance to test myself against her, but I don't think she's ever faced anyone like me. I'm expecting an exciting, high-level battle — and I'm ready for it.' The inaugural PFL Africa Tournament will feature eight-man brackets in each weight class, starting with the Heavyweight and Bantamweight divisions next month. In total, 32 fighters representing 15 African nations will compete across the four PFL Africa divisions in 2025 as the league embarks on a continent-wide journey to crown the first-ever PFL Africa Champions. PFL Africa Tournament: Nkosi Ndebele vs. Mahmoud Atef in Historic Bantamweight Semifinal Next month's PFL Africa Tournament event will be headlined by South Africa's Nkosi Ndebele (8-3), who will face Egypt's rising contender Mahmoud Atef (5-2) in a thrilling Bantamweight Semifinal. The arrival of the PFL will be a major boost for African MMA, as the global Mixed Martial Arts promotion is quickly becoming as popular as the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Grand West Casino and Entertainment World's Grand Arena will make history as it will become the first venue in Africa to host a major international MMA show. The inaugural PFL Africa tournament will also set the scene and precede the PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai card, bringing the world's best MMA talent to Africa. Headlining the Champions Series event will be Johnny Eblen, who aims to remain undefeated and keep his Middleweight title when he faces Spain's Costello Van Steenis. In the co-main event, Dakota Ditcheva will face Sumiko Inaba in a Flyweight clash. In July 2024, the PFL announced its third international league, PFL Africa, after PFL Europe and PFL MENA. Former UFC Heavyweight and current global combat superstar, Cameroon's Francis Ngannou, is the acting chairman of the league and will also play a pivotal ambassadorial role in further growing the Professional Fighters League in the Motherland and finding and developing the next generation of African champions.
