May 16, Kathmandu – Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived unexpectedly in Tehran, the capital of Iran, on Saturday. Iran’s official news agency IRNA reported that Naqvi reached Tehran without prior notice. Citing sources, IRNA stated that the Pakistan Interior Minister is scheduled to hold talks with several senior officials in Tehran.
Pakistan has been mediating diplomatic efforts and negotiations to ease ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States. Naqvi’s sudden visit to Tehran is believed to be part of these mediation efforts. Pakistan had hosted a direct peace dialogue between the US and Iran for the first time in three decades; however, the peace talks have yet to achieve success.
Prepared with AI assistance. Editorial review completed.
A six-member Nepali table tennis team has departed for Incheon, South Korea, to participate in the Yang Yang Ja International Table Tennis Training Camp running from May 16 to 26.
After the training camp, the team will compete in the International Christian Table Tennis Tournament on May 27.
The camp will feature 25 players from Nepal, the Philippines, Laos, and Mongolia, led by Olympic gold medalist Yang Yang Ja.
May 16, Kathmandu – The six-member Nepali table tennis team departed on Saturday for Incheon, South Korea, to participate in the Yang Yang Ja Table Tennis Mission (YTTMA) international training camp, scheduled from May 16 to 26 in Incheon.
Following the training camp, these players will take part in the International Christian Table Tennis Tournament slated for May 27.
The participants include U-13 players Rivanu Munni Bajracharya and Prajna Maharjan; U-16 players Rijan Shakya and Surmya Shakya; and U-19 players Himal Bista and Yongi Paudel. The team manager is Hann Ko, with Jackie Maharjan, treasurer of the All Nepal Table Tennis Association, providing these details.
The players were selected for this training camp from competitions held on October 5, 2023, at Nepal APM Club in Bhainsepati, Lalitpur. The selection involved six events across U-13, U-16, and U-19 age categories, with winners from each event earning their place for the South Korea training camp, according to Treasurer Maharjan.
The training camp will include 25 participants from Nepal, the Philippines, Laos, and Mongolia.
The camp will be led by the renowned South Korean table tennis player and 1988 Olympic gold medalist Yang Yang Ja. The participants will have the unique opportunity to receive direct coaching from her and her coaching team.
Yang Yang Ja has actively supported the development of Nepali table tennis for the past seven years, conducting three table tennis clinics in Nepal and continuously contributing to the international development of young Nepali players. Treasurer Maharjan bid farewell to the team at Tribhuvan International Airport on Saturday.
Scientists have discovered that one in every five people worldwide faces an increased risk of death from stroke and heart disease due to an inherited and hidden cholesterol risk factor. Although standard blood tests may show normal cholesterol levels, new research reveals that a specific type of cholesterol particle can pose a serious threat to heart health. Researchers identified this hidden cholesterol particle in the blood as “lipoprotein(a),” or Lp(a). Unlike typical bad cholesterol, Lp(a) contains an additional protein that makes it even more harmful to the heart and blood vessels. This condition is entirely hereditary and shows no external symptoms. Consequently, approximately 20 percent of the global population lives with this risk factor unknowingly.
This finding was presented at the 2026 “Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions” scientific conference held in Montreal, Canada. The conclusion was drawn from blood sample analyses of 20,070 adults over 40 years of age participating in three major studies conducted by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Over nearly four years of follow-up, individuals with Lp(a) levels of 175 nmol/L or higher exhibited significant cardiovascular complications. The study found that these patients had a 49 percent higher likelihood of death from heart disease and a 64 percent increased risk of stroke. The risk was even greater for those who already had pre-existing heart conditions and elevated Lp(a) levels.
According to senior interventional cardiologist Dr. Subhash Banerjee, this research is the first to clearly establish the Lp(a) threshold at which patients face heightened risk of death and stroke. He emphasized that people of all ages can use a simple and inexpensive blood test to determine if they carry this hereditary risk factor. If high levels are detected, medical professionals recommend strict management of other risks such as LDL cholesterol and adopting measures to maintain heart health. Researchers are currently developing new targeted treatments for Lp(a), underscoring the critical importance of this information for affected patients in the future.
