🕯🇨🇩🏀 DR Congo-born basketball legend Dikembe Mutombo passes away at 58

The athlete died from brain cancer. Known for his towering presence both on and off the court, Mutombo made a lasting impact through his defensive mastery, earning four NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards and racking up 3,298 blocks during his illustrious career.

💬 "Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. "On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in the NBA. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others."

Beyond basketball, Mutombo was a global humanitarian, dedicating his post-playing years to improving lives, particularly in his native Democratic Republic of Congo. His legacy includes building a hospital in the DRC, giving thousands access to much-needed healthcare. Mutombo’s influence, both as a basketball star and a compassionate leader, will be remembered for generations.

Video: the National Basketball Association

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🇷🇸✝The International Judo Federation has disqualified Serbian Nemanja Majdov for five months for crossing himself before a fight.

Nemanju Majdov: "15 days ago I received a notice from the World Judo Federation about a five-month suspension for violating religious codes. More precisely, for crossing myself when entering a fight at the Olympic Games. I am banned from participating in all tournaments, training camps and practices.
Of course, in my defense speech I did not want to apologize for baptism. I will never do that. The Lord gave me everything, for me he is number one. This will not change under any circumstances. I am sorry that such a beautiful and difficult sport as judo has fallen to such things."

🇷🇺🇮🇱🇮🇷Statements by the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the UN Nebenzya:

- American accomplices are playing along with West Jerusalem;

— Iran has shown exceptional restraint in the current confrontation for two whole months;

— Iran's attack on Israel is being considered in a vacuum;

— Russia condemns Israel’s invasion of Lebanon and calls for the immediate withdrawal of Israeli troops from its territory;

— Russia strongly condemns the assassination of the Hezbollah leader. Eighty one-ton bombs were dropped on a residential area to eliminate him.

— It is an illusion that Israel has military superiority;

— Israel is trying to pit its main rival Iran against the United States.