China's decision to have a Uyghur athlete light the Olympic cauldron has drawn criticism from human rights groups, who saw it as cheap propaganda ploy to whitewash the oppression of the country's ethnic Uyghur minority.

South Koreans expressed frustration on Wednesday (February 9) after seeing their traditional costume used in last week's Olympic opening ceremony in Beijing, but the Chinese Embassy in South Korea defended the use. A woman wearing what appeared to be a Korean hanbok dress was among those representing China's different ethnic groups during the ceremony. Some South Koreans have complained about recent Chinese assertions that various aspects of Korean culture are of Chinese origin.

Jamaica has a four-man bobsled team in the Olympics for the first time since 1998. Too young to witness the famous 1988 team but big fans of "Cool Runnings," this year's team wants to add to Jamaica's bobsled legacy.

Sunday's inaugural Miami Grand Prix Formula One race lived up to its billing as a heavyweight battle between the series' two points leaders -- Charles Leclerc of Ferrari and Max Verstappen of Red Bull. Verstappen came away with the victory, the second in a row and third of the year for the 2021 F1 drivers' champion. His earlier wins had come in Saudi Arabia and Italy.

A robotic “sixth finger”, that can be worn on the hand next to the pinky to move like a real finger, has been created by Japanese researchers studying how brains react to new and independent body parts.

Swimming's world governing body will only allow transgender athletes who transitioned before age 12 to compete in elite women's competitions. Some support a desire for inclusion, others say it would make races unfair.

The sport's authority cited "welfare, legal and reputational risk" for the decision. Over the weekend swimming's world governing body FINA voted to restrict transgender athletes in elite women's competitions.

We look at the political headache that awaits French President Emmanuel Macron after the disastrous parliamentary election results for his centrist bloc. Some papers warn that he may need to seek support for each individual bill. Also, after global swimming, rugby league authorities provisionally ban transgender female athletes amid claims that they possess physical advantages. Finally, a Spanish local council is now imposing fines for urinating in the sea!

Mourners flocked to the site where Japan's former prime minister was shot. Shinzo Abe's body has been moved to Tokyo from Nara, where he was attacked while giving a speech.

A German former world-class high diver has said he was sexually abused by his coach over a period of several years. Jan Hempel said the abuse continued even after he had informed the national swimming federation.

Eleven Israeli athletes and a policeman were assassinated by Palestinian terrorists during the Olympic Games that began in Munich on August 26,1972. Germany is still struggling to come to terms with the events.

We look at deadly unrest in Iraq after the resignation of a prominent Shiite cleric. It comes months after failure to form a government following elections. Also, we look at the Paul Pogba scandal that could overshadow France's preparation for the World Cup. As Serena Williams begins her last grand slam before retirement, Time Magazine looks back at her legacy for women's sports. Finally, a man sets a new record for the longest paddle in a pumpkin!