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    Ex-Arsenal cult icon Nicklas Bendtner in shock career change after taking up new hobby during Covid lockdown

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    ARSENAL cult hero Nicklas Bendtner has launched his own gaming company.Bendtner, 36, rolled credits on his turbulent football career in 2019 and is now set for a completely different endeavour.Arsenal cult hero Nicklas Bendtner started his own gaming groupCredit: AFPBendtner spent nine turbulent years with ArsenalCredit: Getty – ContributorAccording to Esports Insider, the former striker created his own group that he calls Legendary Gaming Group.This comes after the ex-Denmark international spent the Covid-19 pandemic playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.Bendtner said, “My own role in the company will be an active one, but what the exact title will be is not 100% decided yet, as it also depends on what roles the other sports profiles coming in will have.”The ex-Arsenal ace propped up a website alongside Morten Jensen, Atle Stehouer, Stephen Shine, and Jonas Rosbech.Read More on ArsenalThe site says: “Legendary Gaming Group offers a premier esports experience, blending elite talent development, cutting-edge scouting, and thrilling events. “We collaborate with top brands, NGOs, and sponsors to create impactful partnerships. “Join us to elevate your gaming journey and be part of the future of esports innovation.”Bendtner joined Arsenal’s academy in 2004 from Kjobenhavns Boldklub at the age of 16.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe controversial forward earned a senior call-up in 2005 and went on to amass a total of 47 goals and 22 assists in 171 appearances with the Gunners.The Dane played for the likes of Birmingham, Sunderland and Juventus on loan during his nine-year stint with the North Londoners.Ex-Arsenal striker Bendtner shows off new look in shock appearance in Denmark World Cup 2022 squad announcement video Bendtner also played for Wolfsburg, Nottingham Forest, Rosenborg and Copenhagen before his early retirement at the age of 31. More

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      in Athletics

      Paris Olympics to lift sex ban with 300,000 condoms to be delivered to Olympic village

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      OLYMPIC chiefs have lifted the ban on athletes having sex ahead of this summer’s Games.A sex suspension was implemented ahead of the 2020 Games Tokyo, which took place in the summer of 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.The 2024 Olympic Games take place in Paris this summerCredit: ALAMYOlympic chiefs have lifted the sex ban they had in place for the 2024 GamesCredit: REUTERSThe ban was imposed in a bid to stop events from being scuppered by Covid outbreaks.But those preventative measures have been lifted ahead of this summer’s Games in Paris – meaning athletes can get up to as much rumpy-pumpy as they like.Olympic Village director Laurent Michaud said: “It is very important that the conviviality here is something big.”Working with the athletes commission, we wanted to create some places where the athletes would feel very enthusiastic and comfortable.”READ MORE ON PARIS 2024The Olympic Village , according to TMZ, will be stocked with a whopping 300,000 free condoms.So athletes will have no excuse for not practicing safe sex during the tournament.There won’t, however, be any free champers for them to drink during the competition.Although they will have a wide array of food from around the globe available to them every day.Most read in AthleticsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Olympic Village will be stocked with 300,000 free condomsCredit: GETTYFormer Center Parcs head-honcho Michaud said: “[There will be no champagne in the village, of course, but they can have all the champagne they want also in Paris.”We will have more than 350 metres of buffet with the world food.We’re twin sisters, 27, who both secretly battled same disease… now we’re plotting Olympic gold at Paris 2024 together”And I’m sure that the athletes will be very happy to have some French specialties made over here.”But the variety will first respond to the athletes’ needs for their nutrition and their performance.”The Paris Games – which get underway on July 26 and end on August 11 – are expected to attract the largest crowds since London 2012.Olympic Games executive director Christophe Dubi told Sky News: “It has to be a celebration and it is a celebration.”We’ve had many challenges in the past. “In Rio, we faced situations that were amazingly complex.”But what you see is that with a bit of goodwill from everyone – starting with the organisers.”But also as far as the Olympic community is concerned – meeting with the challenges and coming up with solutions… is in the greater interest that the Games represent.READ MORE SUN STORIES”What we all want is for unity, peace and a celebration of the best athletes. “This is how this creative family works together. Any challenge? We will win.” More

