Addis Ababa October 21/2024 (ENA) President of FIFA Giovanni Vincenzo Infantino landed in Addis Ababa this evening to participate in the 46th Ordinary General Assembly of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Upon his arrival at Bole International Airport, Infantino was greeted by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Gedion Timothewos, CAF President Patrice Motsepe and Ethiopian Football Federation President Esayas Jira, along with other high-ranking officials.   The 46th Ordinary General Assembly of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is due to kick off tomorrow, October 22, 2024.  

Addis Ababa October 21/2024 (ENA)Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took part in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) friendly football match at Addis Ababa stadium this afternoon. Former African football legends and former Ethiopian national football team are participating in the competition organized as part of the 46th Ordinary General Assembly CAF. Prime Minister Abiy has been encouraging the country’s sports sector by expanding vital facilities to sporting activities.   In Addis Ababa, in particular, a large number of conventional sports facilities have been constructed for local use. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed with the President of CAF visited currently nearing completion Adey Ababa stadium in Addis Ababa today. Recall the premier announced last June 2024 that Ethiopia has submitted its application to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the country is carrying out preparatory activities. Former Nigerian footballers known for playing in the English Premier League and various European clubs including former football players, Daniel Amokachi and Nwankwo Kanu, have been elected as Ethiopian ambassadors and have begun efforts to get Ethiopia's request acceptable. The 46th Ordinary General Assembly of CAF is scheduled to take place tomorrow in Addis Ababa.  

Addis Ababa October 21/2024 (ENA)-Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed with President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, visited the under-construction Adey Ababa stadium in Addis Ababa today. Culture and Sport Minister, Shewit Shanka, Ethiopian Football Federation President, Isayas Jira, among other official also attended the visit. Recall Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced last June 2024 that Ethiopia has submitted its application to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the country is carrying out preparatory activities. Accordingly, Ethiopia has thrown its hat into the ring to host the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations, it was learned. The Prime Minister also mentioned that former Nigerian footballers known for playing in the English Premier League and various European clubs including former football players, Daniel Amokachi and Nwankwo Kanu, have been elected as Ethiopian ambassadors and have begun efforts to get Ethiopia's request acceptable. The 46th Ordinary General Assembly of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is going to kick off tomorrow, 22nd October 2024.    

Addis Ababa October 21/2024 (ENA)-Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met today with Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), along with members of the executive committee. The Premier shared on his social media channel that: “I received at my office this morning Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe and members of the executive committee ahead of the 46th CAF Ordinary General Assembly that Ethiopia is hosting.”   The Prime Minister and Motsepe have visited the Adey Abeba stadium, currently nearing completion. Ethiopia stands ready to support a successful outcome of the meetings, Abiy reaffirmed.  

Addis Ababa October 21/2024 (ENA)-Lars Nils Mattias Grafström, Secretary-General of FIFA, along with Souleiman Waberi, the third Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), arrived in Addis Ababa this morning to attend the 46th CAF Ordinary General Assembly. Upon their arrival at Bole International Airport, they were warmly welcomed by Huria Ali, the State Minister of Women and Social Affairs, the President of Ethiopian Football Federation, Esayas Jira and Melaku Bedada, Director General of Protocol Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The 4th Ordinary General Assembly of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is due to kick off tomorrow (October 22, 2024). As Ethiopia is gearing up to host the 46th CAF Ordinary General Assembly in Addis Ababa on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, it is welcoming delegates from all over Africa and beyond. This year’s assembly marks Ethiopia’s second opportunity to host the CAF Congress, having previously done so in 2017. The general assembly set to bring together officials from CAF Member Associations, zonal unions, and global football figures, Ethiopia’s preparations reflect its readiness to be at the centre of African football discussions.

