Rugby sevens' Olympic debut at Rio 2016 will be celebrated today as international stars compete in a special invitational beach rugby competition on the Brazilian capital's Ipanema coastline.

Supported by World Rugby and run by the Brazilian Rugby Union (CBRu), the competition sees the men's and women's teams representing Argentina, Italy and hosts Brazil take centre stage on one of the world's most iconic beach cities, at its busiest time of year.

The event will take place in the 1,000-seater arena on the beach and run alongside the Animal Rugby festival, which will see 150 children from across Rio, including those from a local social inclusion programmes, learning rugby basics in a fun and safe environment.

Rugby is one of the fastest-growing team sports in Brazil, and with more than 46,000 children having been introduced to it in the past two years, the CBRu and World Rugby is committed to ensuring that Rio 2016 provides a platform to inspire and engage new participants.

"We are excited about the debut of rugby sevens at Rio 2016 and the growth opportunity provided by showcasing our sport on the world's biggest sporting stage," said World Rugby President, Bernard Lapasset.

"Rugby sevens' winning blend of high-octane action, close competition and entertainment is proving a hit with young audiences, broadcasters and commercial partners and I am confident that Rio will love sevens.

"This is why we believe rugby sevens will be great for the Olympics, great for Brazil and great for rugby.

"This exciting competition, hosted at a busy time for beaches in Rio, will showcase the tremendous skill, speed and excitement of rugby and we look forward to welcoming the people of Rio to what promises to be a very special and fun event."

CBRu chief executive, Agustín Danza, added: "This event is an important milestone in the CBRu´s promotion of rugby in the build-up to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

"Our mission is to bring rugby sevens to the people of Rio de Janeiro, enable them to get to know the sport, play it, interact with professional players and be able to watch some of the best rugby teams in the world live.

"The objective is to raise awareness and interest for the sport, in order to maximise the popularity of rugby at the Olympic Games."

Rugby sevens proved to be extremely popular at the Nanjing Youth Olympic Games earlier this year, while an exciting competition at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games attracted a world record sevens crowd of more than 150,000.

The Rio 2016 Organising Committee is excited about the value and opportunity that the sport will bring to the Games.

"We are confident that the speed, skill and passion of rugby sevens will capture the attention and interest of people in Rio and across our sport loving nation," said Agberto Guimarães, Rio 2016 Executive Director of Sport, who met with Lapasset last month in Rio.

"Seeing the Olympic qualifying get under way recently was another exciting step on the journey towards the Rio 2016 Games.

"We are making solid progress on the venue in the Deodoro zone and continue to work closely together with World Rugby as we move from the planning into the execution phase of the project.

"We have no doubt that rugby will integrate very well into the vibrant, multi-sport atmosphere that we are creating in Deodoro for the 2016 Games."

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India is facing a resumption of its ban from international boxing after the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) rejected Boxing India's application for national federation recognition, instead backing the controversial Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF).

This body, run by Ashok Matoria - the brother-in-law of Abhay Chautala, the IOA President when it served a 14-month suspension from the International Olympic Committee, lifted in February - was suspended by the Indian Government and International Boxing Association (AIBA) in December 2012 for not holding elections under the Olympic Charter.

But the IOA reached a unanimous decision at its Annual General Meeting in Chennai, India throwing up a difficult situation in which one body is recognised by its parent international body, while the other has the backing of the national apex sports body.

It thus leaves India at risk of a resumption of a ban from international events, lifted in February 2013 after a long-running dispute between the international body and the IABF.

"The matter was discussed at length and the Executive Committee was unanimous in its view that for the IOA, the recognised body will be the IABF," said current IOA President N. Ramachandran following the decision, flanked by secretary general Rajeev Mehta.

"There were disputes and IOA constituted an Ad Hoc Committee, but subsequently AIBA recognised Boxing India.

"IOA took up the matter with AIBA President [C K Wu].

"We wanted the elections to be held under the aegis of IOA with AIBA observers present.

