Toronto hosts final FIFA World Cup match as Portugal faces Croatia; Vancouver stages first knockout game

Toronto will host its sixth and final FIFA World Cup match on Thursday as Portugal takes on Croatia in a Round of 32 fixture at BMO Stadium. The match is expected to mark the final World Cup appearance for two of football's most accomplished players. Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, has previously said this will be his last FIFA World Cup. Croatia captain Luka Modrić, 40, has also been widely reported to be considering retirement from international football following the tournament, although no official announcement has been made. According to the FIFA World Cup schedule, the day's second Round of 32 match will be played at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, where Switzerland will face Algeria. It will be the first knockout-stage World Cup match hosted in Vancouver. Switzerland advanced to the Round of 32 after finishing first and unbeaten in Group B. Algeria qualified after finishing third in Group J. Switzerland previously played at BC Place on June 24, defeating Canada 2–1 during the group stage, while Thursday's match will mark Algeria's first World Cup game on Canadian soil.

A new controversy has emerged ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with reports that some football officials and staff have faced extended questioning and travel difficulties at U.S. airports in the days leading up to the tournament. The latest case involves Omar Abdulkadir Artan, a Somali international referee and one of Africa's prominent match officials. According to reports, Artan was denied entry into the United States upon arrival at Miami International Airport and was subsequently returned to Istanbul. Reports indicate that Artan was travelling on a diplomatic passport. However, U.S. authorities have not publicly explained the reasons for the decision, and no official statement detailing the circumstances has been released. The incident comes amid broader concerns related to travel arrangements and logistics ahead of the World Cup, which is being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The reported denial of entry has prompted questions within football circles about access and travel procedures for tournament-related personnel.

Vancouver has been ranked the best host city among the 16 cities set to stage matches during the FIFA World Cup 2026, according to a ranking published by U.S.-based sports magazine Sports Illustrated. The publication cited Vancouver’s public transit network, walkability and moderate climate as key factors behind its top placement. Seattle ranked second on the list, while Toronto placed third. According to the ranking, Vancouver may also be a more affordable destination for fans travelling from the United States and Europe because the Canadian dollar remains weaker than the U.S. dollar and the euro. Sports Illustrated placed San Francisco at the bottom of the rankings, citing the distance between the host stadium and the city's downtown core as a significant drawback for visitors. Meanwhile, FIFA has reversed a previously announced ban on reusable water bottles inside stadiums during tournament matches. The change affects fan access policies as organizers continue preparations for the 2026 event.

