In a highly anticipated matchup, Qatar will face Japan today at 17:00 local time in the 2025 International Friendly Basketball Tournament. Hosted by the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF), the game will take place at the state-of-the-art Lusail Multipurpose Arena in Doha.

This encounter follows Qatar’s thrilling 82-78 victory over Saudi Arabia in their opening match. The game was marked by intense competition, with both teams locked in a 24-24 tie after the first quarter. Qatar gradually took control, ultimately securing a narrow win and positioning themselves at the top of the tournament standings with two points, while Saudi Arabia earned one point.

Qatar Prepares for Asia Cup Challenge

Today’s clash with Japan presents a significant challenge for Qatar, as the Japanese team is known for its fast-paced, technically skilled playing style. Under the leadership of head coach Hakan Demir, Qatar’s technical staff aims to use this match to enhance team cohesion and fine-tune strategies in preparation for the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup 2025, scheduled for August 5-17 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

In a parallel match today, Iraq will take on Saudi Arabia at 19:00, as both teams look to showcase their capabilities in this friendly tournament. The tournament features four Asian teams—Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Iraq—competing in a single-round-robin format. This structure allows each team the opportunity to test their skills ahead of major continental competitions.

Looking Ahead to the FIBA Asia Cup

The friendly tournament serves as vital preparation for the FIBA Asia Cup, which will include 16 teams. Qatar finds itself in Group A alongside Australia, South Korea, and Lebanon. Group B consists of Guam, Japan, Syria, and Iran, while Group C features China, Jordan, India, and Saudi Arabia. Group D includes Chinese Taipei, New Zealand, Iraq, and the Philippines.

Teams will compete in a group-stage format, with the top team from each group advancing directly to the quarter-finals. Teams finishing second and third in their respective groups will then enter crossover knockout matches to determine the remaining quarter-finalists.

As the tournament progresses, Qatar aims to build momentum and confidence, using each match as a stepping stone towards their ultimate goal of success at the FIBA Asia Cup.

Freddie Bennett’s journey with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been marked by significant challenges and ultimately, profound transformation. A diagnosis provided him with clarity about his experiences, allowing him to understand the reasons behind his thoughts and actions. This personal insight motivated him to co-found a paediatric clinic in Tauranga that specializes in ADHD, aiming to empower families of children facing similar struggles.

For Bennett, receiving the ADHD diagnosis was pivotal. He described feeling lost and “broken” for many years, grappling with inattentiveness and daydreaming throughout his school years. These challenges persisted into adulthood, where Bennett engaged in risk-taking behaviours that led to stress and mental health issues. He recalls times when he felt compelled to wear a “mask of normality” at work, while internally he struggled with feelings of being “chronically overwhelmed.”

Creating a Supportive Environment for Families

Bennett’s experiences have shaped his belief in the necessity of providing families with confidence and support. At Bay Paediatrics, he and his team focus on helping children with ADHD navigate their unique challenges. The clinic offers tailored strategies and resources to empower both children and their parents. Bennett emphasizes that understanding ADHD is crucial for fostering a positive environment at home and in schools.

“ADHD can be a source of strength when approached correctly,” Bennett explained in an interview with reporter Megan Wilson. He believes that with the right support, children can thrive academically and socially. His goal is to ensure that families feel equipped to handle the complexities of ADHD, transforming what can often be viewed as a limitation into a pathway for growth.

In a world where mental health discussions are becoming increasingly important, Bennett’s insights shed light on the importance of diagnosis and understanding. He advocates for a shift in perspective, encouraging people to view ADHD not simply as a disorder, but as a different way of processing information.

Personal Struggles and Professional Insights

Bennett’s personal story resonates with many who live with ADHD. His candid reflections on feeling unfit, overweight, and engaging in excessive partying underscore the mental health challenges often associated with the condition. The turning point came when he finally understood why he had struggled for so long.

The recognition of ADHD as part of his identity has allowed Bennett to advocate for others, drawing from his own journey. “Education is key,” he stated, pointing out that many people remain unaware of how ADHD can manifest in various ways. By raising awareness about the condition, he hopes to reduce stigma and foster a more understanding society.

Through his work at Bay Paediatrics, Bennett is not only helping children but also influencing the wider community’s perception of ADHD. His story is a reminder of the transformative power of understanding one’s mental health and the impact that informed support can have on families grappling with similar challenges.

Freddie Bennett’s commitment to enhancing the lives of children with ADHD highlights the importance of compassion and understanding in mental health care. His journey from feeling lost to becoming a guiding light for others illustrates how a diagnosis can lead to empowerment and positive change.

