Ram Kapoor recently went through a drastic physical transformation when he lost 55 kilograms in 18 months. In an interview with Etimes, the actor revealed how he ‘lost weight the old-fashioned way’ amid speculation that he had undergone surgery or taken weight loss drugs. Ram said, “Believe it or not, I did it the old-fashioned way, by changing my mindset, lifestyle and habits, without any surgery or external aids. That said, there’s nothing wrong with medical options if they help someone. For me, it was about a complete mental and physical reset.”
Also Read: Vidya Balan Reveals The Secret Behind Drastic Weight Loss – How This Particular Diet Helped
The actor added that turning 50 was a wake-up call for him. He said, “I have two children, and I felt the need to set a positive example for them by prioritising my own health. Over the last six months, I pushed myself to shed 55 kgs, bringing me down to 85 kgs. The transformation is deeply personal.”
Ram shared that losing weight is “definitely harder” in your 50s. “I realised this had to be a lifelong change, not a temporary fix. It’s not about following a diet for a few months; it’s about changing who you are as a person. I’d lost 30 kilos twice in the past, only to gain it all back. This time, I didn’t focus on quick results or just willpower. Instead, I focused on fitness, what I eat, how much I sleep, my exercise routine, hydration and fasting intervals. Fitness isn’t about the number on the scale; it’s about feeling strong, energetic and healthy. Staying fit is a constant work in progress, and one’s life revolves around continuous improvement,” the actor said.
In an old interview with Bangalore Mirror, Ram Kapoor revealed that to achieve his desired weight goal he worked out for two hours every day and followed intermittent fasting.
He said, “As soon as I wake up in the morning, I do an hour of weight-lifting on an empty stomach and at night just before I sleep, I do cardio. I eat limited food for a period of eight hours. For the rest of the 16 hours, I don’t eat anything at all. I have given up dairy, oil, most carbs and sugar. I have given up normal food as I know it.” Ram shared that the toughest food to cut out of his diet was meat.
Also Read: From Akshay Kumar To Katrina Kaif, Celebrity Diet Secrets Revealed On ‘The Kapil Sharma Show’
Earlier this month, Ram Kapoor made his return to Instagram after almost a three-month hiatus. The actor posted a mirror selfie to announce his social media comeback. The picture grabbed eyeballs for Ram’s amazing physical transformation. He looked visibly leaner in the snaps. The side note on the post read, “Hi guys, sorry for the slightly long absence from Insta. I was working on myself quite extensively.”
Ram Kapoor was last seen in the Ravi Udyawar-directed film Yudhra.
Coconut is one of those ingredients that can totally transform a dish, whether it’s in a savoury curry or a sweet dessert. It’s a staple in many Indian kitchens, but storing it can be a challenge. After all, dry coconut tends to go bad pretty quickly – either it gets mouldy, wormy, or just loses that delicious flavour. But don’t worry! With these easy tips, you can store dry coconut for months and still enjoy its amazing taste in your cooking. Let’s dive in! Also Read: Why Coconut Rasam Is The Perfect Winter Soup (And How To Make It)
Here Are 5 Simple Ways To Store Dry Coconut And Never Worry About Spoiling Again:
1. Store in a Rice Container
Here’s a simple trick: store your dry coconut in a rice container. First, wipe down the coconut with a wet cloth, then leave it out in the sun for a while to dry it completely – moisture is the enemy here. Once it’s dry, cut the coconut in half, place it in the middle of the rice, and close the lid. This will keep the coconut fresh and free from spoilage for a long time!
2. Use an Airtight Container
For long-lasting freshness, store your coconut in an airtight container. Just chop the dry coconut into small pieces, making sure there’s no moisture left on them, and seal them up in the container. The airtight seal will keep it from going stale or losing flavour.
3. Grate Coconut
If you like to use dry coconut often, grating it before storing is a game-changer. Grate the coconut, then pop it into an airtight container for easy access whenever you need it. You can also chop it into smaller pieces if you prefer, but grating is great for curries, desserts, or any recipe that calls for coconut.
