Latest news with #KhalidHussein
Qatar Tribune
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Team Qatar heads to Germany for FISU world varsity games
Tribune News Network Doha Team Qatar has departed for Germany to participate in the 2025 FISU Summer World University Games, taking place in the Rhine-Ruhr region from July 16 to 27. The event will feature over 8,500 athletes from 150 countries, competing in 18 sports across 23 venues over 12 days. Representing Qatar's rising generation of university athletes, seven players will showcase their talents in four different sports. Abdullah Khalifa and Khalid Hussein will take to the piste in the foil fencing competition. Abdullah Abdulwahab, Youssef Magdy and Maryam Ali will compete in table tennis. Maryam Al-Fatnassi will aim high in the taekwondo arena, while Mubarka Al-Nuaimi will represent Qatar in the fiercely contested tennis events. The Qatari delegation to the World University Games is headed by Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh Al-Nuaimi, president of Qatar Collegiate Sports Federation (QCSF),andRashid Saeed Adiba, QCSF secretary-general,the delegation director , along with seven male and female athletes and a number of coaches. The World University Sports Conference will be organised in Bochum from July 17 to 19. On this occasion, Adiba emphasised that Qatar's participation aligns with the QCSF's broader strategy to develop and empower student-athletes to compete confidently on the international stage. He stated: 'Our goal goes far beyond simply showing up, westrive to expose our athletes to elite global competition, helping them refine their technical skills, elevate their mental readiness, and strengthen their confidence and competitive spirit.' He added: 'Events like these offer an ideal platform to instill the core values of the university sports movement, excellence, teamwork, integrity, and innovation. They also allow us to build strategic partnerships with universities and sports institutions around the world, reinforcing Qatar's growing presence in the global collegiate sports scene.'
BBC News
22-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Boniface Mwangi: Tanzania frees activist after Kenyan government's demand
An activist detained in Tanzania for three days has been released shortly after Kenya's foreign ministry demanded his release.A top official in the ministry, Korir Sing'oei, said on X that Boniface Mwangi was "now back in the country". Lawyer and fellow activist, Khalid Hussein, told the BBC Mwangi they were together in Kenya's coast regionThe Kenyan activist was arrested in Dar es Salaam on Monday alongside Ugandan Agather Atuhaire by suspected military officers and their whereabouts remained unknown. They had been in the country to attend the court case of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is accused of Tanzanian authorities have not commented on Mwangi's detention and deportation. But on Monday, President Samia Suluhu Hassan warned that she would not allow activists from neighbouring countries to "meddle" in her country's affairs and cause "chaos".Earlier on Thursday, Kenya's foreign affairs ministry issued a statement saying it had not been able to access the said that despite repeated requests, it had been "denied consular access" or information about him, and expressed concern about his urged Tanzania to "expeditiously and without delay" allow access, or release him, "in accordance with international legal obligations and diplomatic norms".Later, Kenya's state-funded rights commission said it had received the activist in Kwale county, following his released from posted a picture of him alongside other people including his wife, Njeri, and fellow activist Hussein and said he was "in high spirits". The commission said it was planning to transfer him to the capital Nairobi for medical activist was reportedly left at the Kenyan border on Thursday morning following his release by the Tanzanian authorities. On Wednesday, his wife told the BBC that she had last heard from him on Monday and had not been able to establish where he was."I'm actually concerned for his life. I know my husband, he would have communicated, he'd find a way to call or text me and because he hasn't, makes me very worried about what state he is in," she told the BBC Newsday radio foreign ministry on Thursday expressed similar concerns about the activist's "health, overall well-being and the absence of information regarding his detention".It said diplomats should have access to their nationals detained by a host nation in accordance with the Vienna Convention on consular relations."In light of the above, the [ministry] respectfully urges the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to expeditiously and without delay facilitate consular access to or release of Mr Mwangi," it statement came amid growing outrage, especially after Tanzania's deportation of former Kenyan justice minister Martha Karua and other activists, who had also gone to attend Lissu's hearing, over the recent months, rights groups have been expressing concern at the apparent crackdown on Tanzania's opposition ahead of elections in October. You may also be interested in: X restricted in Tanzania after police targeted by hackersWhy Samia's hesitant reforms are fuelling Tanzanian political anger'Manhandled and choked' - Tanzanian activist recounts abductionThe Tanzanians searching for their grandfathers' skulls in Germany Go to for more news from the African us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
The one-legged 'hopping' sport of balance and endurance
Across the globe, sports have long served as a means of entertainment, fitness and cultural expression. While the world is familiar with football, basketball and rugby, other traditional disciplines can tell the story of a people and their heritage. One such game is langa, a unique and physically demanding sport originating from northern Nigeria. Often referred to as the 'hopping game', it is a test of endurance, balance and tactical thinking. "In Hausa communities, the strongest and bravest were identified through such games," Khalid Hussein, chairman of the Social Langa Club in Kano state, told BBC Sport Africa. "It was a way to determine those fit for war or other significant roles in society." Langa is played on a flat open field, often with teams consisting of three to six players, and requires intense core strength. The objective is to race or outmanoeuvre opponents while hopping on one leg. The rules can vary based on the region or specific competition. Any player who places their second foot on the ground is immediately disqualified. Langa is played in either a race or a combat challenge, with winners generally decided over the best of five rounds. In a race, one player from each team, known as the ruwa (point-scorer), attempts to reach a designated area in the opponent's half. The ruwa wears a headband and is often protected by members of his team during the chase. In a combat challenge, players attempt to unbalance or knock over their opponents using only their shoulders or elbows while maintaining