Two-time Olympic gold medalist Andy Murray has announced his withdrawal from the tennis singles event at the Paris Olympics.

However, he will still participate in the doubles competition, partnering with Dan Evans.

Murray, a former world number one, is still recovering from back surgery he underwent last month and has not yet fully regained his fitness.

Despite his retirement plans at the end of his fifth Olympic Games, Murray is optimistic about his chances of winning another medal in the men’s doubles.

He believes that competing in the doubles event offers his best opportunity for success.

“I’ve taken the decision to withdraw from the singles to concentrate on the doubles with Dan,” said the 37-year-old.

“Our practice has been great and we’re playing well together. Really looking forward to getting started and representing GB one more time.”

Murray won gold in singles in London in 2012 and in Rio four years later, as well as silver in mixed doubles with Laura Robson in 2012.

His withdrawal means his final singles match was his brief second-round appearance at Queen’s Club against Jordan Thompson last month before he was forced to pull out because of a spinal cyst.

Credit: AFP

A group of 11 individuals, purportedly representing Ghana’s Paralympic team, allegedly absconded after arriving in Norway to participate in the Fjordkraft Bergen city marathon in April.

The team had obtained visas from the Norwegian embassy in Accra and was scheduled to compete in the tournament in Oslo on April 27. However, according to a letter from Albert Kan-Dapaah, Ghana’s National Security Minister, nine members of the contingent are currently on the run and facing accusations of impersonation.

The letter, which was copied to the Youth and Sports Minister and the Foreign Minister, revealed that upon arrival in Oslo on April 25, the team failed to register for the tournament. Furthermore, a team member identified as Nana Antwi was arrested on April 26 for attempting to depart Norway for Sweden on a one-way train ticket.

It appears that the individuals may not have been genuine athletes, and their true intentions for traveling to Norway are now under investigation.

The letter revealed that George Gyamfi Gyasi, their coach, collapsed on April 28 and died on May 17 at the Oslo University Hospital. The cause of death was not disclosed.

It added that security alerts have been issued for the nine members on the run.

“Consequently, the Norwegian Embassy in Accra has issued an alert to other Schengen and Western Diplomatic Missions in Accra, and the European Border Coast Guard Agency as part of efforts to apprehend and repatriate the team members,” it reads in part.

A letter from Ghana’s security minister on members of the so-called Paralympic team who absconded in Norway

Kan-Dapaah also cautioned that the incident could impact the chances of the country’s athletes seeking visas for future competitions.

Addressing the matter, Samson Deen, who is in charge of Ghana’s Paralympic Committee, alleged that his signature was forged to procure the visas. He also denied knowledge of the 11-member team.

“The Ghana Paralympic team has not sent anybody, written a letter, and has never applied for a visa at the Norwegian embassy,” he said in an interview.

“The Ghana Paralympics committee has not sent anybody to the Norwegian embassy or even to get a visa to travel to Norway. The Ghana paralympics committee has no intention and has never had the intention of trying to participate in an Olympic qualifier in Oslo.

“Upon receiving these documents from the ministry of sports, we checked and realized that the letter was written and my signature was forged and used to apply for the visa for individuals who are not athletes.

“Upon reaching out to them [Theodore Mawuli Viwotor, former Secretary General of the Ghana Paralympic Football Association, and Ernest Ayisi, founder of Ernestay Foundation] I asked how they got my signature, and they indicated that one Adongo, based in Europe, is the one who forged my letter and all the signatures.”

Ghana will send only one representative to the 2024 Paralympics to be held from August 28 to September 8 in Paris, France.

Gareth Southgate has stepped down as the head coach of the England men’s national football team, aged 53.

He made the announcement in a statement released on Tuesday, just days after England’s 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.

Southgate’s resignation brings an end to his tenure as the Three Lions’ boss, following a disappointing finish to the European Championship.

“As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all,” the statement reads.

“But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager.”

England’s loss to Spain was the country’s second consecutive Euro final under Southgate. The Three Lions lost to Italy on penalties in the final of the previous Euro at the Wembley Stadium.

Although England progressed to the final of the just-concluded Euro, Southgate and his team were heavily criticised for their performance throughout the competition.

The team won just one game and drew two others in a group with Serbia, Slovenia and Denmark. England’s tournament was rescued in the second round by a late acrobatic equaliser from Jude Bellingham against Slovakia before Harry Kane scored the winner in extra time.

The Three Lions’ defeat of Switzerland required the panic of a penalty shootout, and only Ollie Watkins’ late winner helped them struggle past the Netherlands in the semi-final.

The coach was criticised for his pragmatic approach to games despite having a wealth of attacking talents that shone brilliantly for their respective club last season.

Southgate took charge of England in 2016 after initially replacing Sam Allardyce as an interim head coach. He managed England at four major tournaments, reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and quarter-finals in 2022.