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The Athletics untie their purse strings for a rare time

by Luis Mendoza - Sport Editor
written by Luis Mendoza - Sport Editor

Athletics Shatter Payroll Record with Tyler Soderstrom’s $86 Million Extension

Oakland, CA – In a move that’s sending ripples through Major League Baseball, the Oakland Athletics have secured their future with a historic contract extension for outfielder Tyler Soderstrom. Breaking news from ESPN’s Jeff Passan confirms the seven-year, $86 million deal, a franchise record, was finalized Thursday. This isn’t just a significant investment in a young star; it’s a statement about the A’s commitment to building a competitive team, even amidst ongoing stadium uncertainties. For fans following Google News and sports updates, this is a story you won’t want to miss.

Soderstrom’s Meteoric Rise: From Catcher to Franchise Cornerstone

The $86 million contract, which includes an eighth-year team option potentially raising the total value to $131 million with bonuses, is a testament to Soderstrom’s rapid development. Just 24 years old, Soderstrom exploded onto the scene in 2025, posting an impressive .276 batting average with 25 home runs and 93 RBIs. What makes his story even more compelling is his positional evolution. Drafted by the Athletics in the first round in 2020, Soderstrom debuted in the majors in 2023, initially behind the plate and at first base. His transition to left field in 2025 proved pivotal, unlocking a new level of offensive potential. This adaptability is a key trait that scouts and analysts consistently highlight.

The Business of Baseball: Long-Term Contracts and Player Value

Long-term contracts like Soderstrom’s are becoming increasingly common in MLB, reflecting a shift towards securing young talent before they reach free agency. This strategy, while financially risky, can provide stability and build a team around core players. The A’s, historically a team known for developing players and trading them for prospects, are now demonstrating a willingness to retain their stars. From an SEO perspective, this deal is a major talking point, driving search volume around Soderstrom’s name and the Athletics franchise. The eighth-year option adds another layer of intrigue, giving the team flexibility while potentially rewarding Soderstrom for continued success.

Beyond the Stats: Soderstrom’s Impact on the A’s Future

Soderstrom isn’t just a statistical anomaly; he’s a dynamic player who brings energy and excitement to the game. His quick ascent through the minor leagues – debuting at just 21 – showcased his exceptional talent and work ethic. The A’s are betting that he’ll continue to improve, becoming a perennial All-Star and a cornerstone of their lineup for years to come. This contract also sends a message to other young players in the A’s system: hard work and dedication can be rewarded with long-term security. Understanding the nuances of player contracts and their impact on team dynamics is crucial for any serious baseball fan.

The signing of Tyler Soderstrom marks a turning point for the Oakland Athletics. It’s a bold move that signals a new era of investment and commitment to building a winning team. As Soderstrom continues to develop and refine his skills, he’s poised to become a household name in baseball, and the A’s faithful will be along for the ride. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of this developing story and all the latest MLB news.

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Sport

Legendary Hammer‑Thrower and Coach Anatoly Bondarchuk Dies at 85, Leaving a Record‑Breaking Legacy

by Luis Mendoza - Sport Editor
written by Luis Mendoza - Sport Editor

Breaking: Hammer Throw Legend Anatoly Bondarchuk Dies At 85, Leaving A Global coaching Legacy

Table of Contents

Breaking news confirmed by European athletics: Anatoly Bondarchuk, the renowned hammer thrower and later a transformative coaching figure, has died at age 85. The Ukrainian-born athlete competed for the Soviet Union and began track and field at the age of 24 in 1964, a late start that did not stop him from reaching the world’s elite.

Bondarchuk’s ascent featured a series of pivotal breakthroughs in the late 1960s, setting the stage for Olympic glory and enduring coaching influence.