ਐਲਬਰਟਾ ਵਿੱਚ ਹੋਣ ਜਾ ਰਹੇ 5 ਖੇਡ ਮੁਕਾਬਲਿਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਸੂਬਾ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਫੰਡ ਦਿੱਤੇ ਗਏ ਹਨ। ਇਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਵਿੱਚੋਂ ਚਾਰ ਮੁਕਾਬਲੇ ਐਡਮਿੰਟਨ ਅਤੇ ਇਸ ਦੇ ਆਲੇ-ਦੁਆਲੇ ਦੇ ਇਲਾਕਿਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਕਰਵਾਏ ਜਾਣਗੇ, ਜਿਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਹਜ਼ਾਰਾਂ ਐਥਲੀਟਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਦਰਸ਼ਕਾਂ ਦੇ ਸ਼ਾਮਲ ਹੋਣ ਦੀ ਉਮੀਦ ਹੈ।ਸਰਕਾਰ ਨੇ ਰਾਸ਼ਟਰੀ ਅਤੇ ਅੰਤਰਰਾਸ਼ਟਰੀ ਮੁਕਾਬਲਿਆਂ, ਅਤੇ ਇਸ ਦੇ ਨਾਲ ਹੀ ਇਸੇ ਸਾਲ ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਹੋ ਚੁੱਕੇ ਸੱਤ ਹੋਰ ਮੁਕਾਬਲਿਆਂ ਲਈ ਐਲਬਰਟਾ ਮੇਜਰ ਸਪੋਰਟ ਇਵੈਂਟ ਗ੍ਰਾਂਟ ਪ੍ਰੋਗਰਾਮ ਤਹਿਤ $1.3 ਮਿਲੀਅਨ ਦੀ ਫੰਡਿੰਗ ਜਾਰੀ ਕੀਤੀ ਹੈ। 26 ਤੋਂ 28 ਜੂਨ ਤੱਕ ਉੱਤਰੀ ਅਮਰੀਕੀ ਕੱਪ ਸੀਰੀਜ਼ , 12 ਜੁਲਾਈ ਨੂੰ ਐਡਮਿੰਟਨ ਐਥਲੈਟਿਕਸ ਇਨਵੀਟੇਸ਼ਨਲ, 29 ਜੁਲਾਈ ਤੋਂ 2 ਅਗਸਤ ਤੱਕ ਕੈਲਗਰੀ ਵਿਚ U17 ਵੂਮੈਨ ਕੈਨੇਡੀਅਨ ਫਾਸਟ ਪਿੱਚ ਚੈਂਪੀਅਨਸ਼ਿਪ, ਸੇਂਟ ਐਲਬਰਟ. ਵਿਚ 29-30 ਅਗਸਤ ਨੂੰ ਕੈਨੇਡੀਅਨ BMX ਚੈਂਪੀਅਨਸ਼ਿਪ ਕਰਵਾਏ ਜਾਣਗੇ। ਇਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਖੇਡ ਮੁਕਾਬਲਿਆਂ ਦੌਰਾਨ 12,000 ਤੋਂ ਵੱਧ ਐਥਲੀਟਾਂ, ਕੋਚਾਂ, ਅਧਿਕਾਰੀਆਂ ਅਤੇ ਦਰਸ਼ਕਾਂ ਦੇ ਪਹੁੰਚਣ ਦੀ ਉਮੀਦ ਹੈ, ਜਿਸ ਨਾਲ ਸਥਾਨਕ ਪੱਧਰ 'ਤੇ ਖੇਡਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਸੈਰ-ਸਪਾਟੇ ਨੂੰ ਵੱਡਾ ਹੁਲਾਰਾ ਮਿਲੇਗਾ।

ਵੈਨਕੂਵਰ ਇੰਟਰਨੈਸ਼ਨਲ ਏਅਰਪੋਰਟ ਨੇ ਫੀਫਾ ਵਰਲਡ ਕੱਪ ਦੇ ਮੱਦੇਨਜ਼ਰ ਮੁਸਾਫ਼ਰਾਂ ਦੀ ਭੀੜ ਨੂੰ ਸੰਭਾਲਣ ਲਈ ਬਾਇਓਮੈਟ੍ਰਿਕ ਬੋਰਡਿੰਗ ਦਾ ਇਸਤੇਮਾਲ ਵਧਾ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਹੈ, ਜਿਸ ਨਾਲ ਉਡੀਕ ਸਮੇਂ ਵਿਚ ਕਮੀ ਨੋਟਿਸ ਕੀਤੀ ਜਾ ਸਕਦੀ ਹੈ। ਏਅਰਪੋਰਟ ਪ੍ਰਸ਼ਾਸਨ ਮੁਤਾਬਕ, ਹੁਣ ਹਵਾਈ ਅੱਡੇ 'ਤੇ 42 ਬਾਇਓਮੈਟ੍ਰਿਕ-ਗੇਟ ਕੰਮ ਕਰ ਰਹੇ ਹਨ। ਔਫੀਸਰ ਦਾ ਕਹਿਣਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਇਸ ਕਦਮ ਨਾਲ ਬੋਰਡਿੰਗ ਪ੍ਰਕਿਰਿਆ ਵਿਚ ਕਰੀਬ 13 ਫੀਸਦੀ ਤੇਜ਼ੀ ਆਉਣ ਦੀ ਉਮੀਦ ਹੈ। ਇਸ ਤੋਂ ਇਲਾਵਾ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਆ ਚੌਕੀਆਂ 'ਤੇ ਨਵੀਂ ਸੀਟੀ ਸਕ੍ਰੀਨਿੰਗ ਤਕਨਾਲੋਜੀ ਵੀ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਕੀਤੀ ਗਈ ਹੈ, ਇਸ ਦਾ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਵੱਡਾ ਫਾਇਦਾ ਇਹ ਹੋਵੇਗਾ ਕਿ ਯਾਤਰੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਆਪਣੇ ਬੈਗ ਵਿਚੋਂ ਤਰਲ ਪਦਾਰਥ ਅਤੇ ਵੱਡੇ ਇਲੈਕਟ੍ਰਾਨਿਕਸ ਉਪਕਰਣ ਬਾਹਰ ਕੱਢਣ ਦੀ ਲੋੜ ਨਹੀਂ ਪਵੇਗੀ। ਅਧਿਕਾਰੀਆਂ ਨੇ ਫੀਫਾ ਟੂਰਨਾਮੈਂਟ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਹਵਾਈ ਅੱਡੇ 'ਤੇ ਲਗਭਗ 2.7 ਮਿਲੀਅਨ ਮੁਸਾਫ਼ਰਾਂ ਦੇ ਆਉਣ ਦੀ ਉਮੀਦ ਜਤਾਈ ਹੈ ਯਾਨੀ ਰੋਜ਼ਾਨਾ ਦੇ ਹਿਸਾਬ ਨਾਲ ਲਗਭਗ 88,000 ਯਾਤਰੀਆਂ ਦੇ ਵੈਨਕੂਵਰ ਏਅਰਪੋਰਟ ਰਾਹੀਂ ਸਫਰ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਸੰਭਾਵਨਾ ਹੈ। ਇਹ ਪਿਛਲੇ ਸਾਲ ਦੇ ਮੁਕਾਬਲੇ 5 ਤੋਂ 10 ਫੀਸਦੀ ਦਾ ਵਾਧਾ ਹੋਵੇਗਾ।