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      in Boxing

      Watch Conor McGregor land brutal shot on sparring partner in his garden… leaving Ebanie Bridges in awe

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      CONOR McGREGOR looked razor sharp in a sparring session held in his GARDEN – leaving the likes of Ebanie Bridges in awe. McGregor is gearing up for his anticipated UFC return and has spent the past year ramping up training.
      Conor McGregor looked razor sharp in a sparring sessionCredit: https://www.instagram.com/thenotoriousmma/
      Ebanie Bridges was in awe of McGregor’s sparring clipCredit: @ebanie_bridges
      McGregor and Bridges have struck up a friendshipCredit: Instagram @ebaniebridges
      During the Covid-19 pandemic, with restrictions on public gyms, the Irishman built a fully-sized UFC cage on the site of his mansion.
      And McGregor still uses it to this day as he released footage from a recent sparring session.
      He captioned it: “The double goat, I have the full scale octagon in my garden with the canvas covered in billion dollar businesses.”
      In the clips, McGregor lands a series of stinging counter shots and one kick to the stomach had his sparring partner wincing in agony.
      READ MORE IN UFC
      His comment section was full of praise, with boxing legend Evander Holyfield replying: “Ok then.”
      Ex-champion Bridges followed up with three fire emojis and one lovestruck face.
      The Aussie has struck up a close friendship with McGregor and is even sponsored by his Forged Irish Stout beverage.
      McGregor’s return to the cage has continued to be delayed since his last fight in July 2021, when he broke his leg.
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      The former two-weight UFC champion, 35, had eyed the headline spot on the historic UFC 300 card on April 13.
      But he then brazenly announced he would return on June 29 against Michael Chandler, 37, in a middleweight bout.
      Seven sports stars who started an OnlyFans including ex-footballer and British boxing icon
      UFC president Dana White was quick to shut down McGregor’s claim and even said his comeback fight was more likely pushed back till the winter.
      And White recently spoke out to try and clarify the confusion behind McGregor’s dragged out talks to return.
      He told Kevin Iole: “Only Conor knows [when he’s ready].
      “These are questions for Conor McGregor, not me. I know he’s training. I don’t know what level of training he’s doing.”
      White added: “I don’t know what level of kicking he’s doing right now. I don’t know any of that stuff.
      “I need to know the guy’s in a full camp and he’s ready to go. Conor McGregor has a movie coming out.

      “He’s got businesses that he’s built. It’s a completely different dynamic when you’re dealing with a guy that has this kind of money.”
      McGregor is in training for his UFC returnCredit: https://www.instagram.com/thenotoriousmma/
      The UFC star has not fought since July 2021Credit: https://www.instagram.com/thenotoriousmma/ More

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      in Boxing

      I’m Anthony Joshua’s rival and saw Chinese pals attacked over Covid but nobody dared target me due to my mammoth size

