China's best rider, Alex Hua Tian, will compete in two categories in the FEI Awards 2020 as the International Equestrian Federation launched the voting for the best of the decade.
Hua Tian
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been very few events or activities to be considered for the annual FEI Awards launched in 2009 to reward individuals or organizations, so FEI decided to invite fans from all over the world to pick the best from the decade's past winners.
Alex Hua Tian won the Rising Star Award in 2009 and the Horsemanship Movement, which he co-founded, was rewarded the Solidarity Award in 2018.
"I must admit, the 11 years since receiving the Rising Star Award feels a very long time ago and it is quite surreal to be nominated for the same award again," Hua told Xinhua on Wednesday. "I will have to leave it up to voters whether they think in that time that my "star has risen", "my star is still yet to rise" or that my star has "extinguished"."
Hua Tian
At the age of 18, Hua took part in the 2008 Beijing Olympics as the youngest Olympian in eventing. Eight years later he finished eighth at the Rio Olympics.
Trying to summarize the past 11 years, Hua described his journey in the equestrian world as "a blur of great fun, serious hard work, some tears and a lot of tremendous memories".
"I am extremely proud of what we've achieved, particularly my result at Rio 2016, but I have so much more that I want to do," said Hua. "I say "we" because although eventing is an individual sport you have to have a huge support team behind you."
Hua Tian
The 31-year-old Hua said he was also delighted that their charity program, The Horsemanship Movement, might get another opportunity for some limelight.
"The Horsemanship Movement is something I am enormously passionate about. It encompasses so much that I believe in about life and about how amazing horses are for the character development of children.
"I feel so strongly that China can be a powerhouse in this sport in the future and that this sport has so much to offer to the wider society," said Hua.
Hua Tian
Voting for this year's awards runs until November 22, with the best-of-the-best winners to be announced at a virtual ceremony next month.
RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Nigeria’s preparations for its Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal against Algeria have been dogged by speculation about internal strife involving star striker Victor Osimhen and reports that the players were not being paid their bonuses.
Nigeria coach Éric Chelle would not comment on the reports Friday, when he said such questions need to be directed to the Nigeria Football Federation.
“This is my job, to stay focused — to try to stay focused — to stay focused about only the pitch (field), and definitely my job is on the pitch, not around,” Chelle said in Marrakech a day before Nigeria plays Algeria in the city.
The NFF still advertises a vacancy for the position of head coach of the men’s team, a year and a day after it appointed Chelle to the position.
Nigerian media outlets reported that the players had threatened not to train or travel to Marrakech for the match unless they were paid agreed bonuses for winning their first four Africa Cup games.
The team arrived in Marrakech on Thursday and had its first training session there the same day. Chelle said they would train again later Friday.
Chelle declined to comment about reports that Osimhen was on the verge of walking out of the team after an on-field argument with teammate Ademola Lookman during the Super Eagles’ 4-0 win over Mozambique in the last 16 on Monday.
“I prefer to speak about the (upcoming) game. Victor is there and that’s all,” Chelle said. “Yes, everyone’s speaking about Osimhen and Lookman, it’s normal, they’re the last two best African players, but we’re here to serve them to score, we’re working for them. We’re a team, and that’s what teamwork is all about.”
Osimhen scored two goals in that match with Lookman involved in both, but apparently he was furious when Lookman tried scoring instead of setting him up for another.
Lookman played down the argument when asked about it post-game, when he said it was “just football” and called Osimhen his “brother.”
Lookman also subsequently posted photos on social media of him celebrating with Osimhen with the caption “together always.”
Nigeria, which lost the final to Ivory Coast in the last edition, is bidding to win the title for the fourth time. It would help make up for the disappointment of failing to qualify for the World Cup.
Both of Algeria’s two titles included wins over Nigeria on the way – twice in 1990 and again in the semifinals in 2019.
AP at the Africa Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-cup-of-nations
Nigeria's head coach Eric Chelle looks out from the bench prior to the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 soccer match between Nigeria and Mozambique in Fez, Morocco, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
Nigeria's head coach Eric Chelle, right, gives instructions to Nigeria's goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali during the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 soccer match between Nigeria and Mozambique in Fez, Morocco, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
Nigeria's Victor Osimhen, center, celebrates with Nigeria's Ademola Lookman, right, after scoring his side's third goal during the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 soccer match between Nigeria and Mozambique in Fez, Morocco, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
Nigeria's Victor Osimhen, center, celebrates with Nigeria's Ademola Lookman, front, after scoring his side's third goal during the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 soccer match between Nigeria and Mozambique in Fez, Morocco, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
Nigeria's Victor Osimhen reacts during the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 soccer match between Nigeria and Mozambique in Fez, Morocco, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