Spectators attending FIFA World Cup matches at Vancouver's BC Place Stadium will no longer be permitted to bring reusable water bottles into the venue under a new policy announced ahead of the tournament. According to FIFA, the restriction was introduced for security reasons. The organization said reusable bottles could potentially be used as projectiles, creating safety risks for spectators, staff, and participants. The change comes just before tournament play begins in Vancouver. BC Place is scheduled to host its first World Cup match on June 13, featuring Australia and Türkiye. FIFA said several other North American tournament venues already prohibit outside bottles. To help spectators manage summer temperatures, the organization said misting stations, cooling tents, and hydration stations will be available outside the stadium, while bottled water will be sold inside the venue. Some fans and environmental advocates have raised concerns about the policy, citing the potential cost of purchasing water inside the stadium and the possibility of increased plastic waste from single-use bottles.

Canada earned a 2–0 victory over Uzbekistan in an international friendly Monday evening as both teams continued preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Jonathan Osorio opened the scoring in the 58th minute, giving Canada the lead with a second-half goal in his 90th international appearance for the national team. Jayden Nelson later added a second goal to secure the win. Goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau played the opening half before Dane St. Clair took over after halftime as part of a planned rotation, according to team officials. The match served as a final tune-up ahead of the World Cup, which begins later this month. Canada is scheduled to open Group B play against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12 in Toronto. Uzbekistan is preparing for its first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance. The team is set to begin tournament play on June 17 against Colombia in Mexico City.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended Cricket Canada's membership, citing what it described as "serious breaches of its membership obligations" following a board meeting in Ahmedabad, India. According to a statement released by the ICC, the suspension follows concerns over Cricket Canada's governance and financial administration. In May, the Dubai-based governing body froze funding to the organization and gave it six months to address deficiencies, including the absence of adequate governance systems and audited financial statements. Cricket Canada relies heavily on ICC funding. In its 2024 financial report, which had not been signed by an auditor, the organization reported receiving more than $3.6 million from the ICC, accounting for approximately 63 per cent of its annual revenue. The suspension comes weeks after allegations of corruption, financial mismanagement and attempted match-fixing involving individuals connected to Cricket Canada were reported publicly. Those named in the allegations have denied wrongdoing. Reporting also indicated that the ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit was investigating national men's team captain Dilpreet Bajwa over alleged match-fixing during Canada's match against New Zealand at the Men's T20 Cricket World Cup earlier this year. No findings have been announced. The ICC said Canada's national teams will remain eligible to participate in ICC competitions during the suspension. However, funding for those programs will be subject to ICC oversight until further notice. The governing body said Cricket Canada must meet a series of conditions, including governance and administrative reforms, before its membership can be reinstated.