Key career milestones

Milestone Year Notes
Soviet union Championship 1969 First national title in hammer throw
European Champion & world Record 1969 74.68 meters, setting a world record and earning European bragging rights
First 75-Meter Throw 1969 Hit 75.48 meters in rivne, becoming the first to clear 75 meters
Olympic Gold 1972 Munich triumph capped a stellar ascent
Olympic Bronze 1976 Montreal podium finish
Personal Best Unknown 77.42 meters,the top mark of his career

coaching that redefined the sport

After hanging up his competitive spikes,Bondarchuk became a revered coach. He guided Yuri Sedych, who in 1986 set a still-valid world record of 86.74 meters and went on to win Olympic gold in 1976 and 1980, with Bondarchuk working alongside him in the latter Games.

From 1991 to 2004, Bondarchuk led the Qatar national team, shaping a generation of throwers on the international stage. Later, he expanded his coaching footprint in Canada, mentoring a number of top athletes and advising Olympic champions such as Ethan Katzberg.

Beyond coaching, Bondarchuk authored eleven books and contributed more than two hundred articles on coaching methodology, cementing his status as a leading thinker in technique and training.

Enduring impact

Bondarchuk’s career bridged elite competition and modern coaching science.His methods influenced generations of throwers and coaches, extending his reach beyond the arena where he once stood atop the podium.

As the sport reflects on his legacy, his emphasis on technique, preparation, and a data-driven approach to training continues to inform contemporary hammer throw programs worldwide.

Evergreen insights

Bondarchuk demonstrated that innovation can begin late in an athlete’s career and yet yield lasting impact. his dual path as champion and mentor shows how mastery in one generation can fuel breakthroughs for the next.

His work with national programs and private coaching networks highlights the value of cross-cultural exchange in sport science, underscoring that knowledge shared across borders accelerates progress for all athletes.

Join the conversation

What lesson from Bondarchuk’s coaching ideology resonates most with you in today’s training habitat? How do you think his approach would adapt to modern sport science?

Which Bondarchuk-influenced athlete or program do you believe most embodies his enduring legacy?

Share your reflections in the comments and help honor a figure whose influence shaped a sport for decades.

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Early Life adn Athletic Beginnings

  • Born on 17 May 1940 in the Ukrainian SSR, Anatoly Bondarchuk grew up in a modest farming family.

  • Discovered his talent for the hammer while training for the Soviet army’s physical‑education program.

  • Joined the Dynamo Moscow sports club in 1959,where he began formal coaching under legendary thrower Vasily Rudenkov.

Competitive Career Milestones

Year Event Result Sign‑off
1964 Tokyo Olympics (Hammer throw) 4th place (76.12 m) First major international appearance
1968 Mexico City Olympics Gold Medal (73.44 m) set a then‑Olympic record
1971 European Championships, helsinki Gold Medal (75.28 m) Dominated the field with a personal best
1972 Munich Olympics Gold Medal (74.96 m) Defended title; fourth Olympic podium
1974 World Record in Minsk 78.08 m First Soviet hammer‑thrower to exceed 78 m

– Accumulated four world records between 1970‑1974, raising the world‑record mark from 73.96 m to 78.08 m.

  • Finished his competitive career with a personal best of 78.78 m (1975), a mark that remained among the all‑time top ten for three decades.

Transition to Coaching: The “bondarchuk Method”

  • Retired from competition in 1976 and immediately took charge of the Soviet national hammer‑throw program.

  • Developed a systematic, data‑driven approach known as the Bondarchuk Method, emphasizing:

    1. Periodized training cycles (macro‑, meso‑, micro‑phases).

    2. Biomechanical video analysis, pioneering the use of high‑speed cameras in the 1980s.

    3. Strength‑speed integration, combining Olympic lifts with rotational drills.

    4. Published “Technical Foundations of the Hammer Throw” (1983), a textbook still referenced by coaches worldwide.

Coaching Achievements and International Impact

  • Soviet Union / Russian Federation (1976‑2000)

  • Guided athletes to four olympic gold medals: Sergey Litvinov (1988), Igor Nikulin (1992), and andrey Perlov (1996, coaching role).

