Athleticism and competition persevere in communities throughout the world regardless of war, pollution or politics.
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BEIRUT, Lebanon — Frankly speaking, their team was never going to win. But that did not stop the die-hard fans in the stands from hurling abuse at their rivals. Some taunts were of the “your mother” variety, others from a genre that the Lebanese, perhaps uniquely among world basketball fans, have …
KABUL, Afghanistan — The Maiwand wrestlers are back, with a vengeance. Last September, the Islamic State bombed their gym and killed dozens of them. This year they have rebuilt it, and their vengeance has been to make it bigger, better and even busier than it was before. Last September, I was …
Every evening, thousands of runners, wrestlers, soccer players and fitness fanatics exercise on the beaches and streets of Senegal’s capital. With every breath, they inhale increasingly dangerous air. DAKAR, Senegal — They sprint. They sweat. They squat to the ground and bounce backward. They sit …
RIO DE JANEIRO — The young ballet students walked into the room with red paint — simulated blood stains — smeared all over their leotards. It was a macabre costume for girls as young as 7 and 8, performing before the mayor and governor. To understand why their beloved ballet teacher, Daiana Ferreira …
The Darkness Fighters are the only visually impaired team in an annual Hong Kong festival that blends ritual and rivalry. HONG KONG — A blur of boldly patterned jerseys and fluttering banners of green, pink and yellow. The platinum of a boat’s wake against the pewter of the sea. Oars paddling in …
For Indigenous Australians in isolated towns, “bush footy” is more religion than sport. Neither distance, the police nor even death can keep teams from competing. LAJAMANU, Australia — Halfway into a 400-mile journey through a dusty stretch of the Australian desert, the team’s minibus ran into …