The Triple Crown Colorado team claimed the Canada Cup championship at Softball City in Surrey, edging out Team Canada in a dramatic 7–5 final. Colorado built an early 5–0 lead through four innings, but Canada stormed back in the fifth, closing the gap to 6–5. With the bases loaded in the final inning, Canada came within a hit of victory before a final out ended the comeback bid. It was a reversal from last year, when Canada won the tournament undefeated. This year’s 30th edition ended in disappointment, though head coach Kaleigh Rafter said she was proud of the team’s overall showing. “Our performance through the tournament was strong, but our pitchers had a tough final game. Now our focus turns to preparing for the World Games in August,” she told Connect Newsroom. The bronze medal went to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Team Canada’s Kianna Jones received the Best Defensive Player of the Tournament award. In an exclusive chat with Connect FM, she credited her teammates for the honour. “This award belongs to the team. We’re not satisfied with our overall performance, and our goal now is to put on a stronger showing at the World Games in China.” Harpreet Dhillon, a youth softball coach, told Connect Newsroom the event inspires young athletes. “Seeing Canada compete against the best in the world right here in Surrey shows kids what’s possible in this sport.” Local fans said hosting the Canada Cup continues to bring international attention to Surrey.

The Canada Cup has begun at Softball City in Surrey. This is the 30th edition of the Canada Cup and Team Canada, fresh from its gold medal performance at the Pan-American championship in Columbia, will play two matches in Surrey. The Canadian women's team will face New Zealand at 6 p.m. today and then Ukraine at 8:30 p.m. The final match of the tournament will be played on Sunday. Apart from the Canadian team, strong teams like Czechia, Greece, Kingdom of the Netherlands, Israel, Triple Crown Colorado and Team BC are also participating in the tournament. Today, players from Team Canada were at the Softball City stadium to talk to the media in the morning, during which, in an exclusive conversation with Connect FM, team player Annabel Teperson said that the team is confident of winning today’s matches and the tournament. Regarding Team Canada's win in this tournament after remaining undefeated last year, player CC Wong said that the team's goal is to win the tournament this time as well, but the team understands the importance of each game and will move forward according to a match-by-match strategy. Both players admitted that there are many strong players/teams in the tournament and the competition will be challenging. Among the Team Canada players, Larissa Franklin was also on field to talk to media. She revealed that she underwent chemotherapy for lymphoma but has returned to the diamond. “My focus is on softball now, and I’m grateful to play in front of family, friends, and the home crowd,” said the Maple Ridge athlete. Along with the senior teams, many youth teams are also participating in this tournament, and the senior players say that they were also able to fulfill their dream of joining Team Canada by participating and performing in these same youth teams. Team Canada coach Kayleigh Rafter said the goal is to win the Canada Cup but hopes the team plays some good ball. Talking to Connect FM, Teperson and Wong said that the tournament for youth teams serves to hone good talent. Player Annabel Teperson also appealed to the people of the area to come to Softball City to enjoy the games and encourage the talented players. Meanwhile, CC Wong said that any spectators who come to watch the matches will fall in love with softball. For the full schedule, click the following link:https://canadacup.com/womens/2...

Portugal and Switzerland have secured places in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after winning their respective knockout matches played in Canada. At Toronto Stadium, Portugal defeated Croatia 2–1 to advance to the next round. Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonçalo Ramos each scored for Portugal, which will now face Spain in the Round of 16 on Monday in Dallas. Croatia's World Cup campaign ended with the defeat, marking another early exit from the tournament. In Vancouver, Switzerland earned a 2–0 victory over Algeria in the Round of 32 at BC Place Stadium. The Swiss side controlled the match from the opening stages and prevented Algeria from mounting a comeback to book its place in the Round of 16. Switzerland will remain in Vancouver to play the winner of the Colombia–Ghana match on July 7. The fixture will be the final FIFA World Cup match played on Canadian soil during the tournament.

Canada's national football team has made history by becoming the first team to reach the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026. In their final group-stage match on Sunday, Canada defeated a strong South African side 1-0 to book their place in the knockout stage.It is the first time that Canada has won a knockout match at the FIFA World Cup. The Canadian team will now face the winner of the Netherlands vs. Morocco match in the pre-quarterfinal on July 4.The thrilling contest at Los Angeles Stadium remained goalless after the regulation 90 minutes, with both teams unable to find the back of the net. However, in the second minute of extra time, Canada's Alistair Johnston struck a stunning goal from outside the box to secure a historic victory for his side.Johnston was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance.The victory sparked celebrations across Canada, with football fans expressing their joy and congratulating the team in various ways.

