23 Mar. 2017- After suspending him for more than 4 months, Ahmad Ibrahim’s ban is finally lifted. Thanks to President Pierre Kakhia who has been working on issue since his election.

Here’s what Ahmad had to say after such great news: “ It is with great happiness that I declare that my ban has been officially lifted, and that my suspension was for a period of 4 months commencing 21 May 2016.
I would like to thank FIBA and the Court of Arbitration of Sports for giving me the opportunity to appeal and proving that justice will always prevail.
A special thank you to my family and loved ones for sticking by me during these hard few months! I will always remember their love and support.
And finally, thank you to President Pierre Kakhia for his support since day one in his new office. …#AI9 is BACK!!! Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.“

Ahmad has always been considered as one of the most promising talents, and will certainly be an added value to the National Team in the Asian Championship held in Lebanon.

Teams will be definitely fighting for Ahmad’s signature to boost their squad, starting next season, and why not starting now.

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23 Mar.2017– The mother of all battles is upon us, Homenetmen host Riyadi eyeing to upset Riyadi for the first time this season.

Homenetmen must be focused going into this game, although they are the league leaders, they still feel as underdogs in this one. They must not insist on playing the majority of the time from behind the arc. One of their biggest issues that lost them the game in Manara was taking those ill-advised threes. Yow Jackson, I’m especially talking to you man.

Jackson will have to be on top of his game on both ends of the floor, as he is guarding Ali Haidar. Ali has shown he can spread the defense as he is taking his 3point shots quite well, and driving the lane when possible. His great defensive abilities will cause Jackson some nightmares. Another player that has changed a lot since Dubai is Alade Aminu. Running up and down relentlessly, fighting for every rebound and slamming everything down, Aminu has been remarkable for his team. He faces Ater Majok in the best time as the latter doesn’t seem to be in the best of shapes. With recent talks that Homenetmen are looking for a replacement, who can blame him.

Talking about change, Riyadi have made a noticeable one. Acquiring Edgar Sosa might be the missing piece in the puzzle after Wael Arakji’s injury. I don’t think he’ll play tomorrow as keeping Branko, a player that knows the systems and the way his teammates operate, is better prior to this huge game. Branko will add size to Riyadi’s lineup as they face a huge Homenetmen starting 5. He can guard Nadim Souaid and try to deny him the ball. Nadim has been huge this season, shooting with high % from DT. As for Ken Brown, he will take on Kevin Galloway. Galloway being taller and stronger he might bully his way to the basket and play the post at some time as he allows Jackson to open up the floor as he moves to the arc. What Ken lacks in size he makes up for in speed. It’s important to hit Homentmen on the run and deny them the chance to play their run and gun offense.

Yet the most anticipated matchup is between Jean Abdel Nour and Fadi El Khatib. The unstoppable force meets the immovable object. Fadi has been on a rampage but Jean Shut him down last time they met. It’s personal now! As both these superstars battle on the floor, some young talents are making noise of their own. Elie Chamoun and Karam Mechref from the host team are playing the best basketball they ever played. As for the visitors, Joey Zalloum and Amir Saoud are stepping and more is awaited from them in this game. Counting on the bench is essential in a game that drains a lot of energy.

The post Lebanese Basketball League-Preview: Homenetmen vs Riyadi appeared first on Sports 961.

23 Mar. 2017 – On Sunday the 19th of March, Belicia Kahwaji stole the spotlight in the Lebanese Ski Championship at the Refuge Mzaar Kfardebian slopes.

This 4 year old girl, who is a student at Twintip Academy, launched the championship at such a young age. Those who usually do so are 4 to 5 years older. Belicia went down in the history books as she is the first girl her age to launch such a race. She is one of those ski talents who are driven, and have a competitive mindset at a very young age.

When asked about her, Coach Fabien El Asmar said: “She managed to pick the gliding, stopping, and turning basics of skiing at the first four hours of her training program.” This is a proof that she has shown dedication ever since her early lessons. This season, she has devoted long training hours to polish her skills.

