Jackie Chan to Carry Torch Ahead of Paralympic Opening Ceremony 

Hong Kong actor Jackie Chan sings on the red carpet during the opening ceremony of the 13th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) in Beijing, on April 21, 2023. (AFP)
Hong Kong actor Jackie Chan sings on the red carpet during the opening ceremony of the 13th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) in Beijing, on April 21, 2023. (AFP)
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Jackie Chan to Carry Torch Ahead of Paralympic Opening Ceremony 

Hong Kong actor Jackie Chan sings on the red carpet during the opening ceremony of the 13th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) in Beijing, on April 21, 2023. (AFP)
Hong Kong actor Jackie Chan sings on the red carpet during the opening ceremony of the 13th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) in Beijing, on April 21, 2023. (AFP)

Hong Kong-born martial arts actor Jackie Chan was named on Sunday as one of the torchbearers in the lead-up to the opening ceremony of the Paralympics in Paris.

The 70-year-old, known for his stunts and acrobatic fight scenes, will carry the flame on Wednesday afternoon in the French capital just hours before the opening ceremony, the organizing committee announced.

French actress Elsa Zylberstein, and dancer/choreographer Benjamin Millepied will also take part in the torch relay.

As with the Olympic opening ceremony, Wednesday's event will take place beyond the confines of the Stade de France, with a parade down the Champs-Elysees to the Place de la Concorde in central Paris.

The flame, which was lit on Saturday in Stoke Mandeville in the UK, the historic birthplace of the Paralympic Games, arrived in France via the Channel Tunnel on Sunday, carried by wheelchair fencing medalist Emmanuelle Assmann.

"It's all about inscribing sport in the hearts of people with disabilities," said French sports minister Amelie Oudea-Castera who was on hand to welcome the flame, alongside Tony Estanguet, head of the organizing committee.

The flame was due to continue its journey where it would be "multiplied" into 12 Paralympic flames, which will be carried by 1,000 torchbearers in around 50 towns, in 12 simultaneous relays.

These 12 relays will converge on Paris, where the flame will arrive on Wednesday for the opening ceremony.



Man Utd’s Garnacho Could Become World Class, Ten Hag Says

Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho (C) in action against Fulham's Antonee Robinson (R) and goalkeeper Bernd Leno (L) during the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham in Manchester, Britain, 16 August 2024. (EPA)
Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho (C) in action against Fulham's Antonee Robinson (R) and goalkeeper Bernd Leno (L) during the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham in Manchester, Britain, 16 August 2024. (EPA)
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Man Utd’s Garnacho Could Become World Class, Ten Hag Says

Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho (C) in action against Fulham's Antonee Robinson (R) and goalkeeper Bernd Leno (L) during the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham in Manchester, Britain, 16 August 2024. (EPA)
Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho (C) in action against Fulham's Antonee Robinson (R) and goalkeeper Bernd Leno (L) during the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham in Manchester, Britain, 16 August 2024. (EPA)

Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho has the potential to become a world class player if he keeps working hard, manager Erik ten Hag said ahead of Saturday's Premier League trip to Brighton & Hove Albion.

Garnacho, 20, assisted United forward Joshua Zirkzee's debut goal in their 1-0 league opener win against Fulham and scored in the Community Shield against Manchester City, which United lost on penalties.

The Argentina international, alongside Kobbie Mainoo, also scored in United's 2-1 FA Cup victory over City and provided many bright moments with seven league goals in United's lackluster season, as they finished eighth.

"To make that jump to being a world-class player, he has a long way to go. It starts with hard work," Ten Hag told reporters. "That has brought him to where he is now and that will bring him to being a world class player because I agree he has the potential."

"We need (exciting players) but I think every team at the top needs a player with the X factor. Garnacho definitely has it in him to become that player. If you want to be that player - world class - then you have to do it consistently and he has a high potential, 100%."

United's 19-year-old midfielder Mainoo wrapped up England's Euro 2024 campaign as a key player in former England manager Gareth Southgate's squad and Ten Hag said the experience has honed Mainoo's skills.

"Those experiences will only help him become a better player (this season). A perfect midfielder is one who is very good in attacking and very good in defending. He is a player who can do it, and he can play as an attacking midfielder and as a holding midfielder."