.Its one on the happiest and tight-knit groups

MOSCOW -- The Moscow-backed leader of the Russian region of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, faced criticism Wednesday after his sons took part in televised mixed martial arts fights involving children as young as 8.One of Kadyrovs sons, 10-year-old Akhmad, beat another boy by a technical knockout in the cage during a so-called exhibition bout on a nationally televised fight card Tuesday, while his younger brothers Eli and Adam also won their fights as a crowd of adults in the hall cheered them on.The children walked into the ring with background music, were announced in the same way as pro fighters and were rewarded with belts when they won, with their father looking on. The TV broadcast from the Chechen capital Grozny was chiefly focused on adult bouts, but featured professional commentary and graphics introducing the child fighters.Kadyrov was inaugurated Wednesday to a new term as Chechnyas leader on his 40th birthday.Leading Russian MMA pro Fedor Emelianenko called the fights unacceptable and dangerous in a statement on his Instagram page, and said the children risked permanent injury and psychological harm.What happened at the tournament in Grozny is unacceptable and, moreover, cannot be justified, said Emelianenko, who heads the Russian MMA Union. There were little ones, eight years old, punching each other in front of happy adults. Is it really so important for you to organize a spectacle at the cost of childrens health?!It was incomprehensible to me that state TV showed childrens fights, he added.Emelianenko said children under the age of 12 should not be allowed to take part in any MMA fights and that anyone under the age of 21 must wear a helmet and protective gear for safety reasons. The children in the televised bouts fought bare-headed. In at least one case, a child received a heavy blow to the head.Kadyrov posted videos of the fights to his own Instagram page along with congratulatory comments for his sons. A defeated 10-year-old opponent showed real masculine character, Kadyrov wrote, adding: Im sure there are victorious fights ahead.Kadyrov has been repeatedly accused of human rights violations during his rule of Chechnya, including murders and forced disappearances.He is a noted sports fan, overseeing a Russian Premier League soccer team, and once challenged one of his ministers to a boxing match after criticizing his work.Kadyrov, who is a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, won re-election as Chechnyas leader last month with almost 98 percent of the vote, according to regional election authorities. He faces almost no organized political opposition. Reggie White Jersey . Howard Ganz, an MLB lawyer, said in a letter to U.S. District Judge Edgardo Ramos that Rodriguezs claims do not come "remotely close" to what is needed to overturn an arbitration decision in federal court. Danny Vitale Jersey . 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Australian coach Mal Meninga has hailed the Kangaroos spine of Darius Boyd, Cooper Cronk, Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston as the greatest hes ever seen in any team.Boyd was named man of the match in the 34-8 win over New Zealand in the Four Nations final at Anfield with Cronk voted man of the series after helping Australia return the summit of international rugby league.Smith and Thurston are certain to be in contention for rugby league Immortal status when their illustrious careers conclude and Meninga admitted he was in awe of his players.It was a great performance and sitting back and watching these guys play is a real pleasure, Meninga said.I havent seen too many better spines in our game or in international rugby league.I know how special it is to put on the green and gold jersey on for Cameron, Cooper, Darius and John - they are extraordinarily good players and great fellas and always seem to perform when it matters.That is how you judge a player and everything they have done in their lives has been surrounded by success.The Kangaroos squad has been rated by senior players and the mmost united and harmonious they have ever known and Meninga credited the whole team for buying in to what he preaches.ddddddddddddThe last couple of weeks I have been really happy with the performances, he said.Everyone, the whole 24 were part of the team, everyone got a game, which is important and at the end of the day the guys who ran onto the field were playing for the group.I couldnt be happier as a coach.Skipper Smith, a veteran of 10 State of Origin series successes and a World Cup, said the tour ranks alongside some of his best moments of in a 15-year career.It ranks quite highly, given the transformation of the team this year, Smith said.Theres been a lot of new faces, a new coaching staff and its been a seamless transition.Its one on the happiest and tight-knit groups I have been involved with.The win also saw Australia usurp New Zealand as the No.1-ranked team in the world in front of a crowd of over 40,000 at the home of Premier League