Addis Ababa October 20/2024 (ENA)- President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Tlhopane Motsepe, has arrived in Addis Ababa to participate in the 46th Ordinary Assembly of CAF. Upon his arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, Motsepe was welcomed by Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, Minister of Culture and Sports, Shewit Shanka, along with other senior government officials.   As Ethiopia gets ready to host the 46th CAF Ordinary General Assembly in Addis Ababa on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, it is welcoming delegates from all over Africa and beyond. This year’s assembly marks Ethiopia’s second opportunity to host the CAF Congress, having previously done so in 2017. With the event set to bring together officials from CAF Member Associations, zonal unions, and global football figures, Ethiopia’s preparations reflect its readiness to be at the centre of African football discussions. Ethiopia's preparations demonstrate its willingness to be at the forefront of discussion about African football, as the event is expected to bring together representatives from CAF Member Associations, zonal unions, and prominent international football leaders. Ethiopia, known for its rich cultural heritage and love for sports, has always been a key player in the development of football on the continent. The nation has a proud history of hosting significant sporting events and visitors to the capital, Addis Ababa, can expect to experience warm hospitality, historical landmarks, and a city that is a melting pot of African unity.

Addis Ababa October 13/2024 (ENA)-The construction of the state-of-the-art circus show and training center underway in Addis Ababa at Entoto Park is being accelerated, Minister of Culture and Sport Shewit Shanka said. The Minister and other officials of the Ministry visited the circus center which is being built by Sosina Wogayehu, a well-known performer with Circus Ethiopia. The center has been under construction for the past two years on an area of ​​16,400 square meters in Entoto Park, and it is expected to be completed and operational within the next one year. During the occasion, the minister noted that the center will serve as a circus show and training center at the continental level which will have an immense contribution for the growth of art and tourism sector as well. Reiterating that the support of the government will be reinforced to complete the center with the needed speed and quality, Shewit praised Sosina Wogayehu for investing in arts development. The minister also stressed the need to reinforce the participation of investors in the arts and sport sectors. The owner of the circus center Sosina Wogayehu said for her part that the center is being built with the objective of promoting the art of circus in Ethiopia. The center is also being built with the aim to make Ethiopia a destination center for circus arts in Africa, she said, adding it includes various rooms including circus show, circus art and dance training, museum, youth hostel and restaurant.  

Addis Ababa, September 16/2024 (ENA) The Executive Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that the upcoming CAF General Assembly will be held in Addis Ababa. The assembly was initially scheduled to be held in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, after it was announced that the country could not host the event, CAF approved Ethiopia's request to host the assembly. Accordingly, the assembly is now set to take place in Addis Ababa in October, according to information obtained from the Ethiopian Football Federation.  

Addis Ababa, August 24/2024 (ENA) As Ethiopia has set plan to host the 37th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2029, efforts are underway to ensure that the stadiums meet CAF standards, Culture and Sport Minister Shewit Shanka said. A foundation stone was laid today to build a multi-purpose stadium in Arba Minch city, South Ethiopia regional state.   Recall that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced that Ethiopia submitted application to host AFCON and the country is carrying out preparatory activities. The minister elaborated that preparation is underway based on the initiative given by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for Ethiopia to host the 37th AFCON by 2029. Having laid the cornerstone along with federal and regional authorities, preparatory activities will be carried out to ensure that stadiums meet the standards set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Shewit noted. To this end, efforts will be made to ensure that the multi-purpose stadium to be constructed in Arba Minch City meets the required standards and complete it on schedule, according to the minister. Moreover, Shewit elaborated that the contribution of the stadium to the country's prosperity will be crucial by hosting various national, continental and international events and attracting sports tourism and stimulating business activity. The foundation stone for the construction of the multi-purpose stadium has an important role in revitalizing the development of sports in the region, she said. Shewit pledged that her ministry will provide the necessary support so that the construction of the stadium will be completed on schedule.  