Over 100 nurses and their supporters gathered outside Gisborne Hospital on March 6, 2024, to voice their concerns regarding safe staffing levels. Despite heavy rain, participants remained resolute, demonstrating their solidarity in a nationwide 24-hour strike. This action follows unsuccessful negotiations with Health NZ Te Whatu Ora, highlighting ongoing issues surrounding staffing and safety in New Zealand’s healthcare system.

The rally in Gisborne featured nurses who had previously engaged in two 24-hour strikes in May 2023. These earlier actions included a Fight Back for Health hikoi and a public meeting aimed at raising awareness about the staffing crisis. The turnout on Wednesday morning was a testament to the frustration felt by healthcare professionals, whose collective agreement expired in October.

Christine Warrander, the delegate for the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) at Gisborne Hospital, emphasized that the turnout reflected the deep-seated anger among nurses. She stated, “The conditions we are working under are unsustainable, and we feel that NZ Health is playing hardball with us.” Her comments resonated with many at the rally, underlining the urgency of their demands.

Participants received encouragement from the community, with honks of support from passing vehicles adding to the rally’s energy. This public show of solidarity was crucial in raising awareness about the challenges nurses face daily. The strike sought not only to address immediate staffing concerns but also to advocate for better working conditions and patient safety.

The ongoing negotiations between the NZNO and Health NZ Te Whatu Ora have been fraught with challenges. Nurses argue that safe staffing levels are essential for providing quality care to patients. The collective agreement’s expiration has magnified these concerns, pushing nurses to take action to ensure their voices are heard.

As the strike unfolded, it became clear that the issue of staffing is not confined to Gisborne alone but reflects a broader national challenge within the healthcare system. Nurses across New Zealand are advocating for reforms that prioritize both their welfare and that of their patients. The outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for the future of healthcare in the region.

The Gisborne rally is part of a larger movement among healthcare professionals aiming to secure fair treatment and adequate resources. As the strike continues, the commitment of nurses to advocate for safe and effective healthcare remains unwavering.

The concept of being “friends with benefits” has gained popularity among young adults, offering a casual alternative to traditional dating. However, therapists caution that such arrangements can lead to emotional complications.

Emma Medeiros, a resident of Lewiston, Maine, reflects on her own experience, which began decades ago while she was in college. She and her close friend, Adam Caldow, decided to enter into a physical relationship without romantic implications. “We wanted to lose our virginity, but neither one of us knew what we were doing, so we thought, this is a good match,” Medeiros recalled.

The arrangement was clear from the start. Medeiros emphasized, “We really made it clear to each other, this is a physical thing.” For several years, their sexual encounters coexisted alongside their friendship, seemingly without any strings attached.

While Medeiros and Caldow eventually transitioned from friends with benefits to marriage, their story is not the norm. Many individuals find that such relationships can become emotionally charged. Therapists highlight the potential pitfalls, advising those who enter these arrangements to be prepared for complications.

Emotional Risks and Complications

Research suggests that the emotional risks associated with friends with benefits relationships can be significant. A study conducted by the American Psychological Association found that individuals often struggle with feelings of jealousy, insecurity, and unreciprocated affection.

Therapists warn that these dynamics can lead to misunderstandings. As friendships evolve into sexual arrangements, one party may develop deeper feelings, potentially jeopardizing the initial connection. “It’s crucial to communicate openly about expectations and feelings,” advises Dr. Lisa Hartman, a licensed therapist based in New York. “Many people enter these relationships thinking they can keep it casual, but emotions often complicate matters.”

Medeiros illustrates this point, acknowledging that while her relationship with Caldow turned into a successful marriage, they both navigated a complex emotional landscape. “We were lucky, but I have seen friends struggle with the boundaries,” she said.

Examining the Trends

The rise of dating apps and changing social norms have contributed to the popularity of friends with benefits arrangements. A survey by the dating platform OkCupid found that nearly 50% of respondents aged 18 to 29 have engaged in casual sexual relationships with friends.

These statistics highlight a significant cultural shift, yet the emotional implications remain a topic of concern. While some may view these relationships as liberating, others may find themselves grappling with unexpected emotional challenges.

In conclusion, the allure of a friends with benefits relationship can be enticing, but potential emotional pitfalls warrant serious consideration. As more individuals explore this type of arrangement, open communication and clear boundaries are essential to mitigate risks and maintain the friendship.