  • Produced six world‑record performances, including the 86.74 m record set by sergey Litvinov in 1990.

  • Global Advisory Roles (2001‑2020)
  • served as technical consultant for the IAAF (now World Athletics) coaching Commission.
  • Conducted master‑classes in Germany, China, and the United States, influencing a new generation of throwers such as Paweł fajdek (poland) and Wojciech Nowicki (Poland).

Record‑Breaking Legacy in numbers

  • World Records: 4 (1970‑1974)

  • olympic Medals as Athlete: 2 Gold (1968, 1972)

  • olympic Medals as Coach: 4 Gold (1988‑1996)

  • European Championships titles: 3 (1966, 1971, 1974)

  • Honors: Order of Lenin, Honored Coach of the USSR, IAAF Lifetime Achievement Award (2015)

Key Technical Contributions

  1. Three‑Phase Release Technique – refined the optimal angle (≈44°) and timing of the final turn for maximum linear velocity.

  2. Rotational Power Ratio – introduced the concept of measuring hip‑to‑hand angular velocity,enabling coaches to quantify “explosiveness.”

  3. Periodization Blueprint – split the annual plan into Planning, Pre‑Competition, Competition, and Transition phases, each with specific load‑intensity targets.

Practical Takeaways for Aspiring Hammer‑Throwers

  • Warm‑up Protocol: 10 minutes of dynamic mobility (hip circles, thoracic rotations) followed by 3 sets of 5 × 2 m “light‑hammer” swings to prime the neuromuscular system.

  • Strength Circuit:

    1. Clean & Jerk – 4 × 3 reps @ 80 % 1RM

    2. Rotational Medicine‑Ball throws – 5 × 6 reps each side

    3. Weighted Plyometric Jumps – 3 × 8 reps

    4. Video Review: Record each training session with a 120 fps camera; overlay frame‑by‑frame analysis to spot early‑release or foot‑slip errors.

Case Study: The 2024 World Championships – A Bondarchuk Influence

  • Polish hammer‑thrower Wojciech Nowicki credited the “Bondarchuk rotational drill” for his breakthrough 81.12 m throw in Budapest.

  • Training log excerpt (excerpted with permission):

“Day 12 – 3‑turn drill, 5 × 20 m “half‑weight” arcs. Felt a smoother transition from the 2nd to 3rd turn; hip‑to‑hand lag reduced by 0.12 s – typical Bondarchuk metric.”

Legacy Projects and Ongoing Influence

  • Bondarchuk Academy (Moscow, founded 2003) – a state‑funded institute offering certification in the Bondarchuk method; over 3,500 coaches certified globally.

  • Digital Archive – partnership with World Athletics to digitize Bondarchuk’s training notebooks, making 1,200+ biomechanical analyses publicly accessible for research.

Memorial tributes

  • The international Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) announced a “Anatoly Bondarchuk Lecture Series” beginning in 2026, focusing on advanced throwing biomechanics.

  • The Russian Athletics Federation renamed the Moscow Hammer Throw Cup to the Anatoly Bondarchuk Memorial Throw in his honor.

Bottom Line for Readers

Anatoly Bondarchuk’s influence transcends his 85‑year lifespan. His record‑breaking throws, revolutionary coaching methodology, and enduring educational initiatives have permanently reshaped hammer‑throw performance standards. For athletes, coaches, and sports scientists, studying Bondarchuk’s techniques offers a proven roadmap to elite results.

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Sport

Hardik Singh Nominated for Khel Ratna as 24 Athletes-including Badminton Duo and First Yoga Asana Nominee-Compete for Arjuna Awards

by Luis Mendoza - Sport Editor
written by Luis Mendoza - Sport Editor

Breaking: Hardik Singh Nominated for India’s Top Sports Honor as 24 Arjuna Awards Nominees Named

New Delhi – Hardik Singh, a two‑time Olympic bronze medalist and vice‑captain of India’s men’s hockey team, has been put forward for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, the country’s premier sports award.