Addis Ababa, August 17/2024(ENA)- The African Boxing Confederation Headquarters was officially inaugurated in Addis Ababa today. On the occasion, Culture and Sports Minister Shewit Shanka said the inauguration of the headquarters of the African Boxing Confederation in Ethiopia will help to strengthen sports diplomacy and develop the sport.   It will also help revive boxing in the country and encourage the youth to engage in boxing, which is a lucrative sport that will contribute to the country's development. The minister emphasized that boxing's social, political, and economic impact is significant in enhancing Ethiopia's image. African Boxing Confederation President, Eyasu Wosen stated on his part that the presence of the headquarters in Ethiopia will boost boxing, promote tourism, and attract investment.   He added that the African Boxing Confederation will support the sport across the continent by engage sponsors. In connection with the headquarters announcement, international boxing championship will take place at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum today.                

Addis Ababa, August 14/2024 (ENA) President Sahlework Zewde handed over recognition and prizes to the national delegation of Olympians who participated in the 33rd Wo rld Olympics in Paris, France. During the program held at the National Palace, President Sahlework emphasized that Ethiopia and Ethiopians are known for the outstanding achievements in athletics for long. The concerted effort of all the athletes and coaches is commendable, Sahlework said, and emphasized that Ethiopia’s rank in the Paris Olympic is not as expected and needs to be addressed. Marathon gold medal winner, Tamrat Tolla was awarded national gold Medal of Honor and 7 million Birr while Tigist Assefa, Tsige Duguma, and Berihu Aregawi were awarded 4 million Birr each. Ethiopia finished at the rank of 47th in the Paris Olympic by securing 4 medals of which 1 gold, 3 silver.

Addis Ababa, August 13/2024 (ENA) A delegation of Ethiopia’s Olympic team that participated at the 33rd Paris Olympic Games has arrived in Addis Ababa this morning. The team has received warm welcome up on arrival at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport by Minister of Culture and Sports Shewit Shanka, State Minister, Ambassador Mesfin Cherinet, leaders of the Ethiopian Olympic Committee, the Ethiopian Athletics Federation, and other distinguished guests. During the occasion, Minister of Culture and Sports, Shewit Shanka, extended a warm welcome and offered them congratulations. She praised the athletes for elevating the Ethiopian flag on the global stage, acknowledging their hard work and contribution to enhancing the nation’s image. Some 39 athletes have participated at the Paris Olympics Game representing Ethiopia. Ethiopia finished 47th in the overall standings, securing a total of four medals: one gold and three silver. It also achieved a notable 9th place in the athletics medal table. A recognition and award ceremony will be held for the delegation at the National Palace this afternoon.

Addis Ababa August 11/2024 (ENA) In the final day of Paris of Olympics today Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa finished second in women’s Marathon race.   Sifan Hassan finished the race first taking the gold medal for Netherlands and the Kenyan Hellen Obiri finished third. Ethiopia's first Olympic gold was won on Saturday by Tamirat Tola in the men's marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Addis Ababa, August 10/2024(ENA) Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Sahlework Zewude have extended congratulatory message over athlete Tamirat Tola's Olympics marathon gold medal in Paris. “At the Paris 2024 Olympics, heroic athlete Tamirat Tola raised our flag once again by winning gold in the marathon,” the premier posted on X. Similarly, President Sahle-work Zewde said Tamirat Tola has brought about happiness and pride to our nation. Today's victory has a special meaning, the president underscored. Tamirat Tola becomes the first Ethiopian to win the Olympic marathon since 2000. He clocked an impressive 2:06:26 on the brutal at Paris 2024 course. Tamirat, the 2022 world champion, thus joins the fabled list of fellow Ethiopians who have won this prized race – Abebe Bikila in 1960 and 1964, Mamo Wolde in 1968 and Gezahegne Abera in 2000 – and added gold to the Olympic 10,000m bronze he won in 2016.