4. Store Coconut in a Glass Jar
Glass jars are perfect for storing dry coconut. After cutting it in half and cleaning it with a cloth, dry it in the sun for a bit – just don’t leave it out too long since it’s already dry. Rub a little coconut oil on the surface and store it in a glass jar. This method keeps it fresh and adds a nice touch of flavour!
5. Select the Right Coconut
The key to keeping your coconut fresh starts with choosing the right one at the store. Look for coconuts that are free of cracks, yellow spots, or any other damage. A fresh coconut should be smooth and free from blemishes. Choosing a good coconut will help ensure that it stays fresh and flavourful for longer.
Next time you’re buying or storing dry coconut, just keep these tips in mind! That way, you can keep your coconut fresh and ready to add delicious flavour to all your dishes.
Everything that can go wrong is going wrong at Manchester United. They have lost the last two matches in Premier League under new manager Ruben Amorim and their sporting director, Dan Ashworth, has been sacked after just five months in the job.
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The troubles don’t seem to get over at Manchester United. They recently sacked Erik Ten hag in October after the club was reeling at 14th place in the Premier League and the Red Devils are in 13th now after two back-to-back defeats under new manager Ruben Amorim, who joined the club with a big reputation, only in November.
To make matters worse, they have now sacked sporting director Dan Ashworth after just five months. Ashworth was the force behind giving Ten Hag a year’s contract extension, which was initially greeted positively by fans after United upset Manchester City to win the FA Cup final at the end of last season.
Man Utd admit mistake by sacking Ashworth
Ashworth also oversaw United’s major summer player signings including Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, Manuel Ugarte, Leny Yoro, and Joshua Zirkzee.
None of them have consistently impressed, although French defender Yoro only made his debut last week following a lengthy injury.
The Premier League club said Ashworth’s contract was terminated by mutual agreement.
“We would like to thank Dan for his work and support during a transitional period for the club and wish him well in the future,” United said in a statement.
It has to be noted that the 53-year-old was recruited from Newcastle United and the Red Devils paid around 10 million pounds to secure his services, as per reports. He was described as “one of the top sporting directors in the world” by minority owner Jim Ratcliffe. However, the reports now say that it was also the INEOS boss, Ratcliffe, who engineered Ashworth’s departure.
Ashworth, who oversaw spending of close to 200 million pounds ($255 million) on new players since joining United, was sacked after a meeting with Chief Executive Omar Berrada after Saturday’s 3-2 home loss to Nottingham Forest, the Athletic reported.
In many ways an admittance of their failures, by United.
Man Utd continue to struggle on pitch
There’s no quick solution in sight as the club continues to struggle on the field as well.
United’s first loss to Forest at Old Trafford in more than 30 years on Saturday left them 13th in the table on 19 points, their lowest after 15 games since 1986.
Portuguese Amorim, recruited from Sporting Lisbon, has led United one win in his four league games in charge.
“We already knew (it would be tough),” Amorim said after the Forest defeat. “It will be a long journey but we want to win because this is a massive club.”
United travel to face Czech team Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League on Thursday and before travelling to champions Manchester City on Sunday.
Manchester United and sporting director Dan Ashworth have separated after just five months with the Premier League outfit confirming the 53-year-old’s departure on Sunday. Ashworth, who spent five months on gardening leave from Newcastle United before moving to Old Trafford, only joined the Red Devils back in early July.
United, who recently appointed Ruben Amorim as Erik ten Hag’s replacement as head coach, described the move as being a “mutual agreement.” The decision is believed to have been made following United’s 3-2 home loss to Nottingham Forest on Saturday which mires the team down in 13th position in the Premier League.
“Dan Ashworth will be leaving his role as sporting director of Manchester United by mutual agreement,” read the club’s official statement this Sunday. “We would like to thank Dan for his work and support during a transitional period for the club and wish him well for the future.”
Ashworth was present at Old Trafford and was seen walking to a meeting through the press conference room postgame. The former Brighton and Hove Albion technical director cost United millions of dollars in a settlement with former club Newcastle United which prevented him from even taking office before the summer.
