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Category: Sport

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Strand Aldwych wins a Green Flag Award for transformation into vibrant urban green space | Westminster City Council

    Source: City of Westminster

    The Strand Aldwych project has earned a Green Flag Award, recognising its exceptional transformation from one of London’s busiest and most polluted streets into a thriving public green space in the heart of the capital.

    The Green Flag Award is an international recognition awarded to parks and green spaces with excellent management in the UK and around the world.

    The project has also been awarded the Green Heritage Site Accreditation, an acknowledgement of its outstanding conservation of historical and cultural significance alongside its environmental value.

    Strand Aldwych is the first pedestrianised green space to achieve either of these awards, setting a benchmark for urban transformation in the country.

    Launched in December 2022, the Strand Aldwych project transformed what was once a congested and polluted road system into a vibrant, car-free public space that celebrates the cultural and historic heritage of the area. 

    With an investment of £22 million from Westminster City Council, the project has created a new pedestrian zone the size of a football pitch, connecting the historic St Mary le Strand church with London’s leading cultural and educational institutions in the area, including King’s College London, the London School of Economics, Somerset House, and The Courtauld Institute. 

    The Strand and Aldwych areas now welcome 14 million visitors annually, and are home to 400 businesses employing over 20,000 people.

    Key features of the transformation include:

    • A safe, car-free zone with increased cycle parking, improved safety at junctions, and expanded footways on nearby roads to support pedestrian movement and cycling.
    • New seating areas offering a place for people to relax under the shade of trees.
    • A variety of trees and planting to support biodiversity, provide year-round colour, and contribute to a greener urban environment.
    • As a 7,000m² green space in one of the busiest areas of central London, the project has enhanced air quality, offered urban cooling and provided support for pollinators.
    • The space also serves as an accessible cultural platform, with rotating art installations around the year and connections to nearby cultural and educational institutions.

    Cllr Ryan Jude, Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Ecology, Culture and Air Quality, said:

    “I’m proud to announce that Strand Aldwych has just earned a Green Flag Award for its outstanding urban transformation. This is a well-deserved recognition of the area as a world-class public green space connecting historic and cultural landmarks with the vibrant city life in central London. 

    “In response to our declaration of an ecological emergency in 2023, we developed our Greening and Biodiversity Strategy to make Westminster more resilient through improving and enhancing nature in the city. Our recently published Air Quality Action Plan also presents a bold and clear roadmap towards reducing air pollution and improving public health outcomes for residents.

    “The Strand Aldwych project is an excellent example of a public space that is welcoming, accessible and beneficial to the environment. All key to our commitment to creating a greener, fairer Westminster for all our residents and visitors.”

    Ruth Duston OBE OC, CEO of London Heritage Quarter, said: 

    “Creating calm, people-focused, places in urban spaces is an important priority for London Heritage Quarter. Strand Aldwych receiving a Green Flag Award is testament to the hard work of all involved, and the project is a great example of what collaborative work can achieve. By working closely with Westminster City Council and a wide range of partners and stakeholders including King’s College London, London School of Economics, Somerset House Trust, St Mary Le Strand and The Courtauld Institute, this greening scheme has delivered truly transformative results for this area of London that links the West End and the City.

    “It serves as a template on how the pedestrianisation of public spaces can transform pockets of urban cities into a destination where people want to be.”

    Miles Watson-Smyth, Chief Executive of Windowflowers Ltd, who plants and maintains the displays, said:

    “We are incredibly proud to have played a part in the transformation and ongoing care of the gardens in the Strand Aldwych area, working alongside Westminster City Council. To see this space recognised with both a Green Flag Award and Green Heritage Site Accreditation is a true honour. When we’re on site, members of the public regularly stop to tell us how much they enjoy the gardens and to thank us for our work — that kind of appreciation, along with these prestigious awards, makes all our efforts feel truly worthwhile.”

    Cannon Ivers, Director of LDA Design, said:

    “This is a special moment for Strand-Aldwych and for all those who worked so hard to transform what was a heavily trafficked and polluted road into a place for people and for nature, and for those who tirelessly support and maintain the space so well, with passion, knowledge, care, and commitment.

    “Strand has historically been about movement and transport. Now it’s a democratic, biodiverse space for everyone to enjoy with seating for up to 700 people, described as the best thing to happen to London in years. The fact that it is the first time a pedestrianised space has been awarded Green Flag status is fantastic recognition of Strand’s contribution to making London a healthier, calmer, and better place to be. Hopefully, this will embolden other towns and cities to reclaim streets for communities and for nature to thrive.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Judokas join GB team’s medal charge in Germany

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    Lucy Williams, left, and Dr Katrina McDonald in their GB Students kit ahead of the World University Games

    Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is set to play a key role in the GB Students’ medal charge at the World University Games, taking place in the Rhine-Ruhr region of Germany.

    ARU student and top-ranked British judoka Lucy Williams is part of the three-woman judo squad, which is being coached by ARU lecturer Dr Katrina McDonald, and the pair fly out to Germany today.

    The World University Games is one of the largest multi-sports events to be staged this year, attracting around 8,500 student athletes and officials from over 150 countries.

    Lucy has represented Great Britain at senior level and is currently ranked as Britain’s number one in the over 78kg category. She’s studying for a Masters in Physiotherapy at ARU’s Cambridge campus, having originally completed a BSc degree in Sport and Exercise Therapy at ARU.

    Lucy won a bronze medal last summer at the European University Games in Hungary, and she’s joined in the GB Students women’s judo squad this week by Tatum Keen and Summer Shaw.

    “I am super excited for the three athletes selected. Even though it’s a small team, the judoka are of excellent calibre, and all are looking to medal. It’s a high-level tournament with current Senior World Champions in the event.

    “Keeping a high level of training whilst studying is commendable but in judo, as a combat sport, it is truly remarkable. The athletes have worked really hard for this opportunity, and I am delighted to be able to assist in this part of their judo journey.”

    Dr Katrina McDonald, Senior Lecturer in Sports Coaching at ARU and the squad’s coach

    The World University Games have a long history – the first precursor event to the Games, the International Universities Championships, took place in Paris in 1923 – and the biennial event was last held in Chengdu, China in 2023.

    Judo is one of 18 different sports being contested at the World University Games, and the judo competition begins in the city of Essen on Wednesday.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKETO Berlin sponsors 17th International Dragon Boat Federation World Dragon Boat Racing Championships held in Germany (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Berlin (HKETO Berlin) sponsored the 17th International Dragon Boat Federation World Dragon Boat Racing Championships (IDBF World Championships) held in Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany, from July 14 to 20 (Berlin time).

    The one-week competition brought together over 4 000 athletes from 33 countries and regions, showcasing the global appeal of dragon boat racing.  The Acting Director of HKETO Berlin, Mr Billy Leung, supported Hong Kong team’s competition and delivered a speech at the event dinner, highlighting Hong Kong as a centre for international major sports events.   

    “Hong Kong is a centre for major sports events. Every year, our annual Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races attract athletes from around the world, uniting top competitors in a thrilling celebration of athleticism and culture.” 

    This year, the Hong Kong delegation won a total of eight medals, namely one gold, three silver and four bronze medals. Hong Kong will host the next IDBF World Championships in 2027. The closing ceremony held on July 20 was concluded with a symbolic flag handover from the event organisers to the Hong Kong delegation.  

    About HKETO Berlin

    HKETO Berlin is the official representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in commercial relations and other economic and trade matters in Austria as well as Czechia, Germany, Hungary, Poland, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Switzerland. 
     

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    July 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: From Sideline to Lifeline: Advancing Emergency Skills in Athletic Training Education

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Athletic trainers play a key role in keeping athletes safe by providing care, including injury and illness prevention, rehabilitation, and emergency care in cases of catastrophic injury.

    Last year, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) updated guidance on writing and adopting an Emergency Action Plan (EAP), a document indicating the preparations for and response to any type of catastrophic injury. An EAP is used to help ensure a comprehensive approach to athlete care in any serious illness or injury situation for health care team members and other stakeholders in a prehospital setting. It also accounts for the care of others involved with sports – from coaches and referees to spectators at events.

    To help athletic trainers discuss acute emergency injuries and revise their emergency action plans according to the latest evidence-based science, the UConn Institute for Sports Medicine (ISM) held a day-long workshop in Hartford at UConn’s space in the PeoplesBank Arena, formerly the XL Center, for Connecticut athletic trainers.

    Associate professor-in-Residence and director of the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program Eleni Diakogeorgiou at the event. (Jason Sheldon/UConn Photo)
    Athletics trainers from around the state came to PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford for the workshop. (Jason Sheldon/UConn Photo)
    UConn ISM is a collaboration between the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) and UConn Health. (Jason Sheldon/UConn Photo)

    “UConn ISM is committed to the health, performance, and longevity of athletes,” says Laurie Devaney, head of the Department of Kinesiology and co-director of UConn ISM. “We do that by applying our research and medical knowledge to protect athletes of any age and skill level from injury and illness. This includes life-threatening emergencies as they may occur at any time and place.”

    Faculty from UConn Health and the UConn Department of Kinesiology in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) spoke on a variety of topics during morning sessions related to athlete safety, including care for concussions and loss of consciousness, orthopedics, and airway management considerations.

    “The goal of our workshop was to include a variety of emergency topics relevant to Athletic Trainers, which was complemented by engaging hands-on activities,” says Lauren Sheldon, assistant professor in residence and director of clinical outreach, community engagement, and injury prevention for the UConn Institute for Sports Medicine.

    The afternoon sessions featured rotating workshops that included hands-on demonstrations and a simulation of a medical emergency, giving athletic trainers practical advice and an opportunity to enhance their skills. It concluded with preceptor training to enhance mentoring and teaching skills to the next generation of athletic trainers.

    One athletic trainer who attended the training commented that the workshop “Exceeded my expectations. I love the new location.” Another noted the workshop was “really a blessing for a local AT.”

    “Connecting athletic trainers and the ability to collaborate with stakeholders on their individualized EAPs will improve overall response and decrease errors during an emergency when quick and comprehensive response is crucial,” says Devaney. “We’re proud to be able to offer workshops like these to improve the health and safety of athletes around the state.”

    This work relates to CAHNR’s Strategic Vision area focused on Enhancing Health and Well-Being Locally, Nationally, and Globally.

    Follow UConn CAHNR on social media

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Catherine Staggs: Advancing Artemis Through Contracting Expertise

    Source: NASA

    A lifelong baseball fan, Catherine Staggs set out with her family to visit all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums across the United States. That love of the game eventually led them to settle in Houston about eight years ago – a choice that helped lead Staggs to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where she is a contracting officer for the agency’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative. Through CLPS, she helps manage the contracts with commercial companies delivering science and technology to the Moon. These efforts support NASA’s Artemis campaign and lay the groundwork for continuous human presence on the lunar surface.