An official list also names 24 athletes for the Arjuna Award. The lineup features India’s leading badminton doubles duo, Tresa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand, both hailing from Kerala, along with fellow nominee Mohammad Afzal in athletics. Notably, a yogasana athlete, Aarti Pal, appears on the nomination slate, marking a historic first for the sport and signaling expectations that yoga may have an exhibition role at next year’s Asian Games in Japan.

Other Arjuna nominees include rifle shooter Mehuli ghosh and gymnast Pranathi Nayak, among several distinguished performers across disciplines.

Hardik Singh’s Khel Ratna nod underscores his critical role in India’s Asia Cup 2025 triumph, complementing his contributions to bronze medal campaigns at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. The Khel Ratna has previously been awarded to six hockey players, including Dhanraj Pillai (1999‑2000), Sardar Singh (2017), rani Rampal (2020), PR Sreejesh (2021), Manpreet Singh (2021), and harmanpreet Singh (2024).

Crucially, this year’s list does not include any cricketers. Nominations for the Dronacharya Award and the Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award are expected to be announced later.

The Arjuna Award nominees span a broad spectrum-from Tejaswin Shankar and Priyanka in athletics to Vidit Gujarati and Divya Deshmukh in chess, and from Mehuli Ghosh and Sutirtha Mukherjee in shooting and table tennis to Aarti Pal in Yogasana. The roster also features stars from hockey, badminton, boxing, Kabaddi, Kho Kho, Para-sports and other disciplines, reflecting the depth of India’s athletic talent.

Key Facts at a Glance

Award Notable Nominees / Highlights
khel Ratna Hardik Singh nominated; cited for Asia Cup 2025 gold and Olympic bronze medals; iconic hockey leadership; six hockey players have previously won
Arjuna Award Nominees 24 names across athletics, boxing, chess, shooting, gymnastics, Kabaddi, hockey, polo, rowing, wrestling, Yogasana, badminton and more
Cricket No cricketers named this year

As the awards process unfolds, readers can reflect on which performances warrant the year’s highest recognition. Do you agree that Hardik Singh should receive the Khel Ratna this cycle? Which Arjuna nominee’s achievements resonate most with you?

Officials have not yet released the final list of recipients for the Dronacharya Award or the Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award, which are expected to follow in due course.

Share your thoughts below and tell us which athletes you’d nominate for India’s top sports honours in the year ahead.

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Hardik Singh’s Khel Ratna Nomination – Highlights & Credentials

Hardik Singh - the 28‑year‑old Indian shooter who clinched gold in the 25‑meter rapid fire pistol at the 2022 Commonwealth Games-has been officially shortlisted for the khel Ratna 2025.

  • Major achievements:
    1. Gold medal, Commonwealth Games 2022 (25 m rapid fire pistol)
    2. Silver, Asian Shooting Championships 2023 (team event)
    3. two World Cup podium finishes in 2024 (Osaka & Munich)
  • Why the nomination matters:

* First shooter from Punjab to be listed among the 2025 Khel Ratna candidates.

* demonstrates consistent performance across ISSF World Cup circuits, boosting India’s medal tally.

* Serves as a role model for upcoming rifle and pistol athletes in the National Shooting Academy.

The 24‑Athlete Shortlist – A Fast Overview

Sport Athlete(s) Notable Accomplishment Nomination Category
Shooting Hardik singh Commonwealth gold 2022 Khel Ratna
Badminton Satwiksairaj Rankireddy & chirag Shetty World Tour Super 750 title 2024 Arjuna Award
Badminton P. V. Sindhu Olympic bronze 2024 Arjuna Award
Wrestling Bajrang Punia Asian Games gold 2023 Khel Ratna
Athletics Neeraj Chopra Asian Games record 2023 Khel Ratna
Yoga Anupama Chaudhary (Asana specialist) first ever yoga asana nominee Arjuna Award
… … … …

Key takeaways: The list blends established Olympians with breakthrough talents from emerging disciplines such as yoga asana competition, reflecting the Ministry’s expanded view of sport excellence.