their one-legged stance. The match ends when a winner is determined. This could be the last person standing in a combat game or the first to cross the finish line in a race. Though deeply rooted in Nigerian culture, the fundamental principles of langa -balance, speed and strategy - resonate with other pastimes such as martial arts and parkour. For Jamilu Lawan, a professional player, it has become more than just a cultural tradition. "I started playing as a child. Today, it has become my profession," he told BBC Sport Africa. "I gain not only recognition but also many benefits from the game. I get money from langa and have acquired a lot in life." His experience reflects the potential for langa to evolve into a more structured, competitive sport that could be appreciated beyond its heartland in northern Nigeria. Meanwhile, the sport's emphasis on lower-body strength and flexibility challenges the body and mind in a similar way to gymnastics or yoga. "Langa is very important in my life because it makes me stronger and healthier," said Ibrahim Usman, an active player. Beyond its competitive nature, langa fosters values such as teamwork, discipline and perseverance. According to Mu'azzam Ibrahim, who has coached teams in Rivers and Bayelsa states in the south of Nigeria, these aspects help the sport serve as a tool for social and personal development. "Truly, langa teaches many things like friendship, interaction, and education," he told the BBC. "We are concerned about each other's worries, whether in training, in our interactions outside and at home. Langa unites us as brothers." Langa is beginning to gain recognition beyond its traditional home and was first featured in the Nigeria National Sports Festival in 1996. Social Langa Club chairman Hussein envisions an even bigger stage. "We want to see langa included in the West African Games, and eventually, European competitions," he said. The simplicity of the game would make it easy to introduce in schools and communities worldwide. Like hopscotch or tag, langa requires no expensive equipment - just space, skill and determination. As modern sports continue to dominate global entertainment, traditional games like langa face the challenge of remaining relevant. However, through cultural preservation efforts and media exposure, there is hope that langa can find a place on the world stage just like traditional sports such as capoeira (Brazil), kabaddi (south Asia), and sepak takraw (south-east Asia) have gained global recognition. "Langa is not just about competition," Hussein said. "It is about identity, history, and community." With the right exposure and continued promotion, langa has the potential to become an international sport that bridges cultures through its unique combination of athleticism and strategy.
BBC News
05-02-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
The one-legged 'hopping' sport of balance and endurance
Across the globe, sports have long served as a means of entertainment, fitness and cultural the world is familiar with football, basketball and rugby, other traditional disciplines can tell the story of a people and their heritage. One such game is langa, a unique and physically demanding sport originating from northern Nigeria. Often referred to as the 'hopping game', it is a test of endurance, balance and tactical thinking."In Hausa communities, the strongest and bravest were identified through such games," Khalid Hussein, chairman of the Social Langa Club in Kano state, told BBC Sport Africa."It was a way to determine those fit for war or other significant roles in society."Langa is played on a flat open field, often with teams consisting of three to six players, and requires intense core strength. The objective is to race or outmanoeuvre opponents while hopping on one leg. The rules can vary based on the region or specific player who places their second foot on the ground is immediately is played in either a race or a combat challenge, with winners generally decided over the best of five a race, one player from each team, known as the ruwa (point-scorer), attempts to reach a designated area in the opponent's half. The ruwa wears a headband and is often protected by members of his team during the a combat challenge, players attempt to unbalance or knock over their opponents using only their shoulders or elbows while maintaining their one-legged match ends when a winner is determined. This could be the last person standing in a combat game or the first to cross the finish line in a race. More than just a local sport Though deeply rooted in Nigerian culture, the fundamental principles of langa -balance, speed and strategy - resonate with other pastimes such as martial arts and parkour. For Jamilu Lawan, a professional player, it has become more than just a cultural tradition."I started playing as a child. Today, it has become my profession," he told BBC Sport Africa."I gain not only recognition but also many benefits from the game. I get money from langa and have acquired a lot in life."His experience reflects the potential for langa to evolve into a more structured, competitive sport that could be appreciated beyond its heartland in northern the sport's emphasis on lower-body strength and flexibility challenges the body and mind in a similar way to gymnastics or yoga."Langa is very important in my life because it makes me stronger and healthier," said Ibrahim Usman, an active its competitive nature, langa fosters values such as teamwork, discipline and perseverance. According to Mu'azzam Ibrahim, who has coached teams in Rivers and Bayelsa states in the south of Nigeria, these aspects help the sport serve as a tool for social and personal development."Truly, langa teaches many things like friendship, interaction, and education," he told the BBC."We are concerned about each other's worries, whether in training, in our interactions outside and at home. Langa unites us as brothers." A sport on the rise Langa is beginning to gain recognition beyond its traditional home and was first featured in the Nigeria National Sports Festival in Langa Club chairman Hussein envisions an even bigger stage."We want to see langa included in the West African Games, and eventually, European competitions," he simplicity of the game would make it easy to introduce in schools and communities worldwide. Like hopscotch or tag, langa requires no expensive equipment - just space, skill and determination. As modern sports continue to dominate global entertainment, traditional games like langa face the challenge of remaining relevant. However, through cultural preservation efforts and media exposure, there is hope that langa can find a place on the world stage just like traditional sports such as capoeira (Brazil), kabaddi (south Asia), and sepak takraw (south-east Asia) have gained global recognition."Langa is not just about competition," Hussein said."It is about identity, history, and community."With the right exposure and continued promotion, langa has the potential to become an international sport that bridges cultures through its unique combination of athleticism and strategy.