"AIBA did not accept these suggestions and BI held its elections under the supervision of AIBA where neither Government of India nor IOA observers was present."

Speaking to The Times of India, BI President Sandeep Jajodia termed the move a "retrograde" one, adding that the IOA was indulging in "adhocism".

"This is an unfortunate development for boxing in the country," he said.

"We conducted free and fair elections in the presence of an AIBA observer.

"Within a month of being recognised by AIBA, we conducted the women's nationals and are set to hold the men's nationals in January.

"What logical reason does the IOA have for not offering us recognition and instead offering its support to a now-defunct IABF?

"This is nothing but an influenced move, a politically motivated one."

The AIBA bestowed full membership on BI in September, following which the latter applied to the IOA and Sports Ministry for recognition.

"Our view is that if an election of a sports federation in India is held it is but natural for the IOA to be informed," added Ramachandran.

"More so, when there is a dispute between two groups.

"Shutting out the IOA will not do good to any sport.

"Unilateral sanction by the international body cannot be accepted.

"There were numerous complaints that we received regarding irregularities during the elections.

"Autonomy of IOA cannot be compromised under any circumstance."

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The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has claimed there are positive signs for the nation's team ahead of Rio 2016 following the results of its latest benchmark study.

The research, which ranks nations by their overall medal tally from the year, sees Australia moving into sixth place with 42 medals - 13 gold, 12 silver and 17 bronze.

Ahead of them is China on top of the table with 79 medals, followed by the United States with 66, Russia with 60, and Germany and Great Britain both with 45.

Australia is seventh on the gold medal tally, behind China with 31, the US with 28, France with 19, Russia on 16, Japan on 15 and Germany on 14.

They are also a due one extra bronze medal, in athletics - which is not included in the study as the results are not available until the end of December - thanks to Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games champion Dani Samuels finishing the year ranked third in the world in women's discus.

"The results are very encouraging...we are still a long way from Rio but they point to us building towards a successful Games," said AOC President and International Olympic Committee vice-president John Coates.

"Twelve months ago we were sitting on 34 medals, 8 gold, 19 silver and seven bronze".

Just two months ago, Australia was in eighth position on 27 medals, but recent outstanding performances in swimming saw that tally increase by 15 medals - seven gold, four silver and four bronze.

Britain, France and Japan will all improve when the end year athletics' rankings are released, it is acknowledged, with France moving past Australia to sixth and Japan drawing equal on seventh in total medals, while maintaining their lead over Australia in gold.

"We are lower on the gold medal tally, but remain hopeful our athletes will convert some of the 29 silver and bronze medals into gold come 2016," Coates added.

"A top five finish is an aspirational goal and we unashamedly strive to be back up there with the best again.

"Our hockey men and women are at the top of their game [two medals].

"Our cyclists continue to perform [six medals].

"Sailing is maintaining its results from London 2012 [four medals], rowing [four medals], canoe/kayak [three medals] and diving and shooting [two each].

"We are optimistic when it comes to the new sports, golf and rugby sevens and as always our women's basketball team is up there with the best.

"Twenty sixteen may also see our very talented men's basketball team reach the podium."

Australia expects to send at least 470 athletes to compete at the Rio 2016 Olympics, which is due to take place from August 5 to 21.

The nation ranked 10th overall at the London 2012 Games, with a total of 35 medals - seven gold, 16 silver and 12 bronze.

It was their lowest performance since Seoul 1988, when they had finished 15th.

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The Amateur Swimming Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ASATT) held their awards for the years 2012 and 2013 at the Cascadia Hotel, St Ann’s, on Tuesday.