May 16, Kathmandu – Menuka Shahi has been elected as the Chairperson of the Kathmandu chapter of BAS Nepal, an organization active in youth empowerment and social responsibility. Upon assuming the role, Shahi expressed her commitment to advancing the organization’s mission, policies, and social initiatives in a more effective manner. She outlined plans to make the institution more active and outcome-oriented, focusing on youth leadership development, social awareness, human rights, good governance, and positive change.
According to Shahi, the organization will prioritize transparency, accountability, and community-centered approaches while fostering collaboration, coordination, and participatory leadership among its members. She also emphasized the continuation of awareness programs against social vices, capacity enhancement for youth, and sustained community service activities. Shahi was elected chairperson during the sixth general assembly held on Saturday at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu. Under the chairmanship of outgoing Chairperson Shakuntala Shah, the assembly also elected Sushila Dhamala as Vice-Chairperson, Ramesh Bishwakarma as Secretary, Jagadishwari Shah as Joint Secretary, and Nischal Nyaupane as Treasurer. Members selected include Parvati Paudel Adhikari, Kamal Prasad Sharma, Roshan Pandey, and Niruta Upreti.
India has imposed a ban on sugar exports until September 30, 2026. The primary reasons for this decision are a reduction in sugarcane production and significant disruptions in fertilizer imports. This export restriction reflects the government’s priority to stabilize domestic sugar supply and has caused a decline in the stock prices of major sugar companies. While the ban may encourage African countries to import sugar from Brazil or Thailand, it is expected to negatively impact the financial health of Indian sugar mills. Kathmandu, June 15.
On Wednesday, India announced the export prohibition on sugar through to September 30, 2026. This decision comes in light of expected underperformance in sugarcane production targets this year and severe obstacles in fertilizer imports caused by the Iran conflict. Experts suggest the export ban underlines the government’s focus on maintaining steady local sugar supplies for its large population amid rising inflation risks. India stands as the world’s second-largest sugar producer and a key exporter.
As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasizes the need to increase foreign exchange reserves, the export ban on sugar has sparked various questions. The market reacted negatively, with shares of leading sugar companies tumbling nearly 6% on Thursday. Dipak Ballani, Director General of the Indian Sugar and Manufacturers Association, stated, “This ban has been imposed with caution. We were expecting a balanced review of the overall export scenario, especially considering some contracts have already been finalized.”
April 11, Doti – Vivek Niraula, a grade 9 student at Laxmipur Secondary School in Motipur, Thalara Rural Municipality-1, Bajhang, is increasingly worried about his studies. He expresses concern following the government’s recent decision to grant two days off each week (Saturday and Sunday). “I don’t think this decision by the government is good. We already have frequent holidays, so completing the course on time is challenging,” Niraula says. “Now that the government has decided to close schools two days a week, what will happen this year?” Although he has heard that Prime Minister Balen Shah is a good person, he is unhappy with this particular policy of shutting schools for two days.
Kritika Bhatt, an eighth-grade student at Betalmandau Secondary School in Sanfebagar Municipality-10, Achham, is dissatisfied with the schools being closed on Sundays. “Our studies will be disrupted. Teachers have told us that they won’t be able to finish the entire syllabus. Now we will have to study at home on our own,” she explains. According to her, Fridays are already occupied with extracurricular activities with no actual teaching happening. “That means we will only get four days of study each week,” she notes.
Diya Kutuwal, an eleventh-grade student at Padma Public Secondary School in Doti, reports negative impacts from Sunday closures. “With so many holidays, class time decreases. At home, we also study less. When classes are irregular, students become careless,” she states. “Since we also have to help with household chores on holidays, studying time reduces. I am worried about less effective learning.” Some students are concerned that spending time at home leads to distractions like mobile phones, television, or sports, reducing their focus on studies. “As the Secondary Education Examination (SEE) approaches, revising lessons and preparing may become difficult,” warns Pralhad Raji, a tenth-grade student at Samaiji Secondary School in Krishnapur Municipality-4, Kanchanpur. “Textbooks need to align with the new schedule; otherwise, the course will remain incomplete.” Raji fears the decision will adversely affect his exam preparations this year.
