English
Indian
العربية
Español
Deutsch
Türkçe
Русский
Français (Afrique)
Rafa Marquez vows 'committed, disciplined' Mexico team with 'strong sense of identity'
Mexico: The new manager of the Mexico national team Rafael Marquez said on Thursday that he seeks to instill discipline, deep sense of identity, commitment in the team he is hoping to build.
Marquez will take charge of the national team for the first time in friendlies against Colombia, Peru, the United States and Chile in late September and early October. All games will be played in the United States.
Rafael Marquez Alvarez, known as Rafa Marquez, speaks during his presentation as the new head coach of the Mexican men’s national team at the High-Performance Center (CAR) of the Mexican Football Federation in Mexico City, on September 10, 2026. (Photo by Yuri CORTEZ / AFP) bettingx.club
"Establishing and strengthening the identity of this team, that is the goal - for everyone to identify with their national team," said Marquez, who replaced Javier Aguirre in July.
"I will look for players with willingness, who know they must put in their best effort to come to the national team, in the same way that Javier did. That is essential to generate more competition."
Marquez has never managed at senior professional level. He served as Aguirre's assistant for two years and previously managed Barcelona B-team.
The 47-year-old praised the work of Aguirre, who guided Mexico to four wins from its first four games at this year's FIFA World Cup before it fell to England in the round of 16.
"What we went through during the World Cup was important," he said. "I am very excited about this responsibility. I am extremely grateful to Javier because he opened the doors of his coaching staff for me."
He added "I won't be working from scratch. There is continuity and a solid base, I know the environment, and I have surrounded myself with experienced, highly capable people who have competed at a very high level."
Qatar swimming champion Nada Wafa elected Chair of ISSA Athletes Committee
Riyadh: Qatar swimming champion Nada Mohamed Wafa has been elected Chairperson of the Athletes Committee of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA) at the Association's General Assembly meeting in Taif, Saudi Arabia, attended by representatives of its member countries.
Wafa's election reflects her sporting achievements and extensive experience in regional and international competitions. In her new role, she will lead the committee tasked with representing athletes and promoting their participation in the Association's activities and events.
Her election reflects the confidence placed in Qatari sporting talent internationally and further strengthens Qatar's presence in regional and international sports organizations. It also reinforces Qatar's contribution to sports development and efforts to support athletes.
Nada Mohamed Wafa is one of Qatar's prominent sporting figures and has represented the country at numerous regional and international competitions, most notably at the 2012 Olympic Games in London and the 2019 World Aquatics Championships in South Korea.
QOC issues health advisory for Asian Games participants
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) issued a health advisory for Qatari athletes participating in the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
The advisory, shared by the committee on social media, highlights a number of precautions athletes should take to cope with host country’s weather conditions.
The QOC urged participants to acclimatise early to the weather and gradually adjust their sleep schedules before travelling to Japan to help minimise the effects of jet lag as there are six-hour time difference between Qatar and Japan.
Athletes have also been advised to use sunscreen and wear hats for protection against the sun, while maintaining adequate hydration throughout their stay.
The committee particularly recommended drinking electrolyte-rich fluids during long training sessions and competitions to help replace fluids and minerals lost through sweating.
Maintaining a balanced nutrition plan was also highlighted as an important part of preparations, alongside wearing lightweight and breathable sportswear suitable for the expected weather conditions.
Athletes were further advised to keep a light rain jacket handy as they prepare for potentially changing weather conditions during the Games.