Fans pressure Watford to cancel Qatar game
WATFORD, June 28: Fan groups said they persuaded English football club Watford on Monday to cancel a planned preseason game against Qatar over human rights issues. The supporter groups Proud Hornets, representing LGBT fans, and Women of Watford published a joint statement expressing delight that club officials “listened to our concerns and canceled the game with Qatar.” The World Cup host nation’s laws and society have come under increased scrutiny in the past decade. Human Rights Watch assesses “discriminatory laws against women continue” and LGBT people face discrimination in the emirate. The club did not respond to a request for comment, though British media quoted an unnamed official saying “it became abundantly clear this was a game not to play.” (AP)
Nice replace PSG-bound Galtier with Favre as coach
NICE (France), June 28: French club Nice hired Lucien Favre as coach on Monday, replacing Christophe Galtier who is expected to take over at Paris Saint-Germain. Nice said Favre returned after a first spell, from 2016-18, that was “engraved in the history” of the club. Favre’s first season ended with a third-place finish in Ligue 1 and entry into the Champions League qualifying rounds. Nice owner Jim Ratcliffe said in a letter to fans that Favre commanded “respect and admiration” and his preferred style of play fit perfectly with what the club wants. Favre takes over a Nice team that placed fifth last season and will play in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds in August. (AP)
Clifford Miranda appointed as Odisha FC assistant coach
Bhubaneswar, June 28: Indian Super League (ISL) club Odisha FC on Tuesday announced the appointment of former India midfielder Clifford Miranda as their assistant coach. The 39-year-old will be part of chief coach Josep Gombau’s backroom staff from July 1. Miranda mostly played for Dempo in the National Football League and the I-League from 2000-2015. During his time with the Goan side, Miranda won five league titles and the Federation Cup in 2004. (IANS)
Hockey Olympian Varinder Singh passes away aged 75
new delhi, June 28: Hockey Olympian Varinder Singh passed away at Jalandhar in the early hours on Tuesday morning. Born on May 16, 1947, he won a bronze medal at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. He also competed at the 1976 Summer Olympics. Hockey India mourned the demise of the 75-year-old Varinder, saying the two-time Olympian was a part of Indian hockey’s glorious past. Recipient of the prestigious Dhayan Chand Award, Varinder was an integral part of India’s various memorable victories in the 1970s. His major achievements include a gold medal at the 1975 Men’s Hockey World Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (IANS)