    She joined NASA as a civil servant in 2018, but Staggs’ career in the federal government stretches back to her college days. She completed an accounting co-op with the Department of Defense as a student at Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina, and secured a full-time accounting position with the agency following her graduation. She transitioned to a business financial manager position supporting U.S. Marine Corps projects while earning an MBA from The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. “That position is where I started to dabble in contracting,” she said.
    Staggs moved to Texas in 2014 to be closer to her boyfriend – now husband – who was stationed at Fort Hood in Killeen. She was hired as a contract compliance manager for a small, Killeen-based business that specialized in government contracts, officially launching her career in contracting. When Staggs’ husband retired from the Army, the couple decided to move to Houston because they loved to watch the Houston Astros play ball. Staggs continued working for the contracting company from her new home but missed meeting new people and collaborating with colleagues in person.
    “I applied for a contract specialist job with NASA to get back into the office, and the rest is history,” she said.
    Her current role at Johnson involves managing the administrative contract functions for the 13 base contracts that support CLPS, which are valued at $2.6 billion. She is also the contracting officer for Firefly’s Blue Ghost Mission-3 and helps to train and develop up-and-coming contract specialists. “I love to see the development each contract specialist has over their career,” she said. “My first Pathways intern is now working full-time for NASA as a contract specialist, and they are working to become a limited warrant contracting officer.”

    Her training experience provides valuable perspective on new team members. “Everyone starts at the bottom, not knowing what they don’t know,” she said. “We all have a beginning, and we need to remember that as we welcome new employees.”
    Staggs said that navigating change has at times been difficult in her career, but she strives to remain flexible and open to adjusting work and life to meet the needs of the mission. “My time at NASA has helped develop my leadership skills through confidence in myself and my team,” she said.

    She looks forward to mentoring the Artemis Generation and sharing her contracting knowledge with new team members. She also anticipates crossing more baseball stadiums off her family’s list this summer.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Film Archive to present screening programme “Cantonese Opera Films: The Legend of Guan Gong” (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         The Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will present a programme entitled “Cantonese Opera Films: The Legend of Guan Gong” from August 30 to September 7. Five Cantonese opera films in the 1950s and 1960s starring virtuosos will be screened at the Cinema of HKFA to revisit the incomparable skills and talents of the masters. This screening programme is one of the programmes of the Chinese Culture Festival (CCF) 2025.
     
         Guan Yu, a famous general of the Three Kingdoms period, was well known for his loyalty and righteousness. His legend has been frequently adapted in Chinese opera and theatre, to the extent that Peking and Cantonese opera traditions, among others, have Guan Gong (Lord Guan) as a genre of performance. The highlight of any notable interpretation of Lord Guan in the genre is how the performer brings out the stature and impressiveness of the character. The performer also needs to display mastery of both stage movements and vocal techniques, while complementing the majesty of luogu (gong-and-drum) music and showcasing the aesthetics of unadorned simplicity and elegance.
     
         Kwan Tak-hing, who was lauded as “Living Lord Guan” for his virtuoso skills, plays the role of Guan Yu in “Kwan-Ti, God of War” (1956) (2K Digitised Version) and “General Kwan Escorts His Sisters-in-Law on a Thousand Mile Journey” (1957) (2K Digitised Version). The former focuses on the tales between Guan and the legendary beauty Diao Chan, played by Tang Bik-wan, while the latter tells the story of the dangers and hardships that Guan encountered while escorting Liu Bei’s two wives on their journey. The films recorded Kwan’s impressive Cantonese opera performances in the role of Lord Guan, especially through his postures, movements and walking styles. The screening of “General Kwan Escorts His Sisters-in-Law on a Thousand Mile Journey” features a newly digitised version of the film from the HKFA’s collection, which should not be missed.
     
         The “General Kwan Guards the Huarong Path Lau Bei Crosses the River to Meet His Bride” (1957) tells the story of Sun Quan pretending to offer his sister’s hand in marriage to Liu Bei, played by Cheung Wood-yau, in an ultimately failed attempt to take back Jingzhou from Liu. Leng Wah Hang, a highly acclaimed wusheng actress of Cantonese opera, gives a definitive performance as Lord Guan in the film, especially in the scenes where she wields the Green Dragon Crescent Blade masterfully in a perfect display of techniques. The film will be screened with “Drowning Seven Armies” from “An Ideal Couple” (1960) (2K Digitised Version), starring another Cantonese opera virtuoso Sun Chu, who was also lauded as “Living Lord Guan”, in the role of Guan Yu. Following the Peking opera tradition, Sun Chu portrayed Lord Guan with a red face. The image of Lord Guan with a red face was so well received that it has since become the hallmark of the role in Cantonese opera.
     
         “Lui Bo” (1961) (2K Digitised Version) depicts the life of general Lü Bu, played by actress Yu So-chow, as described in the classical novel “Romance of the Three Kingdoms”. In the film, the character of Guan Yu is played by the acclaimed Peking opera actor Yu Zhanyuan, father of Yu So-chow. The father-daughter duo appears onscreen together as enemies in a fight scene, which is a spectacular display of their skills and stage presence.
     
         Some of the screenings will be accompanied by post-screening talks, hosted by Professor Yuen Siu-fai and Yuen Tsz-ying.
     
         Tickets priced at $60 will be available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk) from July 25 (Friday). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. A 20 per cent discount is available for every purchase of regular-priced tickets for two or more screenings of this programme. For programme details, please visit (www.filmarchive.gov.hk/en/web/hkfa/2025/ccf-guan-gong/pe-event-2025-ccf-guan-gong.html) or call 2739 2139.
     
         The CCF, presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the Chinese Culture Promotion Office under the LCSD, aims to promote Chinese culture and enhance the public’s national identity and cultural confidence. For more information about programmes and activities of the CCF 2025, please visit www.ccf.gov.hk.

                  

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    July 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: China get reality check with Asia Cup bronze finish

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    China clinched third place at the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup with a dominant 101-66 victory over South Korea on Sunday, concluding the first major tournament of its Los Angeles Olympic cycle with a bittersweet result that served as both a disappointment and a crucial learning experience.

    While the team secured a podium finish, its title defense was decisively ended a day earlier in the semifinals by a sharp-shooting Japanese team, a defeat that exposed the challenges ahead of China.

    Yang Shuyu (front) of China reacts after the semifinal match between China and Japan at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025 in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province, July 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

    The wake-up call was delivered by Japan’s accurate long-range attack, led by 19-year-old point guard Kokoro Tanaka, who posted 21 points in the first quarter alone, hitting five-for-five from beyond the arc.

    Japan hit 16 three-pointers in the game, shooting 47.1 percent from deep and scoring 30 more points from beyond the arc than China. The barrage exposed the defensive liabilities of China’s highly anticipated “Twin Towers” lineup.

    The pairing of 2.26-meter (7-foot-5) prodigy Zhang Ziyu and 2.11-meter (6-foot-11) Han Xu, dominant in the group stage against Indonesia, South Korea and New Zealand, struggled against Japan’s “small, fast, and agile” style. Zhang’s slower foot speed was frequently exploited to create open space, while Han was often forced to defend multiple perimeter players.

    “The ‘Twin Towers’ lineup showed some weaknesses in limiting their three-pointers,” head coach Gong Luming admitted post-game. “Their threes posed a huge threat and created a lot of trouble for us. We will learn from this and seriously think about how our big lineups can adapt to this fast-paced style.”

    Center Han Xu acknowledged the team’s shortcomings after the loss. “Against a quick team like Japan, you need to be efficient to limit their fast breaks and threes, but our defense was not good enough,” she said.

    Despite the loss, Gong affirmed the team would not abandon its long-term strategy.

    “We will not change our plans just because we lost this game; that would be wrong. We are preparing for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and will continue to build on the experience gained today,” Gong said.

    For 18-year-old Zhang, the tournament was a glimpse of what’s to come. She finished her senior team debut averaging an impressive 15.6 points and 5.6 rebounds. While her dominance in the paint is clear, so are the areas for improvement.

    “Her potential is huge, but the public’s expectations for her are too high right now,” Gong said. “The overall offensive and defensive chemistry with her is still lacking… but this is a process we must go through.”

    The tournament was also an emotional one for Han, who broke down in a press conference after the semifinal loss. Having faced public pressure for skipping overseas leagues to focus on national team duties, she stated her intention to play abroad in the future.

    “After this year’s major tournaments are over, if there is an opportunity to play in an overseas league, I will do my best to fight for it,” Han said.

    “This might be my last time wearing the national team jersey,” said China’s veteran forward Huang Sijing. “Looking back on my 10 years representing China, there have been both joys and regrets, but as I reach the twilight of my career, what I feel most is pride.”

    Although she expressed disappointment with the team’s result at the Asia Cup, Huang acknowledged the broader context. “The team is undergoing a generational transition, and we’re also adapting to a new coaching philosophy. Given we’ve only had three months to work together, I think we’ve already made good progress.”

    As China left Shenzhen with a bronze medal instead of the desired gold, the coach framed the outcome as a necessary wake-up call. He also noted that he had picked up some tactical ideas from Japan, Australia and South Korea during the tournament – insights he said would be valuable for the development of China’s younger players.

    With only three months together, the new squad learned where it stands and the work required to return to the top of the podium.

    “We certainly saw a lot of our own shortcomings, but the experience gained is more important for the team’s future. I hope the team maintains its fighting spirit… that is the foundation for our future development,” Gong added. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    July 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Join in fun and help shape your community at free family events

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The Love Your Community roadshow will be visiting Pendeford Dovecotes TMO, Ryefield, on Wednesday 30 July, the Cannock Road Gurdwara on Thursday 7 August, Lanesfield Church on Wednesday 13 August, and St Joseph’s Church, Coalway Road, on Wednesday 20 August. Each fun day will run from 11am to 3pm and everyone is welcome.

    Partners including the City of Wolverhampton Council, community organisations and charities, the police and other service providers will be on hand to provide a day of fun activities, wellbeing and practical support for people of all ages across 4 distinct zones.

    The Kids and Family Zone will include a bouncy castle and physical play, face painting, henna art and craft activities, while the Wellbeing Zone will offer a calm and supportive environment providing information and advice from partners like Rethink and the NHS as well as mindfulness sessions and journalling activities designed to promote self care and reflection.

    Elsewhere, the Advice and Support Zone will offer residents financial tips, energy efficiency guidance and support with managing household budgets along with gardening workshops to encourage sustainable living and community greening, and the Sports and Physical Activity Zone will feature kickabouts with Wolves Foundation, calisthenics demonstrations, interactive sessions led by WV Active and appearances by Wolves mascots Wolfie and Wendy.

    Visitors will also be encouraged to contribute to the Love Your Community Wall, sharing what they value about their neighbourhood, contributing ideas for local improvements, and making a pledge to support positive change in their community.

    Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “These Love Your Community events will bring residents together for fun, connection, and support. They are a great chance for people to find out more about what is going on locally, discover services that can make their lives easier, and share their ideas to improve their neighbourhood.

