Until now, Cyprus’s only medals at the Games, which are in their fourth edition, were two silvers: Alexandros Poursanidis in the hammer in Singapore in 2010 and Paraskevi Andreou in the 100 metres in Nanjing in 2014.

The 17-year-old, who is coached by Konstantinos Stavrou, competed in temperatures that reached 35 degrees Celsius. She opened with 48.17 metres, which put her third, and then had three invalid throws before producing the winning distance with her fifth attempt.

The gold adds to the European U18 title and World U20 bronze she won earlier.

Panteli misses final

Cyprus’s other athletics entry of the day, Andreas Panteli, finished sixth in the second 400 metres semi-final in 51.88 seconds. Panteli, who is coached by Kyriakos Antoniou, placed 12th of the 16 competitors overall and did not reach the final.

Background

Hadjicosta told Phileleftheros in August that she started throwing at about the age of eight, after a coach visited her primary school, and that her big goal is the 2028 Olympic Games.

Her earlier results, as reported in that interview, include eighth place at the 2026 European U23 Throwing Championship, bronze at the 2025 European Youth Olympic Festival and silver at the 2024 World Gymnasiade U18. She holds Cyprus discus records at U16, U18 and U20 level.

In August, she also spoke publicly about the racist comments she had received after her international successes and called on the state to tackle racism, philenews reported.

Pro Wrestling Cyprus is staging ‘Gods of Wrestling: Wrath of Athena’ at Stavrou secondary school from 5.30pm to 9pm, as a small local community tries to build an audience for professional wrestling in Cyprus. Tickets range from 16.50 euros to 52 euros for VIP seats, and the event is listed in Strovolos municipality’s official events calendar.

The main bout is a ‘Tables Match’ between LA Taylor and Melissa Fierce for the Pro Wrestling Cyprus women’s championship, in which each aims to put her opponent through a table, breaking it. Hunter Maul and Donny Ravarro will also appear, among other matches.

Professional wrestling is not the wrestling of the Olympic Games. It combines spectacle with physical effort, and the bouts are scripted, but the holds, falls and acrobatics require training, as the risk of injury is real.

A small scene

Paris Charalambous, who organises Pro Wrestling Cyprus, told philenews that about 50 people are actively involved in the sport on the island and that shows can draw audiences of 400 to 500. There are two professional wrestling organisations in Cyprus.

Charalambous has about 25 years’ experience in wrestling in London. Things are quite different in Cyprus, he said, where it is not easy to attract people to a spectacle many know only from television.

“The main thing for us is for people to know there is wrestling in Cyprus,” he said.

No one on the island can make a living from the sport alone, he said. Those who step into the ring do it more out of love, putting in time and effort, than as a profession.

Asked why the event is in a school, Charalambous said finding a suitable venue was the biggest problem, mainly because of cost. Large halls cost thousands of euros per event, sums a small organisation can hardly cover.

Wrestling in 1938

Archive material collected by Pro Wrestling Cyprus contains references to professional wrestling bouts on the island from the 1930s.

The 1938 bout, between English wrestler Dick Bishop and Cypriot wrestler Mantralis, was scheduled for 30 October at the old GSP stadium in Nicosia. The advertisement announcing the extra trains appeared in the newspaper ‘Eleftheria’.

Madrid intend to use a FIFA exception that lets clubs in the European Union tie young players to professional contracts if they hold an EU passport, which Gabriel is eligible to acquire through both his parents. Philenews reported on 6 October that he was preparing to obtain a Cypriot passport so he could sign for any club as a free agent from 1 January 2027.

FIFA bars international transfers of players under 18, but those aged 16 to 18 can move within the EU and the European Economic Area if the new club meets conditions on education, supervised accommodation and training. British clubs have fallen outside the exception since Brexit. FIFA would have to approve Gabriel’s move.

Madrid have offered him a multi-year contract and, subject to final talks, hope to bring him to the club in January. Gabriel is registered with United’s academy until the end of the season, and United have not been contacted by Madrid or the player’s representatives about the move, according to the Guardian.