Pratiksha Arkhali Magar, a student at Bhagwati Secondary School in Chure Rural Municipality-6, Kailali, expresses that students suffer the most due to the two-day weekly holiday. “Teachers may benefit by getting more days off, but we are supposed to learn. If we don’t study now, when will we?” she asks with concern. “The government’s decision was not right,” she added.
Despite financial difficulties, eight Nepalese theater artists completed a tour across Germany, Denmark, and Sweden. During their tour, they raised over six thousand euros through local support and crowdfunding. The plays and workshops were organized to promote social awareness through theater. Theater teaches you to challenge the impossible, a lesson applicable to all forms of dedication and goals. Something remains impossible only as long as we don’t consider it a possibility.
We wondered—could we present a live radio drama underground? Specifically, inside a copper mine with nearly 90 percent humidity. We also considered—could we show a radio drama in a movie theater where complete darkness lasts for 60 minutes, yet the three-dimensional stereo sound remains vibrant? Both ideas, though possible, were challenging. However, other commitments this year forced us to postpone these plans. We began all this work by taking a loan of four thousand euros. We believed it was possible to bring eight Nepalese theater artists to Europe. My hopes rested heavily on a major grant from the Goethe-Institut. Yet, just one month before the tour was set to begin, the Goethe-Institut informed us that our proposal had been rejected.
The travel was already arranged. Venues were booked in Germany, Denmark, and Sweden, and visas had been approved. The only thing missing was funding. A call took place between me and Shilpi Theatre’s director, Ghimire Yuvraj (Yuv). I had calculated all expenses and knew that even with minimal costs, the tour would face financial hardship. However, Yuv viewed it differently. He said, ‘Opportunities like this come few times in life. We will find a way. Plane tickets are already purchased, and we have some funds from You Nepal. The rest we will handle.’
Over 42 percent of internet users in Europe faced abusive or hateful messages online in 2025, according to statistics recently released. A report published Friday by Eurostat, the European Union’s statistical agency, revealed that 42.3 percent of internet users across the EU region reported encountering hateful content targeting specific groups or individuals. This report is based on data collected from 20 EU member states.
The data indicates that Hungary has the highest rate of online abuse at 60.9 percent, followed by Finland at 56.7 percent and Slovakia at 56.2 percent. Conversely, Latvia recorded the lowest proportion, with only 29.3 percent of users encountering such content. In Greece, 29.4 percent; Germany, 33.7 percent; and Lithuania, 33.8 percent of users reported similar experiences.
According to Eurostat, individuals are most commonly targeted online based on political or social opinions, accounting for 33.7 percent of cases. Additionally, 25.5 percent of users faced abuse due to ethnic or identity grounds, 23.4 percent due to sexual orientation, and 22.8 percent on religious or belief-related bases. The report also notes that 16.9 percent were targeted based on gender, 11.5 percent due to disability, and 8.8 percent by age. The survey covered internet users aged 16 to 74 who used the internet regularly up to three months before the survey.
A global consortium of leading scientists has warned that the measures adopted by FIFA to protect players from heat during the 2026 World Cup are inadequate and could pose serious health risks. International health experts have criticized the guidelines developed by the football governing body as lacking scientific validation and “unsubstantiated.” They have called for clear standards to ensure player safety, including extended cooling breaks and the postponement of matches under extreme heat conditions.
The World Cup will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, where heat is expected to present a significant challenge. Researchers have cautioned that 14 out of the 16 stadiums pose high-risk conditions due to elevated temperatures. In regions of South America and northern Mexico, daytime temperatures can reach up to 35 degrees Celsius and may climb as high as 40 degrees during peak summer months. The combination of temperature, humidity, airflow, and intense sunlight greatly increases the risk of excessive heat exposure and physical heat stress for players.
FIFA has affirmed its commitment to the health and safety of players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff. The organization stated that climate-related risks have been considered in the competition’s planning process. Based on a commitment to player welfare, FIFA has implemented a policy requiring three-minute cooling breaks during any weather conditions between the two halves of a match. For all games played outdoors, technical staff and substitute players will have access to climate-controlled rooms.