A significant part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s initial restructuring of United’s executive team as well as CEO Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox, he leaves after just one transfer window. The trio worked together on Amorim’s appointment from Sporting CP as Ten Hag’s successor but Ashworth and the Portuguese tactician did not even work together for a full month in Manchester.
Matthijs de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte, Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui all arrived over the summer for a combined total in excess of $229.3 million. Ten Hag was dismissed for failing to build on the confidence shown towards him to turn things around with those new arrivals and new Leicester City boss Ruud van Nistelrooy temporarily replaced his compatriot before Amorim’s arrival last month.
United are currently 13th in the EPL standings with just 19 points which is their lowest total after 15 games since 1986. Amorim’s side will travel to Czechia to face Viktoria Plzen in the UEFA Europa League this midweek before the Manchester Derby against bitter rivals City next Sunday with Pep Guardiola’s men also in a bad way.
Dan Ashworth left his job as the sporting director of Manchester United after just five months as both parties agreed he was not a good ‘fit’ for the club.
Ashworth officially began work at Old Trafford on July 1 after a lengthy period of gardening leave at his former club Newcastle United.
However, his shock departure today is said to have been finalised in a meeting with United CEO Omar Berrada after last night’s defeat by Nottingham Forest.
There is not believed to have been a row but it was clear to all parties that the relationship was not working and Ashworth was not the fit club chiefs had hoped it would be.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, United’s part-owner, was reportedly pivotal in the decision.
United are not thought to be searching for a replacement at this stage.
Dan Ashworth left his job as the sporting director of Manchester United after just five months as both parties agreed he was not a good ‘fit’ for the club
There is not believed to have been a row but it was clear to all parties that the relationship was not working
United say the agreement to rip up Ashworth’s contract was mutual – sharing the following statement: ‘Dan Ashworth will be leaving his role as Sporting Director of Manchester United by mutual agreement.
‘We would like to thank Dan for his work and support during a transitional period for the club and wish him well for the future.’
Ashworth, 53, was appointed to oversee football performance and recruitment at the club and reported to Berrada, a recent arrival from Manchester City.
In turn, Jason Wilcox, United’s technical director, worked under Ashworth as part of the new-look hierarchy implemented by Ratcliffe.
Ashworth was involved in the Red Devils’ £200million spending spree during the summer with Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee also recruited as part of the substantial outlay.
He was subsequently quoted in the statements confirming each signing.
Ashworth was also part of the executive team that made the decision to hand Erik ten Hag a new contract and then sack him just a matter of months later.
His appointment at United came at the end of painstaking negotiations with Newcastle. Ashworth informed the Tyneside club that he wanted to move to Old Trafford in February and was reportedly open to taking them to arbitration.
United CEO Omar Berrada reportedly agreed the departure in a meeting with Ashworth
Ashworth was involved in a summer spending spree which saw the likes of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui arrive
He was also snapped with Bruno Fernandes after his contract extension was announced
Initially, Newcastle had demanded around £20m in compensation, although a compromise worth between £2m to £3m was eventually thrashed out.
‘Dan Ashworth is clearly one of the top sporting directors in the world,’ Ratcliffe said in February. ‘I have no doubt he is a very capable person.
‘He is interested in Manchester United because it’s the biggest challenge at the biggest club in the world. It would be different at City because you’re maintaining a level. Here it’s a significant rebuilding job. He would be a very good addition.’
Ashworth joined Newcastle after resigning from his technical director role at Brighton in February 2022. He previously held the same post with the Football Association.
Ratcliffe brutally described United as a ‘mediocre’ club paying the price for ‘very poor’ recruitment in a bombshell interview with fanzine United We Stand.
‘The club has drifted for a long period of time, a decade or so. Manchester United has become mediocre,’ Ratcliffe said.
‘It’s not elite and it is supposed to be one of the best football clubs in the world.
‘That’s what it used to be under Alex [Ferguson]. There is major change to come to achieve elite status.
Ashworth joined United from Newcastle after protracted negotiations spanning several weeks
United couldn’t find the much-needed equaliser in a 3-2 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest
‘But already there has been huge change at this club.’
