Lens secure Champions League spot and send Nantes down

Paris, France: Teenage substitute Mezian Mesloub gave Lens a 1-0 win over Nantes in Ligue 1 on Friday to clinch his side qualification for next season's Champions League, while relegating Nantes to the second tier.

The result also keeps the Ligue 1 title race alive with second-placed Lens the only team that can still pip Paris Saint-Germain to the trophy. fishroad-app.com

The 16-year-old substitute Mesloub picked up a loose ball in the box with his first touch in the 79th minute and fired home with his second to break the deadlock on his Ligue 1 debut.

Lens are now guaranteed a top-three finish in Ligue 1 after moving nine points clear of fourth-placed Lille, with both teams having two matches remaining.

The top three teams in Ligue 1 qualify automatically for the Champions League league phase, while the fourth-placed side heads into the qualifying rounds.

Lens, whose budget is not even a 10th of Champions League finalists PSG, are still to play the Parisians who lead them by three points and have a game in hand.

Following the win, the sell-out 38,000 crowd at Lens' Stade Bollaert stayed behind for extravagant celebrations, with the players heralded one at a time on a spotlit center-circle with fireworks flaming.

Stopping PSG remains an outside chance, but Lens are also eyeing silverware in the French Cup, with the final against Nice on May 22.

Lens, the 1998 French champions, were the surprise package earlier in the season as they reached the winter break top of the table.

Lens had three goals ruled out for offside or handball Friday as Nantes held them at bay largely thanks to goalkeeper Anthony Lopes.

Nantes are now guaranteed to finish in the bottom two and will be relegated from Ligue 1.
Club great Vahid Halilhodzic took over as the third coach of their season in March but could not save the Canaries.

PSG play Brest at home on Sunday but the Lens win has prevented them from mathematically wrapping up a fifth straight title this weekend.

However, their far superior goal difference means victory would all but wrap up top spot.

Luis Enrique's men will face Arsenal in the Champions League final on May 30 after beating Bayern Munich 6-5 on aggregate in the semi-finals.

Hong Kong: Synthetic shuttlecocks, shorter games and a new generation of stars are all part of the "evolution" of badminton, a top official told AFP, saying the sport can't afford to sit still.

Traditionalists hit out after the Badminton World Federation said that from January 2027 it will adjust the scoring system, partly with an eye on the next generation of fans.

Currently matches are the best of three games, with the winner of each the first to 21 points. That will change to the first to 15.

Also last month, the BWF said it will trial synthetic shuttlecocks at lower-grade tournaments with a view to potentially using them at elite level.

Days later -- in an unrelated move -- double Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen retired aged 32, leaving a hole at the top of the men's game.

BWF secretary general Thomas Lund told AFP that badminton was well placed to thrive as it attempts to build on the immense popularity it already enjoys in Asia.

Members overwhelmingly approved 15-point games, but Lund conceded: "Of course there are some who have doubts about what that will mean for the game.

"I would say most of the traditionalists or sceptical voices in our community are -- as I see it -- the ones who are afraid that the sport will change.

"I would say this is rather seen as a tweak to the sporting aspects to the scoring system and the game... this is very much in line with how we see the game being played today, the DNA, how the game will evolve," Lund added.

It was also about "the welfare of players in terms of recovery" and making it more appealing to fans and broadcasters, he said.

Ruffled feathers

Part of any sport's allure is having big stars and badminton lost one in Lund's fellow Dane Axelsen.

Spain's 2016 Olympic champion Carolina Marin also left the sport in March at the same age after a long struggle with a knee injury.

Before them, the rivalry between China's Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia captivated and even transcended the sport until 2018.

Lund dismissed concerns that Axelsen's retirement and the lack of a rivalry akin to the Lin-Lee storyline hurts badminton.

"I've heard this for 40 years," he said.

"The sport that we sometimes compare ourselves with is tennis, and everybody was afraid of what will happen when (Roger) Federer and (Rafael) Nadal disappeared.

"I'm not sure people think about that now because others come up and play fantastic tennis, and now the same will happen with badminton," he said, pointing to how France last weekend reached the final of the Thomas Cup men's team event for the first time, losing to superpower China.

Another recent announcement which raised eyebrows among traditionalists concerns trying out synthetic shuttlecocks, amid concerns about costs and a shortage of duck and goose feathers.

"We believe that should be pushed and pursued," Lund said, adding it was "coming step-by-step".

The BWF said in April it will try synthetic shuttlecocks at selected events including junior international tournaments.

Asked if he saw a day when all of badminton uses synthetic shuttlecocks, Lund said: "I do hope at the highest level that we will be able to have a quality (synthetic) shuttle we can then use more and more across the tours and the major championships over the years."

Lund said that using synthetic shuttlecocks is also to do with making badminton more affordable at grassroots -- the BWF says more than 300 million people play globally.

"It's important that these evolutions and innovations are done," he said.