    “The Love Your Community initiative is designed to empower and encourage people to take pride in their local area through community events, shared spaces, support networks and inclusive activities.

    “This is important because we know that, when residents feel seen, heard, and included, their neighbourhoods flourish – and so does our city. So please come along, join the fun, and help shape the future of your community.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 21, 2025

  • ECB to host next three World Test Championship finals till 2031, ICC says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will continue to host the biennial final of the World Test Championship for the next three editions till 2031, global governing body ICC said on Sunday.

    The match, which crowns the world champions in the longest format of the sport, has been held in England since it was introduced, with Southampton hosting the first edition in 2021 and the two subsequent finals taking place in London.

    “We are absolutely delighted that England and Wales has been chosen to host the next three ICC World Test Championship finals,” the ECB chief executive Richard Gould said.

    “It’s a testament to the passion that fans in this country have for this treasured format of the game and the willingness of supporters from around the world to travel here for these games.”

    The 2025 final at Lord’s, where South Africa beat defending champions Australia, was attended by 109,227 people over four days and received 225 million digital views, the ICC said in a statement last month.

    “Hosting these finals is a privilege, and we look forward to working with the ICC to build on the success of the previous editions,” Gould added.

    (Reuters)

     

    July 21, 2025

  • Youth Spiritual Summit concludes in Varanasi with launch of Kashi Declaration for Drug-Free India

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Youth Spiritual Summit, held under the theme Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat, concluded on Sunday at the Rudraksh International Convention Centre in Varanasi with the formal adoption of the Kashi Declaration — a visionary roadmap to drive a nationwide youth-led movement against drug addiction

    Organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the summit brought together over 600 youth leaders from more than 120 spiritual and socio-cultural organisations, along with academicians, experts, and government representatives. The event was a moment in India’s pursuit of a drug-free society by 2047, uniting spiritual strength with youthful resolve.

    Over the course of four thematic plenary sessions, participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the psychological and social impacts of substance abuse, the complexities of drug trafficking and supply chains, grassroots awareness strategies, and the critical role of spiritual and cultural institutions in prevention and rehabilitation. These deliberations culminated in the Kashi Declaration, which outlines a multi-dimensional and collaborative approach to drug de-addiction, rooted in India’s civilisational ethos and driven by youth leadership.

    Addressing the gathering, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, described the declaration as a collective Sankalp (resolve) arising from the reflections and dialogue of the summit. He emphasized that the document is not just a vision statement, but a shared commitment to national transformation.

    The Kashi Declaration calls for treating substance abuse as a complex public health and societal challenge. It recommends a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, integrating efforts from spiritual, educational, technological, and cultural domains. The declaration proposes the formation of a Joint National Committee for coordination among ministries, annual progress reporting mechanisms, and a national platform to connect individuals affected by substance abuse with support services.

    Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the unique role of spiritual organisations in this campaign, stating that Bharat’s spiritual legacy must now lead the charge in creating a drug-free generation. “Spiritual institutions will serve as the backbone of this Maha Abhiyan,” he said, urging collective action through community engagement.

    Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shiv Pratap Shukla, also addressed the summit, invoking the cultural sanctity of Kashi. He described the ancient city as the “cradle of Sanatan Chetna,” where discipline and values guide personal and national progress. He warned that a nation where 65% of the population is youth cannot afford to succumb to addiction, stressing that only a liberated and conscious youth can build a strong future.

    The concluding session saw the participation of several prominent leaders, including Virendra Kumar, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment; Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism; Anil Rajbhar, Minister of State for Labour and Employment; Nityanand Rai, Minister of State for Home Affairs; and Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports.

    The summit also marked a key step forward in the MY Bharat (Mera Yuva Bharat) framework. Going forward, MY Bharat volunteers and affiliated youth clubs will spearhead pledge campaigns, awareness drives, and grassroots outreach across the country. The Kashi Declaration will act as a guiding document, and its progress will be reviewed at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, ensuring accountability and long-term impact.

    July 21, 2025

  • Youth Spiritual Summit concludes in Varanasi with launch of Kashi Declaration for Drug-Free India

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Youth Spiritual Summit, held under the theme Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat, concluded on Sunday at the Rudraksh International Convention Centre in Varanasi with the formal adoption of the Kashi Declaration — a visionary roadmap to drive a nationwide youth-led movement against drug addiction

    Organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the summit brought together over 600 youth leaders from more than 120 spiritual and socio-cultural organisations, along with academicians, experts, and government representatives. The event was a moment in India’s pursuit of a drug-free society by 2047, uniting spiritual strength with youthful resolve.

    Over the course of four thematic plenary sessions, participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the psychological and social impacts of substance abuse, the complexities of drug trafficking and supply chains, grassroots awareness strategies, and the critical role of spiritual and cultural institutions in prevention and rehabilitation. These deliberations culminated in the Kashi Declaration, which outlines a multi-dimensional and collaborative approach to drug de-addiction, rooted in India’s civilisational ethos and driven by youth leadership.

    Addressing the gathering, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, described the declaration as a collective Sankalp (resolve) arising from the reflections and dialogue of the summit. He emphasized that the document is not just a vision statement, but a shared commitment to national transformation.

    The Kashi Declaration calls for treating substance abuse as a complex public health and societal challenge. It recommends a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, integrating efforts from spiritual, educational, technological, and cultural domains. The declaration proposes the formation of a Joint National Committee for coordination among ministries, annual progress reporting mechanisms, and a national platform to connect individuals affected by substance abuse with support services.

    Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the unique role of spiritual organisations in this campaign, stating that Bharat’s spiritual legacy must now lead the charge in creating a drug-free generation. “Spiritual institutions will serve as the backbone of this Maha Abhiyan,” he said, urging collective action through community engagement.

    Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shiv Pratap Shukla, also addressed the summit, invoking the cultural sanctity of Kashi. He described the ancient city as the “cradle of Sanatan Chetna,” where discipline and values guide personal and national progress. He warned that a nation where 65% of the population is youth cannot afford to succumb to addiction, stressing that only a liberated and conscious youth can build a strong future.

    The concluding session saw the participation of several prominent leaders, including Virendra Kumar, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment; Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism; Anil Rajbhar, Minister of State for Labour and Employment; Nityanand Rai, Minister of State for Home Affairs; and Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports.

    The summit also marked a key step forward in the MY Bharat (Mera Yuva Bharat) framework. Going forward, MY Bharat volunteers and affiliated youth clubs will spearhead pledge campaigns, awareness drives, and grassroots outreach across the country. The Kashi Declaration will act as a guiding document, and its progress will be reviewed at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, ensuring accountability and long-term impact.

    July 21, 2025

  • Youth Spiritual Summit concludes in Varanasi with launch of Kashi Declaration for Drug-Free India

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Youth Spiritual Summit, held under the theme Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat, concluded on Sunday at the Rudraksh International Convention Centre in Varanasi with the formal adoption of the Kashi Declaration — a visionary roadmap to drive a nationwide youth-led movement against drug addiction

    Organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the summit brought together over 600 youth leaders from more than 120 spiritual and socio-cultural organisations, along with academicians, experts, and government representatives. The event was a moment in India’s pursuit of a drug-free society by 2047, uniting spiritual strength with youthful resolve.

    Over the course of four thematic plenary sessions, participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the psychological and social impacts of substance abuse, the complexities of drug trafficking and supply chains, grassroots awareness strategies, and the critical role of spiritual and cultural institutions in prevention and rehabilitation. These deliberations culminated in the Kashi Declaration, which outlines a multi-dimensional and collaborative approach to drug de-addiction, rooted in India’s civilisational ethos and driven by youth leadership.

    Addressing the gathering, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, described the declaration as a collective Sankalp (resolve) arising from the reflections and dialogue of the summit. He emphasized that the document is not just a vision statement, but a shared commitment to national transformation.

    The Kashi Declaration calls for treating substance abuse as a complex public health and societal challenge. It recommends a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, integrating efforts from spiritual, educational, technological, and cultural domains. The declaration proposes the formation of a Joint National Committee for coordination among ministries, annual progress reporting mechanisms, and a national platform to connect individuals affected by substance abuse with support services.

    Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the unique role of spiritual organisations in this campaign, stating that Bharat’s spiritual legacy must now lead the charge in creating a drug-free generation. “Spiritual institutions will serve as the backbone of this Maha Abhiyan,” he said, urging collective action through community engagement.

    Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shiv Pratap Shukla, also addressed the summit, invoking the cultural sanctity of Kashi. He described the ancient city as the “cradle of Sanatan Chetna,” where discipline and values guide personal and national progress. He warned that a nation where 65% of the population is youth cannot afford to succumb to addiction, stressing that only a liberated and conscious youth can build a strong future.

    The concluding session saw the participation of several prominent leaders, including Virendra Kumar, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment; Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism; Anil Rajbhar, Minister of State for Labour and Employment; Nityanand Rai, Minister of State for Home Affairs; and Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports.

    The summit also marked a key step forward in the MY Bharat (Mera Yuva Bharat) framework. Going forward, MY Bharat volunteers and affiliated youth clubs will spearhead pledge campaigns, awareness drives, and grassroots outreach across the country. The Kashi Declaration will act as a guiding document, and its progress will be reviewed at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, ensuring accountability and long-term impact.

    July 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: China cut down to size by Japan’s pacey run-and-gun game

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    With its sizeable assets neutralized by Japan’s run-and-gun game, the Chinese women’s team has crashed out of its home Asia Cup earlier than expected, with alarm bells ringing for the future.

    A perennial continental power, proud of its talented supply of towering post players, the Chinese women’s basketball program has learned the hard way how the modern game has evolved into a competition of sheer speed, sharpness and an intensity delivered at a much faster pace.

    China’s towering center Zhang Ziyu seen during the third-place playoff against South Korea at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup on Sunday. The defending champion took a bronze with a big 101-66 win, one day after its loss to Japan in the semifinals on Saturday. XINHUA

    The lesson was a harsh one after Team China, as defending champion and a higher-ranked favorite, suffered a 90-81 semifinal loss to Japan on Saturday in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, missing out on the final of the FIBA continental showpiece for the first time in eight years.

    After overpowering the same opponent twice in warm-up games last month, Team China soon realized on Saturday that its size advantage wouldn’t help that much on a night when Japan felt a need for speed — and opened the game firing on all cylinders.

    In an incredible display, Japan’s teen star Kokoro Tanaka set the tone by scoring 21 of her 27 total points in the first quarter alone.

    She caught the host off guard by hitting five 3-pointers in a row, tearing China’s slow-rotating zone defense apart, while silencing the crowd at the Shenzhen Sports Center Gymnasium.

    China, though, came back strongly in the second quarter, relying on its towering combo of 6-foot-10 forward Han Xu and 7-foot-5 center Zhang Ziyu, to take a 51-49 lead into halftime.