Ratcliffe has also been left astounded by how out of touch United have been become with data analysis in comparison to their rivals.
‘Until we’re are as good as anyone in the world, then it’s not good enough for Manchester United. We must have the best recruitment in the world,’ he added.
‘Data analysis comes alongside recruitment. It doesn’t really exist here. We’re still in the last century on data analysis here.’
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Known across the globe as the stuck astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams hit the six-month mark in space Thursday with two more to go.
The pair rocketed into orbit on June 5, the first to ride Boeing’s new Starliner crew capsule on what was supposed to be a weeklong test flight. They arrived at the International Space Station the next day, only after overcoming a cascade of thruster failures and helium leaks. NASA deemed the capsule too risky for a return flight, so it will be February before their long and trying mission comes to a close.
While NASA managers bristle at calling them stuck or stranded, the two retired Navy captains shrug off the description of their plight. They insist they’re fine and accepting of their fate. Wilmore views it as a detour of sorts: “We’re just on a different path.”
“I like everything about being up here,” Williams told students Wednesday from an elementary school named for her in Needham, Massachusetts, her hometown. “Just living in space is super fun.”
Both astronauts have lived up there before so they quickly became full-fledged members of the crew, helping with science experiments and chores like fixing a broken toilet, vacuuming the air vents and watering the plants. Williams took over as station commander in September.
“Mindset does go a long way,” Wilmore said in response to a question from Nashville first-graders in October. He’s from Mount Juliet, Tennessee. “I don’t look at these situations in life as being downers.”
Boeing flew its Starliner capsule home empty in September, and NASA moved Wilmore and Williams to a SpaceX flight not due back until late February. Two other astronauts were bumped to make room and to keep to a six-month schedule for crew rotations.
Like other station crews, Wilmore and Williams trained for spacewalks and any unexpected situations that might arise.
“When the crews go up, they know they could be there for up to a year,” said NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free.
NASA astronaut Frank Rubio found that out the hard way when the Russian Space Agency had to rush up a replacement capsule for him and two cosmonauts in 2023, pushing their six-month mission to just past a year.
Boeing said this week that input from Wilmore and Williams has been “invaluable” in the ongoing inquiry of what went wrong. The company said in a statement that it is preparing for Starliner’s next flight but declined comment on when it might launch again.
NASA also has high praise for the pair.
“Whether it was luck or whether it was selection, they were great folks to have for this mission,” NASA’s chief health and medical officer, Dr. JD Polk, said during an interview with The Associated Press.
On top of everything else, Williams, 59, has had to deal with “rumors,” as she calls them, of serious weight loss. She insists her weight is the same as it was on launch day, which Polk confirms.
During Wednesday’s student chat, Williams said she didn’t have much of an appetite when she first arrived in space. But now she’s “super hungry” and eating three meals a day plus snacks, while logging the required two hours of daily exercise.
Williams, a distance runner, uses the space station treadmill to support races in her home state. She competed in Cape Cod’s 7-mile Falmouth Road Race in August. She ran the 2007 Boston Marathon up there as well.
She has a New England Patriots shirt with her for game days, as well as a Red Sox spring training shirt.
“Hopefully I’ll be home before that happens — but you never know,” she said in November. Husband Michael Williams, a retired federal marshal and former Navy aviator, is caring for their dogs back home in Houston.
As for Wilmore, 61, he’s missing his younger daughter’s senior year in high school and his older daughter’s theater productions in college.
“We can’t deny that being unexpectedly separated, especially during the holidays when the entire family gets together, brings increased yearnings to share the time and events together,” his wife, Deanna Wilmore, told the AP in a text this week. Her husband “has it worse than us” since he’s confined to the space station and can only connect via video for short periods.
“We are certainly looking forward to February!!” she wrote.
___
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand launch has hit another setback after requesting a three-month delay on her trademark application, royal biographer Angela Levin has claimed.
American Riviera Orchard, initially announced in March, has encountered continued obstacles in securing its trademark.
Speaking to GB News, Levin revealed that the brand “keeps getting pushed back” due to trademark restrictions, leaving Meghan “very angry” as she’s unable to proceed with sales.