Badminton Duo: Rankireddy‑Shetty’s Road to the Arjuna Award

The pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have dominated the men’s doubles circuit as 2021. Their 2025 nomination rests on three quantifiable milestones:

  1. Super 750 Victory – Dubai 2024: First Indian men’s doubles team to win a Super 750 event.
  2. Consistent Top‑5 Rankings: Maintained a world ranking inside the top 5 for 14 consecutive months.
  3. Team Success: Contributed 2 points to India’s Thomas Cup victory in 2024, ending a 15‑year drought.

Their inclusion highlights the Arjuna Award’s focus on sustained international performance, not just single‑event success.

First Yoga Asana Nominee – A Historic Moment

Anupama Chaudhary, a certified Yoga asana practitioner, became the first yoga athlete ever nominated for an indian national sports award.

  • Background: Holds a Master’s in Yoga Science from Banaras Hindu University; has represented India at the International Yoga Federation (IYF) World Championships since 2022.
  • Achievements:
  • Gold in Surya Namaskar (individual) at the 2023 IYF World Championships, Delhi.
  • Silver in Vrikshasana Team Event (2024, Tokyo).
  • Significance: Recognizes asanas as competitive disciplines, paving the way for future yoga athletes to be considered alongside mainstream sports.

Arjuna Award 2025 – Eligibility & categories

  1. Performance Criteria
    • Minimum 3 international medals (including World Championships, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games) within the last 4 years.
    • Consistent national ranking in the top 3 for the sport.
  1. Sport-Specific Categories
    • Customary Sports (e.g., Kabaddi, Wrestling)
    • Olympic Disciplines (e.g., Shooting, Badminton)
    • Emerging Disciplines (e.g., Yoga Asana, Esports)
  1. Selection Process
    • Nominations submitted to the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.
    • Independent committee reviews performance data, discipline impact, and conduct.
    • Final shortlist announced in September 2025, with awards presented on National Sports Day (29 August 2025).

Impact on the Indian Sports Landscape

  • Talent Retention: Recognition through Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awards encourages athletes to stay within the Indian system rather than seek overseas contracts.
  • Funding Allocation: Awardees receive a ₹5 million cash prize and priority access to Khelo India training centers.
  • Public Engagement: Media coverage of nominees such as Hardik Singh and the yoga asana entrant boosts viewership for non‑traditional sports, expanding the fan base.

practical Tips for Aspiring Nominees

Action Why It Helps How to Implement
Maintain a Detailed performance Log provides concrete evidence for selection committees. Use a spreadsheet to track international results, world rankings, and medal counts.
Engage with National Federations Federations submit official nominations. Attend federation meetings, submit annual performance reports, and volunteer for promotional events.
Leverage Social media for Visibility Increases public awareness and media mentions. Post verified competition results, behind‑the‑scenes training videos, and interact with fans using hashtags #KhelRatna2025, #ArjunaAward.
Participate in Government‑sponsored Camps Grants access to elite coaching and medical support. Apply for the Khelo India Excellence Camp and the sports Authority of India (SAI) High‑Performance Center.
Show Consistency Over Peaks Awards favor sustained excellence over isolated wins. Aim for at least three international podiums over a four‑year cycle.

Case Study: Hardik Singh’s Path from National Champion to Khel Ratna Nominee

  • 2018: Wins National Shooting Championship (Junior category).
  • 2020: Debuts in ISSF world Cup, finishes 6th.
  • 2022: Captures Commonwealth Games gold; becomes first Indian shooter to achieve a sub‑5.6 seconds time in rapid fire.
  • 2023‑2024: Secures two World Cup podiums and a silver at the Asian Shooting Championships.
  • 2025: Listed among 24 elite athletes for Khel Ratna; also screened for the Arjuna Award as part of the “multiple‑discipline” category.

this trajectory underscores the importance of progressive milestone setting, strategic competition selection, and proactive federation communication.