الأخباراندلاع أزمة حول تأشيرات المنتخب الإيرانيغادرت بعثة منتخب إيران امس إلى المكسيك للمشاركة في مونديال 2026 ، وسط أجواء من التوتر الدبلوماسي الحاد بين طهران وواشنطن بعدما رفضت الولايات المتحدة منح تأشيرات دخول لبعض أفراد ...فتح →

في لفتة تستحق التقدير والاحترام من كل منتسبى الغرافة قام سعادة الشيخ حمد بن ثامر آل ثاني الرئيس السابق لنادي الغرافة وسعادة الاستاذ سعد الرميحي الرئيس الأسبق بحضور تدريب الفهود لمؤازرة وتحفيز اللاعبين كما حضر النجوم السابقون سعد الشمري وحامد شامي ومصطفى ادم وكان في استقبالهم سعادة الشيخ جاسم بن ثامر آل ثاني رئيس النادي، وذلك قبل المباراة المرتقبة للفريق مع السد غداً في نهائي كأس سمو الأمير في المباراة التي ستقام على ملعب خليفة الدولي في تمام الساعة الخامسة والنصف مساءً، وتسير الاستعدادات بصورة رائعة بمشاركة جميع اللاعبين الذين يعيشون حالة من التركيز والاصرار لتحقيق اللقب للمرة الثانية على التوالي، وشهدت التدريبات الأخيرة بقيادة المدرب البرتغالي بيدرو مارتينيز التركيز على النواحي الخططية التي سيلعب بها الفريق خلال اللقاء، كما تم التدريب على ركلات الترجيح تحسباً للوصول اليها في حالة انتهاء المباراة بالتعادل، كما حرص الجهاز الفني واللاعبون على مشاهدة المباريات الأخيرة للزعيم لمعرفة ودراسة نقاط القوة والضعف جيداً وذلك لاستغلالها جيداً، ويعرف لاعبو الفهود مدى أهمية البطولة وضرورة التتويج بها أولا لمصالحة الجماهير بعد فقدان لقب الدوري، بجانب أيضا أن الفوز بها سيعني مشاركة الفريق في دوري أبطال آسيا في النسخة القادمة، ولذلك سيكون التركيز 100% وكبيرا للغاية وسط مساندة جماهيرية متوقعة من جماهير الفهود.

Doha, Qatar: Authorities have listed prohibited items at Khalifa International Stadium ahead of the Amir Cup final showdown between Al Sadd and Al Gharafa this evening, May 9, 2026.

"Your cooperation with security personnel and authorities ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all," said Qatar Football Association in a social media post.

Fans are advised not to bring any banned items into the stadium, including:
- Television and telecommunication equipment
- Moving and gliding aircraft or balloons/inflatable balls
- Laser devices, lights, and sound amplification devices such as megaphones
- Promotional or commercial items and materials
- Food and beverages, including alcohol
- Lighters and matches
- Mounts for photo or video equipment
- Items with political, offensive, or discriminatory messages

Choosing between yoga and Pilates can often feel overwhelming. Both practices are popular, beneficial, and celebrated worldwide for their ability to enhance physical and mental well-being. However, each discipline offers distinct philosophies, techniques, and benefits. Understanding the core differences and similarities between the two will help you select the practice best aligned with your personal fitness goals, lifestyle, and preferences.

What Is Yoga?

Yoga originated thousands of years ago in ancient India and integrates physical, mental, and spiritual practices. The term “yoga” derives from the Sanskrit word “yuj,” meaning to unite or integrate. Yoga aims to harmonize the body, mind, and spirit through a combination of physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), meditation, and ethical living principles.

Benefits of Yoga

Yoga’s benefits are extensive, impacting both physical and emotional health. Physically, yoga enhances flexibility, balance, and muscle strength. According to research published by Harvard Medical School, yoga can alleviate chronic pain, improve posture, and even reduce inflammation in the body.

Mentally and emotionally, yoga significantly reduces stress and anxiety. A study in Frontiers in Psychiatry found that regular yoga practice decreased symptoms of depression and improved emotional resilience.

Different Styles of Yoga

There are various yoga styles, each catering to different needs and preferences:

• Hatha Yoga: Ideal for beginners, it emphasizes basic postures and breathing techniques.
• Vinyasa Yoga: Characterized by dynamic flows linking breath to movement, suitable for those seeking more energetic practices.
• Yin Yoga: Targets deep connective tissues through long-held, passive poses, perfect for relaxation and deep stretching.
• Bikram Yoga: Consists of 26 set postures in a heated room, designed to enhance detoxification and flexibility.

Check out yoga events in Egypt to find local workshops, retreats, and community gatherings that cater to various skill levels and interests.

What Is Pilates?

Pilates was developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates, primarily as a rehabilitation method for dancers. It emphasizes controlled movements, core strength, posture alignment, and overall body conditioning. Unlike yoga’s ancient roots, Pilates is comparatively recent and more physically oriented, typically lacking the spiritual component central to yoga.