George Bovell won the Male Athlete of the Year for the two years while ASATT president Joseph Mc Leod was named Coach of the Year for back-to-back years also.
Bovell’s standout feat was his FINA World Swimming Championships bronze medal in the Men’s 50m freestyle in Barcelona in 2013.
And Tidal Wave Aquatics also earned titles in two consecutive years when they copped the Club of the Year award for 2012 and 2013.
Dylan Carter was named top 15-17 for both years also with his FINA World Youth Swimming Championship silver medal achievement in the Men’s 50m butterfly in Dubai being the highlight of his achievements for 2013.
Mc Leod asked for members to unite to move the sport forward going into 2015 and beyond.
The ASATT will bring its awards up to date when they  host their award ceremonies for 2014 and 2015 collectively next year.
ASATT Awardees for 2012 and 2013

2012:
8 & Under Girls
Naomi Patterson  -  2 Bronze Medals at the Goodwill Games.

8 & Under Boys
Daniel Jesurum   -  2 Gold and 2 Bronze Medals at the Goodwill Games

9 - 10 Girls
Vrisnelit Faure - 2 Gold Medals 1 Silver Medal and 3 Bronze Medals at the Goodwill Games.

9 - 10 Boys
Gabriel Bynoe - 5 Silver Medals and 2 Bronze Medals at the Goodwill Games.

11 - 12 Girls
Amira Pilgrim - 2 Gold Medals and 1 Bronze Medal at the Carifta Games.
1 Gold , 1 Silver and 1 Bronze at the CISC Games

11 - 12 Boys
Dario Omiss - 2 Bronze Medals at the Carifta Games. 2 Bronze Medals at the CISC Games.
13 - 14 Girls
Tyla Martin - 7 Gold Medals at the Carifta Games. 1st Overall.

13 - 14 Boys
Jabari Baptiste - 4 Gold Medals, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze medal at the Carifta Games. 4 Gold Medals and 2 Silver Medals at the CISC Games.
He was 1st Overall at Both Games.

15 - 17 Girls
Kimberlee John Williams - 1 Gold Medal, 2 Silver Medals and 2 Bronze Medals at the Carifta Games. 3 Gold Meldals and 2 Silver Medals at the CISC Games. She was 1st Overall at the CISC Games.

15 - 17 Boys
Dylan Carter - 4 Gold Medals and 4 Silver Medals at the Carifta Games. 1st Ovwerall. 3 Gold and 1 Bronze at the CISC Games.

18 & Over Male
Sharntelle Mclean - 2 Gold Medals and 3 Silver Medals at the CISC Games.

18 & Over Male
George Bovell  - 7th in Olympics
Water Polo:

Top Achiever Boys 18 & Under 2012: Russell Ferreira.

Female Athlete of the year Sharntelle Mclean
Male Athlete of the year George Bovell 111.
Coach of the Year Joseph Mcleod
Club of the year Tidal Wave Aquatics.

2013
8 & Under Girls
Zoe Anthony - 1 Gold Medal & 5 Silver Medals at the Goodwill Games. She was also 1st Overall.

8 & Under Boys
Riquelio Joseph - 1 Gold Medal and 1 Silver Medal at the Goodwill Games. He placed 3rd Overall.

9 - 10 Girls
Jahmia Harley - 6 Silver Medal and 2 Bronze Medals at the Goodwill Games. She was 3rd Overall.

9 - 10 Boys
Aqeel Joseph - 5 Gold Medals, 4 Silver Medals and 2 Bronze Medals at the Goodwill Games. He placed 2nd Overall.
11 - 12 Girls
Jada Chai - 1 Gold Medal, 1 Silver Medal and 1 Bronze Medal at the Carifta Games.

11 - 12 Boys
Kael Yorke - 1 Gold Medal, 1 Silver Medal and 1 Bronze Medal at the Carifta Games. 1 Gold Medal,                                                                                                 1 Silver Medal and 1 Bronze Medal at the CCCAN  Games.

13 - 14 Girls
Amira Pilgrim - 1 Gold Medal and 1 Silver Medal at the Carifta Games. 1 Bronze Medal at the CCCAN Games.

13 - 14 Boys
Adrian Goin - 2 Gold Medals and 1 Silver Medal at the Carifta Games.

15 - 17 Girls
Kristin Julien - Performance at World Youth Games.