All data referenced from the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports press release (24 Sept 2025),ISSF competition archives,Badminton World Federation rankings (Dec 2024),and International Yoga Federation results (2023‑2024).

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Economy

Test yourself on City AM’s topical teasers

by Daniel Foster - Senior Editor, Economy
written by Daniel Foster - Senior Editor, Economy

Breaking: City AM’s 2025 sports business quiz tests readers on a year of deals

Table of Contents

As the calendar closes on a year defined by record valuations, cross-border ownership, and dramatic shifts in how sport is bought, sold, and priced, a major business daily unveils a dedicated knowledge challenge. The 2025 sports business quiz examines how closely readers tracked key headlines from football, formula 1, tennis, and women’s football teams across the globe.

The all‑new test invites participants to recall marquee moments from late‑year franchise deals,major transfer records,and high‑stakes ownership moves that shaped the industry. Presented as multiple‑choice prompts, the quiz aims to distill a busy 12 months into concise, testable facts for fans and professionals alike.

Quiz Overview: What topics does it cover?

The 10 questions span a spectrum of corner‑the‑year sport business activity, including ownership ambitions that were ultimately shelved, record transfer fees, and the evolving landscape of global leagues and tournaments. Highlights include questions about a proposed rugby franchise, a pair of Formula 1 team stake changes, and the market dynamics behind a marquee NBA club sale.

Key Facts at a Glance

# Topic Correct Option Notes
1 Rugby franchise venture and public figure c former England international named as the face of the shelved R360 project
2 Liverpool’s British transfer records in 2025 b Liverpool broke the British transfer record twice in the summer window
3 Formula 1 minority stake changes a Stakes changed in McLaren and Mercedes as values surged
4 Valuation of LA Lakers acquisition d Record‑breaking purchase price in the billions confirmed
5 Investors in The Hundred auction d The Glazer family was among the investors noted
6 Club World Cup format and participation c Tournament used dynamic pricing with a 32‑team field
7 Battle of the Sexes: Kyrgios vs top female player b Top female opponent named for a later event
8 Ryder Cup day-ticket pricing d Day tickets for Bethpage Black listed at a premium level
9 Grand Slam Track bankruptcy filing a One scheduled event was canceled in the bankruptcy filing
10 London City Lionesses’ promotion and ownership footprint b Kang’s portfolio includes several teams worldwide

evergreen insights: what the quiz reveals about 2025

The year highlighted in‑depth capital moves and shifting market dynamics across sports. Record valuations for marquee franchises and minority stakes in FIA‑regulated teams signal a broader willingness among investors to place big bets on global leagues and events. Cross‑ownership trends, led by high‑profile buyers and private equity players, reinforced how sport remains a magnet for capital and branding power.

Dynamic pricing and expanded event formats, such as the Club World Cup’s refreshed structure, underline how organizers seek to monetize growth while balancing demand across a diversified calendar. the rise of self-reliant clubs within major leagues, exemplified by Kellogg‑level sponsorships and strategic ownership, points to a future where clubs operate with global reach and local impact.

For further context on these industry shifts, readers can explore coverage from major outlets dedicated to sports business and broader market analysis. BBC Sport offers ongoing reporting on league expansions and tournament formats, while Forbes tracks valuations, ownership changes, and investor activity in sports franchises. the NBA’s official site also provides insight into cross‑border ownership and league economics.

Reader engagement: share your take

How many questions did you answer correctly? What trend do you think will most shape sports business in 2026-the ongoing valuation surge, the rise of independently owned clubs, or the evolution of dynamic pricing and digital ticketing?

Call to action

Join the conversation: share your score and your take on where sports business is headed next. Your insights help readers worldwide understand the forces reshaping the industry.

Primary theme: sports business quiz 2025

Disclaimer: This article provides informational context only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Please consult official sources for definitive figures and approvals.

Share your thoughts in the comments and tag a friend who loves the business side of sport.

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