“She’s now asked for another three months on the trademark application deadline,” Levin told GB News, noting that if the issue isn’t resolved within this extension period, the entire process may need to restart.
Meghan Markle has requested to extend the trademark deadline
Getty
The royal biographer suggested a simple solution would be to change the brand name, which is currently causing complications due to its similarity to another trademark in the Montecito area.
According to Levin, if Meghan fails to resolve the trademark issues within the new extension period, there could be significant consequences.
“They’ve said to her they will give her three months, but after this they will have to start all over again, which may mean another year,” Levin explained to GB News.
The delay stems from a protest lodged with the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Harry & David, owners of the ‘Royal Riviera’ trademark.
Meghan was making jam for her brand, known currently as American Riviera Orchard
Instagram / Heather Dorak
The USPTO issued a “non-final officer action” regarding the application, requiring a response within the extended timeframe.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
“All she had to do was to change the name. They don’t want the name because it’s too familiar to a name where she lives in Montecito,” Levin said.
The royal expert added that Meghan is “sticking to it and making life very, very complicated.”
The brand has so far only been promoted through limited releases, with select celebrities receiving baskets of homemade jams in April.
Kris Jenner, Chrissy Teigen and Abigail Spencer were among the lucky high profile celebrities to receive exclusive homemade jams from the brand.
Angela Levin said Meghan is ‘making things more complicated’ for her brand
GB News
However, no products have yet been made available for public purchase through the brand’s website.
Noting the couple’s “professional separation”, Levin questioned whether Prince Harry would return home to the UK to see the Royal Family while Meghan continues in her lifestyle endeavours.
Levin told GB News: “Why doesn’t he go home? He hasn’t been home for over two months. It must have been virtually three months now.
And if you actually are together and you want an emotional relationship, then surely you would pop back because they were salt and pepper for a long time, and they didn’t let each other go. And they’re holding hands and looking starry eyed in each other’s eyes. But if you say you’re doing professional distance that’s a very serious thing.”
Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand launch has hit another setback after requesting a three-month delay on her trademark application, royal biographer Angela Levin has claimed.
American Riviera Orchard, initially announced in March, has encountered continued obstacles in securing its trademark.
Speaking to GB News, Levin revealed that the brand “keeps getting pushed back” due to trademark restrictions, leaving Meghan “very angry” as she’s unable to proceed with sales.
“She’s now asked for another three months on the trademark application deadline,” Levin told GB News, noting that if the issue isn’t resolved within this extension period, the entire process may need to restart.
Meghan Markle has requested to extend the trademark deadline
Getty
The royal biographer suggested a simple solution would be to change the brand name, which is currently causing complications due to its similarity to another trademark in the Montecito area.
According to Levin, if Meghan fails to resolve the trademark issues within the new extension period, there could be significant consequences.
“They’ve said to her they will give her three months, but after this they will have to start all over again, which may mean another year,” Levin explained to GB News.
The delay stems from a protest lodged with the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Harry & David, owners of the ‘Royal Riviera’ trademark.
Meghan was making jam for her brand, known currently as American Riviera Orchard
Instagram / Heather Dorak
The USPTO issued a “non-final officer action” regarding the application, requiring a response within the extended timeframe.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
“All she had to do was to change the name. They don’t want the name because it’s too familiar to a name where she lives in Montecito,” Levin said.
The royal expert added that Meghan is “sticking to it and making life very, very complicated.”
The brand has so far only been promoted through limited releases, with select celebrities receiving baskets of homemade jams in April.
Kris Jenner, Chrissy Teigen and Abigail Spencer were among the lucky high profile celebrities to receive exclusive homemade jams from the brand.
Angela Levin said Meghan is ‘making things more complicated’ for her brand
GB News
However, no products have yet been made available for public purchase through the brand’s website.
Noting the couple’s “professional separation”, Levin questioned whether Prince Harry would return home to the UK to see the Royal Family while Meghan continues in her lifestyle endeavours.
Levin told GB News: “Why doesn’t he go home? He hasn’t been home for over two months. It must have been virtually three months now.