United will consider legal action if they believe any rules have been broken, and are watching for any breach of the regulations. They would be owed a compensation fee if Gabriel joined Madrid or any other club.

Cypriot roots

Gabriel is eligible to play for Cyprus through his mother, and his widely reported full name is Joseph Junior Andreou Gabriel. He could also represent the Republic of Ireland through his paternal grandmother and Trinidad and Tobago through his paternal grandfather. His father, former defender Joe O’Cearuill, won two caps for Ireland in 2007.

He has played for England at under-15, under-16 and under-17 level, but youth caps do not prevent him from switching to Cyprus later under FIFA rules.

At United

Gabriel walked out on United in September and is believed to be training in Spain. A move to Madrid would offer a route to senior football through their B team, Castilla, who play in the regionalised Spanish third tier.

He made his United debut aged 15 in a 2-1 pre-season win over Atlético Madrid in Stockholm on 1 August, and had been training with the first team. Had he not told United he wanted to leave, he would have been in Michael Carrick’s squad for the 3-2 Carabao Cup defeat by Brighton on 16 September. Playing would have made him the youngest player in the club’s history.

Last season, Gabriel became the youngest winner of United’s academy player of the year award and was named the Premier League’s under-18 player of the season, after scoring 20 goals in 21 league appearances.

(With information from The Guardian)

Some people’s journey takes them around the world. Again and again. Stefanos Psaras is one of them.

The accomplished Cypriot kickboxing and Muay Thai athlete, working under the radar, never arrogant, but always doing his family and country proud as an established top performer on the global scene, is back in Thailand for his autumn surge, training at the Sor Dephachant academy.

This is a martial arts elite establishment that’s received a 5 star rating by the Thai Sports Ministry, a rare occurence in a country where Muay Thai is more than a national sport, but more of a historical social occasion, part of the country’s ancient culture, engrained into people’s everyday lives.

A highly significant match is coming up for Stefanos in two weeks time, November 17th, his birthday nonetheless.

Yet another mark of the athlete’s dedication and clear professional priorities in the sport, as he has become part of the highest most tier, with hard work and important support by a wise, levelling team around him.

Stefanos will be fighting in the Slam Real Combat sport, a relatively new stadium, but with quite the success symbolism.

Μany athletes who have won in this particular place, have gone on to even higher things soon after their accomplishments, earning headline contests at the One Championship and radga stadiums, the most prestigious in the sport.

The match has been set in the 64kg category with professional standard rules.

Stefanos Psaras: A short bio

The numbers really do tell the story. Every time.

Stefanos is now the undisputed number one kickboxer and Muay Thai professional in Cyprus, by far the winner of the most professional and amateur titles, including the Wako World Cup of 2023 at 67kg in Italy, as well as a victory in the Muay Thai main event at the prestigious Max stadium.

He is a top ten level fighter in the sport and with such a cool head around his shoulders, he is destined for even greater achievements.

Note: Martial Arts Corner is a new effort at highlighting the achievements of martial art athletes from Cyprus and will be regularly informing the public of all the latest in the field.

“Racked with pain, with a lump in our throats and unable to believe that this is true, from CD Tenerife we communicate the tragic passing of Jesus de Miguel Alameda,” the club said.

“There are no words of comfort; there is absolutely nothing that can alleviate this feeling overflowing with sadness.”

The match against FC Andorra was abandoned seven minutes into stoppage time after De Miguel collapsed following a collision with away goalkeeper Jesus Owono, who had rushed out of his area to clear a long ball and struck the striker in the chest with his knee.

Medical staff treated the player on the pitch for more than five minutes before he was taken to hospital by ambulance.

(Reuters)

European champions Olympiacos visit Limassol next, on November 17 at 7pm, a game that is expected to draw strong interest from Cypriot basketball fans.

Plans for each game provide for 3,000 tickets for Maccabi supporters, 1,500 for the Cypriot public and 100 for fans of the visiting team. Final arrangements for spectators have yet to be agreed.