In the letter sent to FIFA, scientists urged that matches be suspended or rescheduled if Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) exceeds 28 degrees Celsius. They also recommended cooling breaks of at least six minutes, the provision of well-equipped cooling facilities for players, and regular updates to safety protocols based on scientific evidence. FIFA has confirmed that a “heat mitigation tier model” will be used during the upcoming tournament, with appropriate measures taken as circumstances require.
A leading group of global scientists has warned that FIFA’s current measures to protect players from heat at the 2026 World Cup are insufficient, potentially putting players at serious risk.
International health experts, in an open letter, criticized the regulatory body’s heat guidelines as scientifically unsubstantiated and lacking justification. They called for improved player safety protocols, longer cooling breaks, and clear criteria to postpone matches under extreme conditions.
The 2026 tournament, to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to face significant heat challenges. Researchers have warned that out of 16 stadiums, 14 could experience dangerously high temperatures.
In parts of South America and northern Mexico, daytime temperatures regularly reach up to 35 degrees Celsius, rising to 40 degrees during summer months.
High temperature, humidity, strong winds, and intense sunlight collectively increase the risk of severe heat and physical heat stress for players.
[Physical heat stress refers to the physical discomfort and strain caused by exposure to hot environments.]
FIFA has stated its commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff alike.
According to FIFA, climate-related risks have been thoroughly evaluated in the planning phase of the tournament.
FIFA’s Measures to Protect Against Heat
FIFA has implemented a policy that mandates a three-minute cooling break between any halves, regardless of weather, based on a commitment to players’ welfare.
All outdoor games will provide climate-controlled rooms for technical staff and substitute players.
FIFA specifically utilizes the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) measurement to assess physical heat stress on the body, factoring in temperature, humidity, and sunlight.
A WBGT reading above 28 degrees Celsius is considered a concern for heat stress risks to players.
According to FIFA’s Emergency Care Manual, when WBGT approaches or exceeds 32 degrees Celsius, organizers must take preventive measures to reduce potential heat-related health issues.
FIFA has also established temperature-related advisories and safety protocols for spectators.
Spectators will be notified about expected high temperatures and permitted to bring bottled water into stadiums.
Fan zones will be equipped with shaded areas, misting systems to cool the air, cooling buses, and water distribution points.
Scientists’ Demands
Twenty senior scientists from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and Europe have sent a letter to FIFA with key requests.
They urge FIFA to revise its heat policies as follows:
Suspend or postpone matches if WBGT exceeds 28 degrees Celsius
Introduce cooling breaks lasting at least six minutes during each half
Provide advanced and accessible cooling facilities for players
Regularly update standards based on scientific evidence
They also call for implementing standards proposed by the global players’ union, FIFPRO.
Concerns Over Player Health
Andrew Sims, director of the New Weather Institute and co-author of the open letter, said, “Player safety is a complex issue, as severe heat can rapidly deteriorate health conditions.”
“It appears that FIFA is playing with the health and safety of its athletes.”
Professor Douglas Casa of the University of Connecticut, who also signed the letter, expressed concerns that many parts of FIFA’s current guidelines are insufficient.
“Water breaks in each half should be longer than three minutes. Ideally, each break should last at least five minutes, preferably six.”
“We hope that FIFA updates its heat guidelines following this open letter.”
Why Concern Over the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 World Cup faces risks from extreme weather events including high temperatures, lightning, and wildfires that could lead to polluted air across the US, Canada, and Mexico during summer.
World Weather Attribution (WWA) reports that players and fans are likely to experience greater heat and humidity at this tournament than during the 1994 World Cup.
Scientists warn that approximately one-quarter of matches could occur in WBGT conditions exceeding 26 degrees Celsius, with five matches expected to reach 28 degrees.
This WBGT corresponds to roughly 38 degrees Celsius in dry heat and 30 degrees in high humidity, conditions considered unsafe by the players’ association FIFPRO.
WWA also finds that climate change has nearly doubled the risk of extreme weather events compared to 1994.
Image source, Getty Images
Caption: The letter to FIFA carries signatures from 20 leading scientists worldwide
FIFA’s Response
FIFA declined to directly respond to claims made in the scientists’ letter but reported that “layered heat mitigation models” will be employed during the tournament, with immediate actions based on real-time conditions.