And if you actually are together and you want an emotional relationship, then surely you would pop back because they were salt and pepper for a long time, and they didn’t let each other go. And they’re holding hands and looking starry eyed in each other’s eyes. But if you say you’re doing professional distance that’s a very serious thing.”
Not long ago, Scottie Scheffler made history at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, clinching the gold medal in men’s golf with a thrilling performance. In the final round, Scheffler carded a stunning 9-under 62, tying the course record, and ultimately finished with a 19-under 265, edging out Tommy Fleetwood by a single stroke and dethroning defending champion Xander Schauffele to claim the top spot on the podium.
And now the golfing world is abuzz with a fascinating comparison that has emerged on social media. A Reddit user recently shared a striking image juxtaposing Charles Sands, the 1904 Olympic golf champion, with Xander Schauffele, the 2024 Olympic golf champion. The side-by-side comparison has sent fans into a frenzy, with many marveling at the stark contrast between the two golfers.
The image showcases the dramatic evolution of golf attire and equipment over the past century. Charles Sands is depicted wearing a formal, three-piece suit and a newsboy cap, while Xander Schauffele sports a sleek, high-tech golf outfit and a baseball cap. The contrast between the two golfers’ styles is a testament to the significant changes that have taken place in the sport over the years.
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The comparison has also sparked a lively debate among golf enthusiasts, with some praising the elegance and sophistication of Charles Sands’ attire, while others admire the functionality and comfort of Xander Schauffele’s modern golf gear. Regardless of personal opinions, the image serves as a fascinating reminder of golf’s rich history and its continued evolution over time.
Fans are saying all kinds of things and are comparing the jarring difference the game of golf has seen in the last few decades.
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Fans of Reddit lose their collective on the century-old comparison
Starting off strong with the obvious, “The difference in the size of the club head is jarring side by side”, and well, yes. There’s no doubt that the technology has come a long way in golf equipment over the past 50 years, particularly in club heads. Gone are the days of persimmon drivers and blade-style irons with flat soles. Today, metal woods and hybrids have taken center stage, offering improved distance and accuracy. The introduction of perimeter weighting in the 1980s distributed weight around the club head, increasing forgiveness and consistency. Modern club heads now feature advanced materials and technologies, such as hollow-body construction, adjustable clubhead and hosel technologies, and face inserts, allowing for greater customization and improved performance.
“Shooting mid-70s with unforgiving blades, a ball that doesn’t fly, and courses that weren’t garden centers”, said one fan while the other said, “I have to assume the balls they used back then were a lot more forgiving”.This statement is somewhat ironic, as older golf balls were actually less forgiving. They had a harder cover and less consistent core, which made them more prone to slicing and less accurate. Golf balls have undergone a significant transformation, shifting from liquid-based cores and rubber windings to multi-layered constructions that optimize performance. Modern golf balls, such as the Srixon Z-STAR, feature urethane cover technology that provides unparalleled forgiveness and durability, a far cry from the brittle, easily damaged balls of the past.
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While style is not really considered to be a huge part of the sport, golf fans don’t mind a little dose of fashion every now and then, and they sure love the 1900s style. “Better style in 1900”, said one fan while the other counter-argued by saying, “Restrictive style”. And yes, it’s true. Today’s golfers benefit from moisture-wicking fabrics, breathable clothing, and ergonomic designs that enhance comfort and mobility which was not available a century ago. In contrast to the restrictive and formal attire of the past, the modern golf style focuses on flexibility, temperature regulation, and overall performance, allowing players to focus on their game without distraction. What are your thoughts on the matter? Let us know in the comment section below!
The Aquatics Integrity Unit (AQIU), the investigative and disciplinary arm of World Aquatics, has given Hungarian swim coach Ivan Petrov a three-month suspension for violations of the World Aquatics Integrity Code.
Petrov, who has dual Romanian and Hungarian citizenship, is the head swim coach of Győri Úszó SE swimming in Hungary, and a four-time Olympic coach.