    However, Japan’s sharp-shooting trio of Yuki Miyazawa, Norika Konno and Stephanie Mawuli all stepped up following the interval, connecting with a barrage of deep 3s and fast counterattacks to rebuild Japan’s early advantage.

    Captain Maki Takada then plunged the dagger in further, hitting one from near the rim with 32.3 seconds left to settle the eventual scoreline and help avenge Japan’s narrow 73-71 defeat to China in the 2023 Asia Cup final in Sydney.

    Leading China on a heartbreaking night for the national side was forward Yang Shuyu, who finished with 19 points.

    Former WNBA star Han contributed 18 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, while teen prodigy Zhang, who is making her senior international debut in Shenzhen, finished with 17 points and nine rebounds in 20 minutes, the longest she’s played across four games.

    China’s head coach Gong Luming hailed his players’ efforts in trying to put up a fight, but admitted his team has a lot of catching-up to do.

    “We learned a tough lesson from today’s loss. We have to figure out how to adapt our game, particularly with our twin towers on court, to the fast-paced, sharp-shooting modern game,” Gong said at the post-match news conference.

    “We didn’t manage to guard them well enough on the perimeter, failing to contain their 3-pointers as well as we planned.

    “We are still in a building process, though. We are not going to make any radical changes in our plans for the future, or give up on our strength altogether. We will learn, adapt and improve to achieve the ultimate goal at the 2028 Olympic Games.”

    Citing the fast-evolving international game, Han suggests more young talent should seek opportunities to ply their trade overseas, despite lower average salaries, even in the WNBA, compared to China’s domestic league.

    “The world has moved far ahead of us, with the game changing in how it is supposed to be played and how to win,” said Han, who played with WNBA’s New York Liberty for two separate seasons in 2019 and 2021.

    “We saw that after a disappointing Olympic campaign last year in Paris, and today was another painful reminder.

    “I will try to make my way back into an overseas league to keep honing my individual game next season, and I hope more will follow me in order to improve in a more competitive environment.”

    Japan’s head coach Corey Gaines attributed the successful revenge mission to his players’ perfect execution of a tailored game plan against the host.

    “That was a game where the players followed the game plan,” Gaines said. We had a strategy going into the game, and they executed it. China countered, we changed to another game plan.”

    “And they really kept their heads during the game, and they executed what we talked about. That win is for the players,” continued Gaines. “The players won that game. They really did their job.”

    MIL OSI China News –

    July 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: China win thriller to sink Cuba in Men’s Volleyball Nations League

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    China staged a dramatic comeback to secure a 3-2 victory over Cuba (20-25, 25-23, 15-25, 25-22, 19-17) on the final day of the FIVB Men’s Volleyball Nations League preliminary phase in Gdansk, Poland, on Sunday.

    Outside hitter Wang Bin powered Vital Heynen’s side with 26 points, while captain Jiang Chuan added 13. Despite a dominant 31-point performance from Cuba’s Marlon Yant, including 29 kills, China held their nerve to complete the turnaround.

    Cuba came out strong, racing to a 5-1 lead and taking the first set 25-20, with Yant and Miguel Angel Lopez combining for 12 points. China responded in the second set, pulling ahead 20-17 on Wang’s ace. Although Cuba leveled at 21-21, Wang’s decisive spike and a successful challenge on the final point secured a 25-23 equalizer.

    The momentum swung back to Cuba in the third set as they cruised to a 25-15 win. But China refused to fold, erasing a 9-4 deficit in the fourth set to tie the score at 15-15. Wang Hebin’s attack capped a 25-22 win, forcing a tiebreak.

    In the final set, Rao Shuhan’s blocking and clutch attacks from Jiang Chuan pushed China ahead 4-1. Cuba fought back with Javier Concepcion’s late point, but Ji Daoshuai’s spike sealed China’s 19-17 victory.

    Despite the loss, Cuba qualified for the finals with six wins. China finished 17th in the preliminary phase with three victories.

    “China did a great job today. They fought for every point, all the time. We didn’t push enough to win the game. We need to be better at this as well, as sometimes we don’t do enough,” Cuba’s opposite spiker Jose Masso Alvarez told the official website of the Volleyball Nations League after the game.

    Elsewhere on the day, Iran beat Bulgaria in straight sets. Amin Esmaeilnezhad produced 19 points for the winners, while Amirhossein Esfandiar added 14.

    In the last game of the week in Gdansk, Poland edged past France 32-30, 20-25, 25-20, 23-25, 15-12. Wilfredo Leon earned 30 points for the winners, while Theo Faure poured in two points less for France. Both teams have booked their spot in the best eight earlier.

    The final round of the Men’s Volleyball Nations League will be played in Ningbo, China, from July 30 to August 3. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    July 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Contractor being sought for work on major Rolleston project

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    A major roading project at Rolleston, near Christchurch, has reached a fresh milestone with a call going out for a contractor to carry out physical work on Stage 1 of the project.

    The State Highway 1 Rolleston Access Improvements project – a Road of Regional Significance – will provide transport improvements through Rolleston that mean better connections for people and businesses.

    “Rolleston is at the heart of the Selwyn District, which has been the fastest growing district in New Zealand, which makes these transport improvements all the more important,” says regional manager for New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), Sean Walsh.

    Stage 1 involves a new roundabout at the Dunns Crossing and Walkers Road intersection with State Highway 1 that will make it easier and safer to enter and exit Rolleston and the industrial area from the south. This will provide efficiencies for freight as they will have a less congested connection into the industrial area.

    The project team has completed design, property acquisition and consenting to enable construction on Stage 1 to start in October this year (once a contractor has been appointed), with planned completion in December next year.

    Stage 2 includes a flyover connecting Rolleston township with business/industrial areas, improved safety at high-risk highway intersections, the removal of the two signalised intersections on SH1 (Hoskyns Rd and Rolleston Drive North), the extension of the two southbound lanes on the motorway to just south of the proposed bridge at Rolleston, a southbound service lane to access businesses and Rolleston town centre, and major safety improvements and upgrades to the rail level crossing at Hoskyns Rd.

    Work continues on design, property acquisition and consenting for Stage 2, with an anticipated construction start date of October 2026.

    Last week NZTA issued a Request for Tenders for the Stage 1 physical works contract for the construction of a roundabout at the SH1/ Dunns Crossing Rd/Walkers Rd intersection, realignment and widening of the SH1, Dunns Crossing Rd, and Walkers Rd carriageways; efficiency improvements at the Weedons interchange and the construction of a new – and the removal of the existing – rail level crossing on Walkers Rd.

    “The work will mean some disruption, but of course we will be doing everything we can to minimise that disruption for road users and the adjacent community,” Mr Walsh says.

    “It’s a positive sign to see progress on projects like this one, adding to a series of projects already underway or in planning on the state highway corridor between Timaru and Lyttelton ports. These include a second Ashburton bridge and the upgrade of SH76/Brougham Street which was formally launched last week.”

    The full Rolleston access improvements project is estimated for completion in late 2028, at a current estimated cost of between $180 to $200 million, including contingencies.

    SH1 Rolleston access improvements

    Later this month, the project team will be out and about in Rolleston to chat with people about the project.

    These drop-in sessions will be a great chance to ask questions, view plans, and learn more about what’s coming. The drop-in sessions are as follows:

    • Selwyn Sports Centre 70 Broadlands Drive | Saturday 26 July, 10.30am-12.30pm
    • Te Ara Ātea 56 Tennyson Street | Thursday 31 July, 2.30-5.30pm
    • West Rolleston School 327 Dunns Crossing Road | Monday 4 and Tuesday 5 August, 2.30-3.30pm both days.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    July 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: China rout S. Korea for third-place finish at Women’s Asia Cup

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    China wrapped up its 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup campaign in dominant fashion, routing South Korea 101-66 in the third-place game on Sunday.

    Determined to finish on a high note after a semifinal loss to Japan, China came out firing from long range and pushed fast in transition. Luo Xinyu and Yang Shuyu each hit early 3-pointers as the host raced into a 13-2 lead.

    China continued to experiment with various lineups, alternating between a small-ball unit without a center and a twin-tower setup featuring Han Xu and Zhang Ziyu. The adjustments paid off, as China built a 17-point lead by the end of the first quarter.

    Han Xu (R) of China competes during the 3rd place match between China and South Korea at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025 in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province, July 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

    In the second quarter, guard Wang Siyu took over offensively, repeatedly slicing through South Korea’s defense for layups and drawing fouls. Under China’s high-pressure defense, South Korea struggled to score, relying heavily on mid-range jumpers and drives by Kang Yoo-lim. At halftime, China built a comfortable 58-29 lead.

    After the break, South Korea brought in veteran center Park Ji-su. While her presence helped stabilize South Korea’s offense, it was the 226cm-tall Zhang dominated the paint on both ends, and China extended its lead to 42 points, turning the final period into garbage time.

    Wang led all scorers with 19 points, while Zhang contributed 18 points, seven rebounds and three assists, and Luo added 15 points for China.

    For South Korea, Park Ji-su finished with a team-high 14 points and eight rebounds, and Choi I-saem added 10.

    China’s veteran forward Huang Sijing, who was seen in tears during the national anthem before tip-off, had some emotional moments after the game.

    “This might be my last time wearing the national team jersey,” said Huang. “Looking back on my 10 years representing China, there have been both joys and regrets, but as I reach the twilight of my career, what I feel most is pride.”

    Although she expressed disappointment with the team’s result at the Asia Cup, Huang acknowledged the broader context. “The team is undergoing a generational transition, and we’re also adapting to a new coaching philosophy. Given we’ve only had three months to work together, I think we’ve already made good progress.”

    At the post-game press conference, China head coach Gong Luming described the Asia Cup as a “quiz” within the broader preparation cycle for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. He also noted that he had picked up some tactical ideas from Japan, Australia and South Korea during the tournament – insights he said would be valuable for the development of China’s younger players.

    Discussing Zhang Ziyu’s debut with the senior national team, Gong noted that there is still much room for improvement. “She needs to get stronger in physical battles inside the paint,” he said. Gong added that he hoped Zhang would expand her range on the court and develop into a more versatile player who can also facilitate and pass the ball effectively.

    MIL OSI China News –

    July 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Global athletics talents descend on Bochum for University Games

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    A star-studded athletics roster offers a taste of the Olympics, with Olympians and defending champions set to compete from July 21 to 27 at the FISU World University Games.

    The throwers’ showdown between Cierra Jackson of the United States and Antonia Kinzel of Germany in the women’s discus on July 24 will be a highlight on the field in the Lohrheidestadion in Bochum.

    Jackson, 22, set a championship record of 65.82 meters on her way to grabbing the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship title this summer. That prompted the former Fresno State student to turn professional and then, in her first outing as a full-time athlete, Jackson improved her personal best to 67.82m, just 1.68m short of her compatriot Valarie Allman’s gold-winning distance of 69.50m at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

    Defending champion Kinzel, who set her own PB of 62.64m in May, can be counted as a potential challenger to Jackson while competing on home soil.