Canada has rejected more than half of the visa applications submitted by international football fans planning to attend the FIFA World Cup. According to data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), only 41 per cent of nearly 17,000 visa applications submitted by fans from more than 160 countries between Nov. 14, 2025, and March 31, 2026, were approved. The highest number of applications came from Ghana, whose national team defeated Panama in Toronto on June 17. However, fewer than 11 per cent of the 1,725 visa applications submitted by Ghanaian fans were approved. In contrast, 69 per cent of the 1,630 applications from Colombian fans were approved, even though Colombia did not play any of its group-stage matches in Canada. Meanwhile, all applications from fans in countries eligible for the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) program, including Australia, Germany, Croatia and New Zealand, were approved. On the other hand, all applications from countries that require visitor visas, such as Syria, Uganda and Sri Lanka, were rejected. Overall, the approval rate for countries requiring visitor visas was just 32 per cent. IRCC said the government has worked to facilitate travel for FIFA fans and players, but emphasized that security standards cannot be compromised. The data does not include American visitors, as U.S. citizens do not require either a visa or an eTA to travel to Canada.

Canada and Switzerland will face off today at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver in their final Group B match of the FIFA World Cup. Canadian captain Alphonso Davies is expected to make his tournament debut after missing Canada's first two group-stage matches due to a hamstring injury. The match is of great importance for both teams as they look to secure top spot in the group and strengthen their position heading into the knockout stage. A win or a draw for Canada would ensure the team finishes first in Group B and earns the opportunity to play its next-round match on home soil in Vancouver. Both sides enter the contest in impressive form. Canada is coming off a dominant 6-0 victory over Qatar in its previous match. However, the team will be without midfielder Ismaël Koné, who has been ruled out of the tournament after suffering a fractured leg. Notably, this will be the fourth World Cup match played at BC Place Stadium. The venue's next fixture is scheduled for Friday, when New Zealand will take on Belgium.

Two soccer fans have been banned from entering BC Place Stadium for one year after using smoke-emitting flares during Sunday's match between Egypt and New Zealand in Vancouver. Vancouver Police Sgt. Adam Donaldson said that while the use of flares inside stadiums is common in some parts of the world, they are not permitted at BC Place. He also noted that many soccer fans visiting from outside British Columbia or from other countries may not be familiar with the province's liquor laws, which prohibit drinking alcohol in public places. Donaldson said that if someone is walking down Granville Street carrying and drinking a beer and is stopped by police, they could face a fine of up to $230.

Egypt recorded its first-ever FIFA World Cup victory with a 3–1 comeback win over New Zealand on Sunday, moving to the top of Group G at BC Place in Vancouver. A crowd of 52,497 attended the match, marking the third consecutive sellout at the Vancouver stadium during the tournament. New Zealand took an early lead in the first half when Finn Surman found the back of the net to put his side ahead 1–0. Egypt responded after the break with goals from Mostafa Ziko, Mohamed Salah and Trézéguet to complete the comeback and secure the historic win. According to FIFA match results, the victory places Egypt atop Group G heading into its next match against Iran on Friday in Seattle. The next FIFA World Cup match in Vancouver is scheduled for Wednesday, when Canada and Switzerland will meet in a Group B showdown with first place in the group at stake.

Canada strengthened its position at FIFA World Cup 2026 with a dominant 6-0 victory over Qatar in Vancouver, led by a hat-trick from forward Jonathan David. David scored three times for Canada, while Cyle Larin and Nathan Saliba each added a goal. Canada's sixth goal came through an own goal by a Qatar player. The match was overshadowed by a serious injury to Canadian midfielder Ismaël Koné. According to team officials, Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo tackled Koné from behind, resulting in a fracture to the player's left leg. Koné was taken to hospital for surgery. Referee officials issued a straight red card to Madibo following the challenge. It was Qatar's second red card of the match, leaving the team to play with nine players for the remainder of the game. Canada head coach Jesse Marsch said after the match that the severity of the injury was immediately apparent. Reports indicate Madibo personally apologized to Koné before the Canadian player was transported for medical treatment. The result boosts Canada's chances of advancing from the group stage. The team is scheduled to face Switzerland in its final group match on June 24.