The Hungarian Swimming Association submitted a request of change of sports nationality on May 13, 2024, and an email sent to World Aquatics by Petrov through a lawyer asserted that Fangli resided with him in Hungary, which according to the AQIU was done “in order to convince World Aquatics that the third requisite of Part One – Article 3.3.1 of the Competition Regulations was met and that the change of sporting nationality should be approved.”
On 18 June 2024, World Aquatics inquired about the Athlete’s current residence, as publicly available information indicated that she had currently been studying and living in the United States for the past few years. This information appeared to directly contradict the Respondent’s Official Statement.
On the same day, the Athlete confirmed that she lives and studies in the United States and she only returns to Hungary to train during the holidays (Christmas or New Year) and the summer break.
The relevant article of the change of sporting citizenship rules reads as follows:
The Athlete shall have uninterrupted residence in the country or Sport Country of the New World Aquatics Member for at least three years prior to his/her first International Competitions or shall be able to demonstrate by the end of the waiting period at the latest, that he/she has a genuine, close and established link to the country or Sport Country he/she will represent.
In spite of having that information, World Aquatics approved the request in June 2024 given the athlete’s “genuine, close and established link to Hungary considering…that both she and her relatives have held Hungarian citizenship for 11 years.”
But that approval did not absolve Petrov’s offense in the eyes of AQIU, which initiated an investigation on July 10, 2024. Petrov responded to the notice of investigation a day later saying that he is not a native English speaker and signed the statement in good faith. He reiterated that the athlete resides at his home when she is in Hungary, and said that the language barrier led to an unintentional agreement to the word “resides” versus “living.”
On review of the evidence, the AQIU gave Petrov a five-month suspension on basis of violations of sections 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, and 10.2 of the organization’s Integrity Code that deal with honesty and ethical standards.
Petrov took advantage of the option to deny the allegations against him (his right under Article 23.3 c), saying that like many other international athletes training in the United States, she maintained a residence in Hungary.
From the report:
The Respondent also emphasized that the Official Statement did not suggest that the Athlete lived permanently with him and that Hungarian law allows for an official residence that does not align with day-to-day living arrangements
The Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer (CECO) of the AQIU referred the matter to the Adjudicatory Body on October 3, and a day later that group informed Petrov of his rights and a hearing via a single-member panel.
The panel member decided that AQIU was justified in its finding of ethics violations, and disputed Petrov’s claim that he misunderstood the term “residence” by calling it “highly improbable.”
” It is particularly telling that the only alleged confusion involves a term that is central to the decision-making process and directly impacts the eligibility requirements. This undermines the credibility of the Respondent’s explanation and suggests a self-serving motive,” the panel-member writes. “If the Respondent genuinely misunderstood the term ‘Residence,’ it was incumbent upon them to seek clarification before proceeding. The failure to do so further indicates that the misunderstanding claim is not credible and likely serves as an ex post facto justification for non-compliance.
The single-member panel applied the following sanctions:
A warning as to future conduct;
A reprimand;
A fine in an amount proportionate to the seriousness of the violation (amount not disclosed);
An order of reimbursement or restitution;
A suspension from carrying out specific activities on behalf of World Aquatics and/or Continental Organisation and/or World Aquatics Member for a specified period
A period of ineligibility (3 months)
The panel said that because the statement was officially submitted, it did not consider the fact that the athlete’s change of citizenship was approved anyway as a mitigating factor. It did credit Petrov for having a “clean record up to this point,” and ultimately reduced the suspension to three months.
Among other things, that suspension prevents him from participating or attending, in any capacity, in any aquatic competition. It also applied a fine, though it did not disclose the amount of that fine.
Fangli swam 1:07.50 in the 100 breaststroke at the 2024 Hungarian National Championships to win the title, adding a 31.31 to win the 50. She is the Hungarian Record holder in the 100 breaststroke in long course (1:07.08) and also holds five Hungarian Records. She finished 4th at last year’s Big 12 Championships in the United States in the 100 yard breaststroke.
Others representing the club include 35-year-old Zsu Jakabos, who represented Hungary at the 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020 Olympic Games. Jakabos and Petrov are married.