According to a FIFA spokesperson, specialized weather support will be available in all host cities and venues, monitoring WBGT and heat index data to guide decision-making.
Match schedules have been structured to reduce travel time and limit exposure to heat risk by considering climatic conditions. Fewer matches will be held during peak heat periods and some venues will feature shaded stadiums.
FIFA has committed to real-time environmental monitoring and will implement alternative measures if necessary. Collaboration is ongoing with host country authorities and health experts to ensure a safe event.
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May 16, Kathmandu – Ibrahim Azizi, head of Iran’s National Security Commission, announced the development of a new professional traffic management system for the Strait of Hormuz. He stated that this system has been designed to safeguard Iran’s national sovereignty and ensure the security of international trade, with new routes and traffic protocols being established in the strategic waterway. Azizi mentioned that the system will be made public soon.
“This system will exclusively benefit commercial vessels engaged in transit and Iran’s allied parties,” he noted on the X platform. “Services provided under this system will be subject to applicable fees.” Targeting the United States, he added that the route would remain closed to those “operating under so-called freedom campaigns.” The U.S. had previously launched ‘Project Freedom’ aimed at normalizing oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and stabilizing the global economy. As part of this initiative, the U.S. claims to assist vessels trapped in the strait to safely exit the Gulf region.
“We can continue playing football even after marriage and having children,” said Nisha Sunar, who never envisioned building a career in football or even pursuing the sport seriously. Born into a lower-class family in Sudurpashchim, she has now become a successful player, winning numerous awards. During the armed Maoist conflict, she worked with the People’s Liberation Army for some time but later left to focus on sports.
“It is fortune that has guided me this far. My physical strength and speed have supported me,” said Sunar, a forward for the Nepal Police Women’s Football Team. She was recently named the best player of the entire tournament at the ‘Pokhara Women’s Gold Cup 2083’. This award was particularly special because it marked her first comeback to football after becoming a mother.
Nisha Sunar’s real name is Nirmala Bik, and she is well-known in women’s football. She joined the Nepal Police team in 2070 B.S. and has since earned numerous best player titles. Sunar credits her husband’s support for helping her return to the sport even after marriage and motherhood. Her daughter is currently 15 months old. “Just three months after giving birth, I returned to training and, through consistent hard work, achieved success on the field,” she said.
How did she face the challenges of making a comeback in football and become the best player in her first game back? Watch this video prepared by Srijana Shrestha to find out.
May 16, Kailali – The ‘Sudurpashchim Kachahari, 2083’ program has commenced in Dhangadhi. Organized by the Sudurpashchim Development Foundation and coordinated by the Provincial Policy and Planning Commission, the two-day event was inaugurated by Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah of Sudurpashchim Province. Chief Minister Shah emphasized the necessity of focusing on employment and income generation opportunities for youth to build a prosperous Sudurpashchim.
He underlined the importance of utilizing the province’s available potentials, stating that despite limited resources, clear and actionable plans are indispensable to address the needs of the people. The Chief Minister highlighted ongoing challenges such as poverty, unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, unequal access to education and health services, youth migration, and difficulties in policy implementation within the province. “The discussions and resulting outcomes are expected to provide policy reform recommendations to the government,” he remarked.
Former Chief Minister Rajendra Singh Rawal noted that although Sudurpashchim possesses sufficient potential, the province has yet to make significant progress toward prosperity. He expressed confidence that the program will assist in promoting the province’s potential at national and international levels.
Former Minister Naresh Shahi explained that the program aims to highlight Sudurpashchim’s dignity, historical heritage, and identity. According to him, there will be policy debates on education, health, tourism, agriculture, employment, infrastructure, safe migration, and good governance to formulate a shared development vision. Shahi also indicated that the recommendations from this program would be integrated into the upcoming fiscal year’s budget and policy-making processes and called upon the central government to implement them.
Dr. Ritesh Shah, a professor from Kumaun University in India, expressed his commitment to assist in promoting the potentials of Sudurpashchim.
Sher Bahadur Shahi, Chairperson of the Sudurpashchim Development Foundation, stressed the importance of linking debates and discussions to policy reforms and underscored the need to seek solutions through dialogue. He shared the view that clear vision, integrity, and collective responsibility are essential for development.