Belicia grabbed everyone’s attention and proved herself when she managed to complete a slalom track, designed for much older skiers. The future seems bright ahead of this young prodigy so let’s wait and see what the it has in store for her. Maybe Lebanon could start aiming at international podiums if we give this young generation a chance to succeed and unleash their full potential!

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24 Mar. 2017 – In the presence of Italian, German, Swiss, Serbian and Czech Republican delegations, in addition to 17 Lebanese universities, the Beirut Unisports Festival organized by USJ was inaugurated in a fantastic way!

After each delegation walked with their flag in front of the fans, the organizing university welcomed the foreign universities in their respective language, while their national anthem was being played.

Then, USJ’s women basketball team captain, Palig Semerdjian, recited the players oath which promises abiding by the rules and having sportsmanship.

When the formalities were done, the dancing competition was launched in front of a highly ranked jury consisting of Hady Awada, Sandra Abbas, Amanda Abi Rached, Raed Mrad and Zeina Assaf.

First place went to USJ while LAU finished second. Both were given their prizes by the head of the Italian delegation, Alberto Tanguetti.

Finally, the opening day was concluded with a cocktail that included Lebanese food, before the foreigners left to Mar Mkhayel to enjoy Lebanon’s night life.

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24 Mar. 2017 – After the huge success of the combat sports event “Phoenix – 1” in the games of Mixed Martial Arts(MMA) and “Muay Thai”, as the most renowned world champions have participated therein, which was organized by the “Phoenix Fighting Championship” in last December, preparations have begun to establish the “Phoenix- 2” event in the Muay Thai game that will occur on April 29 in the “Nihad Noufal Complex for Sports and Theater “at Zouk Mikael; sponsored by the Minister of Tourism Avedis Kidanian; as a step in which the Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of the “Phoenix Fighting Championship”, the Businessman Chahe Yerevanian, wants to make Lebanon an unchallenged center for combat games in the Middle East; since the Lebanese people adore this type of sports.

Yerevanian works these days on preparing for this international competition. Having achieved great success in the real estate field, in which he is currently developing and improving the possibilities of the “SAYFCO” Real Estate Company, he sets his sights on organizing contests and championships that gather the world champions in order to make Lebanon, the homeland of rice, the center of attention of all those working in the combat sports in the world. Yerevanian said with great confidence and remarkable calmness: “We won the bet in the Phoneix-1 contest; as Lebanon has witnessed international fights that have been completely admired by thousands of Lebanese citizens, who have attended the contest inside the stadium, and also by millions, who watched it through the television screen; as this contest was broadcasted live. Phoneix-2 will be the largest global event in the Muay Thai game; one that has never been seen before in history, where 20 fighters from more than ten nationalities including ten world champions will participate in.” Yerevanian added: “The World Muay Thai Council (WMC), which is the highest Muay Thai authority in the world, will oversee the contest; provided that the Board Vice-Chairman and Secretary General of the International Federation of Muay Thai Amateur (IFMA), Stefan Fox, will be present in the contest; as proof of the importance of this event which stole the spotlights.” Yerevanian, who has previously supported and is still supporting sports, from basketball to marathon to athletics to the Self-Defense Arts Festival, which was held a year and a half ago in Beirut, continued: “The fighters will compete for two World Championship belts, two Intercontinental belts and three belts for the title of “Phoenix Fighting Championship.” This event will be the largest global event in Muay Thai and I am proud of the work that I do, especially since this international event will not be in Thailand (Muay Thai’s lair), but in Lebanon, the homeland of rice. Preparations have begun by me and my team consisting of my Deputy Louay Kiblawi and the Operations Director Serge Saad with the Lebanese Muay Thai Federation headed by Samy Kiblawi and all the committees. I would like to call on all the self-defense federations and combat federations to work for the success of this great international event because it concerns us all, without exception.” Yerevanian revealed that the sports event’s budget is approximately one million dollars, stressing that the aim is not commercial at all, saying: “I am confident that the Lebanese audience will eagerly attend these fights; especially that the participants at a high level and are the most popular in the world and among them are Lebanese players. A single arena will be built at the head of the participants the Thai Sun Shay, the French Aziz Hilali, the Peruvian Antonin Shevchenko, the Swedish Iza Keshikangas, the Lebanese Kassem Daher, Mohammad Al-Gharbi, Ahmed Al-Laban, and Ziad Sinno, the British David Wilmot, the Dutch Wendell Roche, the American Stefan Banks, the Egyptian Ahmed Ibrahim, and the Jordanian Muhannad Silawi.” Yerevanian continued: “I will hold a press conference next April declaring the date later on to announce all the details concerning this major sport event, and I would like to thank the Minister of Tourism Avedis Kidanian for sponsoring this contest, and I would also like to thank the press and the media for their coverage of the ” Phoenix Fighting Championship” news. In answer to the question of whether Yerevanian aspires to assume the position of the Ministry of Youth and Sports in the future, he replied with a laugh: “I have the right to dream and this is linked to a number of matters and circumstances and I will serve sport from any location I am in”. And regarding the cancellation of the Mixed Martial Arts game by Minister of Youth and Sports Muhammad Fneish, Yerevaian replied: “I’m negotiating with the Ministry to return the game under certain conditions while establishing legal controls for it.”