    “It’s a special feeling to compete in this internationally renowned event in your own country,” Kinzel said.

    “I want to build on my experiences from two years ago in Chengdu, defend my title in the discus throw, and I am really looking forward to the special atmosphere of the FISU Games, giving a little taste of the Olympics.”

    Bayanda Walaza of South Africa is a notable name on the track. He claimed silver in the men’s 4x100m relay at Paris 2024. Aged just 18, and originally a reserve, Walaza ran the leadoff leg in the final, as South Africa won its first ever medal in the event.

    Walaza, who also won the individual sprint double at the U20 World Championships last year, has kicked on this year too. After becoming just the ninth South African to clock under 10 seconds for the 100m, he improved his PB to 9.94 seconds in Zagreb in May. Weeks earlier, Walaza set a South African junior record of 20.08s in the 200m.

    Both PBs meet the qualification criteria for the senior World Athletics Championships, taking place in Tokyo in September.

    Walaza, along with teammate Lythe Pillay, will be looking to secure a 100m-200m-400m clean sweep. Pillay is the 2022 400m U20 world champion and a reigning World Athletics Relays 4x400m gold medalist.

    Fellow South African sprinter Marlie Viljoen is back as the defending champion after she set a PB of 51.42s in the 400m in March.

    Laura Pellicoro (front) of Italy crosses the finish line during the athletics women’s 1500m final at the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, Aug. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)

    The other returning champion is Laura Pellicoro of Italy. Now 24, she won the middle-distance double two years ago and is part of a stellar Italian lineup.

    Dalia Kaddari (Italy) is expected to add something to her long list of achievements which already includes being a two-time Olympian (Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024), European Championship bronze medal in 2022 (4x100m relay), European U23 champion in 2021 (200m) and Youth Olympic Games silver medal in 2018 (200m).

    Edoardo Scotti has been at the center of an impressive 12 months for Italian athletics. He helped his nation finish sixth in the 4x400m mixed relay and seventh in the men’s 4x400m relay at Paris 2024. Then he inspired the team to double silver in the 4x400m mixed and 4x400m men’s relays at the 2024 European Championships in Rome.

    China’s Shu Heng, who is the Asian men’s long jump champion, will try to improve on his PB of 8.22m achieved in May at the Asian Athletics Championships.

    India’s Pooja Singh, at just 1.70 meters tall, will compete as the newly crowned women’s Asian high jump champion. Singh grew up in rural India, with her father taking out loans to fund an athletics journey that began with bamboo poles as crossbars and landing mats fashioned from rice husk and hay.

    Bridget Mbwali from Uganda, a double sprint gold medal winner at last year’s East African University Games, is another decorated runner from Africa. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    July 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA News: President Trump Marks Six Months in Office with Historic Successes

    Source: US Whitehouse

    Today, President Donald J. Trump celebrates the most successful first six months in office for any President in modern American history.

    • Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill, thereby delivering the largest tax cut in American history, increasing Americans’ take-home pay by as much as $13,300, and terminating benefits for at least 1.4 million illegal immigrants who were gaming the system.
    • Congress passed President Trump’s historic rescissions package, which will save taxpayers $9 billion in wasteful, politically-motivated funding for leftwing foreign aid scams and biased NPR and PBS.
    • The wholesale price of a dozen eggs is down 53%, or $3.09, since the inauguration and is down 62%, or $5.08, from its March peak.
    • The U.S. economy has now added a net of 671,000 jobs since January 2025, with jobs numbers beating expectations four months in a row. Native-born workers have accounted for all job gains, with native-born employment increasing 2,079,000 while foreign-born employment has fallen 543,000.
    • U.S. Customs and Border Patrol encountered just 6,070 illegal immigrants at the southern border in June — setting a new record low (15% lower than the previous record set in March). Additionally, zero illegal immigrants were released into the U.S. on parole in June, compared to 27,766 a year prior.
    • The administration has ramped up deportations, breaking a record for the number of deportation flights in a month in June. President Trump’s self-deportation push has also been a massive success. Additionally, over 600 known and suspected terrorists have been removed from the United States.
    • At President Trump’s direction, U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement has arrested over 100,000 illegal alien criminals, including over 2,700 members of the vicious Tren de Aragua gang.
    • Following President Trump’s declaration of an energy emergency, the U.S. has reached its fastest rate of new oil and gas drilling permits in years, exceeding the Biden administration by 44%.
    • Since President Trump took office, core inflation has tracked at just 2.1% — levels not seen since the first Trump Administration, when prices were low and stable — and has come in below or at economists’ expectations every single month. Meanwhile, wholesale inflation remained flat in June, while import prices came in far below expectations.
    • Summer gas prices reached their lowest point since 2021, and, inflation-adjusted, are near a 20-year low.
    • President Trump’s deregulatory efforts have already saved Americans over $180 billion, or $2,100 per family of four, with the rollback of automobile-related rules alone expected to save consumers more than $1.1 trillion.
    • President Trump secured a historic agreement for NATO members to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP – a foreign policy feat long thought impossible.
    • Under President Trump’s strong and decisive leadership, the U.S. obliterated Iran’s nuclear program.
    • President Trump secured ceasefires between India and Pakistan and Israel and Iran, a peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and a pathway to stability for Syria.
    • As a result of his historic peacemaking efforts, President Trump has already received three Nobel Peace Prize nominations since returning to office.
    • In May, blue-collar wage growth saw its largest increase in nearly 60 years since President Trump’s return to office.
    • Companies and foreign governments have pledged over $7.6 trillion in investments into the U.S.
    • The U.S. Treasury has taken in nearly $90 billion in tariff duties since January 2025, with the agency posting a record $27.2 billion surplus in June – the first June surplus since 2005.
    • President Trump has once again proved to be the Dealmaker-in-Chief, inking a minerals deal with Ukraine, a $14 billion “perpetual Golden Share” sale of U.S. Steel, and trade deals with the United Kingdom, China, and Indonesia.
    • President Trump has signed over 170 executive orders, delivering on key campaign promises such as closing the border, protecting children from chemical and surgical mutilation, removing men from women’s sports, unleashing American energy, ending federal censorship, ending the radical indoctrination in K-12 schooling, and ending radical and wasteful government DEI programs and preferencing.
    • The S&P 500 and Nasdaq market indices have reached multiple record highs.
    • The Supreme Court consistently bolstered the Trump administration’s agenda, blocking activist judges from issuing nationwide injunctions, permitting “third-country deportations,” greenlighting the revocation of temporary protected status (TPS) from more than 500,000 migrants and approving efforts to shrink the federal bureaucracy.
    • President Trump signed several pieces of landmark legislation, including the Genius Act, the Halt Fentanyl Act, the Laken Riley Act, and the Take It Down Act.
    • The U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Space Force all reached their recruitment goals months in advance.
    • The Trump administration has made incredible strides in its effort to Make America Healthy Again, with roughly 35% of the American food industry making a commitment to eliminate the use of artificial dyes, including Hershey, Consumer Brands and dozens of ice cream companies representing more than 90% of the ice cream volume sold in the U.S.
    • President Trump has ensured U.S. benefit programs serve U.S. citizens, with the administration now having protected more than $40 billion in benefit programs from illegal aliens since POTUS signed an Executive Order in February “Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders.”
    • President Trump inked an agreement to provide billions of dollars of military equipment to Ukraine, with NATO footing the bill.
    • President Trump has cracked down on international cartels, designating eight Latin American cartels as terrorist groups, including Tren de Aragua, MS-13 and the Sinaloa Cartel.
    • President Trump has solidified the U.S.’s position as the world leader in artificial intelligence, attracting north of $1 trillion in AI investment, including $90 billion in groundbreaking AI and energy investments in Pennsylvania.
    • The U.S. is on track for its lowest murder rate on record following President Trump’s reinstatement of law and order.
    • Following President Trump’s February executive order, universities and school systems have stopped allowing men in women’s sports, including the University of Pennsylvania, the Virginia High School League and the University of Maine System.
    • Hospitals and hospital systems across the country have halted so-called “gender-affirming care” for minors following President Trump’s executive order “protecting children from chemical and surgical mutilation.”
    • In his first six months, President Trump has met with 23 foreign leaders, including three visits from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as two visits from the NATO Secretary General — compared to thirteen foreign leaders and the UN Secretary General, the NATO Secretary General, and the Chinese Foreign Minister for Obama and just five in-person visits for Biden. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: An exhibition of masterpieces by contemporary Russian artists has opened in the Hainan Provincial Museum

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, July 20 (Xinhua) — Residents of the southern Chinese island province of Hainan, one of the most popular destinations in China for Russian tourists, will have a new chance to enjoy magnificent Russian art. An exhibition of masterpieces by contemporary Russian artists opened at the Hainan Provincial Museum on Friday and will run until Oct. 8.

    According to the official website of the Hainan Provincial Department of Tourism, Culture, Broadcasting and Sports, as one of the highlights of the cultural exchange projects within the framework of the China-Russia Cross Culture Years, the exhibition features representative works by 10 outstanding contemporary artists from Russia, including the famous sculptor Andrei Kovalchuk and landscape artist Nikolai Kuznetsov.

    The exhibition’s organizer, Zhu Yufeng, hopes that residents of Hainan Province, for which Russia is one of the main sources of foreign tourists, will be able to actively visit the exhibition and personally experience the charm of remarkable Russian art.

    In the middle of the exhibition center in the museum stands the work of A. Kovalchuk – the easel sculpture “Ballerina Anna Pavlova”, which greatly attracted the attention of the tourist Zhong Hui, who arrived in Hainan for the first time.

    “How lovely the muscular texture and expression of the ballerina’s face are!” she said. “I have heard admiration from other young visitors, and I believe that such a masterpiece contributes to the aesthetic education and upbringing of children.”

    A representative of the Hainan Provincial Museum management emphasized that this exhibition demonstrates both the deep historical foundations and modern innovative forces of art in Russia, serves as a bridge for deepening cultural cooperation between China and Russia, and promotes Hainan’s efforts to build an international platform for cultural exchanges. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

    July 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President Museveni Calls for Household Census in Kampala to Refine Parish Development Model (PDM) Budgeting

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed local authorities in Kampala’s five divisions to establish accurate data on the number of households within their jurisdictions to help in the equitable allocation of funds under the Parish Development Model (PDM).

    The call was made on Saturday, July 19, 2025, during his visit to Kyambogo Complex Parish in Nakawa Division, where he met with PDM beneficiaries, including a standout success story, Ms. Mbabazi Lillian.

    The President emphasized the need for a data-driven approach to planning and budgeting for the PDM program, highlighting that the uniform allocation of UGX 100 million per parish annually is insufficient for urban centers with dense populations and high demand for financial support.

    “So, this is the kibalo (calculation) I want in the town: to know how many parishes and how many homesteads are in each parish so that when we plan, we shall give over one million, plus some additional funding, based on the number of homes in that parish,” said President Museveni.