Addis Ababa, August 10/2024(ENA) Ethiopian Tamrat Tola has smashed the World's Olympic marathon record with 2:06:26 today. On this remarkable day of racing, Tamrat won men’s marathon gold medal for Ethiopia at the Paris Olympics 2024. Tamrat’s victory is being considered as magnificent triumph to Ethiopia.  

Addis Ababa, August 9/2024 (ENA) The 33rd Paris Olympics women’s 10,000 meters race to take place tonight. Ethiopian athletes are some of the athletes expected to secure the medals. The tournament will take place at Stade d France National Stadium with the capacity of 80,000 spectators at 9: 57 P.M Athletes Gudaf Tesgaye, Tsigie Gebreselama, Fotyen Tesfay will compete representing Ethiopia. Gudaf Tsegay had a personal best record of 29 minutes 05 seconds and 22 microseconds in a tournament held at US Eugene in May 2024. She finished 9th in the 5,000 women’s race at the ongoing Paris Olympics. She will also participate on 1,500 meters final competition expected to be held tomorrow. Gudaf is participating on Olympic Games for the third time. She won a bronze medal on the 32th Olympic Games held in Tokyo three years back. Tsigie Gebreselama, one of Ethiopia’s female long distance runners finished the distance on 29 minutes, 48 seconds and 34 microseconds in a tournament conducted in California, USA in March 2024. Tsigie is competing on the Olympics for the second time now. It is to be recalled that she was forced to quit the 10,000 meters women’s race held on the 32nd Olympiad held in Tokyo. Fotyen Tesfay, who is participating on Olympics for the first time registered her personal best record of 29 minutes 47 seconds and 71 microseconds on a qualification tournament held in Spain, Nerja. Beatrice Chebet, world record holder on 10,000 meters, Sifan Hassan, foreign athlete of Ethiopian origin and Ethiopian women athletes are expected to stage a fierce competition on tonight’s race. A total of 25 athletes are expected to compete on the final round. Ethiopia has so far won 2 silver medals standing on the 63rd place. US, China, Australia, France and UK so far hold from 1st to 5th on medal counts respectively.

Addis Ababa, July 25/2024(ENA) A delegation of Ethiopia national Olympic team arrived today in Paris, France ahead of the 33rd Edition of Summer Olympic Games that will be held from 26th July to August 11th 2024. Upon arrival, the Olympic team which Led by the Ethiopian Athletics Federation President Derartu Tulu was warmly welcomed by a crowd of Ethiopian Diaspora and the staff of the Embassy of Ethiopia in Paris at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. Ethiopia’s olympic team will participate in athletics, swimming, and boxing, with a total of 39 athletes representing the country at the prestigious event. Some world-record holders and a reigning champion are among the athletes representing Ethiopia at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. The record holders and world champions team comprises the legendary long distance runner Kenenisa Bekele, women’s marathon record holder Tigist Aseffa, 3000M men’s steeplechase record holder Lamecha Girma, Tokyo Olympic 10000m gold medallist Selemon Barega, Gudaf Tsegay, among others.   Selemon Barega will defend his 10,000m title while Gudaf Tsegay has been entered for a 1500m, 5000m and 10,000m treble as part of the Ethiopian team for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Barega got gold ahead of Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo in Tokyo and he will be joined in the 10,000m in Paris by his compatriots Berihu Aregawi and Yomif Kejelcha, the latter having also been named for the 5000m. World record-holder Lamecha Girma will go for his first global gold in the 3000m steeplechase after securing silver in Tokyo and at the past three editions of the World Championships. Tsegay, the Olympic 5000m bronze medallist and world champion in the 5000m in 2022 and 10,000m in 2023, will be joined by world 1500m silver medallist Diribe Welteji in the shorter of the three events. The marathon will feature world record-holder Tigist Assefa, Amane Beriso and Megertu Alemu in the women’s event, and Kenenisa Bekele, Sisay Lemma and Deresa Geleta in the men’s. Ethiopia will also be participating in the Olympic Games boxing tournament after a 20-year absence. The last time Ethiopian boxers took part in the Olympics was in 2004 in Athens. Yadesa Lemma will represent the country in the boxing category. Yadesa has been given the African quota by the International Olympic Committee Task Force following the withdrawal of Nigeria’s Omole Dolapo because of a left knee injury. The 33rd Olympic Games are set to take place in Paris from July 26 to August 11, 2024, featuring a total of 10,714 athletes from 206 countries, including independent athletes competing under the umbrella of the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Refugee Team. These athletes will compete in 32 sports.      