The post Chahe Yerevanian to Organize a Once in a Lifetime Event appeared first on Sports 961.

24 Mar. 2017 – Team Lebanon went to Antalya from the 18th till the 20th of March in order to take part in the Wushu Kung-Fu Mediterranean Tournament. They achieved great results grabbing 2 silver medals and 3 bronze ones.

In fact, Bahzad Karam and Najwa Issa each won a silver medal. As for Micho Zammar, he grabbed a bronze medal. Patricia Nseir shone and grabbed everyone’s attention by winning 2 bronze medals in Taolou, just 0.01 less than her opponent, Turkish champion.
The other Lebanese players fought really hard, but were unfortunately unable to medal. As a matter of fact, it was the first participation for George Saade in the adult division and he competed against the 3rd in the world.  Francois El Rassi, on the other hand, went up against the second in the world.

Warm thanks go to President Georges Nseir, Vice-President Naoum Saade, and Coach Ryan Merheb for their help.

Big congrats to these athletes, way to make us proud!

The post Lebanese Wushu Kung-Fu Delegation with 2 Silvers and 3 Bronzes appeared first on Sports 961.

24 Mar. 2017 – Notre Dame de Jamhour has organized its football tournament, sponsored by Fransabank.

14 schools participated in this event from different regions, and Antonine Baabda got crowned champions, defeating Notre Dame de Jamhour (5 – 3).

Here are the results:

Quarter finals:

• Antonine Baabda vs Saint Joseph School (4-0)
• Lycee Nabatieh vs Sagesse High School (4-1)
• Saints Coeurs Ain Najem vs Melkart (1-0)
• Notre Dame de Jamhour vs Louize Evangelical School (2-0)

Semi Finals:

• Antonine Baabda vs Lycee Nabatieh (1 – 0)
• Notre Dame de Jamhour vs Saints Coeurs Nabatieh (2 – 1)

Finals:

• Antonine Baabda vs Notre Dame de Jamhour (5 – 3)

3rd and 4th Place:

• Lycee Nabatieh vs Saints Coeurs Ain Najem (1 – 0)

Congrats to the medalists.

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24 Mar. 2017 – Check out this photo album from Sagesse vs Moutahed in the Lebanese basketball league. Photos by Lara Arapguirlian / Sportscode Images.

The post Sagesse vs Moutahed – Lebanese Basketball League Pictues appeared first on Sports 961.

24 Mar. 2017 – The Lebanese swimming federation held a routine meeting at its headquarters, heading by the federation president Tony Nassar and in the presence of all members.

Many administrative and technical decisions were taken in the meeting and here are the most important:

– Agreement on world cup participation for juniors in Indianapolis. The national teams committee will work on that.

– Give Mont La Salle, Orca, Forby and Jazira clubs permission to participate in races that qualify to international races.

– The U13 championship format has been agreed on and the competition will take place on April 2nd at Mtayleb Club.

– The 25 meters swim competition will take place on May 13th and 14th at Jamhour. The format has been sent to all clubs.

– Divide the 50 meters swim championship into 2 stages in August as many swimmers have Asian, Arab and other competitions.