Dr. Jeevan Rana, Vice-Chairperson of the Provincial Policy and Planning Commission, briefed attendees about the Second Five-Year Plan. Following the inaugural session, various thematic sessions began, focusing on Sudurpashchim’s potentials, prosperity, federalism practices, challenges, and reforms. The program brought together representatives from federal, provincial, and local governments, private sector, banking and financial institutions, civil society, media personnel, and experts.
May 16, Kathmandu – Meta, the parent company of Facebook, announced unprecedented profits for the first quarter of 2026 but simultaneously revealed plans to cut approximately 8,000 employees. This decision has sparked significant dissatisfaction and disappointment within the company. Despite reporting total revenue of $56.31 billion and a net profit of $26.8 billion in Q1, the large-scale layoffs have sent shockwaves through Silicon Valley. A detailed report by Wired, based on conversations with dozens of current and former employees, describes the atmosphere inside Meta as highly tense and demoralizing.
Following the announcement of the layoffs, CEO Mark Zuckerberg addressed employees directly in a company-wide town hall meeting held on April 30. However, rather than alleviating concerns, the meeting seemingly exacerbated employee anxieties. Zuckerberg clarified that the job cuts were not due to the adoption of artificial intelligence tools but remained silent on the primary reasons behind the layoffs. Meanwhile, CFO Susan Li disclosed plans for workforce reductions to take place during May.
According to Li, a shift to a linear operating model will help the company accelerate progress and maintain balance among its upcoming major investments. In reality, the company’s intent to invest between $125 billion and $145 billion in AI technology appears to be driving the need to reduce costs by laying off 8,000 staff members. Meta had already implemented a 5 percent cut in annual salary increases in February 2026, continuing the sequence following last year’s 10 percent reduction. Data shows that Meta employees’ average annual compensation fell from $417,400 in 2024 to $388,200 in 2025.
In contrast, Zuckerberg is personally offering high-value compensation packages reaching millions of dollars to attract top AI researchers. Under the leadership of former Scale AI head Alexander Wang, Meta’s “Super Intelligence Labs,” launched last year, has recruited several AI specialists with attractive salaries of up to $100 million. This move has safeguarded senior executives and a select group of AI experts, while employees in other departments face the threat of job cuts. The growing economic disparity between these groups has triggered deep discontent among staff. An Instagram employee told Wired, “Right now, no one is happy at the company except for the top executives.”
Group ‘D’ of the FIFA World Cup 2026 consists of the United States, Paraguay, Australia, and Turkey. The United States aims to advance beyond the group stage, leveraging home advantage and emerging young talent. Turkey, participating in the World Cup for the first time since 2002, could present an unexpected challenge within the group. Kathmandu, 16 May.
Group ‘D’ is regarded as the most balanced and unpredictable group in the 2026 World Cup. With teams representing four different continents—North America, South America, Oceania, and Europe—and varied playing styles converging, the competition promises to be highly engaging. The clash between the host nation United States, the disciplined Paraguay, physically robust Australia, and strategically mature Turkey has left the group wide open.
The United States automatically qualified as one of the host nations. Its home ground advantage and large fan base are key strengths. In recent years, the team has been reinforced by the development of young talents and players active in European leagues. Known for its aggressive and fast-paced style, the US team, which secured third place in the inaugural World Cup, has yet to reach that level since. This time, the US aims to progress beyond the group stage once again.
Paraguay qualified by navigating the tough South American eliminations and will return to the FIFA World Cup after a 16-year hiatus. Known for its disciplined and defensively strong performance, the team includes experienced players but continues to seek greater stability in attack. Despite the tough group, Paraguay remains capable of collecting crucial points.
Australia secured its place by advancing through the Oceania/Asian qualifying rounds and maintains a continued presence in the World Cup. Known for physical strength and sustained pressure, the team draws confidence from its experience in major tournaments. Australia has a history of causing upsets and could do so again in this group.
Turkey qualified with a strong performance in the European qualifiers. Having first played in the World Cup in 1954 and then directly participating in 2002—where they achieved third place—this marks Turkey’s third World Cup appearance. Generally considered an underdog, Turkey’s characteristics include an attacking mindset, youthful energy, and emotionally charged play.