15 - 17 Boys
Dylan Carter - 3 Gold Medals and 1 Silver Medal at the Carifta Games. 1 Silver Medal at the World Youth Games.

18 & Over Women
Cherelle Thompson - 1 Gold Medal and 1 Bronze Medal at the CCCAN Games.

18 & Over Men
George Bovell  - 1 Bronze at the World Championships.

Water Polo:

Top Achiever Boys 18 & Under 2013 Sebastien Van Reeken

Top Achiever Boys 15 & Under 2013: Leon Daniel

Female Athlete of the Year: Kristin Julien

Male Athlete of the Year: George Bovell

Coach of the Year: Joseph Mcleod

Club of the Year: Tidal Wave Aquatics.

….First Caribbean athlete to win collegiate’s top track & field honour

PHOENIX - An undefeated season and a pair of national championship titles in the 400 metres earned Texas A&M sprinter Deon Lendore a prestigious honour in track and field as he was named the 2014 winner of The Bowerman Award during a ceremony held Wednesday evening at the US Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association convention.

“It’s a tremendous recognition for a great athlete,” said Texas A&M head coach Pat Henry. “It was a tough competition and to be chosen as the top athlete is a huge award. Deon is very deserving of this honour and we are glad we have him for another year.”

It’s the second Bowerman honour for the Aggie track and field programme as Texas A&M joins Oregon as the only schools to have a male and female recipient of the award. Aggie sprinter Jessica Beard claimed the women’s 2011 Bowerman Award.

“I’m thankful for being chosen as the winner of the 2014 Bowerman,” said Lendore. “I’d like to thank God for giving me the talent and I’d also like to thank the board for selecting me.

“At first it didn’t kick in that it was me when he said quarter-miler. Then when he said Deon, I knew it was me. It was nerve-racking waiting for an announcement.”

Finalists for the men’s Bowerman, which honours the most outstanding collegiate track and field athlete, included a pair of distance runners in Lawi Lalang of Arizona and Oregon’s Edward Cheserek.

“I was a bit nervous since distance runners can run different events and they’re able to rack up more titles,” stated Lendore. “Running other relays besides the 4x400 was a good decision for me. It was a good choice to run the 4x100 and 4x200 so I could add something to my achievements and my resume.”

Henry noted: “Having him run the 4x100 enabled him to improve his 400 with the training we do for the shorter relay. The success we had in all of relays this season aided Deon when they looked at his overall performances in addition to his individual success this year.”

Laura Roesler of Oregon won the women’s Bowerman amid a field of finalists that included Courtney Okolo of Texas and Arkansas State’s Sharika Nelvis.

Lendore and Roesler both won the fan vote during the summer which earned each athlete one vote in the overall process.

“Even winning the fan vote during the summer I knew it was only one portion of the voting process,” said Lendore. “So it was special to hear my name called out as the Bowerman winner. This is the icing on cake with the junior season I had. Winning the Bowerman is a good way to cap off the 2014 season.”

Lendore went undefeated through 14 races at 400 metres this year, sweeping SEC and NCAA titles in the event as he produced some of the fastest times ever run by a collegian in the open 400 as well as on 4x400 relay legs.

The native of Trinidad & Tobago set a national record indoors with his A&M school record of 45.03 at the SEC Indoor Championships, which is fourth fastest ever by a collegian indoors and sixth best on the world all-time list.

When Lendore won his first individual national title at the NCAA Indoor Championships in March his time of 45.21 was the second fastest winning mark in the history of the meet.

Outdoors, he moved to No ten on the all-time collegiate list with a 44.36 clocking to win the SEC Outdoor title. The 44.36, which broke a 45-year-old Aggie record set by Curtis Mills, was the fourth fastest time in the world for the 2014 season. Lendore posted a 45.02 to become the first A&M winner of the NCAA Outdoor 400m title since Mills won in 1969.

Accomplishments during Lendore’s junior campaign included five SEC titles and three NCAA championships as he added three SEC relay titles and one NCAA relay title to his individual championship races.

