Sports

Nations Postpone Football Following Queen’s Death

Published

3 years ago

September 9, 2022

All English, Welsh and Northern Irish football and professional Scottish Football has been postponed this weekend as a mark of respect following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Ten Premier League and six Scottish Premiership fixtures were scheduled.

EFL games were due to take place on Friday and Saturday, with six Women’s Super League fixtures – the first of the season – on Saturday and Sunday.

England’s National League, FA Trophy and grassroots football is also off.

Friday’s play at golf’s PGA Championship was called off, along with all British horse racing and cricket’s Test between England and South Africa.

British horse racing will return on Sunday, with rugby union’s Premiership season beginning on Saturday after two fixtures on Friday were postponed.

British Boxing Board of Control tournaments have been postponed on Friday, with a decision yet to be made on the world boxing title fight between Savannah Marshall and Claressa Shields.

Sunday’s great North will go ahead as planned with organizers saying it is “an opportunity to come together and express our condolences while celebrating the life of our extraordinary Queen” and that the event would be “more subdued out of respect”.

Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest-serving monarch, died on Thursday aged 96, after reigning for 70 years.

The government’s national mourning guidance advised that cancelling fixtures was not obligatory, leaving the decision to individual sports.

Government guidance for the day of the funeral also advised that cancellation was not obligatory, but suggested events could be rescheduled so that they do not clash with the timings of the service.

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Basketball

CDS Highlights Youth Benefits of U-18 Democracy Day Basketball Championship

Published

2 hours ago

June 16, 2025

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

The second edition of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Democracy Day Basketball Championship officially tipped off at the Indoor Sports Hall, Package B, of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, with a vibrant and colourful opening ceremony.

The event brought together all 16 participating teams in a lively parade before the organisers, marking the commencement of the annual youth basketball tournament.

In his opening remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (OFR), emphasized that the primary objective of the championship is to strengthen civil-military relations and foster national unity.

He noted that the tournament, themed “Encouraging Grassroots Basketball Talents”, reflects the Armed Forces’ commitment to discovering and nurturing young talents across the country.

“This championship is aimed at building the capacity of our youths to contribute meaningfully to national development,” General Musa stated. “Our goal is to strengthen civil-military cooperation by positively engaging young people through healthy competition, while promoting mutual respect and understanding.”

The CDS added that beyond talent discovery, the championship is designed to promote national cohesion and unity through sports.

“This initiative serves as a platform to strengthen the bonds between the military and civilians. It also provides a non-kinetic approach to addressing future security challenges through the cooperation of good and patriotic citizens,” he explained.

General Musa further highlighted that the tournament fosters togetherness in the spirit of sportsmanship and offers the youths a legitimate means of livelihood.

“In preparation for this event, we have assembled an impressive lineup of talented players, coaches, and officials. The championship features 16 well-selected male and female teams from the North West geopolitical zone and the Federal Capital Territory,” he added.

The 2025 Democracy Day Basketball Championship commenced on Saturday, June 14, and is scheduled to run through Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

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