Maccabi are still seeking EuroLeague approval to return to their home ground in Israel. If nothing changes by January, the January 7 game against Panathinaikos will also be played in Limassol.

Maccabi Tel Aviv home games from November 12

November 12, 2026: Hapoel Tel Aviv
November 17, 2026: Olympiacos
November 19, 2026: Dubai Basketball
December 15, 2026: Zalgiris Kaunas
December 23, 2026: Anadolu Efes
January 7, 2027: Panathinaikos AKTOR
January 12, 2027: Bayern Munich
February 2, 2027: Virtus Bologna
February 11, 2027: Barcelona
March 9, 2027: Red Star Belgrade
March 11, 2027: ASVEL Villeurbanne
March 18, 2027: Valencia Basket
April 1, 2027: Fenerbahce
April 7, 2027: Partizan
April 15, 2027: Baskonia

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That small moment is what Legion Run is all about. Not a podium. Not a stopwatch. Not beating the person next to you. But discovering that you’re capable of more than you imagined — especially when someone is there to help.

On Saturday, 7 November 2026, Legion Run returns to MC Elias in Pareklisia, Limassol, bringing its international season to a close in the country where its story began.

Registrations are still open — giving everyone who has wondered whether they could take on an obstacle adventure the opportunity to find out.

Founded in Cyprus in 2014, Legion Run has since travelled to 12 countries across three continents, introducing thousands of people to an experience where teamwork matters more than athletic performance. And this year, it’s returning with something entirely different.

An adventure you don’t need months of training to enjoy

For many people, the words “obstacle course” immediately bring to mind elite athletes, exhausting workouts and competitions reserved for the exceptionally fit. Legion Run challenges that perception.

The five-kilometre experience combines mud, climbing, crawling, obstacles and plenty of laughter. But unlike traditional races, there’s no pressure to finish first or achieve a particular time. Participants are encouraged to work together, help each other and approach the challenges at their own pace, respecting their abilities and the event’s safety instructions.

You don’t need months of specialised training. You don’t need to be the strongest person in your group. You simply need to be willing to try. And sometimes, that’s where the most memorable experiences begin.

Same location, a completely new adventure

Those who joined last year’s event at MC Elias might think they know what to expect. They would be mistaken.

Working closely with the MC Elias team, Legion Run’s organisers have significantly redesigned the venue layout and created a completely different course for 2026. Participants will follow a new route, encounter several new obstacles and discover surprises that weren’t part of last year’s experience.

The festival area is also being expanded, with more attractions, activities and entertainment designed to turn the event into an entire day of adventure. Music, friends, laughter and a special live radio presence from Kiss FM will help create an atmosphere that extends well beyond the obstacle course itself.

When colleagues become a real team

The same experience that brings friends together has also attracted corporate teams from around the world. According to the organisers, hundreds of companies have participated in Legion Run events, including employee teams from internationally recognised organisations such as IBM, HP, PwC and Scorewarrior.

Inside an office, people have job titles, responsibilities and positions. But standing in front of a muddy obstacle, those distinctions suddenly become less important. A manager might need help from an employee. Someone usually quiet in meetings might become the person encouraging the entire team. These are moments of genuine cooperation that cannot easily be recreated in a conference room.

Watch the corporate team-building experience:

A chance to make a difference beyond the obstacles

This year’s Legion Run Cyprus also supports SAGAPO Foundation, the event’s Official Charity Partner. Through a special charity-ticket initiative, participants have the opportunity to combine their adventure with a meaningful contribution.

The original initiative was designed so that participants could pay just €5 more than the regular ticket price at the time, while €10 from each donation ticket would be allocated to SAGAPO, with Legion Run contributing the additional amount. Current donation-ticket options and availability can be found here.

One Saturday, one opportunity this year

Legion Run comes to Cyprus only once a year. That means 7 November is more than another date in the calendar. It’s an opportunity to step outside your routine, share an unforgettable experience with friends or colleagues and discover something about yourself that you might never have known.