In completing a third sweep of indoor and outdoor conference 400m titles, Lendore also achieved a third set of 4x400 relay titles. He is a perfect 13 for 13 in conference races over his career, which includes six races in the 400, six in the 4x400, and once in the 4x100.

In relay action Lendore anchored four A&M school record performances in the 4x100 (38.30), 4x200 (1:20.29), 4x400 indoor (3:03.20) and 4x400 outdoor (2:59.60).

The indoor 4x400 effort at the SEC Championships was a collegiate indoor record as Lendore’s split of 44.63 seconds, the fastest ever recorded by a collegian indoors, secured the victory. Lendore supplied the Aggies with a split of 44.10 seconds in the 4x400 at the NCAA Outdoor Championships as A&M claimed the win and just missed the collegiate record by 0.01 of a second with a 2:59.60, the second fastest collegiate time ever run.

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Lewis Hamilton defied the heavy favouritism bestowed on Rory McIlroy, as the Formula One world champion won the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year award in Glasgow on Sunday evening.

With minutes to go before the winner was announced, McIlroy was heavily favoured to become the first golfer in 25 years to lift the trophy. Instead, Hamilton prevailed with 209, 920 telephone votes from 620,932 cast, with the golfer edged into second place on 123, 745. Athlete Jo Pavey, a source of inspiration to many on account of distance running heroics, took third on 99,931 votes.

Hamilton, who later admitted he would have voted for McIlroy were he watching at home, seemed slightly shocked when addressing the 12,000 crowd at the SSE Hydro arena. “I really wasn’t expecting that,” he said, “especially as I was watching all of the videos during the awards. We are really talking about some of the great sportspeople of our time.

“I am really, really taken aback. I am overwhelmed and feel so honoured. I have an amazing following but you never know how well you are appreciated throughout the whole of the UK. I would have been proud just to be amongst these people, who have done such amazing things.

“When I was growing up in Stevenage, of course I wanted to be a racing driver and be the best in the world but I didn’t ever contemplate all the people who would support or follow me. I just wanted to be the best.”

Damon Hill, in 1996, was the last Formula One driver to win the BBC title.

McIlroy was gracious in defeat, despite being entitled to feel disappointed. This was a year in which the 25-year-old claimed two major championships and surged back to the top of the world rankings.

“Lewis has had a fantastic year so I have no complaints,” said the Northern Irishman. “This was his second world championship and he dominated the F1 season.

“I had a lot of support out there. To finish second is still a great achievement. Hopefully if I can achieve just as much next year, if not more, I can go one better.”

McIlroy’s fellow golfer Ian Poulter took to Twitter to suggest it was ridiculous that McIlroy was upstaged by Hamilton.

Golf was represented among the winners, though. Paul McGinley, who masterminded Europe’s comprehensive success over the United States at the Ryder Cup, was presented with the coach of the year award. The Irishman paid special tribute “first and foremost to the people of Scotland” for their backing of the European cause at Gleneagles.

McGinley added: “It was very much a team effort, I had a lot of people in place to help me. It has been a wonderful time in my life. People are very gracious, they say lovely things. What has pleased me most is seeing the pride they have.”

The England women’s rugby union team, who claimed the World Cup with a victory over Canada in Paris, was named as the team of the year. Their captain, Katy McLean, hailed this recognition as “a massive turning point for women’s sport”.

Former cyclist Sir Chris Hoy was presented with a lifetime achievement award by Prince Harry and footballer Cristiano Ronaldo appeared via recorded video message after being named as the overseas sports personality of the year.

“This really is incredibly special to me,” said Hoy. “I thought my days of getting emotional were over when I retired but it’s impossible not to be when you hear such special words. I feel like the luckiest guy around, I can’t believe I was able to do what I love for so many years.

“I looked at some of the names who have won this trophy before me, Seve Ballesteros, Pele, Martina Navratilova. To have my name beside them is quite surreal.”

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