Addis Ababa ,July 18/2024(ENA)- A sports training and research institute built by the Oromia regional government at a cost of over 1.5 billion Birr was inaugurated today. The institute named after the renowned Ethiopian athlete Derartu Tulu aims to bolster sports training and research. On the occasion, Oromia Regional State Chief Administrator Shimelis Abdisa said that the regional government is diligently developing sports alongside other sectors.   According to him, the region is currently engaged in constructing sports venues and training centers. The institute has been under construction for 8 years since 2016, it was learned. The goal of the institute is not only producing qualified sports-persons competitive enough at the international level, but also adapting scientific methods to manage sports, Shimelis elaborated. The institute has the capacity to receive and train 800 athletes in 16 types of sports at a time. It also has athletes dormitories, coaches residences, teaching, research and study rooms, a modern gymnasium, and a hall that can accommodate 5,200 spectators.   Besides, it comprises football, handball, volleyball, basketball, volleyball courts, tennis courts, swimming pools, running tracks, clinic and recreation centers. Built with a budget exceeding 1.5 billion Birr, the institute is expected to create permanent and temporary jobs for more than 350 people, the chief administrator said. The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior government officials, famous athletes and representatives of sections of the society.            

Addis Ababa, July 15/2024(ENA) Chief of General Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF), Field Marshal Berhanu Jula conferred today with international soccer stars Luis Nani and Nigerian Nwankwo Kanu. The former Manchester United winger and Portuguese national team star, Luis Nani, alongside Nigerian football icon Nwankwo Kanu are in Addis Ababa. The two legendaries' visit coincides with the 80th anniversary celebration of Mechal Sports Club, where they were honored guests.   Following the discussion, Luis Nani signed the jersey of his country, Portugal and gifted it to the Chief of General Staff, Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, according to the ENDF social media page. During their stay in Ethiopia, Nani and Kanu have visited various places including the newly built Adwa Victory Memorial, the National Museum of Ethiopia and Ethiopian Air Force. Both the renowned football players expressed enthusiasm about visiting Ethiopia's prestigious institutions and they have been thrilled to be in the country. They have also extended their appreciation to the people of Ethiopia who have shown enormous hospitality during all their visits.    

Addis Ababa July 13/2024 (ENA) The Grand African Run strengthens solidarity and fosters unity among Ethiopians living abroad, Athletics Federation President, Derartu Tulu said. The upcoming 6th edition of the Grand African Run will be held in Washington D.C. on October 12, 2024, under the theme "Togetherness is Better." "This annual event brings Ethiopians and their families together to celebrate their culture," the Grand African Run said in a statement sent to ENA. "It's conducive to share their heritage with their children, "Derartu added. She also expressed hope for a vibrant celebration and encouraged all Ethiopians abroad to be on board. The Grand African Run Director General, Gashaw Abaza on his part said the event is a one-day, 5km family fun run.   He also said it's an opportunity for Ethiopians, their descendants, and all Africans to connect with their roots and support worthy charitable causes. The general director also highlighted the event's role in reuniting Ethiopian diaspora. He called it a joyous homecoming for the Ethiopian diaspora community. Adding to the excitement, the director announced there will be a lottery draw to all the participants to win a brand new 2024 Toyota Corolla. Registration for the event is open to Ethiopian diaspora as well as the broader African community, at https://www.africanrun.com/, it was learnt.