PHF president rewards KHA secretary Haider
KARACHI: Pakistan Hockey Federation president Khalid Sajjad Khokar has announced a cash reward of Rs50,000 besides sending an appreciation letter to Secretary Karachi Hockey Association (KHA) Haider Husssin in recognition of his services for the sport.
It may be mentioned that Haider, former international player, had organised more than 40 domestic men’s, women’s and juniors level hockey competitions besides conducting several camps in the city.
Haider played an important role in putting together the 2019 National Hockey Championship at a very short notice and against heavy odds at the Abdul Sattar Edhi Hockey Stadium in Karachi.
Khokar said Haider is a reliable and hard working person and hope he will continue his good work in the same spirit in the future as well.
“We need more such people to promote the game at the grass roots level. Haider is doing a fine job indeed,” he said.—Agencies
Japan FA approves loans to clubs hit by shutdown
TOKYO: Japan’s FA has approved 210 million yen ($1.95 million) in loans to 115 clubs whose finances have taken a hit from the Covid-19 shutdown, Kyodo news agency has reported.
The season had just got underway in Japan before it was suspended in February due to the novel coronavirus outbreak, leading to a loss of revenue for clubs.
Matches in the top three divisions are on hold until at least June 12.
The JFA received loan requests from 138 clubs and the governing body said it had already transferred funds for the first 71 loans approved last week.
“We’re proceeding with a sense of urgency out of our desire to rescue these clubs,” JFA President Kozo Tashima said. “Even as early as June, some clubs will be hanging on by a shoestring. Our financial resources are limited, but we will do as much as we can.”—Reuters
Aussie Grand Slam winner Cooper dies
SYDNEY: Eight-time Grand Slam-winning Australian tennis player Ashley Cooper has died aged 83, the sport’s governing body said on Friday.
The former Australian, Wimbledon and US singles titleholder, was part of the golden era of Australian men’s tennis in the 1950s winning four Grand Slams singles titles and four in doubles.
Tennis Australia announced the news, saying he would be remembered as ‘a giant of the game both as a brilliant player and an astute administrator.’
“Ashley was also the most humble of champions and a great family man,” said Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley. “Our hearts go out to his wife Helen and his family, along with his wide and international circle of friends, including so many of our tennis family.“—AFP
Published in Dawn, May 23rd, 2020