Reality television personality Jessie Holmes has clinched a second consecutive victory in the grueling Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race after guiding his team across approximately 1,000 miles of Alaskan wilderness.

His triumph marks a significant achievement in the challenging endurance event.

Holmes navigated his dog team to the finish line on Tuesday night in Nome, a Bering Sea coastal community.

The arduous race began on 8 March in Willow, following a ceremonial start in Anchorage, taking mushers and their dogs over two mountain ranges, along the frozen Yukon River, and across the unpredictable Bering Sea ice.

This repeat win places Holmes, a former cast member of National Geographic’s “Life Below Zero,” among an elite group.

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He is only the third competitor in the Iditarod’s 54-year history to win back-to-back races after their initial victory, joining legends Susan Butcher (1986-1987) and Lance Mackey (2007-2008), both of whom went on to claim four titles.

Before the race, Holmes described this year’s Iditarod as the most crucial of his career.

He told The Associated Press: “That’s hard to put that on yourself because you got to live with that pressure every day. And if I do not make it, it is going to absolutely crush me.”

He will pocket about $80,000 for this year’s win, up from the $57,000-plus he took home last year.

The prize fund was bolstered by Norwegian billionaire Kjell Rokke, who also participated in a new, non-competitive amateur category. Rokke reached Nome on Monday, under rules allowing outside support from a former Iditarod champion, flexible rest periods, and dog swaps.

Holmes first competed in the Iditarod in 2018, earning rookie of the year honours with a seventh-place finish. He has now raced nine times, achieving seven top-10 placements and securing a top-five spot in his last five attempts.

His eight-year stint on National Geographic’s “Life Below Zero”, chronicling life in rural Alaska, provided the means to acquire better dogs and equipment.

It also enabled him to purchase raw land near Denali National Park and Preserve, where the carpenter has established a homestead in the wilderness, his closest neighbour some 30 miles away.

Rokke, who now lives in Switzerland, provided $100,000 in additional prize money and $170,000 to Alaska Native villages that serve as checkpoints.

Canadian entrepreneur Steve Curtis, another non-competitive musher, pledged $50,000 to help youth sports programmes in the villages, though he did not finish the race.

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The Iditarod continues to face criticism from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which claims over 150 dogs have died in the race’s history.

PETA urged Rokke to spend his money helping dogs rather than putting them through “hazards and misery.” The Iditarod has never provided its count of dog fatalities.

Tragically, one dog has died in this year’s event: a four-year-old female named Charly from musher Mille Porsild’s team, as confirmed by the Iditarod in a statement on Tuesday. A necropsy is scheduled to determine the cause.

This year’s race saw 34 competitive mushers start, matching the 1973 inaugural event for the second-lowest number in its history.

The dwindling participation is attributed to the retirement of many seasoned mushers and the escalating costs of supplies, such as dog food, which have kept field sizes small this decade.

First Published: Mar 18 2026 | 4:22 PM IST

Global apparel brand UNIQLO has announced Indian cricket star Jasprit Bumrah as its new brand ambassador in India, marking a strategic collaboration that aligns sport with everyday lifestyle fashion. 
The partnership kicks off with a fresh campaign that reflects UNIQLO’s signature LifeWear philosophy, focused on delivering simple, high-quality clothing designed to improve daily life through comfort, functionality, and timeless style.

A partnership rooted in simplicity

The association highlights a shared approach between the brand and the cricketer, one built on consistency, authenticity, and effortless performance. Bumrah, known for his calm demeanor and precision on the field, embodies the understated confidence that UNIQLO aims to represent through its clothing line.

Campaign focus: AIRism collection

The campaign subtly draws parallels between Bumrah’s evolution as a fast bowler and the idea of everyday essentials becoming indispensable over time. Just as discipline and instinct define his game, the campaign suggests that comfort-driven clothing naturally integrates into one’s lifestyle.

Bumrah on the collaboration

Speaking about the partnership, Bumrah said, “In my day-to-day life, I prefer clothing that feels comfortable and effortless, especially when I’m spending time off the field. That’s why I’m happy to be partnering with UNIQLO, the brand’s approach to everyday clothing feels like a natural extension to my personal style.”

Brand Perspective and Rollout

Nidhi Rastogi, Marketing Director at UNIQLO India, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are proud to partner with cricket world champion Jasprit Bumrah and welcome him to the UNIQLO family. His focus on excellence, authenticity and quiet confidence reflects the essence of UNIQLO’s LifeWear philosophy.”

The campaign has been launched across multiple platforms, including digital media, social channels, outdoor advertising, and in-store displays, aiming to connect with a wide audience while reinforcing the brand’s commitment to everyday comfort and style.