Benefits of Pilates

Pilates focuses on core strength, muscular endurance, and alignment, enhancing overall physical conditioning. According to a study published in the Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, Pilates significantly improves flexibility, muscle strength, and balance. Additionally, regular Pilates practice fosters postural alignment, reducing the likelihood of injuries and alleviating chronic back pain.

Different Styles of Pilates

Pilates primarily includes two main forms:

• Mat Pilates: Conducted on a mat using bodyweight exercises, focusing on controlled movements and breathing.
• Equipment-Based Pilates: Involves specialized apparatus like reformers, cadillacs, and barrels to add resistance and complexity, ideal for those seeking targeted muscle strengthening and rehabilitation.

Comparing Yoga and Pilates: Key Differences

Yoga and Pilates are two popular fitness practices renowned for their significant benefits on physical health, mental wellness, and overall lifestyle. Although often grouped together, they differ fundamentally in their philosophies, objectives, and techniques. Understanding these key differences is essential for determining which practice aligns best with your personal fitness goals, lifestyle, and preferences.

Philosophical Differences

Yoga is fundamentally holistic, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual wellness. Its roots in ancient philosophy integrate meditation, mindfulness, and ethical principles into the practice. In contrast, Pilates is predominantly a physical regimen, originally designed to rehabilitate and condition the body without an explicit spiritual or meditative component.

Physical Emphasis

Yoga emphasizes flexibility, balance, and relaxation, often involving holding poses for extended periods. Pilates prioritizes core strength, posture correction, muscular endurance, and precise movements, usually performed with controlled repetitions and intentional breathing techniques.

Breathing Techniques

Yoga incorporates deep, rhythmic breathing (pranayama), essential for calming the mind and deepening poses. Pilates employs breathing primarily to stabilize and activate core muscles, typically inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth during the exertion phases.

Equipment Usage

Yoga typically requires minimal equipment—primarily a yoga mat and occasional props like blocks or straps. Pilates frequently utilizes specialized equipment, such as the reformer, designed to enhance resistance, provide support, and promote precise alignment.

How to Determine Which Practice Is Right for You

Choosing between yoga and Pilates ultimately comes down to your personal goals, physical condition, and lifestyle preferences. Each practice offers unique strengths, and identifying what you’re looking to gain—be it stress relief, physical rehabilitation, core strength, or spiritual growth—will help guide your decision.

Goals for Mindfulness and Relaxation

If your primary goal is stress relief, mindfulness, and spiritual connection, yoga is likely your best option. Yoga’s meditative elements are proven effective in reducing anxiety, promoting emotional balance, and enhancing overall mental clarity.

Core Strength and Rehabilitation

Pilates might be preferable if your main aim is to develop core strength, correct posture, or rehabilitate after an injury. Its focus on precise, controlled movements effectively strengthens muscles, improves alignment, and reduces injury risks.

Physical Conditioning and Fitness Levels

Yoga can accommodate a broad range of fitness levels, from gentle stretching in Yin yoga to challenging flows in Power yoga. Pilates typically demands more consistent muscular engagement and can quickly build strength, making it suitable for those focused on overall body conditioning.

Personal Preferences

Ultimately, personal enjoyment greatly influences sustainability in any practice. If you prefer dynamic movements and structured exercises, Pilates might resonate more. Conversely, if holistic wellness, mindfulness, and meditative practices appeal to you, yoga could be a more fulfilling choice.

Can You Combine Yoga and Pilates?

Absolutely! Many fitness enthusiasts blend yoga and Pilates to harness benefits from both practices. Yoga enhances flexibility, balance, and mental wellness, while Pilates provides robust core strengthening and improved posture. Incorporating both into your routine can deliver a comprehensive, balanced fitness regimen.

Expert Recommendations

Experts, such as Dr. Loren Fishman, a renowned yoga practitioner and author known for his extensive research on yoga’s therapeutic effects, advocate exploring both disciplines due to their complementary health benefits. Conversely, Rael Isacowitz, founder of BASI Pilates, highlights Pilates’s efficacy in strength and rehabilitation. Pilates emphasizes precision and alignment, crucial for injury prevention and recovery.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific evidence supports the benefits of both disciplines. A systematic review published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine highlights yoga’s effectiveness in managing stress-related disorders and enhancing mental well-being. Similarly, a study in Clinical Biomechanics demonstrated Pilates’s ability to significantly reduce chronic back pain and improve functional movement.

Conclusion: Choosing Your Path

Ultimately, the choice between yoga and Pilates depends on your unique goals, preferences, and lifestyle. Yoga offers a path toward holistic wellness, emotional balance, and mindfulness. Pilates delivers targeted muscular strength, improved posture, and effective rehabilitation.

Consider sampling classes in both disciplines, perhaps beginning with beginner-level sessions to gauge your preference. Many gyms and studios offer combined yoga and Pilates classes, providing opportunities to experience both practices simultaneously.

Whichever you choose, consistency and enjoyment are key. Both yoga and Pilates promise substantial health benefits and personal growth, enhancing your physical fitness and mental well-being profoundly.