The post Swimming Federation Gives Green Light for World Cup Participation! appeared first on Sports 961.

24 Mar. 2017 – The Lebanese Juniors tennis national team is currently in Bangkok, participating in the juniors world cup.

Today, we had only 2 players in action in 2 matches against New Zealand, as the doubles game was not played. First, Giorgio Samaha lost against the number 2 seed with a score 2-0 (6-7 4-6). It is great seeing the fight Samaha gave as he lost in very close sets.

Secondly, it was Jalal Sadek facing the number 1 seeded player, and he also lost 2-0 (2-6 3-6). A good effort from Jalal too, they both gave everything they had and it is what matters most.

Tomorrow, Lebanon will face Indonesia for the 11th and 12th place. Best of luck!

The post Lebanon’s Results at World Junior Tennis Competition in Bangkok appeared first on Sports 961.

24 Mar. 2017- The 2017 VLN Endurance Championship kicks off tomorrow! You can enjoy the race moments LIVE here:

The post 2017 VLN Endurance Championship Round 1 LIVE appeared first on Sports 961.

24 Mar. 2017 – Check out this photo album from Mayrouba vs Tadamon in the Lebanese basketball league. Photos by Lara Arapguirlian / Sportscode Images.

The post Mayrouba vs Tadamon – Lebanese Basketball League Pictures appeared first on Sports 961.

24 Mar.2017– The biggest game of the season is upon us and what a game it was.

The game started off very tense as both teams were feeling the pressure. Riyadi were playing tough defense waiting for any mistake to push on the break. Fast break after fast break they were able to escape Homenetmen’s defense. Jackson was clearly changing his style of play, driving the lane and playing the post instead of shooting carelessly. As for Aminu he was able to find his groove down low and grabbed many rebounds. The best player on the floor. Both teams traded buckets as Riyadi finished the first q up 12-13.

In the second, the game was going back and forth. A bucket here, a three there as it was hectic. Homenetmen‘s shot selection was bad at some times as they took those fast threes they’re known for. This allowed Riyadi to stay close in the game as the hosts started to build a bit of a lead. With Jean on the floor, Fadi was not able to find his grove. He didn’t score any field goal in the first half! Riyadi were sterile offensively as Homenetmen took advantage of their open shots to take a 26-21 lead at HT.

In the third, Riyadi battled hard to regain the lead, but with Kevin Galloway and Majok pounding the bucket hard they kept the 5 point lead midway through the quarter. Riyadi shooting 2/17 from behind the arc, were never going to scare Homenetmen and spread their defense. Homenetmen found their way to the basket, making the paint their favorite place to be. If that wasn’t enough, Jackson added insult to injury with a deep shot to increase the lead to 14. The visitors showed no heart, nor passion. Losing the ball carelessly, even Ismael turned the ball over more than twice. It wasn’t their night as they trailed going into the fourth, 48-31.

Same old same old with the start of the fourth. Riyadi were even missing their free-throws. Homenetmen were making great use of Riyadi’s weak defense today. The yellows were leaving many spaces down low, players were coming from the back door uncontrolled. This zone defense was a curse to start with, offensive rebound after offensive rebound. 12 steals show the defensive effort Homenetmen were playing. Riyadi scored few buckets in garbage times as they reduced the lead. Homenetmen cruised to a 67-49 win.

The post Homenetmen Crush Riyadi To Ensure First Place-Lebanese Basketball League appeared first on Sports 961.

25 Mar.2017– The pre-final round concluded yesterday as we bring you the top 5 Lebanese players from this game-week.

At PG, he might have his dreams of progressing to the second round shattered but he still gave his all in his team’s loss against Champville. Ali Mezher finished the game with 23 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals. Hard luck young man, we will be eyeing every move you take.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Another youngster makes his way to our lineup. Call him wolf or blue soldier, this guy is giving his all on the floor. His fighting spirit and will to make a difference earns him the SG spot. Youssef Ghantous had 8 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and a valuable place in coach Ghassan’s lineup also.

.Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

At SF our pick for this week was a bit challenging. Although his team lost but we had to make room for this guy. He was chanted against all game long and bullied by the fans. But he kept his cool and didn’t succumb to the pressure as many would have done. Omar Ayoubi had a decent night clinching 10 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 heck of a block. Running up and down the court relentlessly, your effort is well noted.Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Captain Bassel Bawji has been on a rampage. He was the turning point for his team late in this season. His great contributions earned him his Captain promotion as he continued to shine against Hoops. He had 15 points, 16 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and the PF spot this week.

.Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

It was old school time last Wednesday night as our Center for this week Ali Fakherdine got his groove back. Great performance from Ali facing the 7-footer Upshaw as he racked up 16 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 blocks. That mid-range shot still stings
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

The post The Best Lebanese Lineup For Round 17- Lebanese Basketball League appeared first on Sports 961.

25 Mar. 2017 – The last and final game of the Women’s Futsal League took place between Shooters and USJ today, March 25th.

The tension being at its peak, and with the series tied 1-1, both teams poured blood, sweat, and tears to try and be crowned champions. Everyone expected a show and these girls delivered. After a very hard fought match up, Shooters were able to defeat a very tough opponent 6-4.

3 of Shooters’ goals came through their star player, Nancy Tchailyan while Hana Achour, Taghrid Hmedi and Rayane Rachid scored one goal each.

With this victory, Shooters retain their title in front of a bewildered USJ who failed to dethrone them.

Congratulations Shooters Club!

The post Lebanese Futsal: Shooters Overcome USJ, Retain Title appeared first on Sports 961.

26 Mar. 2017 – The Universiade qualifications of taekwondo took place on Saturday the 25th of March in Mont La Salle – Ain Saade. Many athletes from different universities fought tooth and nail, making strenuous efforts all for that gold medal and for a plane ticket taking them to Taipei.

First of all, Pia Bitar won the -49 category. Krystel Koussa, on the other hand, grabbed the gold in the -53 category. As for Christina Jane Tanios and Sarah Lynn Tanios they secured a spot at the Universiade by respectively winning the -57 and -62 categories. Finally, Anna-Maria Khawand will be representing Lebanon in the -67 category.

The men’s division was a little bit tougher. First off, Georges Nakhle breezed past his opponent in the -54 category. Fellow teammate Eric Melki qualified in the -58 category. As for one of the toughest categories of all (-63), Rami Saleh worked his fingers to the bone to secure the first place. In the -68 category, Obaida Faraj brought his A game, winning three games and the title. The -74 category probably saw the greatest and closest game of all between Leonardo Chaiban and Marc Zainoun where Chaiban came out victorious. In the -80 category, Kheireldin Faraj of LIU overcame Tarek Moussally of NDU. Tony Saoub, on the other hand, secured the gold medal in the -87 category and finally, Elias Matar won the +87 category.

Article by: Ghina Chehwan

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26 Mar. 2017 –  Antonine Baabda hosted Tebnin in the second leg of the Regular season where they managed to earn an important win (72 – 61).
It’s worth mentioning that once again, Ali Mansour brought his A game, and kept his team in the game, scoring 30 points from behind the arc, and finishing the game with 40.
Moreover, Tebnin’s point guard, Ramzi Arakji is still injured and needs around 1 more week to be fully recovered.
Congrats Antonine, hard luck Tebnin.

The post Lebanese Basketball Division 2: Antonine vs Tebnin appeared first on Sports 961.

27 Mar. 2017 – Check out this photo album from Champville vs Homenetmen in the Lebanese basketball league. Photos by Christian Azar / Sportscode Images.

The post Champville vs Homenetmen – Lebanese Basketball League Pictures appeared first on Sports 961.

27 Mar. 2017 – Check out this photo album from the third and final game between Bank of Beirut and the Lebanese Army. Photos by Lara Arapguirlian / Sportscode Images.

The post Bank of Beirut vs Lebanese Army – Lebanese Futsal Final Game 3 Pictures! appeared first on Sports 961.

27 Mar. 2017 – Check out this photo album from the Beirut Derby between Riyadi and Sagesse. Photos by Jenny Etre / Sportscode Images.

The post Riyadi vs Sagesse – Lebanese Basketball League Pictures! appeared first on Sports 961.