    He noted that urban parishes, like those in Kampala, are experiencing overwhelming demand for PDM funds, and the current funding structure fails to cater effectively to the high number of eligible households.

    During the meeting, President Museveni who was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, also toured the poultry enterprise of Ms. Mbabazi, a PDM beneficiary who used her UGX 1 million funding to launch a successful poultry business.

    Mbabazi initially purchased 125 broiler chicks with UGX 350,000 and invested the remaining funds in feed and poultry housing. After a month, she sold the broilers for UGX 1.5 million and reinvested in a second round, earning UGX 2.6 million. Her success did not stop there. She later bought 250 more chicks at UGX 700,000 and sold them for UGX 3.2 million. Eventually, she transitioned into layer chicken farming for egg production, purchasing chicks at UGX 6,500 each. After three months, her hens began laying, and she now collects six trays of eggs daily.

    Standing beside her husband, Mr. Samuel Rukundo, Mbabazi expressed gratitude to the President and the government for initiating the PDM.

    “Now I have some achievement because I was badly off due to COVID-19. My children now go to school, and we’re doing well. I have UGX 3 million in savings and have also started a small juice and chips business,” she said.

    Despite her success, she voiced concern over her lack of permanent land, stating that her current residence is on Kyambogo University property, which restricts her expansion.

    Moved by her story, President Museveni congratulated Mbabazi for exemplifying the benefits of PDM when effectively implemented.

    He offered her UGX 10 million to scale up her poultry business and pledged to buy her two acres of land for permanent settlement and farming.

    “When I come here and see that Rukundo and Mbabazi have implemented one of the seven items under the four-acre model, then I feel very happy,” President Museveni stated.

    Additionally, the President extended UGX 10 million in cash to each PDM beneficiary from the Kyambogo complex parish.

    President Museveni used the opportunity to reflect on Uganda’s economic transformation journey since independence. He underscored the challenge of transitioning the population from subsistence farming to a money economy, citing that in the 1960s, only 4% of households were integrated into the monetary system.

    He explained that Uganda’s traditional economy revolved around “3 Cs and 3 Ts”—cotton, copper, coffee, tobacco, tea, and tourism. While some communities, particularly in Buganda and Northern Uganda, engaged in commercial farming, the majority remained in subsistence agriculture.

    “In my district, Ntungamo, there were six shops for Indians and Arabs. But we had land, banana plantations, and cows, just for home consumption. This has been our struggle,” President Museveni said.

    To reverse this, he initiated the four-acre model, a strategic framework advocating for diversified farming focusing on items such as coffee, fruits, pasture for dairy, food crops, and backyard enterprises such as poultry, piggery, or fish farming.

    “Those who listened have moved. Masaka focused on coffee and is doing well. Poultry and dairy are also transforming lives,” he remarked.

    President Museveni narrated the historical evolution of government-led wealth creation initiatives, from the Entandikwa program through LC structures to NAADS and eventually Operation Wealth Creation (OWC). While OWC saw a marked improvement in integrating Ugandans into the money economy, reaching 61% by 2020, President Museveni expressed discontent over reports of favoritism by UPDF officers.

    “I started hearing stories that the soldiers were “baali beegabira bokka” (giving to friends and relatives), spoiling the name of the UPDF. I told them, let the army get out. Let’s give money directly to people at their parishes. If they misuse it, God is there; he will deal with them,” the President said.

    He cited the success of Mbabazi as a vindication of the shift to direct disbursement of funds under the PDM.

    Highlighting the case of Kawempe Division, President Museveni noted that with 22 parishes each receiving UGX 100 million annually, a total of UGX 6.6 billion has been injected into approximately 7,000 households over the past three years.

    “This money, if used wisely, can transform lives. You don’t need a moneylender who charges UGX 400,000 per month, UGX 5.8 million a year. With PDM, you return UGX 1 million plus UGX 120,000 interest in two years,” H.E. Museveni explained, further urging beneficiaries to understand the revolving nature of PDM and not expect lump-sum access to the fund, emphasizing that with patience, all will benefit.

    President Museveni’s visit to Kyambogo marked one of the penultimate events of his nationwide PDM sensitization tour, which has seen him crisscross the country to evaluate impact, inspire uptake, and recalibrate the program’s delivery.

    The grand finale will be held on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala, where a mega rally is expected to draw thousands of Kampala residents.

    The event in Kyambogo was also attended by key government figures, including Government Chief Whip Hon. Hamson Denis Obua, National PDM Coordinator Hon. Denis Galabuzi Ssozi, KCCA Executive Director, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki and her deputy Mr. Benon Kigenyi, Presidential Advisors Hajjat Sarah Kanyike and Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi, among others.

    – on behalf of State House Uganda.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    July 20, 2025

  • Centre holds all-party meet ahead of Monsoon Session

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Centre on Sunday convened an all-party meeting in the national capital, with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju urging all political parties to ensure the smooth functioning of the House.

    Briefing reporters after the meeting, Rijiju said the government was ready to hold discussions on several key issues, including Operation Sindoor. “The government noted the suggestions of various parties. We have appealed to both the ruling and Opposition sides to work in coordination. Irrespective of ideological differences, it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure the proper functioning of Parliament,” he said.

    Rijiju described the meeting as “constructive” and said representatives from 51 parties participated. “A total of 54 leaders attended, with 40 putting forth the views of their parties. The Opposition shared their priorities; so did NDA partners and non-aligned parties,” he said, adding that final decisions on the schedule of discussions would be taken by the Business Advisory Committee.

    On the Opposition’s demand for a discussion on Operation Sindoor — India’s evacuation operation in West Asia — Rijiju said, “This is a very good suggestion. Delegations to countries after the operation were well received. All those experiences should be shared in Parliament.”

    He also addressed the impeachment motion against Justice Yashwant Verma, saying more than 100 MPs have signed the motion and that the process will be undertaken with consensus. “This is not just a government initiative,” he said.

    The Monsoon Session is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 21.

    The government is set to introduce several bills, including the Manipur GST (Amendment) Bill, Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, Jan Vishwas (Amendment) Bill, and the National Sports Governance Bill. Also on the agenda are the Indian Ports Bill, Income Tax Bill, Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, and the Geoheritage Sites and Geo-relics (Preservation and Maintenance) Bill.

    As part of ongoing parliamentary reforms, the Lok Sabha Secretariat has initiated digitisation and transparency measures under the guidance of the Speaker.

    July 20, 2025

  • Team India arrives in Manchester ahead of fourth Test against England at Old Trafford

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Team India arrived in Manchester on Sunday ahead of the fourth Test of the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series, scheduled to take place at Old Trafford from July 23.

    Among those spotted arriving were team captain Shubman Gill, vice-captain Rishabh Pant, and openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

    Other players who arrived included left-handed batter Sai Sudharsan, right-handed batter Karun Nair, uncapped player Abhimanyu Easwaran, and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy.

    The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also shared pictures of several other players, including all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Shardul Thakur, along with wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel.

    Fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh were also seen arriving, along with left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav.

    https://x.com/BCCI/status/1946773827184414953

    India currently trail 1-2 in the five-match series, after narrowly losing the third Test at Lord’s by just 22 runs, despite a fighting effort from the tailenders and Ravindra Jadeja while chasing a target of 193.

    India’s squad: Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav.

    July 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Messi brace powers Miami past Red Bulls

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Lionel Messi scored two goals and set up another as Inter Miami recovered from a goal down to crush New York Red Bulls 5-1 in the MLS on Saturday.

    German defender Alexander Hack gave the hosts the lead by volleying home from Emil Forsberg’s corner at the near post.

    Messi then sent a sublime through ball into the path of his former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba, who took a touch before rifling a shot into the far corner.

    Alba turned provider three minutes later as his cut-back allowed Telasco Segovia to fire in a first-time effort from eight yards.

    Inter Miami was suddenly in overdrive and Venezuelan midfielder Segovia made it 3-1 just before halftime as he pounced on a loose ball to slot home from distance.

    Messi extended his side’s lead by running onto Sergio Busquets’ defense-splitting pass from deep inside his own half and rounding goalkeeper Carlos Coronel before rolling the ball into an unguarded net.

    The Florida outfit completed the rout in the 75th minute when Messi chested down Luis Suarez’s cross and smashed his shot into the top-left corner.

    Messi has now scored at least twice in six of his past seven matches. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner now has 18 goals and seven assists in 18 MLS outings this year.

    Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano heaped praise on Messi after the match, saying the Argentine proved yet again why he is one of the greatest players in history.

    “Ultimately, I think any sports fan, not just football fans, admires these types of athletes, whether it’s Lionel Messi, Michael Jordan in his time, Rafa Nadal,” Mascherano told a post-match news conference.

    “These are people who have transcended sports, and the reality is that those of us who have the opportunity to experience this up close are very privileged.”

    The result leaves Inter Miami fifth in the Eastern Conference with 41 points, seven points behind leaders Cincinnati but with three games in hand. New York Red Bulls are ninth, eight points further back.

    MIL OSI China News –

    July 20, 2025

  • Union Minister Kiren Rijiju to chair all-party meeting today ahead of Monsoon Session

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju will chair an all-party meeting on Sunday, as part of preparations for the Monsoon Session of Parliament, which is set to commence on Monday, July 21.

    The meeting will be held at 11:00 a.m. in the Main Committee Room of the Parliament House Annexe.

    This customary pre-session meeting aims to foster cooperation and coordination among all political parties to ensure the smooth and productive functioning of both Houses — Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha — during the upcoming session.

    Floor leaders of all major political parties in Parliament have been invited to attend the meeting.

    During the interaction, the central government is expected to present its legislative agenda and seek consensus on key issues to be taken up during the session.

    The Monsoon Session will run from July 21 to August 21 and will include 21 sittings. Notably, no sittings are scheduled between August 12 and August 18.

    Addressing the media earlier, Minister Rijiju said that the government is fully prepared to discuss important national matters and pending legislation.

    “Parliament is about to begin. Whatever issue comes up in Parliament, we will listen to it. Yesterday, I had a very good meeting with Kharge ji and Rahul ji. I keep having regular meetings with leaders of other opposition parties. Being the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, it is my responsibility to maintain coordination with everyone,” he said.

    Among the key bills likely to be taken up during this session are the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025, the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, and the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024. In total, seven pending bills have been listed for consideration and passage, while eight bills are proposed to be restored for discussion.

    —IANS

    July 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: China wins first women’s solo technical title at World Aquatics Championships

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Gold medalist Xu Huiyan (C) of China, silver medalist Vasilina Khandoshka (L) of Belarus and bronze medalist Iris Tio Casas of Spain pose with medals during the awarding ceremony of the women’s solo technical final of artistic swimming at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, July 19, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s world junior champion Xu Huiyan became a senior world champion on Saturday, capturing the country’s first women’s solo technical gold medal at the World Aquatics Championships.