Canada's men's national soccer team will take on Qatar in its second FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage match on Thursday, with both teams searching for their first-ever World Cup victory. The match will be played at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver. Canada earned its first point of the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12. All four teams in Group B – Canada, Qatar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Switzerland – are tied on one point after drawing their opening matches, leaving the group wide open heading into the second round of fixtures. Canada could also receive a boost with the possible return of captain Alphonso Davies, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury. His availability for the match has drawn significant attention as Canada looks to secure a crucial result. To advance to the knockout stage, Canada must finish among the top two teams in Group B or qualify as one of the tournament's eight best third-place teams. Canada previously defeated Qatar 2-0 in an international friendly played in Austria in September 2022. That remains Canada's only victory against the current Group B opponents.

More than 87,000 people attended the free FIFA Fan Festival at Vancouver's PNE Fairgrounds during the first four days of the FIFA World Cup 2026, according to attendance figures released by organizers. The festival drew a total of 87,380 visitors between June 11 and June 14, offering live match screenings, entertainment and World Cup-themed activities for fans unable to attend matches in person. Attendance reached 16,036 on the opening day and increased to 19,839 on the second day. Organizers reported another 20,024 visitors on June 14. The largest crowd was recorded on June 13, when 31,481 fans attended the festival. That figure accounted for roughly one-third of the four-day total attendance. The surge in attendance coincided with Vancouver's first FIFA World Cup match at BC Place Stadium, where Australia faced Türkiye. Overall, the festival averaged 21,845 visitors per day during its first four days.

On June 2, 2025, the City of Delta, in partnership with the Delta School District and Province of BC, officially opened a new track and infield at Delta Secondary School — a $5 million project funded through the Province’s Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs Growing Communities Fund. The upgraded facility features a six-lane synthetic running surface, new grass infield sized for soccer and rugby, combination rugby/soccer goals, two long jump runways configured for para-athletes, new drainage and irrigation, perimeter lighting, and improved pedestrian access to Memorial Park. Students from Delta Secondary and nearby elementary schools joined Delta Council, Surrey-City Centre MLA Amna Shah, Delta South MLA Ian Paton, school trustees, and Tsawwassen First Nation representatives for the opening. To symbolize “hitting the ground running,” students carried out a baton relay on the new track.    Mayor George V. Harvie said the project underscores Delta’s commitment to community wellness: “This beautiful new track and field is a wonderful amenity for both the school and public. By updating and maintaining these essential community spaces, we provide important resources for everyone to lead an active and healthy lifestyle." High-performance athletics coach and City Councillor Jessie Dosanjh added that the investment will pay dividends for young athletes and the community. Parents and students at the event told Connect FM the new track finally puts Delta on par with neighbouring districts. “Before, our kids were training on a cracked surface. Now they can compete at the highest level,” said one parent. The new facility will be used by both Delta school athletics and community groups, offering year-round access thanks to its synthetic surface and drainage system. Sources: City of Delta, Province of BC announcement, Connect FM on-site reporting, quotes from Mayor Harvie, MLAs, students and parents.

