World Rugby signs IWG Women and Sport’s Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration

25 Sep 2025 – Rugby Union

World Rugby has become a signatory to the International Working Group on Women and Sport’s Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration, aimed at promoting gender equality in sport. This signing coincides with the Women’s Rugby Summit and the record-breaking Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in England. By signing, World Rugby joins other major federations in pledging to enhance sport opportunities and visibility for women and girls. Chair Brett Robinson expressed pride in committing to this cause at such a significant time. Chief of Women’s Rugby, Sally Horrox, highlighted plans to continue supporting female participation and growth in rugby globally.

UCI Congress: David Lappartient re-elected as UCI President at the head of a renewed Management Committee

25 Sep 2025 – Cycling

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) held its 194th Congress in Kigali, Rwanda, marking the first UCI Road World Championships in Africa. David Lappartient was re-elected as UCI President for a third term by acclamation. Members of the UCI Management Committee were elected from various continental confederations. New appointments include Enrico Della Casa, Katerina Nash, Amarjit Singh Gill Darshan Singh, and José Manuel Pelaez as Vice-Presidents. The Congress announced host cities for UCI World Championships from 2026 to 2032, including Trentino, Italy, for the 2031 Cycling World Championships. Former UCI Vice-President Dr Mohamed Wagih Azzam became Honorary UCI Vice-President. The Congress also granted UCI Merit awards to notable contributors and approved the UCI’s financial plans, reflecting a strong start for the 2025-2028 Olympic cycle.

ITTF Tribunal Full Decision Confirms Legitimacy of Annual General Meeting and Presidential Election

24 Sep 2025 – Table Tennis

The ITTF Tribunal issued a ruling on 23 September 2025, dismissing appeals by the Qatar Table Tennis Association (QTTA) and Mr. Khalil Al Mohannadi. The decision confirmed the legitimacy of the 2025 ITTF Annual General Meeting and the election of Ms. Petra Sörling as President. The Tribunal found the AGM was properly conducted in accordance with ITTF Statutes and Swiss law, and no irregularity warranted annulment of the results. It emphasised that voting procedures ensured all member associations could exercise their rights. The ruling affirms the ITTF’s governance integrity, allowing it to focus on resuming the AGM and advancing table tennis.

New strategy, the women’s game, player welfare and Rugby World Cup top the agenda at 17th World Rugby General Assembly

24 Sep 2025 – Rugby Union

At the 17th World Rugby General Assembly in London, World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson called for unity among delegates to propel a new strategic direction over the next five years. Emphasising the success of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in England, Robinson highlighted the tournament’s impact and urged the rugby community to enhance the sport’s relevance and reach. The new strategy, grounded in iconic events, impactful investment, and strong leadership, aims to grow the sport and requires a mindset shift. Updates on upcoming World Cups and efforts to support member unions were also shared. Robinson emphasised unity and ambition for the sport’s future.

sportanddev and UNESCO Chair partner to strengthen research

23 Sep 2025 — Sport for development

sportanddev has partnered with the UNESCO Chair on Sport for Development, Peace and Environment to strengthen evidence in the sector and co-publish a quarterly “Research Wrap”. The collaboration aims to tackle long-standing gaps in robust data and transferable practice, align activity with the SDGs, and make research more accessible beyond paywalls. Professor Karen Petry says the Wrap will bridge policy and practice, while Dr Ben Sanders underlines the need for open knowledge sharing. The Chair’s global network and UNESCO’s Fit for Life alliance will anchor the work, with sportanddev.org hosting summaries, links and learning resources for practitioners.

The Age of Fire: Sport Takes Its Breath Away

23 Sep 2025 – Multi-Sport

In summer 2025, Canadian sports faced a critical turning point due to climate change impacts, such as heatwaves and wildfires. Historic high temperatures led to major disruptions in sporting events, including postponed professional matches and local competition cancellations due to dangerous air quality from smog. Athletes are increasingly exposed to extreme conditions, with cities like Toronto and Montréal recording some of the world’s worst air quality. Experts stress the need for stringent safety measures to protect athletes during heatwaves. The crisis prompts innovation and adaptation, urging sports organisations to integrate eco-friendly practices as climate change poses significant public health challenges.

Centre for Sport and Human Rights Appoints New Board of Directors

22 Sep 2025 – Human Rights

The Centre for Sport and Human Rights (CSHR) has appointed a new Board of Directors following a global search carried out by a Nominations Committee. Thirteen candidates, including ten new and three returning members, join the board to advance the organisation’s mission. The appointments conclude the inaugural board’s term that began in 2021. Dr. Epsy Campbell Barr, CSHR’s President, welcomed the diverse group, underscoring their role in enhancing the Centre’s strategic initiatives. Retiring and past directors were acknowledged for their contributions. CSHR’s governance structure, involving active sub-committees, is crucial for its strategy execution and accountability. The directors are volunteers devoted to the Centre’s objectives.

IBU presents shortlist for IBU Awards for Excellence 2024/2025

22 Sep 2025 – Biathlon

This summer, nearly 40 applications were submitted for awards in various categories related to biathlon. Winners in the National Federation and Organising Committee categories will each receive €10,000, while the top athlete in the Social Media category will be awarded €5,000. Notable entries include the Deutscher Skiverband and the Norwegian Biathlon Association in sustainability, and Anna Gandler from Austria in the athletes’ social media category. The shortlisted entries will be showcased on biathlonworld.com and the IBU’s LinkedIn and Instagram channels leading up to the Loop One Festival.

Making Waves – the Boka Bay Edition

20 Sep 2025 – Sailing

The final stopover of The Ocean Race Europe in Montenegro featured “Making Waves – the Boka Bay Edition”, a roundtable discussion focusing on ocean health and sustainable blue economy. Held during the race’s finale, it gathered leaders from various sectors to discuss impactful ocean restoration strategies. Organised by The Ocean Race and Volvo Cars, the event emphasised creating Marine Protected Areas and inspired Montenegro to enhance its marine protection efforts. Key speakers included Montenegro’s Minister of Maritime Affairs and representatives from Spain. The event underscored the role of sport, science, and policy in fostering a healthier Adriatic Sea and advocated for sustainable marine practices.

Mondotrack Ellipse Impulse: the sustainable athletics track of the future

19 Sep 2025 – Athletics

World Athletics has announced Mondo’s new Mondotrack Ellipse Impulse, a high-performance, lower-impact track used at Paris 2024 and Tokyo 25. Engineering advances, elliptical sub-base geometry, non-directional tessellation and enhanced embossing, improve energy return and traction while reducing joint strain. Sustainability claims include a 24% reduction in Global Warming Potential versus earlier models, up to 40% recycled content and 10% renewable ingredients such as mollusc shells, plus LCA-led eco-design and on-site photovoltaics supplying 11% of production electricity. The solid vulcanised rubber construction also avoids loose microplastics, combining durability with performance to set a new benchmark for elite venues.

Sky calls for national action on girls’ sport to unlock £6.5 billion boost to UK as it teams up with Goals 4 Girls and Alessia Russo to increase participation

11 Sep 2025 – Athletics

A report by Public First, commissioned by Sky, reveals that UK girls miss out on 280 million hours of sport annually, with potential economic and health benefits of £6.5 billion by 2035 if the gap is closed. Contributions from sports figures highlight that empowering girls through sport could yield £570 million in productivity gains and £73 million NHS savings annually. Despite sports fostering leadership and confidence, boys still have more access. Sky proposes measures like tax reliefs and government co-investment to boost visibility of women’s sport. New initiatives include The Alessia Cup, promoting grassroots football for girls. Broadcasters and government collaboration is urged to break down participation barriers.