    Xu, 19, who won four gold medals at the Artistic Swimming World Cup Super Final in China’s Xi’an this June, claimed the victory with 272.9917 points. Competing as a neutral athlete, Belarus’ Vasilina Khandoshka took silver with 260.5416, and Spain’s Iris Tio Casas earned bronze with 260.2917.

    Xu Huiyan of China performs during the women’s solo technical final of artistic swimming at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, July 19, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Xu also competed earlier in the day in the team free preliminaries, helping China qualify first for the final.

    In the men’s solo technical event, China’s Guo Muye finished fourth with a score of 235.0725. Russia’s Aleksandr Maltsev, competing as a neutral athlete, won gold with 251.7133 points in his solo debut. The artistic swimming veteran and multiple world champion in mixed duet was followed by Spain’s Dennis Gonzalez with 241.1667 and Mexico’s Diego Carrillo with 238.1600.

    Maltsev, 30, is Russia’s first male artistic swimmer and previously won silver in the mixed duet at the 2015 Kazan World Championships, where male athletes were included for the first time.

    Gonzalez, despite falling short of gold, expressed admiration for his rival.

    MIL OSI China News –

    July 20, 2025

  • Yuva Spiritual Summit a milestone in Nasha Mukt Bharat Campaign, says PM Modi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday shared an article highlighting the significance of the Yuva Spiritual Summit, calling it a major step toward achieving a drug-free India.

    In reply to a post on X by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, PM Modi said, “Union Minister Dr. @mansukhmandviya elaborates on how the Yuva Spiritual Summit marks a major step in building a drug-free India. Have a read!”

    Organised by the MY Bharat initiative, the ‘Youth Spiritual Summit’ was held on the sacred ghats of Kashi with the theme “Drug-Free Youth for a Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). The summit is part of the Modi government’s broader campaign under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (Drug-Free India Movement), aimed at tackling substance abuse through youth-led initiatives.

    Dr. Mandaviya, in his post, emphasised that the summit was more than just a spiritual gathering — it represents the beginning of a nationwide youth movement against drug addiction. “This is a spiritual awakening for a national cause. The youth of India are taking the lead in shaping a future free from the menace of drugs,” he wrote.

    The event brought together young leaders, spiritual guides, and social influencers who discussed holistic approaches to fighting drug abuse through mental wellness, spirituality, and community engagement.

    As part of the summit, awareness sessions, pledges, and youth-centric campaigns were launched to inspire collective action and reinforce the message of a healthier, addiction-free India.

    The Prime Minister’s endorsement of the initiative underlines the government’s emphasis on involving youth in the mission to create a developed, drug-free India by 2047.

    July 19, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor announces new £1.4m investment to transform young Londoners’ lives through sport

    Source: Mayor of London

    • Mayor opens applications for £1.4m funding for Go! London – the capital’s biggest ever community sport fund.
    • Sadiq makes announcement while visiting South African arm of ‘Tackle London’ programme that supports young people through sport and mentoring.
    • Concluding a packed trade mission agenda across the continent, the event underscores investing in the next generation and transforming lives through sport among the Mayor’s top priorities

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced a new £1.4 million investment to transform young Londoners’ lives through sport as part of his successful Go! London initiative, which is the capital’s biggest ever community sports fund.

    Go! London is a five-year partnership between the Mayor, London Marathon Foundation, Sport England, London Marathon Events and London Sport. The initiative supports community sport and physical activity initiatives, as well as investing directly in the next generation of leaders in the sector by supporting young social entrepreneurs.

    Since Sadiq launched Go! London in 2023, it has invested over £8 million in more than 200 grassroots sport and physical activity organisations, with total investment expected to surpass £22 million across the partnership. By the end of next year, it will have provided over 40,000 underserved young Londoners with opportunities to engage in activities like rugby, cycling, skating and yoga. [1].

    Sadiq opened the £1.4m Go! London funding for applications today (19 July) while visiting the Atlas Foundation in Cape Town, South Africa – a charity that uses rugby and mentoring to help children in vulnerable communities around the world, including London.

    Founded by former England Rugby World Cup Winner Jason Leonard OBE, the charity works across 21 countries to provide access to education, nutrition, clean water, and safe spaces for play and development. Its mission is to improve young people’s lives through the core values of rugby: teamwork, respect, discipline and enjoyment. [2]

    Sadiq visited the South African arm of The Atlas Foundation who, along with partners Matt Ratana Foundation and Star*Scheme, deliver the Tackle London programme, which supports young people through sport and mentoring. The Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation was set up in response to the tragic death in September 2020 of police sergeant and rugby coach, Matt Ratana, with all funds raised supporting the design and delivery of school and community rugby initiatives, both nationally and internationally.

    Tackle London is funded through the Mayor’s £34m mentoring programme and has supported 100,000 disadvantaged young Londoners [3] including those who are not in mainstream education or have been excluded from school or college, those living in poverty or in the care system, those who have been through the criminal justice system and those impacted by exploitation or domestic violence.

    Tackle London has received £250,000 of this funding and has so far reached over 1,000 young people, through specially trained rugby coaches and clubs, working alongside schools to develop positive, supportive relationships for young people in communities facing increased levels of poverty, neglect and disadvantage. [4]

    This works alongside the Mayor’s record investment in prevention through his Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) and its delivery of 400,000 diversionary activities and positive opportunities for young people. This includes £1m investment this year in sports activities for young people. The VRU is also delivering a programme of after-school activities, which includes funding for London Irish to deliver access to safe spaces and activities for at-risk girls and young women in five London boroughs.

    As part of the Mayor’s historic visit, Sadiq took part in a special rugby session with over 40 young people, where he engaged with staff and volunteers to gain further insight into how the Atlas Foundation in South Africa are using sport and education to create safe, inclusive spaces. 

    Sadiq has been in Africa this week to lead a trade mission and bang the drum for London as a place to invest and do business – the first London Mayor to ever tour the continent. He has attended a series of high-level business and cultural events in Lagos, Nigeria and Accra, Ghana and commemorated Mandela Day in Johannesburg – an annual international day in honour of Nelson Mandela.

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I am delighted to announce the next round of funding application for our successful Go! London initiative, the capital’s biggest ever community sports fund that has already supported more than 180 grassroots sport and physical activity organisations.

    “I know the huge difference that sport can make to physical, mental and emotional wellbeing and this new £1.4 million investment will help transform young Londoners’ lives.

    “I am delighted to be making the announcement in South Africa, where it has been a real privilege for me to visit the Atlas Foundation and see the amazing work they do in harnessing the power of rugby to support children living in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.

    “I’m delighted to be here celebrating our shared history and love of sport in South Africa as we continue building a better, fairer, more prosperous London for everyone.”

    Transforming the lives of Londoners through sport is one of Mayor’s top priorities, having invested £15 million between 2018 and 2024. Sadiq has championed community sport through his Sport Unites programme, which uses the power of sport to not only encourage physical activity but also build pride, reduce the barriers to access, improve mental health and wellbeing, create job opportunities and support young people at risk of youth violence. [5]

    The Mayor has also supported London EmpowerHER, a one-year pilot from April 2024 to March 2025, in two boroughs: Brent and Redbridge, in collaboration with England Rugby [6]. The programme supported young women and girls from underserved communities to take part in non-contact rugby, providing physical activity and transferable leadership skills. The programme has supported over 2,000 women and girls, 90% of whom had previously not taken part in rugby activities and the project now runs for a second year until March 2026 in the borough of Brent.

    Sadiq has declared London the global capital for women’s sport in 2025, with the city hosting a number of major women’s sporting events across the year, including the final of the Women’s Rugby Would Cup on September 27. As part of the Host City Impact programme, community organisations and activity providers will be funded to deliver rugby to women and girls aged over 16-years-old. The programme will develop social playing opportunities, providing support and resources, aiming to engage at least 2,500 women in regular sustained activity.

    Sue Anderson, Atlas Executive Director, said: “With the focus and commitment of The Atlas Foundation, we work with young girls and boys in some of the harshest communities, to equip and empower them in education, health, and well-being to become the very best person that they can be.

    “Together, through the unifying spirit and values of rugby, we are not only changing lives but also laying the groundwork for a more just and equitable future for all.  By ensuring a genuine sense of pride and dignity, it transcends into one of hope and belief, and this truly has the power to change the narrative of our beautiful country. 

    “We extend a warm welcome to the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan and thank him for the pride and affirmation extended to our young Atlas South Africa girls and boys today alongside the new investment the exceptional Go!London children’s initiative.”

    Joel Stransky, Former Springbok, 1995 Rugby World Cup Winner and Atlas South Africa Champion, said: “I am extremely proud to represent The Atlas Foundation and am delighted to see that the Mayor of London is visiting the Rainbow National and Atlas South Africa in particular. 

    “The beautiful game not only helped bring us together as a nation in 1995 under the incredible leadership of Madiba, it has also given many of us so much! 

    “To be able to help and teach others, using the values of this great sport, is a real privilege.  Prince William’s recent visit inspired many young learners and aspiring sports persons, and this visit will no doubt do the same!  We all extend a very warm South African welcome to the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.”

    Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Executive Director for Place at Sport England said: “We’re proud to continue to support Go! London as it enters a fourth round of foundation funding.

    “We know the positive role sport can play in changing the lives of underserved and vulnerable young Londoners, and we want every child and young person in the capital to enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle. We look forward to supporting the widest range of community groups to help a generation of young people to reach their full potential.”

    Mike Diaper, Group Funding and Impact Director at the London Marathon Foundation, said: “Our vision at the London Marathon Foundation is to Inspire Activity, and our collaboration with the Go! London partners is doing this for thousands of underserved young Londoners. We want to build on the success of the past two years of Go! London, and look forward to funding further community groups across the capital to change the lives of many more children and young people through sport and physical activity, supporting their physical, mental and social wellbeing.”

    For more information on the Go! London initiative and to apply for funding, please visit: Foundation Round 4 Now Open! | Go! London

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 19, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Government backs bid to bring World Athletics Championships back to London in 2029

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    UK Government backs bid to bring World Athletics Championships back to London in 2029

    A successful bid would see the biggest global athletics event return to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

    • Government also supports bid for the 2029 World Para Athletics Championships to be staged in the UK
    • Championships would boost economy and strengthen UK standing as world-class sporting hosts

    The Government has today confirmed its support for bids to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships and the 2029 World Para Athletics Championships; setting out our ambition to see the sport’s pinnacle events return to the UK for the first time since the summer of 2017.

    A bid would aim to boost the UK economy, further strengthen the country’s outstanding reputation for hosting the biggest and best events, and encourage more people to get involved in track and field.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    Bringing the World Athletics Championships to the UK would be moment of great national pride, building on our global reputation for hosting memorable sporting events that showcase the very best talent.

    Hosting these championships would not only unlock opportunities for UK athletes but it would inspire the next generation to get involved and pursue their ambitions.