ਐਤਵਾਰ ਨੂੰ ਨਿਊਟਨ ਐਥਲੈਟਿਕ ਪਾਰਕ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਰੀ ਓਪਨ ਟੈਨਿਸ ਟੂਰਨਾਮੈਂਟ ਸਮਾਪਤ ਹੋਇਆ, ਜਿਸ ਵਿੱਚ ਉਭਰਦੇ ਨਵੇਂ ਖਿਡਾਰੀ ਅਤੇ ਸਥਾਨਕ ਪ੍ਰਤਿਭਾਵਾਂ ਦੋਹਾਂ ਨੇ ਆਪਣਾ ਜੌਹਰ ਵਿਖਾਇਆ। ਇਹ ਸਿਟੀ ਆਫ ਸਰੀ ਦੇ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਵੱਡੇ ਸਲਾਨਾ ਖੇਡ ਸਮਾਗਮਾਂ ਵਿੱਚੋਂ ਇੱਕ ਮੰਨਿਆ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ। ਮੈਨਜ਼ ਓਪਨ ਕੈਟਾਗਰੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਵੈਂਕੂਵਰ ਦੇ 19 ਸਾਲਾ ਡੈਨੀ ਬਾਓ ਨੇ ਫਾਈਨਲ ਵਿੱਚ ਸੀਨੀਅਰ ਫਾਈਨਲਿਸਟ ਹੈਨਰੀ ਰੈਨ ਨੂੰ 6-4, 6-2 ਨਾਲ ਹਰਾਕੇ ਖਿਤਾਬ ਜਿੱਤਿਆ। ਬਾਓ ਨੇ $7,100 ਦਾ ਟਾਪ ਇਨਾਮ ਜਿੱਤਿਆ, ਜਦਕਿ ਰੈਨ ਨੂੰ ਰਨਰ-ਅੱਪ ਵਜੋਂ $3,550 ਮਿਲੇ। ਰੈਨ ਲਗਾਤਾਰ ਤੀਸਰੀ ਵਾਰ ਸਰੀ ਓਪਨ ਦੇ ਫਾਈਨਲ ਵਿੱਚ ਪਹੁੰਚੇ ਸਨ। ਵਿਮੇਨਜ਼ ਸਿੰਗਲਜ਼ ਫਾਈਨਲ ਵਿੱਚ ਰਿਚਮੰਡ ਦੀ 30 ਸਾਲਾ ਜੂਲੀਅਟ ਝਾਂਗ ਨੇ 14 ਸਾਲਾ ਨਵੀਂ ਖਿਡਾਰਨ ਲਾਈਜ਼ਾ ਡੋਵੋਪੋਲ ਨੂੰ 6-2, 6-1 ਨਾਲ ਹਰਾਇਆ। ਝਾਂਗ ਨੇ ਜਿੱਤ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਕਿਹਾ, “ਲਾਈਜ਼ਾ ਵਰਗੀ ਨੌਜਵਾਨ ਪ੍ਰਤਿਭਾ ਨੂੰ ਇਸ ਉਮਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਮੁਕਾਬਲਾ ਕਰਦੇ ਦੇਖਣਾ ਪ੍ਰੇਰਣਾਦਾਇਕ ਹੈ। ਇਹ ਟੂਰਨਾਮੈਂਟ ਬੀ.ਸੀ. ਵਿੱਚ ਟੈਨਿਸ ਨੂੰ ਵਧਾਉਣ ਵਿੱਚ ਯੋਗਦਾਨ ਪਾ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ।” ਵਿਮੇਨਜ਼ ਸਿੰਗਲਜ਼ ਫਾਈਨਲ ਵਿੱਚ ਰਿਚਮੰਡ ਦੀ 30 ਸਾਲਾ ਜੂਲੀਅਟ ਝਾਂਗ ਨੇ 14 ਸਾਲਾ ਨਵੀਂ ਖਿਡਾਰਨ ਲਾਈਜ਼ਾ ਡੋਵੋਪੋਲ ਨੂੰ 6-2, 6-1 ਨਾਲ ਹਰਾਇਆ। ਝਾਂਗ ਨੇ ਜਿੱਤ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਕਿਹਾ, “ਲਾਈਜ਼ਾ ਵਰਗੀ ਨੌਜਵਾਨ ਪ੍ਰਤਿਭਾ ਨੂੰ ਇਸ ਉਮਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਮੁਕਾਬਲਾ ਕਰਦੇ ਦੇਖਣਾ ਪ੍ਰੇਰਣਾਦਾਇਕ ਹੈ। ਇਹ ਟੂਰਨਾਮੈਂਟ ਬੀ.ਸੀ. ਵਿੱਚ ਟੈਨਿਸ ਨੂੰ ਵਧਾਉਣ ਵਿੱਚ ਯੋਗਦਾਨ ਪਾ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ।” ਸਥਾਨਕ ਖਿਡਾਰੀਆਂ ਨੇ ਵੀ ਆਪਣੀ ਛਾਪ ਛੱਡੀ। ਨਿਊਟਨ ਟੈਨਿਸ ਕਲੱਬ ਦੇ ਰਜਦੀਪ ਸਿੰਘ ਨੇ ਰੋਮਾਂਚਕ 3.0 ਸਿੰਗਲਜ਼ ਫਾਈਨਲ ਵਿੱਚ ਹਰਪ੍ਰੀਤ ਭਗਤਾਨਾ ਨੂੰ 6-3, 4-6, 10-7 ਨਾਲ ਹਰਾਇਆ। 4.5 ਸਿੰਗਲਜ਼ ਵਿੱਚ 28 ਸਾਲਾ ਰਵਨੀਤ ਗਿੱਲ ਨੇ ਸਰੀ ਪੁਲਿਸ ਸਰਵਿਸ ਅਫਸਰ ਹਰਮਨ ਗੋਸਲ (29) ਨੂੰ 7-6, 6-4 ਨਾਲ ਹਰਾਕੇ ਖਿਤਾਬ ਜਿੱਤਿਆ। ਆਯੋਜਕ ਪਵਨ ਸਾਹਨੀ ਨੇ Connect FM ਨੂੰ ਦੱਸਿਆ, “ਸਰੀ ਓਪਨ ਸਿਰਫ਼ ਖਿਤਾਬਾਂ ਲਈ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੈ – ਇਹ ਸਥਾਨਕ ਖਿਡਾਰੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਮੰਚ ਦੇਣ ਬਾਰੇ ਹੈ। ਹਰ ਸਾਲ ਰਜਿਸਟ੍ਰੇਸ਼ਨ ਵੱਧ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਕਮਿਊਨਿਟੀ ਵੱਡੇ ਪੱਧਰ 'ਤੇ ਸਹਿਯੋਗ ਦਿੰਦੀ ਹੈ।” ਫਾਈਨਲ ਦੇ ਦਰਸ਼ਕਾਂ ਨੇ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਲਈ ਇੱਕੋ ਮੈਦਾਨ 'ਤੇ ਇੰਟਰਨੈਸ਼ਨਲ ਪੱਧਰ ਦੀ ਪ੍ਰਤਿਭਾ ਅਤੇ ਸਥਾਨਕ ਖਿਡਾਰੀ ਦੇਖਣਾ ਖ਼ਾਸ ਅਨੁਭਵ ਸੀ। ਇਕ ਡੈਲਟਾ ਨਿਵਾਸੀ ਨੇ ਕਿਹਾ, “ਇਹ ਦਰਸਾਉਂਦਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਸਰੀ ਸਿਰਫ਼ ਸਾਕਰ ਜਾਂ ਕ੍ਰਿਕਟ ਦਾ ਸ਼ਹਿਰ ਨਹੀਂ – ਟੈਨਿਸ ਵੀ ਸਾਡੀ ਖੇਡ ਸੱਭਿਆਚਾਰ ਦਾ ਹਿੱਸਾ ਬਣ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ।” $45,000 ਦੇ ਕੁੱਲ ਇਨਾਮੀ ਰਕਮ ਨਾਲ ਸਰੀ ਓਪਨ ਹੁਣ ਬੀ.ਸੀ. ਦੇ ਟਾਪ ਕਮਿਊਨਿਟੀ ਟੂਰਨਾਮੈਂਟਾਂ ਵਿੱਚੋਂ ਇੱਕ ਮੰਨਿਆ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੌਜਵਾਨ ਖਿਡਾਰੀਆਂ ਲਈ ਪੜਾਅ ਹੈ ਜੋ ਕੌਮੀ ਰੈਂਕਿੰਗਾਂ ਵੱਲ ਤੱਕ ਰਹੇ ਹਨ। ਸਰੋਤ: Connect FM ਨਿਊਜ਼ ਦੀ ਥਾਂ 'ਤੇ ਰਿਪੋਰਟਿੰਗ; ਖਿਡਾਰੀਆਂ, ਆਯੋਜਕਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਦਰਸ਼ਕਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਇੰਟਰਵਿਊਜ਼।

Canada's women's team won the bronze medal in the 4x400m relay at the World Athletics Relay Championships in Botswana. The team also qualified for the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing. The Punjabi-origin runner from Delta, Jasneet Nijjar was also a part of this medal winning team. The team of Zoe Sherar, Lauren Gale, Jasneet Nijjar and Savannah Sutherland won the bronze medal with a timing of 3 minutes 22.66 seconds. After the medal-winning performance, Zoe Sherar said that the team's goal was to compete better and give a tough fight to the other teams, and the team was confident of winning a medal. City Councillor from Delta and coach of Jasneet Nijjar, Jessie Dosanjh, also expressed happiness over the team and especially Jasneet's performance. Savannah Sutherland, who ran fourth for the team, said that the three team members who ran first had done a great job, and she knew that now the responsibility of the medal was on her and she gave it her all for the last lap. Earlier, the team had clocked 3 minutes 23.52 seconds during the heats of the same event, but the team improved its performance even more in the final. Coach Jessie Dosanjh said that Jasneet Nijjar is also very happy with her performance.