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      ZHILEI ZHANG saw Chinese compatriots getting attacked in New York during the Covid-19 pandemic but was too big for the cowards to target.The Beijing 2008 Olympic silver winner trains as a pro in New Jersey and has adopted the US as a second home.
      Zhilei Zhang opened up on how he saw Chinese compatriots being attacked in New YorkCredit: PA
      But when coronavirus gripped the world – and ex-president Donald Trump made a series of allegations against China – 39-year-old Zhang felt like the enemy in the Land of Opportunity.
      Thankfully life is almost back to normal and Zhang was welcomed to London last week to take on Putney’s 37-year-old Juggernaut Joe Joyce at the Copper Box on Saturday.
      Recalling the torrid time his innocent fellow expats faced, the softly spoken giant told SunSport: “We saw people getting pushed on the subway in New York City.
      “I would probably never become a target in the street, because of my size, but I do have Chinese friends and business owners in New York who have been targeted.
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      “These people have suffered, not just financially but also mentally and emotionally.
      “I don’t think it is the right thing to do, I don’t agree with politicising the pandemic, it should not be used as something to attack people.
      “People and human beings are innocent, nobody wants anyone to be sick, suffer or be infected.
      “Nobody wanted the virus and nobody wanted the impact it has had on the world.
      Most read in Boxing
      “Thankfully now we are moving on and getting back to living our lives in a positive way.”
      With China being the cradle of martial arts and boxing coming under that huge and money-spinning umbrella, it’s strange that 6ft 6in Zhang remains a rarity.
      But the 24-1-1 southpaw explains very wisely why a population of 1.4billion people have ZERO world boxing champions and just a few Asian fighters, largely representing Japan in the lightest weight classes.
      “When I got the silver medal in 2008, boxing was still a minor sport in China,” he said.
      “In China the major sports are diving, table tennis and soccer. Even after I got my silver medal I didn’t get recognised a lot. But I know what I have achieved and how far I have come.
      “Last time I fought in Las Vegas, my fight got 60 million views in China, that was record-breaking and historic, so I hope my career is helping make boxing a bigger success in China.
      “Maybe there are a couple of reasons why boxing and Asian countries haven’t really taken off.
      “One might be Geography, Asia is a pretty remote region, cut away from the likes of Europe and the Americas.
      Zhang won a silver medal at the 2008 OlympicsCredit: PA
      “Also Asian guys are traditionally smaller guys, so we have stars like Manny Pacquiao but they operate in the smaller divisions, which don’t get as much attention as the bigger guys from around middleweight and above.
      “I am not from a big family at all, it really is just me! My parents are just average sized”.
      Before Anthony Joshua agreed to fight Jermaine Franklin in his comeback bout in April 1, promoter Eddie Hearn teased the idea of taking him on a round-the-world tour and facing Zhang at the iconic 80,000 seat Bird’s Nest Stadium.
      Sadly it was another bluff but Zhang hopes our London 2012 legend is not getting written off by the British public he won over so spectacularly over the last decade.
      “We talked about something but it was premature,” Zhang confirmed.
      “Maybe after two losses to Usyk he is scared of southpaws forever now?
      “But I don’t think there is any fear among the top boxers – in any division – I believe that we are all fighters who want the biggest and best fights.
      “But I do believe and understand how promoters and broadcasters want to protect their investments, they are the ones who are scared of a loss.
      “Joshua has lost a few times but look at his wins, the respect is there.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I don’t think Joshua fears anyone but I think the business people and investors in him are protecting their career with smart business moves.
      “He might have lost some confidence but I think he deserves time and recognition.” More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      England fans face pre-travel tests and vaccine passports to enter SHOPS as Qatar introduces tough Covid rules

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      ENGLAND fans face pre-travel tests and need vaccine passports just to enter SHOPS at the World Cup after Qatar introduced new Covid rules.Supporters from around the globe will descend on the Middle East in November to watch their respective nations in action at the showpiece.
      England fans face more Covid protocol hassle to get to the World CupCredit: Getty
      Qatar have introduced a number of new Covid rulesCredit: AFP
      However, a new report from The Telegraph has detailed the full guidelines of what people need to do amid the rule change to enter the country for the World Cup.
      Regardless of vaccination status, all travellers to Qatar must now take a lab-certified Covid test before arriving.
      There are also a number of other pre-boarding requirements to complete.
      The report states that not only must you upload your NHS vaccine certificate and complete a passenger locator form, but it is compulsory to install Qatar’s Covid app, Ehteraz.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL
      And there are even more rules to follow once you actually set foot in the country.
      Everyone must show their Ehteraz app before entering a shop or restaurant.
      Despite it being reportedly similar to the NHS version, another issue is getting internet access to use it.
      Doha allegedly has poor Wi-Fi networks, which need you to register beforehand and receive a security code to use, which means you may have to end up paying a “hefty” roaming charge.
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      Fortunately, Qatar has recently relaxed the strict mask-wearing rules regarding shopping and hospitality venues, although they are still needed on public transport.
      But all of the above still means more hassle on top of a pricey trip to Qatar for the showcase.
      England take on Italy and Germany later this month in Nations League clashes in their final matches before the World Cup kicks off in Qatar.
      The Three Lions will begin their campaign against Iran on November 21, with further group matches against the USA on November 25 and a clash with Wales four days later. More

    • 175 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      England risk being kicked out of the World Cup under barmy Labour border plans

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      ENGLAND risk being kicked out of the World Cup under barmy Labour border plans.
      Sir Keir Starmer wants arrivals from every country to spend ten days in hotel quarantine.

      😷 Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

      England risk being kicked out of the World Cup under barmy Labour border plans that would see arrivals from every country to spend ten days in hotel quarantineCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Under the proposals Gareth Southgate’s team would have to forfeit qualification games in Poland, San Marino and AlbaniaCredit: PA:Press Association

      There are no exemptions for elite sports stars coming from nations where quarantining in hotels is requiredCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      There would be no exemptions for Three Lions aces.
      Currently, the measures will apply to 33 countries and there are no exemptions for elite sports stars coming from nations where quarantining in hotels is required.
      But if the proposals were expanded under Labour’s plans, England’s World Cup qualification games in Poland, San Marino and Albania would have to be forfeited.

      Gareth Southgate’s team would be handed a 3-0 loss in each game, severely denting their chances of qualifying for Qatar 2022.
      If the games did go ahead, they’d risk the Premier League’s wrath as stars would be held for ten days in hotels on their return.
      The move would also throw the Euros, the Premier League, the Champions League, rugby’s Six Nations and the new Formula 1 season into chaos.
      MPs will vote on Labour’s proposal which lists one exemption to the blanket ban — for hauliers.

      Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said: ‘By quarantining all arrivals, we can help protect vaccines against new strains’Credit: PA:Press Association
      Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, Nick Thomas-Symonds said: “By quarantining all arrivals, we can help protect vaccines against new strains.”
      But the Premier League has worked hard to make teams Covid secure, with players often travelling in bubbles.
      A Tory Party spokesman said: “Labour’s plan to put 20,000 people a day in hotels is implausible.”
      An insider said: “All sports have the strictest covid protocols but if these measures were introduced British teams in Europe have a real headache over how to compete.
      “That in turn would have financial implication, as well as issues over future qualification.”
      The source added the measures would impact the “already truncated” season which needs to finished before the delayed Euros this summer – which would also be affected by the measures, as Wembley stadium hosts all three England group games, the semi-finals and final.
      Motor racing would also be affected, with the Formula 1 season set to start in weeks in Bahrain.
      Races in “red listed” Brazil and Abu Dhabi are taking place at the end of the year, when organisers hope restrictions have been lifted.

      The England Football team could miss out on next year’s World Cup due to Labour’s proposalsCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      A Formula 1 spokesman said: “Last year we proved we could compete safely with over 80,000 tests and 0.1 per cent positives.
      “We employ over 40,000 both directly and indirectly through supply chains and have over 25,000 highly skilled engineers.
      “We cannot operate if we cannot travel and the elite sport exemption is quite simply keeping our sport and others going and saving jobs.”
      A Whitehall source said: “So long as we remain confident on public health grounds, we’d support players travelling to compete.
      “A blanket ban would effectively stop us playing in international competitions and be devastating for sports’ finances.
      “At various points Labour have tried to disrupt sport continuing through covid, whereas the government has done everything it can to keep it going safely”.

      Qatar are due to host the tournament in 2022

      A Labour spokesman said: “Labour’s proposals outlined do include scope for exemptions, we have asked the Government to provide all of the basis or the decisions around exemptions. 
      “Every effort should be made to allow elite international sport to continue, through quarantine exemption, although the key priority has to be against importing a strain of the virus that is resistant to the vaccine.”
      The Premier League declined to comment.

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