Marco Bianchi 
Belfast‑born boxer Michaela Walsh earned a bronze medal at the European Boxing Championships after a 4‑1 split‑decision loss to Hungary‑born Kazakh Vladislava Kukhta in the featherweight semi‑final. The defeat marked Walsh’s third podium finish this year, adding to earlier silver medals at the Commonwealth Games and the Strandja Tournament.
Japanese teenager Shin Ohashi set a new world record in the 200m breaststroke at the Asian Games, clocking 2:04.83 and securing gold. He achieved this despite battling Covid-19 in the weeks leading up to the race, and also added a second gold after sharing the 100m breaststroke title earlier in the week.
Kusal Mendis delivered a spectacular captain’s knock of 121 runs off 100 balls for Sri Lanka in the second One Day International against England at Headingley. His innings set up a strong total as Sri Lanka batted first, highlighting his pivotal role in the match.
Scotland’s record try‑scorer Darcy Graham has suffered a bicep rupture and will miss the upcoming autumn international series against New Zealand, Australia and Japan. Edinburgh coach Sean Everitt confirmed the injury will keep Graham sidelined for a minimum of 12 weeks, a blow to both the player and the national side ahead of the Tests.
Former Swedish Davis Cup captain Robin Soderling criticised the current state of Swedish tennis, highlighting the lack of Grand Slam contenders and the nation’s recent demotion to World Group II. He urged the Swedish Tennis Federation to overhaul grassroots development and make better use of experienced players to support the younger generation.
Hibernian have named 35‑year‑old Dutch coach Marink Reedijk as their new manager after he left Belgian side Beveren. He replaces David Gray and will be assisted by Rogier Molhoek, with sporting director Malky Mackay praising his proactive, high‑energy philosophy.
Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva advanced to the quarter‑finals of the Singapore Open with a straight‑sets win over Aliaksandra Sasnovich. After the match she noted she was surprised by the crowd’s equal enthusiasm for both players. She now prepares to face Leylah Fernandez in the next round.
11‑year‑old Japanese eSports prodigy Yuki Kurihara became the youngest athlete at the 2026 Asian Games, winning all four matches in Group A of the Puyo Puyo Champions event. His victory puts him in contention for a gold medal and could make him the Games’ youngest medallist.
Shea Charles, now Fulham’s £30m signing, reflects on becoming Northern Ireland’s most expensive player and his ambitions in the Premier League and upcoming Nations League fixtures. He emphasizes staying grounded despite the price tag and looks forward to contributing to both club and country alongside his brother Pierce in the NI squad.
The Rafael Nadal Academy announced that Team Rafa will face Team Murray in a special exhibition event on October 3, 2026, marking the academy’s 10th anniversary. The match will see former rivals Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal compete in a team format, reigniting one of tennis’s most memorable head‑to‑head battles. The article also recalls Murray’s 2016 Madrid Open semi‑final win over Nadal.