Barcelona are reported to be in no rush to finalise a deal for Marcus Rashford to complete a permanent move to Catalonia from Manchester United

After the final obstacle preventing Marcus Rashford from completing a permanent move to Barcelona was cleared on Sunday, new details have emerged about how the club intend to pay Manchester United the transfer fee. The Spanish giants have the option to make Rashford’s move permanent for €30million (£26m) at the end of the season, when his loan spell concludes.

Joan Laporta has been re-elected president for another five-year term, meaning changes at the Nou Camp will be minimal. Sporting director Deco retains Laporta’s backing, and the president’s intention is to keep Rashford at the club.

However, Barcelona’s ongoing financial issues are well documented, and Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reports that the club plan to pay the fee in three €10m instalments. A three-year contract on a fixed salary is also said to have already been agreed with Rashford.

With that said, the report notes that there is ‘no rush’ from the Spanish giants to finalise a deal, as they want to assess how the England international performs between now and the end of the campaign.

It’s claimed that if he fails to find consistent form before the end of May, his ‘chances will decrease,’ with the Champions League clash against Newcastle United described as a fresh opportunity for him to showcase his best.

Despite scoring 10 goals and providing 13 assists in 38 games, his last goal came on January 31 against Elche in La Liga.

Since then, he has featured against Mallorca, Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao in the league, Newcastle in the Champions League, and Albacete and Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey – all without finding the net.

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A number of Barca supporters have already voiced their opinions on the possibility of signing the winger.

One said: “You don’t want to spend €30m on Rashford. You want to sign a left-footed centre-back, a centre-forward and a full-back. How much would you invest in those three?”

Another added: “Rashford’s salary, even if reduced from what he earned in Manchester, will still be one of the highest. Plus, we have to invest €30m in the transfer, and so far he’s only shown inconsistency.”

A third pointed out: “He started very well, but his performance has dropped. If he returns to his early-season form, he’s a necessary option to rotate with Raphinha.”

Another supporter suggested: “Seems expensive for what he can contribute,” whilst a fifth concluded: “He has the talent, but in my opinion he lacks a competitive mindset. In elite football, being good and fast isn’t enough.”

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Sky shows at least 215 live Premier League games each season, an increase of up to 100, plus Formula 1, darts, golf and more.

Sanju Samson is set to begin a new phase in his Indian Premier League journey after playing a key role in India’s T20 World Cup triumph. The wicketkeeper-batter has joined Chennai Super Kings, marking a significant shift after leading Rajasthan Royals in recent seasons. At CSK, he enters a different dynamic under captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, with MS Dhoni still part of the setup — a factor that could influence Samson’s chances behind the stumps.

The move presents both opportunity and expectation. Joining one of the IPL’s most successful franchises places Samson in a high-pressure environment, but also gives him a broader platform to elevate his game. Adjusting to conditions at Chepauk will be a fresh challenge, while the strong CSK fan base could further amplify his profile in the coming season.

Speaking on JioStar, Former India captain Anil Kumble believes Samson’s arrival reflects a wider transition in Indian cricket leadership, while also strengthening CSK’s squad. He pointed to Samson’s recent form and confidence as key positives heading into the IPL.

“Icons from one generation to another, the baton has passed on in Indian cricket, from Sunil Gavaskar to Sachin, then to Virat, with MS Dhoni also part of that era. You had the likes of Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly before the shift to MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, who still carry that aura and continue to perform. In that sense, Sanju coming in is a great move for CSK. The icing on the cake is his fantastic form leading into the IPL and winning the World Cup for India with three back-to-back knocks,” Kumble said on CSK’s decision.

Kumble also underlined that Samson’s value goes beyond his performances. His background and familiarity with the region could strengthen the franchise’s connection with its supporters, while his role as a wicketkeeper-batter adds balance to the squad.

“I’m sure that will certainly contribute to the franchise’s fan following. From a Chennai perspective, he fits their need, being Kerala-born, speaks Tamil, so there’s a connect, a wicketkeeper-batter, so in a similar mould to MS, and his experience will be valuable for CSK,” he said.

CSK’s leadership structure has seen frequent changes in recent years, with Dhoni stepping back into the captaincy role during injury setbacks or transitional phases. Kumble feels Samson is well-suited to provide stability in such situations, given his leadership experience with Rajasthan Royals.

“I think that’s the perfect role for Sanju, handling those responsibilities almost like a vice-captain. He has captained Rajasthan for a long period of time, so that leadership role comes naturally to him, and that’s something CSK will be looking for. Last year, when Ruturaj was injured, MS had to take over, and previously, when Ravindra Jadeja was also captain, MS Dhoni came back in as captain midway through the season. So there have been some challenges in identifying who the next captain would be for MS.”

“Ruturaj was identified, and it is good that he continues as captain despite Sanju coming into the scheme of things. I wouldn’t be surprised if MS Dhoni gives Sanju the keeping role at some point during the season. He will be part of the leadership group, and in case if Ruturaj is unavailable due to injury or otherwise, Sanju would probably take over rather than MS,” Kumble said.