    The event would provide a boost for UK businesses and support jobs as well as bring our communities together. I’m delighted to support the bid.

    The London Stadium, etched into the public’s memory for hosting the iconic 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games as well as the hugely successful 2017 World Championships, is the proposed venue for the 2029 World Athletics Championships.

    Meanwhile, the Government is committed to taking the World Paras beyond the capital, with a host city to be confirmed in due course.

    Subject to funding from partners being confirmed, the Government has agreed to provide significant funding for both bids, reflecting the UK’s ambition to once again bring the world’s greatest athletes to UK shores.

    This major commitment comes with London today set to host a sold-out Diamond League event, the world’s biggest one-day athletics meet.

    The UK Government will work hand-in-hand with the bidder Athletic Ventures, UK Sport, and host cities – including the Greater London Authority for the World Athletics Championship – to unlock a wide range of social, economic and sporting benefits, from boosting tourism and local economies to fostering healthier, more active communities through elite sport.

    Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, said:

    Major sporting events deliver unforgettable moments and have the power to bring our country together like little else.

    That’s why we’re excited to be backing a bid to bring the World Athletics and World Para Athletics Championships back to the UK in 2029. As part of our Plan for Change, we want to build on our world class reputation as hosts, delivering not just economic benefits for the country but engaging communities, inspiring the next generation and showcasing the best of Britain to the world.

    Simon Morton, Director of Events at UK Sport, said:

    Live sport matters. It brings people together in ways few other things can, creating happiness, pride and lasting memories. Hosting the 2029 World Athletics Championships and World Para Athletics Championships gives us the chance to once again unite the nation around these genuinely global events.

    We welcome the Government’s commitment to extend our pipeline of hosted events, as we move forward with this bold and collaborative bid.

    Jack Buckner, CEO of UK Athletics, said:

    We’d like to thank the Government for supporting these bids. Staging these events in the UK will not only inspire today’s elite athletes, but those of tomorrow, and will engage millions in our sport.

    After superb medal hauls over the last few years on the World, Olympic and Paralympic stage, athletics in the UK is on an upward trajectory, with new partners, record participation and sold-out stadia. This support will drive the sport on to new heights.

    Sanjay Bhandari, Chair at Athletic Ventures, said:

    We are absolutely delighted that the Government has recognised the enormous value that the World Athletics Championships and World Para Athletics Championships can deliver for Britain — from jobs and investment to inspiring young people to get active.

    Central government support is a catalytic first step enabling us to build further dialogue with potential host cities and build compelling bids for both championships. We will seek to create spectacular events that leave a lasting legacy for our communities. We’re excited to work with partners across sport, government and our potential host cities to make that vision a reality.

    Josh Kerr, 1500m world champion and double Olympic medallist, said:

    London 2017 was my first senior World Championships, and it lit a fire in me. Being part of a home team in that kind of atmosphere was incredible — it made me hungrier than ever to become a world champion and chase Olympic medals.

    Having the government support to bid for 2029 and potentially bring that experience back to London would be massive. It would inspire so many young athletes and give the sport the platform it deserves. I’m proud to support the bid and hope we get the chance to show the world what we can do on home soil.

    If successful, the Championships would mark another milestone in the UK’s exceptional record of hosting world-class events and its enduring commitment to investing in sport as a force for good.

    The pipeline of major events already secured includes this Summer’s Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026, the European Athletics Championships 2026, the ICC T20 Cricket women’s and men’s World Cups (in 2026 and 2030 respectively), the Invictus Games 2027 in Birmingham, the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes Grand Departs 2027, and EURO 2028.

    Additional Quotes:

    Katarina Johnson Thompson, two-time heptathlon world champion, said:

    I’m so pleased to see the Government backing this bid — hosting a home World Championships would be incredible for our sport and for the country.

    I still remember the buzz of competing in front of a home crowd in London in 2012 and 2017 — nothing compares to that feeling. It gave me a huge lift, and I’d love the next generation of athletes to experience that same atmosphere on the world stage.

    Bringing the Championships back to London would inspire so many people and show what British athletics is all about.

    Zak Skinner, two-time European T13 Gold medallist, said:

    It’s great that the Government is backing the bid to bring the World Para Athletics Championships back to the UK. Competing at London 2017 was one of the most unforgettable moments of my life. That home crowd, that energy — it was electric, and it showed just how powerful para athletics can be when it’s centre stage.

    I’ve grown so much as an athlete since then, but that experience gave me belief and drive at a crucial time. Hosting the World Para Athletics Championships here again would be a huge statement — not just for our athletes, but for the next generation watching in the stands or at home. I’d love to see it come back to the UK.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 19 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 19, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada to support Northern Super League’s inaugural championship event

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Northern Super League’s three-day championship event in November to celebrate women’s sports and fans 

    July 18, 2025 – Toronto, Ontario

    Across Canada, sports tourism serves as a cornerstone in strengthening local economies and elevating communities. Sport brings people together, fostering a sense of community and shared pride while attracting diverse audiences and showcasing all that Canada has to offer. Currently in its inaugural season, the Northern Super League (NSL), Canada’s first and only Tier 1 professional women’s soccer league, represents a transformative step forward for women’s sports across the country.

    Today, on behalf of the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), the Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport), announced an investment of $180,000 for the Northern Super League (NSL) towards this year’s NSL Final, hosted on November 15 at 2:00 p.m. at BMO Field in Toronto.

    Marking a historic moment for Canadian sports and women’s soccer, the championship game will take place during a three-day celebration featuring new fan-focused events and interactive experiences. The NSL Final will be a celebration of Canadian sports, community, and economic growth, welcoming both domestic and international visitors.

    The Government of Canada is growing the tourism sector by investing in tourism attractions, promoting outdoor experiences, growing Indigenous tourism and attracting major international events.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    July 19, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Mfume, Senator Alsobrooks Introduce Jordan McNair Student Athlete Heat Fatality Prevention Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) introduced the Jordan McNair Student Athlete Heat Fatality Prevention Act in the United States House of Representatives. Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) simultaneously introduced the companion legislation in the United States Senate, with Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) as an original cosponsor. This legislation will serve as a lifeline for student athletes and requires college and high school athletic programs to implement heat illness emergency action plans (EAPs) in consultation with local emergency responders, including the operation and use of cold-water immersion equipment.

    This legislation honors Jordan McNair, who was a freshman on the University of Maryland football team when he collapsed during practice on May 29, 2018 due to heatstroke. Roughly 90 minutes passed before McNair arrived at a nearby hospital in critical condition. He was then airlifted to the University of Maryland Medical Center Shock Trauma Center to receive an emergency liver transplant, but tragically died 2 weeks later. 

    “Some of my fondest childhood memories were on the field playing football and Little League Baseball. Yet, for too many young athletes, these experiences turn into traumatic ones as they mourn the loss of their teammates—like Jordan McNair,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. ”However, these deaths are preventable—and through legislation like the Jordan McNair Student Athlete Heat Fatality Prevention Act, we can ensure that parents and players alike can have the peace of mind that their health is accounted for during their journey in collegiate and high school sports. I am grateful for Senator Alsobrooks’ co-leadership on this legislation, and for her work in the U.S. Senate to help get this done,” he concluded. 

    “It is long past time that we pass the Jordan McNair Act and finally ensure student athletes are protected, and college athletic programs implement heat illness emergency action plans and coordinate with local emergency responders.” said Senator Angela Alsobrooks. “Jordan McNair would be 26 today. We must honor his memory by getting this legislation passed.” she finished. 

    “I fully support the Jordan McNair Student Athlete Heat Fatality Prevention Act, because it’s a critical step toward protecting student-athletes from a 100% preventable tragedy.” said Martin McNair, Jordan’s father. “This legislation will set lifesaving safety standards for both high school and college sports programs. As a father who lost his son to heat stroke, I know firsthand the cost of inaction. It’s time we make athlete safety non-negotiable.” Mr. McNair concluded.

    “Jordan McNair’s death was a heartbreaking and preventable tragedy. In honor of his memory, we’re working with his family to ensure college, university, and high school athletic programs are prepared to effectively recognize and quickly address heat-related illnesses.” said Senator Chris Van Hollen. “While I know the McNair family’s hearts will never fully heal, I am inspired that they have channeled their pain into purpose — together we will keep working to safeguard student athletes’ health and prevent others from facing the same unthinkable loss that they have.” he concluded.

    “The National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) is proud to support the Jordan McNair Student Athlete Heat Fatality Prevention Act and applauds Congressman Kweisi Mfume for his leadership in prioritizing the health and safety of student athletes.” said NATA President AJ Duffy III, MS, ATC, PT.  “As the first line of defense in recognizing and responding to injuries and emergencies, athletic trainers understand the life-threatening risks posed by heat-related illnesses. While not every athlete has access to a certified athletic trainer, the implementation of emergency action plans ensures that critical, lifesaving protocols are in place when every second counts. These plans are essential tools that help protect young athletes and can truly mean the difference between life and death.” he finished. 

    An investigation conducted immediately after Jordan McNair’s death showed the athletic staff did not take aggressive measures to lower his body temperature. 

    The Jordan McNair Student Athlete Heat Fatality Prevention Act will ensure high school and college athletic programs have heat emergency plans in action as well as cold-water immersion equipment so preventable tragedies like Jordan’s and the story of so many other student athletes won’t happen again. The legislation is endorsed by The Jordan McNair Foundation and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association.

    More Information on Jordan McNair

    • Jordan McNair was a freshman offensive lineman on the University of Maryland’s football team in 2018. On May 29, 2018, Jordan was taking a conditioning test that required 10 sets of 110-yard sprints. Jordan appeared to show signs of exhaustion during the sets of sprints. Jordan collapsed and was taken to the hospital before passing away two weeks later due to exertional heatstroke.
    • Jordan was demonstrating signs of an exertional heatstroke before he completed the sprints, but he was not treated with the care required to save his life. An hour passed before a trainer called 911, even after Jordan initially started showing symptoms.
    • Some report that University staff failed to see initial signs that Jordan was suffering from a heat illness and not being treated properly. Those reports also suggest staff did not check his core temperature, did not have proper cooling devices, and did not give emergency responders suitable directions to their location.
    • Dr. Rod Walters, a former college athletic trainer and a sports medicine consultant, led an investigation launched by the University. He concluded there was roughly 1 hour, 39 minutes between when McNair collapsed and the departure of his ambulance from campus.
    • The University of Maryland has taken subsequent steps to prevent and treat heat-related injuries among their student athletes: making cold water immersion tubs available at every practice and game, installing and maintaining readily accessible automatic defibrillators in every venue, increasing the number of doctors and trainers at practices and games, providing more recovery breaks, and increasing the training and reporting structure of athletic trainers, among other reforms in line with the priorities of this legislation.

    Click Here to access the Jordan McNair Student Athlete Heat Fatality Prevention Act bill text.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 19, 2025
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