You don’t need to know in advance whether you can overcome every obstacle. That’s the whole point of giving it a try.

The next time you find yourself saying, “I could never do something like that,” perhaps it’s worth asking a different question: What if you actually can?

Legion Run Cyprus 2026 — Saturday 7 November, MC Elias, Pareklisia, Limassol.

Find out what you’re capable of – book your place.

Watch last year’s highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6EtqRsa7CE

Corporate participation: corporate@legionrun.com

Official Media Sponsors: Kiss FM and Goal.com.cy.

In a letter to KOA president Giannis Ioannou on Tuesday, Efthymiou said a person who attended the meeting on KOA’s behalf had passed on what was discussed to the Shooting Federation of Cyprus (SKOK). “Someone is claiming the role of snitch for themselves, maybe more than one,” he wrote. He also set out how he has handled complaints brought to EDPA over the years.

SKOK president Lenos Kyriakou had complained about Efthymiou in a letter on Friday, October 16, to EDPA chairman Stefanos Skordis, copied to KOA. Kyriakou said Efthymiou had been wrong to comment on the shooters’ walkout because the incident had not been properly investigated by the competent body.

He indirectly suggested that the shooters’ rights had been violated and questioned whether Efthymiou could take part in any future investigation involving SKOK, implying that he had long been hostile to the federation. Kyriakou also objected to remarks he attributed to Efthymiou at a meeting at KOA’s offices the previous day.

That meeting, on Thursday, October 15, brought together members of KOA’s control committee with Skordis and Efthymiou. It formed part of an investigation that KOA and EDPA opened into the walkout, as Phileleftheros reported on October 13. Both bodies decided there was a case to examine, and Ioannou assigned the inquiry to KOA’s control committee.

Ioannou told Phileleftheros on Tuesday only that the meeting had taken place. He said the control committee was handling the matter and that he had written to SKOK and was waiting for its response. He also mentioned representations to the international federation. “We will also invite the athletes, to hear their side,” he said.

The Cyprus trio of Sotiris Antoniou, Giorgos Achilleos and Dimitris Konstantinou walked off during the men’s team skeet final against the Czech Republic at the European Championships in Malakasa, near Athens, on October 4. They were protesting at a judges’ ruling on a single target and were disqualified. Efthymiou said at the time that such behaviour damaged Cyprus and Cypriot sport internationally.

The designs, by the architectural firm J&A Philippou in collaboration with Chaix & Morel, were unveiled a few weeks before the club marks 100 years since its founding on November 8.

The stadium will be built in two phases, J&A Philippou said in a statement. It will have capacity for about 16,000 in the first phase, rising to about 20,000 later, along with a wide range of hospitality, entertainment and leisure facilities.

The firm described the project as a state-of-the-art stadium to be built in the wider Nicosia area.

The project was set up by the late Konstantinos Iordanou, who “remained a loyal APOEL fan, despite spending most of his life away from Cyprus”, the firm said.

The campaign was launched by the Kateryna Biloruska Foundation (KBF) with the support of the Cyprus National Paralympic Committee (CNPC), and the Municipality of Nicosia joined as an official partner.

Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Prountzos, who opened the exhibition alongside CNPC president Andreas Georgiou and Biloruska, said the portraits showed “determination instead of doubt”.

Biloruska described the campaign’s title as a statement of courage rather than a slogan. “Through sport, we show that determination beats limitation,” she said.

Georgiou said the partnership showcased the human side of para sport. “This exhibition helps break down social barriers,” he said.

Five of the athletes featured attended the opening and met the public: Loizos Chrysanthou (para swimming), Kyriakos Demetriou, Marios Lambrou and Panagiotis Kkomor (para archery) and Andreas Charalambous (para powerlifting).

Demetriou said the exhibition was “incredible because it promotes knowledge, understanding of what para-athletes actually do”.

The exhibition has previously been shown at Larnaca Airport, Molos in Limassol, three shopping malls in Nicosia and the EPSI Annual Conference 2026 in Greece.

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